CRISPR Cas9 in Sustainable Development: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations

This research examines the evolution and impact of genomic modification, specifically focusing on the transition from early gene-editing technologies like Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and TALENs to the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 system. Through a multidisciplinary analysis, the paper evaluates CRISPR’s efficacy in healthcare—notably for treating Sickle Cell Disease and various cancers—and its role in sustainable agriculture. Methodology involved a qualitative review of secondary data from the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alongside primary survey data. Findings indicate that CRISPR-Cas9 offers a significantly higher success rate (85%) compared to traditional methods. However, the study identifies critical barriers to global adoption, including off-target genetic activities, high developmental costs, and bioethical concerns regarding germline modification. The paper concludes that while CRISPR is a transformative asset for global health security, its future success depends on enhanced accuracy and improved socio-economic accessibility.