Trends in Horticulture

Plant Biofactories: Producing Bioactive Compounds

Submission deadline: 2024-06-30
Section Editors

Section Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,


The concept of using plants as biofactories to produce bioactive compounds has gained traction in modern biotechnology. This strategy leverages plants' intricate metabolic pathways for sustainable and cost-effective production of valuable compounds used in pharmaceuticals and other industries.

 

Genetic and metabolic engineering techniques are employed to enhance plants' production of desired bioactive compounds. By introducing or modifying specific genes, researchers can prompt plants to accumulate higher levels of these compounds. This approach offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical synthesis.

 

Scalability is a notable advantage of plant biofactories. Unlike sourcing compounds from rare organisms, cultivating plants on a larger scale ensures a consistent supply of bioactive compounds while minimizing environmental harm.

 

Customization is another key benefit. Scientists can manipulate plant genetics to tailor the production of bioactive compounds as needed. This adaptability is particularly useful for personalized medicine and novel compound synthesis.

 

In summary, using plant systems as biofactories presents a promising solution for bioactive compound production. By combining plants' natural synthesis abilities with genetic engineering precision, this approach offers an efficient, sustainable, and adaptable platform for creating valuable compounds.

 

Research articles and reviews in this area of study are welcome. We look forward to receiving your contributions.


Dr. Bruno Casimiro

Section editor

Keywords

Plant Systems; Biofactories; Bioactive Compounds; Genetic Engineering; Metabolic Engineering; Scalability; Customization

Published Paper