Innovative strategies in chloroplast engineering for sustainable CO2 and CH4 mitigation

The escalating greenhouse gas emissions drive climate change, posing significant threats to global ecosystems and human societies. This article presents the molecular mechanisms and functions of chloroplasts, emphasizing their pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. A comprehensive examination of the biochemical processes occurring within chloroplasts, pigment function, and molecular regulation in challenging environmental conditions is provided. In particular, the research explores the potential of carboxysomes with minimal genetic footprints for C3 chloroplast transformation, highlighting their promise in improving photosynthetic efficiency in plants. Various strategies for regulating CO2 and CH4 emissions are explored. It was found that innovative biological fixation and CO2 capture methodologies have the potential to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels significantly. This encompasses afforestation/reforestation (AR) as well as methane conversion within natural and engineered systems. The examination involves the optimization of CO2 and CH4 absorption and conversion through physiological and molecular restructuring of the chloroplast, showcasing potential enhancements in photosynthetic efficiency and crop yields. Additionally, the study explores the design and implementation of artificial chloroplasts, focusing on the efficacy of light reactions in water splitting and electron transfer processes. Overall, this review contributes to the expanding knowledge of greenhouse gas regulation and photosynthesis optimization. By integrating insights from molecular biology, synthetic biology, and environmental science, innovative approaches to tackling global climate challenges are proposed, with potential implications for sustainable energy production, agricultural productivity, and environmental stewardship.