Alternative Oxidase Gene Expression for Controlled Plant Ripening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling plant maturation, such as using 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), can hinder the natural ripening process of fruits and vegetables, leading to undesirable qualities like reduced volatile compound production and unripe pears that do not ripen despite treatment.

Innovation Solution

The method involves inactivating and then activating Alternative Oxidase (AOX) gene expression in plants to control the maturation process, using agents like hydrogen sulfide, glyoxylic acid, salicylic acid, pyruvate, or a mixture of alanine and 2-oxoglutarate to induce or prevent ripening, allowing for controlled maturation and preservation of plant products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If 1-MCP is used to block ethylene receptors, then storage and shelf-life are extended, but volatile compound production is reduced and fruit quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage and shelf-lifeVSAvoidreduced volatile compound production and fruit quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces AOX gene expression as an intermediary mechanism to mediate between ethylene signaling and ripening outcomes. By manipulating AOX activity, the system can achieve ripening-like effects (volatile compound production, softening) without requiring full ethylene receptor activation, thus avoiding the blocking effects of 1-MCP while maintaining quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physiological parameters of the fruit by modulating AOX gene expression levels and activity. This allows control over respiration rate, metabolic flux, and ripening-related biochemical processes, enabling extended storage with maintained quality through parameter optimization rather than complete ripening inhibition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If 1-MCP is applied to delay ripening, then maturation is blocked, but the fruit cannot ripen naturally even with exogenous ethylene treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelayed maturationVSAvoidresponse to exogenous ethylene and conditioning protocols

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

AOX gene expression serves as a downstream intermediary that can be activated independently of ethylene receptor binding. By targeting this intermediate step, the patent enables ripening initiation bypassing the blocked ethylene receptor pathway, restoring adaptability to ripening induction while maintaining storage delay capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the ripening control pathway into distinct controllable steps: ethylene reception (blocked by 1-MCP) and AOX-mediated metabolic activation (can be independently induced). This segmentation allows selective activation of ripening processes without requiring ethylene receptor function, overcoming the rigidity imposed by 1-MCP

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-generated harmful factors

If AOX gene expression is activated, then natural maturation characteristics are maintained, but control over timing and rate of maturation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural characteristics like softness and aromaVSAvoidcontrol over timing and rate of maturation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring AOX gene expression levels and metabolic parameters to regulate maturation timing. By measuring respiratory activity and AOX transcript levels, the system can determine optimal harvest and ripening induction points, maintaining natural characteristics while regaining operational control through real-time feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables plants and plant products to be stored in an immature state and matured at a desired time, maintaining natural characteristics like softness and aroma, and can reverse ripening blockages, ensuring consistent quality and extended shelf-life.

Implementation Method 1

manipulating alternative oxidase activity to control the rate and timing of the maturation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAlternative oxidase activity: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

1-MCP binds ethylene receptors blocking all downstream physiological and metabolic processes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical binding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10548322B2Control of ripening and senescence in pre-harvest and post-harvest plants and plant materials by manipulating alternative oxidase activity

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Methods of controlling the maturation of plants and/or plant products (e.g. fruit, vegetable, ornamentals, etc.) by manipulating Alternative Oxidase (AOX) activity. An increase in activity hastens the maturation process while a decrease in activity slows or stops maturation.