Nature itself offers powerful support in this pursuit of sustainability, as the earth comprises several beneficial microorganisms, including algae, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Exploring the potential of these microbes can provide a healthier, economical, and eco-friendly path towards the aim of sustainable development. Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae (BGA) are primitive microorganisms that have inhabited the earth for 3.5 billion years and possess a vast potential in addressing important global challenges that are related to climate change, agriculture, and health care. Cyanobacteria have now emerged as a potential source for sustainable agriculture, better reliable non-toxic medical supplies, food supplements, and nano-bioconjugates without harming the environment. 

Cyanobacteria in Sustainable Development

Blue-green algae are renowned for their unique potential of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and performing oxygenic photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria can be used as biofertilizers and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, thereby making them invaluable in sustainable agriculture. Unlike the other synthetic fertilizers which are not only costly but also pose a threat to the human health as well as the environment, cyanobacterial biofertilizers can naturally enhance soil fertility, increase crop yields, and decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Rice, which is the staple food for millions in the world has shown an improvement in its yield after the application of cyanobacteria as a biofertilizer. Besides playing a crucial role in agriculture, cyanobacteria also play a potential role towards sustainable development through various other means. They can make barren land productive as they have the capability of growing on non-arable lands.

Blue-green algae are also a very important source of biofuel which helps in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreases carbon emission. Apart from this, cyanobacteria also release bioactive compounds with significant pharmaceutical potential including anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties. 

Meeting the Growing Food Demand

Nowadays, food security is becoming a major concern in developing nations. For this, cyanobacteria offer a feasible solution for increasing agricultural productivity. Other than fixing atmospheric nitrogen, they also enhance soil health by promoting the availability of essential nutrients like sulphur, phosphorus, and carbon. Additionally, they also help in the reclamation of salt-affected soils and bioremediation, thereby enhancing their utility in sustainable farming. For assuring long-term sustainability, a healthier ecosystem and better food quality, incorporating cyanobacteria into agricultural systems and pharmaceuticals seems to be a promising choice towards sustainable development. Their ability to function as biocontrol agents and plant-growth promoters strengthens plant resistance against various biotic and abiotic stresses like drought and pest attack. Also, cyanobacteria can enhance soil quality and fertility by improving physio-chemical features like water-holding capacity and mineral nutrient conditions of the damaged lands by modulating pH, controlling salinity, and absorbing heavy metal contaminants.

Cyanobacteria in Health Care and Pharmaceuticals

Advancement in microbiology has led to the understanding and exploring that cyanobacteria are an extremely rich source of secondary metabolites. Hence, the potential of cyanobacteria goes beyond agriculture into the realm of health care. During the last two decades, the potential of cyanobacteria as a very good source of novel therapeutic compounds including anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiprotozoal), and antiviral (including against HIV and SARS COV-2) properties, has been realized. There is an increasing demand for natural, bioactive compounds in drug development as with the changing lifestyle there are rising rates of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, and cancer. Blue-green algae consists of a diverse array of metabolites including peptides, alkaloids, and fatty acids which possess promising therapeutic properties. 

Notably, these bacteria have already shown their effectiveness against several viral diseases including COVID-19, underscoring their potential in modern medicine. Despite the immense promise, only a fraction of these bioactive compounds has been fully explored. Also, cyanobacteria are a rich source of vitamins and minerals that can act as strong antioxidants and fight disease and therefore provide an eventual mixture of nutrition in the right quantities of a single food. The solubility of the bioactive compounds is one of the major challenges for their utilization and this can be addressed through advanced technology like nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology: enhancing the potential of blue-green algae

Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in attaining sustainable development as it offers a revolutionary approach to address the capabilities of cyanobacteria to provide sustainable solutions in different fields. Researchers can develop innovative products by combining cyanobacteria with nanomaterials and making them available for agricultural as well as pharmaceutical purposes. For instance, the development of nanofungicides and pesticides, nanofertilizers and nanocarriers for drug delivery. The development of nanoparticles using cyanobacteria is a rapidly emerging field with the potential for application in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental remediation due to their ability to grow rapidly, along with their potential to absorb heavy metals. For example, the gold nanoparticles synthesized using cyanobacteria have shown potential in improving radiotherapy and also the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are used to enhance cancer diagnostics.

Partnerships for a Greener Future

Collaborative efforts across multiple sectors are required to explore cyanobacteria and its potential in sustainable agriculture, pharmaceutical, and green nanotechnology. Research institutions, industries, government, and international organizations must come forward and work together to promote innovative research and large-scale application of green and eco-friendly solutions to attain sustainability in agriculture. Partnerships towards incorporating cyanobacteria into the development of bioenergy, sustainable agriculture, and the production of medicines, can play a crucial function in accelerating growth towards the goal of global sustainability. By promoting and enhancing the partnership across farmers, researchers, and industries, we can explore the all the capabilities of cyanobacteria and other such microorganisms, which pave the way for a greener, healthier planet. #