Microbial Siderophores in Sustainable Agriculture: Molecular Insights, Smart Delivery Systems, and Biotechnological Applications

Microbial siderophores are low-molecular-weight compounds with a strong affinity for ferric (FSe3+) ions. They play a pivotal role in plant-microbial interactions by enhancing iron bioavailability to plants, primarily through the chelation and mobilization of iron under iron-limited conditions. Their versatile and multifunctional nature has positioned them as promising agents for sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. However, the practical application of siderophore-based systems is constrained by challenges related to stability, bioavailability, environmental degradation, and large-scale production. This review examines recent advancements in siderophore-mediated agricultural practices and applications, with a focus on formulation strategies and delivery systems, including seed coatings, foliar sprays, and nanoparticle-based encapsulation approaches. The review further highlights key technological innovations integrating nanotechnology, microbiology, and artificial intelligence (AI) for precision agriculture. Particular emphasis is placed on controlled-release systems, production scalability, and field-level applicability. Existing knowledge gaps, particularly in large-scale production and commercialization, are discussed alongside future prospects involving synthetic biology and engineered microbial systems. Siderophore-based technologies represent a transformative approach toward enhancing soil health, crop productivity, and sustainable bioeconomy development.