Engineering Plant-Based Platforms for Saccharide Biosynthesis: Progress and Prospects

Saccharides, a class of essential organic compounds, are ubiquitously found in nature and play a critical role in vital biological processes. They serve as the primary energy source for all living organisms, supporting life functions. In recent years, the synthesis of saccharides via synthetic biology has gained significant attention, with plant systems emerging as a promising alternative to traditional microbial hosts. Plant chassis offer a unique platform by combining photosynthetic carbon fixation with native saccharide biosynthesis and metabolism, enabling sustainable and potentially large-scale saccharide production. This review highlights the advancements in key technologies for saccharide production using plant chassis, summarizes the current research status of plant-based saccharide production across various structural forms, and discusses the technical challenges and strategies for system optimization. The aim is to provide valuable insights for the development of synthetic biology and uncover the commercial potential of plant chassis in saccharide biosynthesis.