Novel production system for plant secondary metabolites on the basis of cell-free biocatalysis in a cascaded, compartmentalized bioreactor for hairy roots
The aim of the project is the establishment of an innovative total concept for the extracellular biocatalysis of plant secondary metabolites in a compartmentalized bioreactor system using organ complexes called Hairy Roots. Starting from the complex metabolic pathway for the formation of α-tocopherol, a completely new technology based on 2-3 synthesis steps for the efficient production of phytochemicals is developed, which combines the advantages of in vitro cultivation of Hairy Roots and the cell-free biosynthesis in a cascaded compartmentalized bioreactor. The system to be developed sets it apart from the previous use of Hairy Roots and goes far beyond current techniques. Studies on the understanding of growth and product formation in plant cell cultures as well as the knowledge gained by the secretion of proteins into the extracellular chamber and the subsequent biocatalytic activity establish a technology platform for the transferability of the developed system to other synthesis for efficient production of valuable plant nutrients.
Schematic diagram of the cascaded, compartmented bioreactor system using the example of 3 synthesis steps: The selective filter screens are used to separate the Hairy root organ complexes and unwanted by-products. The selective membranes limit the individual compartments as reaction chambers for the extracellular biocatalysis, but furthermore allow selective transport of reaction products which is substrate in the next synthesis stage.
Therefore, the project focuses for the first time in comprehensive and fundamental insights into the suitability of a compartmentalized bioreactor for the production of phytochemicals using differentiated in vitro cultures and, thus, carries a high potential for innovation, in particular for the industries of food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, in which numerous SMEs are located. By the two participating research sites of the TU Dresden Professorship of Plant Physiology and Professorship of Bioprocess Engineering very close contacts with small and medium enterprises in the named industries are already existing.
Project funding:
AIF – Forschungsnetzwerk Mittelstand
Project head:
© Christian Hüller
Senior Professor Bioengineering
NameProf. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Thomas Bley
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Project staff:
© Mann
Project researcher
NameDr.-Ing. Katja Winkler
Plant biotechnology, Development of modular bioreactors
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Project term:
01.04.2014 - 28.02.2017