NPIF: Cultured plant cells as platforms for the production of high value chemicals
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Biological Sciences
Abstract
The project will involve the isolation and subsequent characterisation of cultured plant cells from a plant species which is the source of the given high value chemical employing state-of-the-art plant cell culture methods. The isolated plant cells will subsequently be characterised by microscopic, biochemical and transcriptomics-based approaches. Synthetic biology based procedures will then be employed to increase production of the target chemical from the isolated plant cell line.
BBSRC has identified industrial biotechnology in its Strategic Plan as a high-level strategic priority area, with an urgent need to build capacity and capability in this area. Further, BBSRC aims to support the development of new sustainable approaches to the generation of chemicals using renewable resources and utilising biological processes. This project will directly address these BBSRC priorities. This project will also involve direct collaboration with UK industry, allowing the translation of basic discoveries ultimately into new products and processes. These goals are also highlighted in BBSRC's Strategic Plan. Additional BBSRC priorities are to support new approaches for the application of whole cell systems for the production of high-value chemicals, especially those utilizing synthetic biology approaches to reach these goals. Again, our project fits perfectly with these BBSRC goals.
In aggregate, this project will deliver cutting-edge science with impact, by developing a sustainable cell based system, utilizing synthetic biology procedures, for the production of a high value plant chemical.
BBSRC has identified industrial biotechnology in its Strategic Plan as a high-level strategic priority area, with an urgent need to build capacity and capability in this area. Further, BBSRC aims to support the development of new sustainable approaches to the generation of chemicals using renewable resources and utilising biological processes. This project will directly address these BBSRC priorities. This project will also involve direct collaboration with UK industry, allowing the translation of basic discoveries ultimately into new products and processes. These goals are also highlighted in BBSRC's Strategic Plan. Additional BBSRC priorities are to support new approaches for the application of whole cell systems for the production of high-value chemicals, especially those utilizing synthetic biology approaches to reach these goals. Again, our project fits perfectly with these BBSRC goals.
In aggregate, this project will deliver cutting-edge science with impact, by developing a sustainable cell based system, utilizing synthetic biology procedures, for the production of a high value plant chemical.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Gary Loake (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Nick Bennett (Student) |
| Description | Glycyrrhiza glabra cultures have been sucessfully established as both Dedifferentiated cells (traditional cell culture) and as the newer cambial meristematic cells (CMCs). Growth parameters and characteristics have been explored and basic metabolic data collected. Scale up and cryopreservation options have also been evaluated although with limited sucess to date. This has provided a solid base going into the final quarter of this project as we look to manipulate the flavonoid pathway to boost production of our metabolites of interest. |
| Exploitation Route | It has demonstrated that CMCs can be generated from other species than Taxus and that the metabolic profile is notably different. This could potentially be used in the manufacture of highly chiral or other "difficult" plant based molecules which have been identified as having potential pharmaceutical properties. Many essential biotechniques would be performed for the first time in this cell type helping the technology move toward being more business ready. |
| Sectors | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | James Young High School |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This activity consisted of a speed networking style event where representatives from multiple STEM fields came to the school to talk with groups of 5-15 pupils at a time about their job, role, typical day etc. The idea was to inspire kids to enter STEM fields, particularly if they had not considered the option before. Each representative had 10mins with each group before rotating. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |