Abstract: This review systematically summarized strategies for modifying nicotine-degrading microbial strains and key enzymes using synthetic biology approaches. It highlighted the application progress of engineered strains and enzymes in three key areas: tobacco waste bioremediation, biosynthesis of high-value compounds, and tobacco leaf quality enhancement. The analysis identified significant bottlenecks hindering technological industrialization, including insufficient environmental adaptability of engineered strains and significant carbon catabolite repression. Future research should focus on: optimizing chassis microorganism performance through synthetic biology approaches; elucidating metabolic regulatory networks through integrated multi-omics technologies; and exploring the high-value utilization pathways of degradation products. These efforts aim to establish a green technological system enabling “efficient pollutant treatment-resource recycling and regeneration”. This review aimed to provide a reference for systematic solutions to nicotine pollution control and resource utilization, and to promote sustainable development and ecological security within the tobacco industry.

Key words: nicotine degradation, synthetic biology, tobacco wastes, high-value compounds, tobacco leaf quality enhancement