This invention aims to use optogenetic photosensitizers as genetically encoded microbial agents in order to develop strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens that self-terminate with light exposure for use in plant transformation. This method increases the transformation efficiency of agriculturally relevant crop plants while reducing the cost of using antibiotics. Background: Agrobacterium tumefaciens serves as a natural pathway for gene transfer into plant cells. This process is a significant aspect of genetic engineering, allowing for the development of crops with improved traits like pest resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced yields. However, the existing methods rely on strains that persist in the environment or require extensive handling later in the process to eliminate them after transformation. As agricultural biotechnology continues to expand, so does the need for safe, reliable, and controllable methods of delivering and terminating bacterial vectors. Applications:
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