Cyanobacterial Lifestyle and its Applications in Biotechnology

Environmental change is affecting the world's agricultural productivity, and the global population is estimated to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Cyanobacteria have the potential to improve crop productivity without changing the natural soil properties. However, most of their stress management and signaling pathways are yet to be fully characterized. This book discusses different aspects of cyanobacterial physiology to help uncover the potential of cyanobacteria in tailoring stress-smart crops for sustainable agriculture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 382 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology

Environmental change is profoundly impacting the global agricultural productivity, exacerbated by the growing population. According to the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs, the world population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. In this context, the current situation demands the development of climate-smart technologies to enhance crop productivity, ensuring the sustenance of the ever-increasing global population.

Today's farmers are resorting to substantial use of agrochemicals to boost crop yields. However, the indiscriminate application of agrochemicals has not only altered the soil's physicochemical and biological properties but also posed risks to human health through food chain contamination. Cyanobacteria, in particular, offer a promising solution to this problem without compromising the natural soil characteristics. Despite their well-documented stress tolerance potential, many aspects of cyanobacterial stress management and signaling pathways remain largely uncharacterized. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms of cyanobacteria under stress to harness their potential for sustainable agriculture.

In recent decades, cyanobacteria have gained significant attention among scientists due to their unique characteristics, adaptability, and the production of valuable synthetic products. Diverse cyanobacterial communities, capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, have demonstrated their effectiveness in field conditions. Consequently, several cyanobacterial species have been exploited for improving soil fertility, mitigating biotic and abiotic stress, and managing contamination.

The book "Cyanobacterial Lifestyle and its Applications in Biotechnology" aims to delve into various aspects of cyanobacteria, shedding light on their biology, ecology, and potential applications in various fields. It explores the diverse lifestyles of cyanobacteria, including their photosynthetic capabilities, nitrogen fixation, and stress tolerance. The book also discusses the exploitation of cyanobacteria in biotechnology, including their use in agriculture, medicine, and environmental remediation.

By understanding the unique properties of cyanobacteria, scientists and researchers can develop innovative solutions to address the challenges facing agriculture and promote sustainable development. The application of cyanobacteria in agriculture can help improve crop yields, reduce the reliance on harmful agrochemicals, and mitigate the impact of environmental stressors. Furthermore, cyanobacteria have potential applications in medicine, such as the production of antibiotics and anticancer agents, and in environmental remediation, such as the removal of pollutants and the restoration of damaged ecosystems.

In conclusion, the impact of environmental change on agricultural productivity and the growing population requires the development of climate-smart technologies and the exploration of cyanobacterial solutions. Cyanobacteria offer a promising avenue for sustainable agriculture, with their unique characteristics and potential applications in biotechnology. The book "Cyanobacterial Lifestyle and its Applications in Biotechnology" provides valuable insights into the biology and potential applications of cyanobacteria, paving the way
way for innovative solutions to address the challenges facing agriculture and promote sustainable development.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323906340