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Converting plants into biofactories comes closer to reality

Australian researchers have come a step closer to turning plants into biofactories capable of producing oils which can be used to replace petrochemicals used to manufacture a range of products.

Canberra, April 30 : Australian researchers have come a step closer to turning plants into 'biofactories' capable of producing oils which can be used to replace petrochemicals used to manufacture a range of products.

These scientists, who work within the joint CSIRO/Grains Research and Development Corporation Crop Biofactories Initiative (CBI), have achieved a major advance by accumulating 30 per cent of an unusual fatty acid (UFA) in the model plant, Arabidopsis.

UFAs are usually sourced from petrochemicals to produce plastics, paints and cosmetics.

CBI is developing new technologies for making a range of UFAs in oilseeds, to provide Australia with a head start in the emerging 'bioeconomy'.

"Using crops as biofactories has many advantages, beyond the replacement of dwindling petrochemical resources," said the leader of the crop development team, CSIRO's Dr Allan Green.

"Global challenges such as population growth, climate change and the switch from non-renewable resources are opening up many more opportunities for bio-based products," he added.

The production of biofactory plants can be matched to demand and will provide farmers with new, high-value crops bred to suit their growing conditions. The technology is low greenhouse gas generating, sustainable and can reinvigorate agribusiness.

According to Dr Green, "We are confident we have the right genes, an understanding of the biosynthesis pathways and the right breeding skills to produce an oilseed plant with commercially viable UFA levels in the near future."

The team has selected safflower as the target crop for the process.

"Safflower is an ideal plant for industrial production for Australia," said Dr Green. "It is hardy and easy to grow, widely adapted to Australian production regions and easily isolated from food production systems," he added.

ANI