Plastid-Targeted Cannabinoid Biosynthesis for THC Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing cannabinoids in plants are inefficient, costly, and face challenges in scaling up due to high energy requirements and unpredictable yields, with THC levels difficult to control, leading to waste of biomass and regulatory complexities.
Innovation Solution
A functional cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway is established in a heterologous plant by targeting components to the plastid, using optimized vectors to overexpress polynucleotides encoding polypeptides such as AAE1, OLS, and OAC, enhancing the production of CBGA and OA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway components are expressed in heterologous plants, then cannabinoid production capability is achieved, but THC levels are difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway components specifically to plastids using plastid-targeting sequences. This localized expression in plastids allows for controlled cannabinoid production while avoiding uncontrolled THC accumulation in other cellular compartments, thereby achieving both production capability and level control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing expression levels of pathway enzymes (AAE1, OLS, OAC) and adjusting substrate availability to control the flow through the biosynthesis pathway. This enables precise regulation of intermediate accumulation and final cannabinoid product levels, including THC control.
2Productivity
If conventional production methods are used, then cannabinoid production is achieved, but scaling up is costly and requires high energy levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the plant's own endogenous pathways and resources. The heterologous plants express cannabinoid biosynthesis components using the plant's existing plastid machinery, metabolic pathways, and resource allocation systems, eliminating the need for external energy-intensive production processes and enabling scalable growth.
3Productivity
If conventional production methods are used, then cannabinoid production is achieved, but yields are unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by monitoring and optimizing the expression of pathway components in plastids. The system allows for controlled accumulation of intermediates like OA and CBGA through regulated enzyme expression, enabling predictable yield outcomes through manageable biochemical pathways rather than uncontrolled natural synthesis.
4Productivity
If conventional production methods are used, then cannabinoid production is achieved, but biomass is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies taking out by extracting and concentrating cannabinoid production to specific plastid compartments within the plant. This targeted approach allows for efficient cannabinoid accumulation in specific tissues without requiring the entire biomass to be dedicated to production, thereby reducing waste and improving the ratio of productive to non-productive biomass.
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 cannabinoid yields, particularly CBGA, by up to 5.5-fold, providing a scalable and efficient production system applicable to plant biomass.
Implementation Method 1
targeting components to the plastid, using optimized vectors to overexpress polynucleotides encoding polypeptides such as AAE1, OLS, and OAC, enhancing the production of CBGA and OA
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to polynucleotides for the generation of genetically modified plants, algae or plastids thereof that are capable of producing cannabinoids. In an aspect, the present invention also relates to methods of producing cannabinoids.