A review and outlook on expression of animal proteins in plants

Daniel Tusé, Matthew McNulty, Karen A. McDonald, Leah W. Buchman

Front. Plant Sci., 22 August 2024; https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1426239

Figure: Daniel Tusé; Senior Executive (CEO, President); DT Consulting Group, Director

Intrucept Biomedicine LLC; Sacramento, United States

ABSTRACT

This review delves into the multifaceted technologies, benefits and considerations surrounding the expression of animal proteins in plants, emphasizing its potential role in advancing global nutrition, enhancing sustainability, while being mindful of the safety considerations. As the world’s population continues to grow and is projected to reach 9 billion people by 2050, there is a growing need for alternative protein sources that can meet nutritional demands while minimizing environmental impact. Plant expression of animal proteins is a cutting-edge biotechnology approach that allows crops to produce proteins traditionally derived from animals, offering a sustainable and resource-efficient manner of producing these proteins that diversifies protein production and increases food security. In the United States, it will be important for there to be clear guidance in order for these technologies to reach consumers. As consumer demand for sustainable and alternative food sources rise, biotechnologies can offer economic opportunities, making this emerging technology a key player in the market landscape.

In summary, biotechnology is a collection of important tools for achieving global food security, offering innovative solutions to address key challenges in agricultural production, resource management, food quality and safety. PMF and related methods enable the precise modification of crops to produce protein-rich ingredients that can be utilized in alternative protein products, further diversifying protein sources and enhancing sustainability. Continuing research on production, resource management, quality, and stewardship as well as producer and consumer sentiment will be important for the ultimate PMF product market. The materials and methods used in PMF have been developed and optimized over several decades and are considered safe if properly applied and consistent with existing regulatory statutes, and so are the products they produce.

See https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1426239/full