Research

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In-vitro cultural approach for obtaining health related products

The study focuses on obtaining plant secondary metabolites which are characterized by health-promoting properties and can be used as components of functional food or nutraceuticals. The production of metabolites depends on many factors as represented by the bio-manufacturing chain:

The figure illustrates the processes which are involved in the production of compounds such as glucosinolates and phenolic acids (anti-carcinogenics), anthocyanins and betalains (dyes), and sweeteners steviosides.

In order to obtain the plant material rich in desirable substances, we provided the screening of plants characterized by a naturally high content of these compounds.

The profiles and concentrations of phytochemicals were compared in the in vivo (plants grown in soil, in soil-free hydroponics and aeroponics, sprouts as well as in sustainable by-products) and in vitro systems. In vitro cultures are especially advantageous if the initial plants are rare or dependent on the growing season or conditions.  In vitro cells, shoots and transformed hairy root cultures are in many cases characterized by higher concentration of metabolites synthesized in plants or by de novo synthesis of phytochemicals.

To optimize the nutrient supply, growing mediums were selected according to the demands of plant systems. The application of phytohormones helps in regulating the development and differentiation of callus to plant organs. In order to increase the synthesis of metabolites, the plants and cultures were subjected to stress factors, also called elicitors. They trigger specifically the expression of genes that activate plant defense responses including the synthesis of metabolites.

The methods used for the recovery of metabolites include exudation, membrane permeabilisation, and solvent extraction. Obtaining metabolites from the exudates of plant roots or in vitro cultures is a low-cost and continuous procedure. Moreover, the yield of metabolites increases with changes in cell membrane permeability through processes such as the fermentation of plant tissues by microorganisms. Furthermore, we compared the efficiency of different solvents on the phytochemical content in the extracts.

Two important qualitative characteristics of the end-products under investigation are their antioxidant potential and stability of phytochemical extracts to pH and temperature.