The promising role of purple phototrophic bacteria in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

• PPB effectively support the achievement of multiple SDGs, directly or indirectly • PPB enable wastewater treatment and resource recovery for sustainable practices • Valuable bio-based products are recovered (biopolymers, single-cell proteins, etc.) • Novel PPB products support environmental, economic, societal, and one-health goals • Barriers to scaling up PPB-based biotechnologies are explored Purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) offer a versatile and sustainable solution for addressing several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals underscore essential objectives that must be addressed to face different environmental and societal challenges and foster sustainable and circular innovative biotechnologies. PPB are recognized for their multiple valuable applications, contributing to wastewater treatment, nutrient recovery, and the production of biopolymers, single-cell protein, biofertilizers, biohydrogen, and other value-added products. This work discusses the significant roles of PPB in achieving various SDGs, highlighting their direct contributions to SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 14 (life below water), and SDG 15 (life on land). Additionally, the critical barriers to scaling up and commercializing PPB-based biotechnologies are discussed. Addressing these barriers, along with market development and supportive policies, will be essential to accelerating the transition to sustainable development.