Agronomic processes to optimise galanthamine content of daffodil biomass (AGROGAL)
Lead Research Organisation:
Bangor University
Department Name: Sch of Biological Sciences
Abstract
This project aims to build on a previous one-year study undertaken by Alzeim in collaboration with IGER, where the feasibility of Narcissus cultivation was considered under selected environmental regimes and at different harvest dates (Morris et al 05). At that time, the economic returns were forecast to be only moderate, since pharmaceuticals containing galanthamine were protected by patents and API levels were quite low allied to high extraction and transport costs. Formulations containing the API are now generic and the research detailed in this proposal will build on sequential harvesting of different Narcissus tissues, containing significantly higher galanthamine levels, already piloted at Alzeim. The findings and research that will be addressed within this project will seek to further drive down costs by applying the latest biorefinery principles, coupled to entirely novel harvest and extraction regimes, which are then allied to developments in agronomy, choice of plant genetic resources and savings through reduced transport of feedstocks. Sales of the biorefinery 'side-streams' should result in spin-off benefits to the local economy through supply of products to support the tourism industry (perfume, paper, wax). Although focused on the objective of maximising the alkaloid content of daffodils, the research will also provide information that can be directly utilised by flower growers and indirectly by other producers seeking to use plants as sources of secondary metabolites. Specifically, the research will demonstrate the response required from growers to climate change. The innovative qualitative models produced by the research should capture all pre-existing knowledge and provide coherent tests of the results of the various trials. In addition, they should provide the foundation for models for analogous systems. The qualitative models should enable prospective growers to determine the expected returns on their investments.
Technical Summary
This project will build on a previous one-year study undertaken by Alzeim in collaboration with IGER, where the feasibility of Narcissus cultivation was considered under selected environmental regimes and at different harvest dates (Morris et al 05). At that time, the economic returns were forecast to be only moderate, since pharmaceuticals containing galanthamine were protected by patents and API levels were quite low allied to high extraction and transport costs. Formulations containing the API are now generic and the research detailed in this proposal will build on sequential harvesting of different Narcissus tissues, containing significantly higher galanthamine levels, already piloted at Alzeim. The findings and research that will be addressed within this project will seek to further drive down costs by applying the latest biorefinery principles, coupled to entirely novel harvest and extraction regimes, which are then allied to developments in agronomy, choice of plant genetic resources and savings through reduced transport of feedstocks. Sales of the biorefinery 'side-streams' should result in spin-off benefits to the local economy through supply of products to support the tourism industry (perfume, paper, wax). Although focused on the objective of maximising the alkaloid content of daffodils, the research will also provide information that can be directly utilised by flower growers and indirectly by other producers seeking to use plants as sources of secondary metabolites. Specifically, the research will demonstrate the response required from growers to climate change. The innovative qualitative models produced by the research should capture all pre-existing knowledge and provide coherent tests of the results of the various trials. In addition, they should provide the foundation for models for analogous systems. The qualitative models should enable prospective growers to determine the expected returns on their investments.
Planned Impact
This partnership is very well placed to provide the necessary know-how to enable farmers to produce the crop to required industrial specifications. NIAB has members associated with high affiliation of arable and horticultural growers. Alzeim has a well co-ordinated network of growers and farm specialists within Wales with whom the Consortium will place contracts and ensure a scientifically- led development of the crop. Grower guides and demonstrations plots will be made available via specialist meetings and workshops, such as Members Days at NIAB and. choice of cultivars and production methods will be published as part of the NIAB publication set when the crop is at a suitable stage of development. Meetings and workshops will be held to demonstrate the potential of this crop to meet the requirements of farmers, processors and the food companies. These will include the NNFCC at York and other bodies. It is probable that upland growers will be the first to participate and benefit, but when the `Black Mountains Effect' is understood it is hoped that growing can be extended to other altitudes and areas. At Bangor, in addition to published academic output in stress biochemistry and physiology and hydroponics, Prof Tomos has decades of experience of communicating science to lay audiences - including regular talks (live, radio and TV) and regular articles in magazines (eg Barn, Agenda, Y Naturieithwr). These include meetings with Farmers Associations (inc FUW in 2009). Other engagement activities include serving on the Board of Governors of BBSRC-IGER and as a (non-exec) director of an upland grasiers association (set up to manage changing regulations governing the use of uplands). This (galanthamine) project is particularly suitable for public engagement of science. Dr. Braganca is a member of WINR (Welsh Institute of Natural Resources) which has considerable outreach activities.
Organisations
- Bangor University (Lead Research Organisation)
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Co-funder)
- New Generation Daffodils (Collaboration)
- Suterra (Collaboration)
- BANGOR UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Sustanum (Collaboration)
- National Institute of Agronomy and Botany (NIAB) (Collaboration)
- Agroceutical Products (Collaboration)
Publications
Ramos-Morales E
(2019)
Slight changes in the chemical structure of haemanthamine greatly influence the effect of the derivatives on rumen fermentation in vitro.
in Scientific reports
Description | The objective of the Programme is to identify inividual agronomically-relevant processes and treatments that would increase the production of the anti-Alzeimer drug, Galanthamine, in Daffodils. (To identify the basis of the so called Black Mountain Effect observed in the field.) Extensive and reproducable analysis of some 20 different treatments applied individual (under laboratory conditions) have so far failed to find any that mimic the Black Mountain effect and have been eliminated from likely target processes. We consider this to be an unequivocal (and hence positive) result. (Some treatments increase concentration of alkaloids, but at the expense of fresh weight. The overall yield per plant remaining unchanged.) |
Exploitation Route | The explicit results will ensure that the industrial partners, and others, will have to look elsewhere for biostimulatory treatments in the case of the galanthamine harvest. |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment |
URL | http://edata.bangor.ac.uk/44/ |
Description | The company partner has created new jobs and sales on the basis of this work. The process is protected know-how with the company. |
First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | Galanthamine from Smart BioProcessing of Daffodils |
Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 131150 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2013 |
End | 04/2014 |
Description | NitrogelCap (https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=105627) |
Amount | £127,799 (GBP) |
Funding ID | https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=105627 |
Organisation | UK Government Investments |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2019 |
End | 10/2020 |
Title | GC-FID,GC-MS protocol to measure galanthamine and related alkaloids. |
Description | Quantitative analysis of a range of compounds of interest. |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2013 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | . |
Title | Hydroponic procedure for daffodil growth |
Description | A system for growing daffodil plants from bulbs to (flowering) maturity was developed. This was installed in both a conventional greenhouse and in a high light-intensity walk-in growth room. A range of treatments, including (mild) UV irradiation was applied. Th largest layout consisted of some 20 tanks with 25 bulbs in each. |
Type Of Material | Biological samples |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | .. |
Description | AGROGAL Consortium (BBSRC-LINK) |
Organisation | Agroceutical Products |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Hydroponic growth of daffodils. Application of physiological treatments. Assay of galanthamine and other alkaloid content. Interpretation of results. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of daffodil bulbs (New Gen Daffodils); Fine chemicals and advice (Sustanum); Field trials and data (NIAB and Velcourt); Advice on experimental design (APL and Suterra/Agrisense). Facilities for galanthamine assay (BCBU) |
Impact | Determination of the impact of a range of individual physiological treatments on galanthamine accumulation by daffodils. (By successful hydroponic growth of daffodils and assay of galanthamine (and other alkaloid) content.) Fuller details of outcomes will be included in URLs for the final submission in 2015 (integrating all consortium members). |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | AGROGAL Consortium (BBSRC-LINK) |
Organisation | Bangor University |
Department | BioComposites Centre |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Hydroponic growth of daffodils. Application of physiological treatments. Assay of galanthamine and other alkaloid content. Interpretation of results. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of daffodil bulbs (New Gen Daffodils); Fine chemicals and advice (Sustanum); Field trials and data (NIAB and Velcourt); Advice on experimental design (APL and Suterra/Agrisense). Facilities for galanthamine assay (BCBU) |
Impact | Determination of the impact of a range of individual physiological treatments on galanthamine accumulation by daffodils. (By successful hydroponic growth of daffodils and assay of galanthamine (and other alkaloid) content.) Fuller details of outcomes will be included in URLs for the final submission in 2015 (integrating all consortium members). |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | AGROGAL Consortium (BBSRC-LINK) |
Organisation | National Institute of Agronomy and Botany (NIAB) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Hydroponic growth of daffodils. Application of physiological treatments. Assay of galanthamine and other alkaloid content. Interpretation of results. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of daffodil bulbs (New Gen Daffodils); Fine chemicals and advice (Sustanum); Field trials and data (NIAB and Velcourt); Advice on experimental design (APL and Suterra/Agrisense). Facilities for galanthamine assay (BCBU) |
Impact | Determination of the impact of a range of individual physiological treatments on galanthamine accumulation by daffodils. (By successful hydroponic growth of daffodils and assay of galanthamine (and other alkaloid) content.) Fuller details of outcomes will be included in URLs for the final submission in 2015 (integrating all consortium members). |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | AGROGAL Consortium (BBSRC-LINK) |
Organisation | New Generation Daffodils |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Hydroponic growth of daffodils. Application of physiological treatments. Assay of galanthamine and other alkaloid content. Interpretation of results. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of daffodil bulbs (New Gen Daffodils); Fine chemicals and advice (Sustanum); Field trials and data (NIAB and Velcourt); Advice on experimental design (APL and Suterra/Agrisense). Facilities for galanthamine assay (BCBU) |
Impact | Determination of the impact of a range of individual physiological treatments on galanthamine accumulation by daffodils. (By successful hydroponic growth of daffodils and assay of galanthamine (and other alkaloid) content.) Fuller details of outcomes will be included in URLs for the final submission in 2015 (integrating all consortium members). |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | AGROGAL Consortium (BBSRC-LINK) |
Organisation | Sustanum |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Hydroponic growth of daffodils. Application of physiological treatments. Assay of galanthamine and other alkaloid content. Interpretation of results. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of daffodil bulbs (New Gen Daffodils); Fine chemicals and advice (Sustanum); Field trials and data (NIAB and Velcourt); Advice on experimental design (APL and Suterra/Agrisense). Facilities for galanthamine assay (BCBU) |
Impact | Determination of the impact of a range of individual physiological treatments on galanthamine accumulation by daffodils. (By successful hydroponic growth of daffodils and assay of galanthamine (and other alkaloid) content.) Fuller details of outcomes will be included in URLs for the final submission in 2015 (integrating all consortium members). |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | AGROGAL Consortium (BBSRC-LINK) |
Organisation | Sustanum |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Hydroponic growth of daffodils. Application of physiological treatments. Assay of galanthamine and other alkaloid content. Interpretation of results. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of daffodil bulbs (New Gen Daffodils); Fine chemicals and advice (Sustanum); Field trials and data (NIAB and Velcourt); Advice on experimental design (APL and Suterra/Agrisense). Facilities for galanthamine assay (BCBU) |
Impact | Determination of the impact of a range of individual physiological treatments on galanthamine accumulation by daffodils. (By successful hydroponic growth of daffodils and assay of galanthamine (and other alkaloid) content.) Fuller details of outcomes will be included in URLs for the final submission in 2015 (integrating all consortium members). |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | AGROGAL Consortium (BBSRC-LINK) |
Organisation | Suterra |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Hydroponic growth of daffodils. Application of physiological treatments. Assay of galanthamine and other alkaloid content. Interpretation of results. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of daffodil bulbs (New Gen Daffodils); Fine chemicals and advice (Sustanum); Field trials and data (NIAB and Velcourt); Advice on experimental design (APL and Suterra/Agrisense). Facilities for galanthamine assay (BCBU) |
Impact | Determination of the impact of a range of individual physiological treatments on galanthamine accumulation by daffodils. (By successful hydroponic growth of daffodils and assay of galanthamine (and other alkaloid) content.) Fuller details of outcomes will be included in URLs for the final submission in 2015 (integrating all consortium members). |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | AGROGAL Consortium (BBSRC-LINK) |
Organisation | Suterra |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Hydroponic growth of daffodils. Application of physiological treatments. Assay of galanthamine and other alkaloid content. Interpretation of results. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of daffodil bulbs (New Gen Daffodils); Fine chemicals and advice (Sustanum); Field trials and data (NIAB and Velcourt); Advice on experimental design (APL and Suterra/Agrisense). Facilities for galanthamine assay (BCBU) |
Impact | Determination of the impact of a range of individual physiological treatments on galanthamine accumulation by daffodils. (By successful hydroponic growth of daffodils and assay of galanthamine (and other alkaloid) content.) Fuller details of outcomes will be included in URLs for the final submission in 2015 (integrating all consortium members). |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | NitrogelCap- a collaboration to produce neutraceuticals using Galanthamine |
Organisation | Bangor University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are planning to produce new Galanthamine based nutraceuticals |
Collaborator Contribution | Involved in separation of plant chemicals |
Impact | Collaboration starting. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Television Programme (Dibendraw, S4C. Teledu Telesgop Cyf) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | 30 minute programme (S4C) on Daffodils and Galanthamine (broadcasted May 2015 SC4) NA |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015 |
URL | http://www.telesgop.co.uk/tv-production/dibendraw/ |