The increase in use of collagen products in almost every sector of utility has stipulated the rising demand for collagen. It is an essential fibrous glycoprotein, which is abundantly present in the extracellular matrix and connective tissues in many living organisms. Owing to its unique characteristics such as biocompatibility, bioavailability and weak antigenicity it has gained major interest in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, biomedical and leather industries. The collagen-based composites possess an enhanced capacity to dissipate mechanical energy, strength and stiffness making it the most promising biomolecule for its multifaceted applications. Recently, synthetic biology platforms are getting wide attention for the production of non-native collagen alternatives to meet the rising demand for collagen worldwide. In the initial part, this review aims to explain different sources, structures, biosynthesis of collagen and its types followed by the emerging applications of collagen as a next-generation biomaterial in the later part. The article emphasises the synthesis of non-native collagen using novel expression systems like plant and algae in addition to bacteria and yeast with industrial consideration. In the conclusion section, challenges and opportunities of using synthetic biology tools are described.

A filamentous cyanobacteria, Geitlerinema sp. FC II, was isolated from marine algae culture pond at Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India. The 6.7 Mb draft genome of FC II encodes for 6697 protein coding genes. Analysis of the whole genome sequence revealed presence of nif gene cluster, supporting its capability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. FC II genome contains two variants of sulfide:quinone oxidoreductases (SQR), which is a crucial elector donor in cyanobacterial metabolic processes. FC II is characterized by the presence of multiple CRISPR- Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindrome Repeats - CRISPR associated proteins) clusters, multiple variants of genes encoding photosystem reaction centres, biosynthetic gene clusters of alkane, polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides. Presence of these pathways will help FC II in gaining an ecological advantage over other strains for biomass production in large scale cultivation system. Hence, FC II may be used for production of biofuel and other industrially important metabolites.

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Congenital cataract has various modes of inheritance. In Nance Horan syndrome, X linked recessive pattern of inheritance of congenital cataract is seen. Protein truncation mutation in an NHS gene located on Xp21.2-p22.3. could be associated with this syndrome. We report a case of Nance Horan syndrome family with bilateral congenital cataract with microcornea, strabismus, nystagmus, mental retardation, dysmorphic facies and dental anomalies. Treatment consists of surgery for cataract extraction, although results are poor.