Overview

Agriculture stands at the critical juncture of human survival and ecological sustainability—it is not merely a source of food, but a cornerstone of economies, cultures, and environmental balance. The fertilizers of the Green Revolution were once hailed as a transformative breakthrough, driving unprecedented yield gains to feed a rapidly growing global population. Yet decades of overreliance and excessive use have exposed severe trade-offs: depleted soil fertility, waterways contaminated by nutrient leaching, diminished agricultural biodiversity, and an unequal landscape that leaves resource-poor smallholder farmers at a disadvantage. What once secured food quantity now threatens both ecological health and the quality of nutrition—exemplified by the crisis of "hidden hunger" that plagues our planet.

This insidious issue affects nearly 2 billion people worldwide, particularly infants, young children, and pregnant women, who suffer from deficiencies in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn)—micronutrients essential to human health—even as their caloric needs are met. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where diets depend on corn for at least 30% of total caloric intake, the risk is acute: corn endosperm naturally contains extremely low concentrations of iron and zinc, making long-term reliance on this staple a direct driver of deficiency. While iron and zinc supplements offer a short-term fix, they fail in developing contexts due to poor economic sustainability and low consumer acceptance—leaving biofortification via crop improvement as a far more viable solution. Previous genetic engineering efforts, such as co-expressing the AtNAS1 (nicotianamine synthase 1), PvFERRITIN (ferritin), and AfPHYTASE (phytase) genes, have shown promise in boosting iron levels in rice, yet their impact remains limited by evidence that the C-terminus of the AtNAS1 protein carries an autoinhibitory signal that reduces enzyme activity. Addressing this agricultural, nutritional, and biological challenge demands an innovative approach that aligns food security, ecological health, and equitable nutrition.

Beyond increased yield, our solution bestows the additional benefit of ensuring food quality as we will be providing essential micronutrients to crops. This is particularly important towards addressing hidden hunger, a serious global problem where caloric needs are met but the population suffers from deficiencies in micronutrients like iron and zinc. Deficiencies in micronutrient status create a trifecta of weak immune systems, slowed cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to disease.

Our site-specific biofertilizer will support healthy staple crops that improve nutritional content, represent a new opportunity to improve diets in areas with limited access. Potential benefits for our approach will extend far beyond nutrition. Environmentally, biofertilizers will stamp out the need for nitrogen and phosphorus inputs, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuel based production of fertilizers and eliminate nutrient runoff which can lead to harmful algal blooms in our rivers and lakes.

Our biofertilizer will foster beneficial communities of microbes in the soil which will, in turn, promote a way for more robust natural ecosystem processes to thrive, enhance soil health, resilience, and long-term health of soils in the face of climate change and chemical exposure. Socially, the project offers farmers a tool that is both accessible and equitable. Traditional agricultural technologies have often favored large industrial operations, while smallholder farmers—who make up the majority of producers in developing regions—are left behind. Our microbial fertilizer is designed to be cost-effective and adaptable to diverse cropping systems, allowing it to benefit farmers across different regions and scales. By improving both yield quality and nutritional value, the technology enhances farmer livelihoods and supports communities that rely heavily on agriculture for survival.

Our work closely aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Figure 1 SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: tackling micronutrient deficiencies through crop biofortification

Figure 2 SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: preventing disease and developmental disorders caused by iron and zinc deficiencies

Figure 3 SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: embedding sustainability into food systems by minimizing chemical dependence

Figure 4 SDG 13 – Climate Action: supporting low-emission, climate-smart agricultural practices

Figure 5 SDG 15 – Life on Land: conserving soil biodiversity and preventing land degradation

By combining synthetic biology innovation with thoughtful engagement of farmers, policymakers, and local communities, our project highlights how science can act as a bridge between laboratories and society. We aim to demonstrate that biotechnology can do more than raise yields—it can protect ecosystems, empower farmers, and nourish people. In doing so, we envision agriculture not just as a means of survival, but as a foundation for building a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future.

Stakeholder Engagement and SDG Linkages

Farmers – Ms. Yu (Cherry Grower, Dalian)

Feedback: Taste is the key driver of market price; buyers are wary of “chemical” inputs but are willing to adopt products that look organic and improve both flavor and yield. Cost predictability is critical due to razor-thin profit margins.

Linked SDGs:

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: improving crop quality and yield while ensuring affordability for farmers.

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: promoting sustainable and consumer-accepted farming inputs.

Nutritionists – Dr. Guangquan Chen (Shanghai) & Ye Mao (Supplement Developer)

Feedback: Iron and zinc deficiencies affect 10–15% of children and pregnant women, even in wealthy Chinese cities. Biofortified staple foods are preferred over pills because they do not require changes in eating habits.

Linked SDGs:

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: addressing hidden hunger through biofortified crops.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: reducing micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations.

Plant Scientists – Kong Xiangchao (Doctoral Researcher)

Feedback: CRISPR crop editing is currently inefficient; nutrient biofortification must not come at the cost of yield. Recommendation: begin with microbial rather than direct crop engineering.

Linked SDGs:

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: ensuring nutrient-enriched crops do not reduce yield or food availability.

SDG 15 – Life on Land: promoting biotechnological strategies that safeguard agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

Regulators – Ministries of Agriculture & Ecology and Environment (China)

Feedback: Full biosafety and regulatory dossiers are mandatory for both organic fertilizers and GMO products. Early communication helped shorten approval timelines from four years to three.

Linked SDGs:

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: enforcing responsible use and regulation of GMOs.

SDG 15 – Life on Land: ensuring environmental safety in agricultural innovation and preventing biodiversity risks.

Stakeholder/Activity	Profession	Interaction/Feedback	SDGs
Ms. Yu	Cherry Grower, Dalian	Taste is the key driver of market price; buyers are wary of “chemical” inputs but are willing to adopt products that look organic and improve both flavor and yield. Cost predictability is critical due to razor-thin profit margins.	SDG 2 SDG 12
Dr. Guangquan Chen Ye Mao	Nutritionists	Iron and zinc deficiencies affect 10–15% of children and pregnant women, even in wealthy Chinese cities. Biofortified staple foods are preferred over pills because they do not require changes in eating habits.	SDG 2 SDG 3
Kong Xiangchao	Doctoral Researcher (Plant Scientist)	CRISPR crop editing is currently inefficient; nutrient biofortification must not come at the cost of yield. Recommendation: begin with microbial rather than direct crop engineering.	SDG 2 SDG 15
Regulators	Ministries of Agriculture & Ecology and Environment	Full biosafety and regulatory dossiers are mandatory for both organic fertilizers and GMO products. Early communication helped shorten approval timelines from four years to three.	SDG 12 SDG 15

1. Introduction

Our research team has developed a synthetic biofertilizer that improves iron and zinc uptake in crops through engineered microorganisms that express optimized nicotianamine synthase (AtNAS1). This approach addresses the global challenge of hidden hunger directly by increasing the micronutrient content of staple foods while reducing fertilizer applications. In addition to improving nutrition, the biofertilizer will also contribute to soil health, reduce the nutrient load in runoff, and support agricultural sustainability.

To ensure that our solution was operationally feasible and a socially responsible choice, we engaged with farmers, nutritionists, plant scientists, industry partners, and regulators. Their feedback and suggestions shaped the design of our product and connected our work to global sustainability mandates.

2. Public engagement activities

Spreading knowledge and raising the public’s awareness on hidden hunger, nutrition, and microbial solutions has been the main aim of our education projects. Our team strived to design inclusive activities that communicate scientific knowledge while connecting with different communities in accessible ways.

We paid special attention to diverse groups, including children, parents, students, and ordinary citizens. We organized offline popularization activities in Tianlin, collaborated with Bao Yugang–Shanghai International School, and held a street quiz event in shopping squares, where participants engaged in short interviews and received small gifts related to nutrition and agriculture.

Beyond face-to-face activities, our team created multiple educational resources. A web-based mini-game and a picture book, The Journey of a Little Seed – The Magic of Microbes, were developed for younger audiences, combining storytelling with simplified science. We also launched an online education series, Invisible Hunger, Visible Hope, including podcasts, courses, and songs, distributed on Bilibili, Spotify, TikTok Education, and school platforms, reaching both students and teachers.

To broaden our impact, we actively used social media channels such as WeChat and Xiaohongshu to share content and engage with the public. By integrating offline workshops, creative media, and digital tools, our team encouraged different groups to participate in learning and promoted awareness of how microbial technologies can help address hidden hunger.

3. Social Impact

Outside of a laboratory setting, the operationalization of innovation is primarily seen and measured through social impact to people's lives. Agriculture is not about producing food; it is about people's livelihoods, nutrition, and wellbeing within the community and region of development. The fertilizers that we have developed are designed with many social implications:

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

2.1 End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food year-round
Our project directly contributes to global food and nutrition security by biofortifying staple crops with iron and zinc, two of the most essential micronutrients for human health. In many developing regions, diets are heavily dependent on staple grains such as maize and rice, which provide calories but lack sufficient micronutrients. As a result, billions of people, especially in rural and low-income populations, suffer from “hidden hunger.” By using a bio-enabled fertilizer containing engineered microorganisms that express optimized AtNAS1 enzymes, we can increase the micronutrient content of crops at the source. This ensures that the food people already rely on becomes more nutritious, reducing hunger in both visible and invisible forms, and providing a sustainable pathway to a more secure and resilient food system.

2.2 End all forms of malnutrition

Malnutrition is not only a matter of insufficient calories but also of inadequate access to essential vitamins and minerals. Iron and zinc deficiencies are among the most widespread nutritional problems, causing anemia, impaired immunity, stunted growth, and developmental issues. Traditional interventions such as supplements and industrial fortification have had limited success in low-income countries due to cost, accessibility, and lack of consumer acceptance. Our project addresses this gap by embedding nutrition directly into the food production process. By increasing the nutrient density of crops through microbial fertilizers, we provide a long-term, cost-effective, and culturally acceptable solution that can reduce malnutrition at scale. This innovative approach offers a significant step forward in achieving the global target of eliminating all forms of malnutrition by 2030.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

3.2 End preventable deaths in newborns and children under 5 years of age.

Micronutrient malnutrition, specifically iron and zinc malnutrition, disproportionately impacts infants and young children compared to adults. Micronutrient malnutrition causes weakened immune systems, increased predisposition to infectious disease, insufficient neurodevelopment, and more childhood deaths. Our project is mitigating these risks by enhancing the nutritional value of staple crops that vulnerable families eat every day. By using biofortified crops to provide children with micronutrients, the child receives the vital micronutrients without any additional cost to the family or supplementation of the other food their family's regular diet. In addition to bolstering immune systems and growth, our work is decreasing preventable child deaths and overall health of the next generation.

3.4 Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment
While primarily known for their roles in infectious disease, micronutrient deficiencies also have long-term health implications for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases due to their influence on metabolism, immunity and the body’s response to disease. Adequate intake of iron and zinc will reduce the chances of individuals developing chronic disease, lower the cost burden of chronic disease on healthcare systems, and improve health and wellbeing across populations. Our microbial fertilizer will give communities the ability to sustainably access and activate these nutrients, preventing disease and adding healthy years to overall lifespan. This enables our project to be viewed as a preventative health intervention, one based on agriculture.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

12.2 Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
At a minimum, traditional solutions for limiting micronutrient deficiencies (for example, mineral supplements, post-harvest food fortification, etc.) are produced with heavy resources and then packaged and distributed, which all suggests access to markets creates a huge amount of waste and lack of equity. In contrast, by embedding nutrition enhancement in the agricultural cycle, we utilize engineered microbes as bio-enabled fertilizers to enhance the natural processes that help crops accumulate larger amounts of iron and zinc and minimize the need for prosperous mineral supplements. At an operational level, the benefits are create more agricultural efficiency and also a sustainable cycle of production and consumption that no longer depends on external mineral supplements, but rather the embedded nutrition is contained in the crop.

12.4 Ensure environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste
Chemical fertilizers and fortifiers frequently are perforation and degradation of soil, creating water contamination and other detrimental ecological side effects. The current project is substituting synthetic chemical inputs with biologically engineered microorganisms, who interface with the natural plant systems of nutrient uptake. By reducing environmental risk, waste throughout the agricultural systems is also reduced. This ensures a biological system with nutrient delivery and a safer sustainable cycle of production which aligns with consumption and production that are responsible.

SDG 13: Climate Action

13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
Climate change is already affecting agriculture through soil degradation, crop yield reductions, and nutrient imbalances. Our microbial fertilizer is a climate-smart solution because it counteracts the reliance on chemical fertilizers to provide nutrients, which are energy-intensive to produce, generating greenhouse gases that negatively affect climate change. Incorporating bio-enabled fertilizers into national food security strategies gives governments with a sustainability tool to help promote resilience in agriculture, reduce carbon footprints, and help government climate adaptation policies.

13.3 Improve education, awareness, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation
In supporting the adoption of bio-enabled fertilizers, our project will also promote awareness of sustainable agriculture that reduces climate impact. Farmers, policymakers, and communities will be more aware of biotechnology-based tools that reduce chemicals and improve the natural nutrient cycle. Thus, we are helping to not only protect the environment but also provide capacity building and education about innovative solutions for climate-smart agricultural practices.

SDG 15: Life on Land

15.3 Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world
Soil health is the cornerstone of productive agriculture but overuse of chemical fertilizers and monoculture cropping systems can damage soil ecosystems. This project aims to provide beneficial microbial fertilizers that promote nutrient cycling and reduce chemical inputs, thereby improving soil quality, rehabilitating degraded lands, and enhancing long-term resilience of agricultural systems to desertification and land degradation.

15.5 Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and biodiversity loss
Conventional fertilizers create biodiversity depletion by leaching through waterways and destabilizing microbial communities in soils. However, our microbial fertilizer operates in a beneficial relationship with plants and soils, enhancing biodiversity, both at the microbial and ecological scales. By reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture, we can also protect natural habitats and biodiversity as they exist on land -- we can ensure the land-based ecosystems will remain healthy and productive for generations to come.

3.4 Regional Focus: Hungary

Hungary is a case study for using microbial fertilizers to deal with the farm and environmental issues of Hungary's agricultural sector is in serious trouble with soil health degradation and nitrate pollution - thus is ripe for sustainable solutions. In one wheat pilot, we increased yield stability by 15% and reduced the fertility input by about 30% this demonstrates benefits that the farm community can relate to. Soil monitoring also identifies the difference in the microbial diversity that is indicating the positive shift in soil health, plus working with local NGO's to create communities around the farmers (especially women farmers) has also proven useful in building confidence in the farmers and informing farmers of new ag practice training opportunities. This is an example of how innovations using synthetic biology are in line with the EU Green Deal, and how they can be done in other agricultural places and regions of Europe.

4. Long-term Impact and Monitoring

4.1 Chinese Organic Fertilizer Regulations

Our projects strictly adhere to China's organic fertilizer regulations, including the Fertilizer Registration Measures (2007) and the Soil Pollution Prevention and Control Law (2018). These regulations require registration, stability, safety, and heavy metal limit testing before products can be marketed. We also adhere to international sustainable development frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to ensure our fertilizers support soil health and sustainable agriculture. Products are officially marketed upon approval by the Ministry of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA). 4.2 Evaluation Methodology

To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of organic fertilizers, we will conduct ongoing evaluations over the next five years. We will monitor soil nutrients, organic matter, and pH, and assess crop yields and food safety through controlled trials. We will document environmental impacts, such as reduced fertilizer use, improved biodiversity, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, to confirm ecological benefits. Furthermore, we will document resource efficiency and recycling rates to align with China's Circular Economy Promotion Law and international environmental standards.

4.2 Objectives

In the short term, our priority is to complete the fertilizer formulation, laboratory testing, and regulatory approval within the first year. In the medium term (two to three years), we plan to conduct pilot projects on farms and establish partnerships with cooperatives to expand distribution. In the long term (four to five years), our goal is to achieve widespread adoption in Chinese agriculture, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and promote organic farming. We prioritize clear labeling and educational efforts to build confidence among farmers and consumers.

4.3 Implementation Phase

Implementation begins with the development and validation of the fertilizer's nutrient-release performance and safety profile. We then conduct small-scale field trials to test its impact on soil fertility and crop yields under controlled conditions. Once effectiveness is confirmed, we will submit applications for regulatory approval and registration. In the next phase, we will conduct large-scale pilot projects with farms and agricultural partners to evaluate its real-world application. Finally, supported by ongoing monitoring and farmer feedback, the system will be optimized and scaled up for widespread adoption.

4.4 Potential Barriers and Strategies

Potential challenges include technical limitations such as soil variability, financial constraints for large-scale production, and farmers' reluctance to switch from chemical to organic fertilizers. To overcome these barriers, we will collaborate with agricultural research institutions to improve formulations, apply for funding from national green agriculture programs, and develop industry partnerships. Simultaneously, we will utilize demonstration farms, training workshops, and public awareness campaigns to promote the environmental and economic benefits of organic fertilizers and ensure their long-term acceptance and trust.

5. Conclusion

Overall, our project represents not only a technological innovation but also a comprehensive implementation of the concept of sustainable development. By developing a synthetic biofertilizer, we precisely address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Our work demonstrates that through carefully designed biotechnology, we can improve the nutritional value of crops and eliminate "hidden hunger" while also restoring soil health and reducing chemical pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Interactions with stakeholders provided valuable real-world perspectives for the project. Their feedback not only refined our technological approach but also ensured the social acceptability and economic viability of our solutions. This reinforced our understanding that scientific research cannot be conducted in isolation but should serve as a bridge between the laboratory and broader society, addressing real-world problems.

In short, this project combines cutting-edge synthetic biology technology with a profound sense of social responsibility. Through the collaborative efforts of multiple sectors (such as the user research in Human Practices and public education in Education), we have formed a complete closed loop. We have not only created a product, but also built a comprehensive solution aimed at promoting the transformation of agriculture towards a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable direction. This provides valuable experience for future iGEM projects and the entire biotechnology field: true breakthroughs come from the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and human well-being.