ANTHOcyanin production PLatform Using Suspension cultures

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We aim to develop methods for large scale production of pure anthocyanins, of varying complexity in side chain decoration, or labelled with stable isotopes from plant cells. A robust plant tissue culture system will be used to produce large amounts of anthocyanins in a process spanning the whole value-chain from synthesis in novel suspension cultures, scale-up, preparative purification, assessment of bioactivities to distribution for sales. Our unique cell lines, scale-up and purification procedures will offer reliable commercial production, for the first time. We will develop methods for enhanced production, with easier extraction, by producing cultures that excrete anthocyanins, and for production of highly decorated anthocyanins using new plant sources for cell cultures. A major component of this project will be scale up activities for culturing plant cells for specialty anthocyanin production in small industrial scale fermenters. Besides preparative extraction methods, we will develop methods for the production of purified 13C-labelled anthocyanins for research on their absorption (bioavailability) and in vivo metabolism (pre- and post-absorption) in humans and animals. A fine chemicals company will assay the quality/purity /stability and bioactivity of anthocyanins compared to those from other sources. The exponential increase in interest in dietary anthocyanins means there is already a significant market for pure anthocyanins and stable isotope labelled anthocyanins amongst medical researchers. There is significant interest in pure anthocyanins from the natural colorants sector. Pure anthocyanins will be brought to market by an SME who will commission specialty anthocyanins, develop plant-specific ANTHO-kits and expand their product catalogue. We plan to expand the EU natural colours market with new trial products through a market-led business development strategy, backed up by a quality technical data package and customer demonstrations.

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