Lycopene Production via Transient Gene Expression in Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for plant transformation and production of transgenic plants face challenges such as low efficiency in homologous recombination in plant cells, contamination risks, and the need for large amounts of biomass for metabolite extraction, which are costly and environmentally impactful.
Innovation Solution
The use of DNA constructs and biological devices that enhance the production of metabolites like lycopene in plants by incorporating specific genetic components into plant cells, such as beta-carotene hydroxylase and lycopene epsilon-cyclase genes, along with a promoter and terminator, to increase metabolite production and growth rates, and the use of chitosan to enhance tissue growth and metabolite production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional plant transformation methods are used, then plants can be genetically modified, but the efficiency of homologous recombination is low and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a plasmid vector as an intermediary carrier to deliver the target gene into plant cells. The plasmid contains the gene of interest along with necessary regulatory elements (promoters, terminators) and selection markers, facilitating efficient integration into the plant genome through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or other delivery methods, thereby significantly improving transformation efficiency compared to direct gene introduction methods
2Quantity of substance
If large amounts of plant biomass are used for metabolite extraction, then sufficient metabolite yield is achieved, but the process becomes costly and environmentally impactful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs genetic engineering to alter the metabolic parameters of plant cells by introducing exogenous genes (such as carotenoid biosynthesis genes) that enhance the production of specific metabolites like lycopene. This increases the metabolite concentration per unit biomass, allowing sufficient yield to be obtained from smaller biomass quantities, thereby reducing extraction costs and environmental impact
3Quantity of substance
If exogenous genes are used to enhance metabolite production, then metabolite yield increases, but the plants are classified as genetically modified organisms with regulatory and environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes transient expression systems where plasmid DNA is introduced into plant cells for short-term expression of the target gene without stable integration into the plant genome. This allows metabolite production enhancement while avoiding the creation of heritable genetically modified organisms, thereby reducing regulatory and environmental concerns associated with transgenic plants
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 significantly increases lycopene production in plants, reduces the need for large biomass quantities, and accelerates plant growth, making the process more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating specific genetic components into plant cells, such as beta-carotene hydroxylase and lycopene epsilon-cyclase genes
Implementation Method 2
incorporating specific genetic components into plant cells, such as beta-carotene hydroxylase and lycopene epsilon-cyclase genes
Implementation Method 3
the use of chitosan to enhance tissue growth and metabolite production
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices and methods for enhancing the physiological properties of plants. For example, the devices and methods described herein increase the production of lycopene, which has industrial and economic value. The lycopene produced by the devices and methods does not require the ultra purification that is common in conventional or commercial methods. The devices and methods described herein also enhance the growth rate of plants.