Application of Plant Biotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture: Development of High-Value Phytochemicals for the Food and Cosmetics Industries

Abstract

The rapid progress of plant biotechnology over the past decade is gradually reshaping the framework of sustainable agriculture. Through metabolic engineering, gene editing, plant cell and hairy root factories, elicitation strategies, and green extraction technologies, researchers can effectively enhance the yield and stability of high-value phytochemicals (such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, resveratrol, etc.) (Martínez-Chávez et al., 2024; Van Beirs et al., 2025). These compounds have been widely applied in the food and cosmetics industries as natural colorants, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and UV protection ingredients, playing a significant role in promoting circular economy and sustainable resource utilization (Bekavac et al., 2025; Machado et al., 2024). Meanwhile, the integration of gene editing (particularly CRISPR/Cas technology) with synthetic biology enables researchers to redesign plant metabolic networks, directing carbon flux toward the biosynthesis of specific target metabolites (Chen et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2024). Furthermore, the application of plant cell and hairy root cultures in bioreactors is becoming a stable and scalable production platform (Biswas et al., 2023; Häkkinen et al., 2024). Combined with green extraction methods (such as natural deep eutectic solvents, NADES) and nanoencapsulation technologies, the environmental friendliness and bioavailability of phytochemicals have been enhanced (Hikmawanti et al., 2021; Lei et al., 2024). In summary, plant biotechnology is not only a tool for improving agricultural productivity but also an important driving force for promoting value addition and sustainability in the food and cosmetics industries. However, future challenges regarding cost, regulation, safety, and scale-up production still need to be addressed.