University of California, Riverside scientists are studying whether they can turn edible plants like lettuce into RNA pollen plants.
Messenger RNA or mRNA technology is used in COVID-19 Vaccines work by teaching our cells to recognize us and protect us from infectious diseases. One of the challenges with this new technology is having to keep it cool to maintain stability during transportation and storage.
If the new project is successful, the university said in a press release, plant mRNA vaccines — which are digestible — could overcome this challenge by being able to store them at room temperature.
This project, supported by a $500,000 grant from the US National Science Foundation, has three goals: Demonstrate that DNA containing vaccine mRNA can be successfully delivered to parts of plant cells where it will be reproduced, demonstrate that plants can produce enough mRNA to compete with conventional injections, and finally, to determine the right dose.
“Ideally, one plant produces enough RNA to inoculate one person,” a statement from the university quoted leader Juan Pablo Giraldo as saying. “We are testing this approach with spinach and lettuce and we have long-term goals for people growing it in their own gardens. The farmer can eventually plant his entire field too.”
The key to getting this work done are chloroplasts — tiny organs in plant cells that convert sunlight into energy that plants can use. “They are small, solar-powered factories that produce sugars and other molecules that allow plants to grow. They are also an untapped resource for making desired molecules.”
The publication says Giraldo is working with Nicole Steinmetz, a professor of nanoengineering at the University of California, San Diego, to utilize nanotechnology designed by his team that will deliver genetic material to chloroplasts.
Source: University of California, Riverside
–
–
“Hipster friendly music fan. Analyst. Beer practitioner. Very charming twitter pioneer. Communicators.”
—-
–
