Lucknow, Feb 28 (IANS) – The CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) is planning to establish a unit for the development of a synthetic biology platform for high-value phytomolecules. Synthetic biology involves modifying living organisms to enhance their usefulness through genetic engineering.
CIMAP director Prabodh Kumar Trivedi explained, “The unit will focus on developing phytomolecules, which are plant-produced molecules used to protect themselves from harmful organisms. This initiative is crucial for the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.” The institute aims to accelerate research on plant genome editing and set standards for herbal products.
The decision to venture into synthetic plant biology was based on the importance of plant-specialized metabolites for medicinal purposes. By enhancing the production of bioactive compounds, especially in plants that are difficult to cultivate, CIMAP aims to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. Director Trivedi emphasized the institute’s goal of establishing a synthetic biology platform.
Trivedi further added, “Our focus will also be on plant genome-editing to improve traits in medicinal and aromatic plants. We are committed to developing sustainable aroma clusters to boost farmers’ income through innovative practices like solar distillation units and utilizing waste for various purposes.” CIMAP is dedicated to exploring new possibilities in synthetic biology to benefit various sectors including agriculture and medicine.
–IANS amita/prw
