Explain how biopharmaceuticals can be created using plants.
Biopharmaceuticals can be created using plants through a process known as plant molecular farming. This involves using genetically modified plants to express and produce specific proteins or molecules that have therapeutic properties.
The process typically involves isolating the genetic sequence that codes for the desired protein, and then inserting it into the genome of the plant using genetic engineering techniques. The modified plant cells can then be cultivated and processed in large quantities to produce the desired protein or molecule.
There are several advantages to using plants in biopharmaceutical production. Plants are relatively inexpensive to cultivate and have a high yield potential, leading to low production costs. Additionally, unlike traditional biopharmaceutical production methods that involve growing cells in bioreactors, plant expression systems are free of animal-derived components, making the final product more sustainable and ethical.
Some examples of biopharmaceuticals that can be produced using plant molecular farming include vaccines, antibodies, and enzymes. One prominent example is the production of the Ebola vaccine, ZMapp, which was first developed using tobacco plants in 2014.
Biopharmaceuticals are therapeutic substances derived from living organisms. Traditionally, they have been produced using mammalian cells or bacteria. However, plants have emerged as a promising alternative for producing biopharmaceuticals due to several advantages, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
The process of creating biopharmaceuticals using plants typically involves the following steps:
1. Identification of the target protein: The first step is to identify the specific protein that the biopharmaceutical needs to produce. This could be a therapeutic protein, such as an antibody or enzyme.
2. Gene cloning: Once the target protein is identified, the gene responsible for its production is isolated and cloned. This gene is typically obtained from a human or animal source.
3. Gene insertion into plants: The cloned gene is then inserted into the genome of a plant. This can be achieved through various methods, such as agrobacterium-mediated transformation or particle bombardment.
4. Plant transformation and regeneration: The genetically modified plant cells are then cultured under specific conditions to allow their transformation and regeneration into whole plants. This step involves tissue culture techniques, including the selection of transformed cells using selectable markers.
5. Protein expression: The genetically modified plants are grown under controlled conditions to promote the production of the target protein. The gene of interest is expressed within the plant, resulting in the production of the desired biopharmaceutical.
6. Harvesting and extraction: Once the plants have produced the target protein, they are harvested. The protein can be extracted from various plant parts, such as leaves, seeds, or roots. Different extraction methods, such as grinding and homogenization, are employed to obtain the protein of interest.
7. Purification and characterization: The extracted protein is subjected to purification processes to remove unwanted impurities and ensure high-quality yield. This can involve techniques like chromatography, filtration, and centrifugation. The purified protein is then characterized to confirm its identity and functionality.
8. Product formulation: The purified biopharmaceutical is formulated into a suitable dosage form, such as capsules, creams, or injections. This step involves the addition of excipients and the optimization of formulation parameters to ensure stability and efficacy.
9. Quality control and testing: The final biopharmaceutical product undergoes rigorous quality control and testing to ensure safety, potency, and consistency. This includes tests for purity, potency, stability, and sterility, among others.
10. Regulatory approval and commercialization: Before the biopharmaceutical can be marketed and used for therapeutic purposes, it must obtain regulatory approval from relevant authorities, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Once approved, it can be manufactured on a larger scale and made available to patients.
In summary, plants can be genetically modified to produce biopharmaceuticals through gene cloning, insertion into plant cells, protein expression, extraction, purification, formulation, testing, and regulatory approval. This approach offers a promising avenue for the cost-effective and scalable production of biopharmaceuticals with potential benefits for patients and the pharmaceutical industry.