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Review
. 2025 Mar;43(3):533-539.
doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.01.001.

Recombinant DNA: unlocking untapped microbial potential for innovation in crop agriculture

Aranksha Thakor  1 , Trevor C Charles  2
Affiliations
Review

Recombinant DNA: unlocking untapped microbial potential for innovation in crop agriculture

Aranksha Thakor et al. Trends Biotechnol. 2025 Mar.

Abstract

The Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA, held in 1975, established guidelines for recombinant DNA (rDNA) research and laid the foundation for biotechnology regulations. While rDNA has driven significant advancements in pharmaceutical and crop biotechnology, the commercialization of plant-beneficial microbials developed using rDNA has lagged behind. This disparity may be attributed to a cumbersome regulatory framework shaped by the perception that rDNA products pose biosafety risks. To unlock the full potential of rDNA technology in addressing global challenges, regulatory reform for rDNA-derived microbial products for crop plants that reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides is essential. Streamlining these barriers will enable greater societal benefits from microbial solutions in agriculture and beyond.

Keywords: microbes; recombinant DNA; regulations; synthetic biology; transgenic.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interests A.T. is a founder and shareholder of MetaCycler BioInnovations. T.C.C. is a founder and shareholder of Metagenom Bio Life Science, Earth Microbial Public Benefit Corp., Healthy Hydroponics InnoTech, and MetaCycler BioInnovations. Both authors are named as inventors on US Patent Application 18322356, Engineered Microorganisms for Synthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates.

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