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Engineered bacteria, genetically modified to perform specific functions or produce desired compounds, are set to revolutionise industries by providing sustainable, cost-effective solutions to global challenges, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

“Advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering position bacteria as catalysts in the sustainability revolution,” says Kiran Raj, Practice Head of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData. “Bacterial technologies could significantly cut emissions and drive cost savings as industries prioritise sustainability.”

GlobalData's latest Innovation Radar report, “Bacteria: The Next Big Disruptor?”, highlights innovations and patents where engineered bacteria are transforming industries such as agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, and textiles.

Key innovations in agriculture include bacteria-powered batteries, which provides a long-lasting, maintenance-free energy solution for sustainable farming. In construction, microbial bioconcrete offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement. Manufacturing features methane-to-polymer conversion, which provides an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical plastics, significantly reducing waste and emissions. And, in mining, microbial technology enhances mining sustainability by reducing toxic waste, recovering metals, and generating clean energy.