Sustainable bioenergy manufacturing in plants

Sustainable bioenergy is pivotal to the global transition from fossil fuels to a circular bioeconomy. However, conventional biomass conversion remains hindered by limitations in efficiency, cost, and versatility. This review examines how recent interdisciplinary advances are overcoming these challenges. We survey the convergence of synthetic biology, genomics, artificial intelligence (AI), and chemistry, which together are revitalizing bioenergy production through the engineering of optimized biomass. Key strategies for bioenergy production range from enhancing nutrient efficiency and tailoring lignin content by genomic editing of energy crops to the development of AI-informed smart biorefineries. As an example of this synergy, we present an in-depth case study on autoluminescent plants. This frontier application harnesses the fungal bioluminescence pathway (FBP) to convert photosynthetic energy into visible light emission. The FBP's unique reliance on the endogenous metabolite caffeic acid establishes a transformative platform for sustainable and autonomous biological illumination. An interdisciplinary approach integrating omics, engineering, and agronomy is critical for solving such complex bioengineering challenges and making high-brightness plants a reality. We propose that the next paradigm shift will be driven by generative AI, transitioning research, and development from subject-specific inquiries to a holistic model of multidisciplinary convergence, thereby accelerating the realization of advanced, sustainable plant-based energy production.