Deserts are some of the harshest ecosystems in the world. Lack of moisture, intense heat, dry soil, and more cause a sparse assortment of living organisms. Those that remain are specially adapted for survival in the deadliest of environments. This presents a precious opportunity for the advancement of biotechnology through biofortification.
Agricultural biofortification on behalf of growing society is a chief responsibility for scientists. By studying desert plants, genetics that improve survivability for crops can be identified and applied with the help of Green Biotechnology. Drought and high salt content are the prime antagonists.
Biodiversity is a constant concern among the Gray (Environmental) Biotechnology community. Biofortification of endangered plants inside and outside the desert is possible through studying Desert Biotechnology.
Bacteria and fungi live symbiotically with desert plants to improve their survivability. Bacteria in the soil may nullify the effects of drought and high salt content. On a large scale they can prevent and reverse desertification of fertile soil.
The survivability of desert life extends to polluted environments along with harsh ones. Desert plants and bacteria are used for bioremediation of polluted areas. (Gairola et al. 2018)
Desert plant life contributes to Red (Medical) Biotechnology by hosting medically valuable microorganisms. The symbiotic bacteria and fungi in plants produce bioactive molecules which help the plant grow and survive. The molecules from desert microorganisms specialize in improving nutrient uptake and growth.
Bacteria and fungi found in desert plants produce chemicals that treat illnesses of all kinds. Ancient historical records reference their medicinal value. The protection, cure, and treatment of all body systems can come from desert plants.
Symbiotic microorganisms serve as desert plants' immune systems. Their antimicrobial properties are applicable to human diseases, too. The number of treatable diseases grows with research into desert biotechnology. It may be possible to target cancer cells with the proper adjustments. (Yadav et al. 2021)
Bioleaching is the use of White (Industrial) Biotechnology to purify low-grade ores. The tolerance of desert microorganisms to low pH levels allows them to use reduced sulfur as an energy source. Bioleaching is more effective, cheaper, and can treat more types of metals than traditional pyrometallurgy. (Azua-Bustos et al. 2014)
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Azua-Bustos A, González-Silva C. Biotechnological applications derived from microorganisms of the Atacama Desert. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:909312. doi: 10.1155/2014/909312. Epub 2014 Jul 23. PMID: 25147824; PMCID: PMC4132489.
Gairola S, Al Shaer KI, Al Harthi EK, Mosa KA. Strengthening desert plant biotechnology research in the United Arab Emirates: a viewpoint. Physiol Mol Biol Plants. 2018 Jul;24(4):521-533. Doi: 10.1007/S12298-018-0551-2. Epub 2018 May 30 30042610. PMCID: PMC6041242.
Yadav G, Meena M. Bioprospecting of endophytes in medicinal plants of Thar Desert: An attractive resource for biopharmaceuticals. Biotechnol Rep (Amst). 2021 May 24;30:e00629. Doi: 10.1016/j.btre.2021.e00629. PMID: 34136363; PMCID: PMC8182382.