Sustainable production

Economically viable production of secondary metabolites from the natural source is often a challenge due to the very low amounts present in the plant. Also, secure and reproducible supply and quality of raw materials for the production of these natural plant compounds are frequently negatively affected by environmental factors (insect pests, diseases, and climatic fluctuations), growth and harvest practices, geographical location and political instability in the production area. This situation is further complicated when the plant species is (becoming) endangered. Chemical synthesis is often not possible or too expensive due to the complex structures of the compounds. Sustainable, economically viable production of plant metabolites would thus be of great benefit.

Genes involved in the synthesis of the compound of interest, identified using the SoluCel technology platform, are used to create such sustainable production systems in:

• Plant cell cultures
  Plant cell or tissue cultures (roots, shoots) are a suitable option for production of higher-value, lower-volume compounds that cannot be produced economically in another system. When the levels of the compound of interest obtained in classically optimized and elicited plant cell cultures are not sufficient for commercial exploitation, genetic engineering is used to enhance these by increasing the metabolic flux. Elucidation of the metabolic pathway using SoluCel’s technology platform is crucial to identify which modifications of gene expression are required for enhancing the flux towards the compound of interest. Once an economically viable level of the compound of interest has been accomplished, the plant cell cultures are developed into a commercial production system. SoluCel is a world leader in the metabolic engineering of plant cell cultures.
• Microbial fermentation
  Microbial fermentation can offer a controlled, sustainable production method for medium-priced, medium-volume plant compounds. For production of a plant compound of interest in a microbial system an in-depth understanding of its biosynthesis in the plant is required. SoluCel’s technology platform offers the means for the efficient identification of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of such compounds. Production is realized by expression of the necessary genes in a suitable microbial host. With expected technological advances this approach will become an option for an increasing number of plant secondary metabolites. With its technologies for elucidation of biosynthesis pathway for plant secondary metabolites SoluCel is at the forefront of this development.
• Plants
  Production in field- or greenhouse-grown plants offers an attractive option for compounds required in medium- to high-volume at low cost.
  Plants selected for high accumulation
  Genes correlated with high accumulation of the compound of interest form the basis for development of a non-GM routine genetic marker test that can be used in for the efficient and rational selection of high-accumulators amongst plants in e.g. a breeding population.
  Plants modified by directed mutagenesis
  Using SoluCel’s technology platform the genes which need to be modified for high-level accumulation of the compound of interest are identified. Mutagenesis is employed that specifically targets these genes and mutated plants are selected that carry the desired mutation(s). This approach does not involve genetic modification, because classical mutagenesis by chemicals or irradiation is used.
  Plants engineered to enhance production.
  Transgenic plants with enhanced levels of the compound of interest or with a desired compound profile are generated by expression of biosynthetic and regulatory genes identified using the SoluCel technologies.

The choice between these different sustainable production options depends on e.g. compound of interest, intended application, cost and volume considerations, technical feasibility and regulatory requirements. Large-scale commercial production will be carried out with partners specialized in the chosen system