Roots in nature produce an astonishing variety of secondary metabolites, many of which have been used as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, flavors, fragrances, etc. A recent experimental system, "hairy root" cultures obtained by transformation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes, has been developed and become a useful tool for understanding basic root biology. The "hairy root" approach also has several advantages over other plant tissue culture systems for the production of plant chemicals: fast-growth as organized cultures, higher and stable yields of secondary metabolites, production of both intra- and extracellular metabolites, and direct amenability to genetic engineering. The goal of this proposal is to integrate expertise in the biological and engineering sciences towards the development of commercially viable plant root systems.

Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1991-09-15
Budget End
1995-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
$582,165
Indirect Cost
Name
Pennsylvania State University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
University Park
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
16802