Plant synthetic biology as a tool to help eliminate hidden hunger

Agricultural systems are under increasing pressure from declining environmental conditions, a growing population, and changes in consumer preferences, resulting in widespread malnutrition-related illnesses. Improving plant nutritional content through biotechnology techniques such as synthetic biology is a promising strategy to help combat hidden hunger caused by the lack of affordable and healthy foods in human diets. Production of compounds usually found in animal-rich diets, such as vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids, has been recently demonstrated in planta. Here, we review recent biotechnological approaches to biofortifying plants with vitamins, minerals, and other metabolites, and summarise synthetic biology advances that offer the opportunity to build on these early biofortification efforts. [Display omitted] •Genetic modification of plants for nutritional benefits is now commonplace.•Vitamin accumulation by genetic modification has been widely explored.•Other key targets include reducing antinutrients and tuning macronutrient profiles.•Changing regulations may see more genetically modified plants approved for use.•Future studies need to address target bioaccessibility and real-world validation.