A new mechanism of oil biosynthesis has been discovered by researchers at Washington State University, leading to the genetic engineering of a test plant to produce different kinds of seed oils more efficiently. Published in Nature Communications, the study highlighted a potential breakthrough in the production of valuable oils used in food and various industries. Phil Bates, a WSU professor and lead author on the study, emphasized the importance of novel seed oil compositions and the challenges faced in producing desired oils in large quantities.
The researchers investigated Physaria fendleri, a plant related to canola, which demonstrated the ability to change the fatty acid composition in its seed oil after it is made, a unique characteristic previously unknown in plants. By identifying the genetic mechanism responsible for this process, the team successfully genetically engineered a similar plant, Arabidopsis, to produce significant amounts of an oil similar to castor oil, which it does not naturally produce. This breakthrough offers the potential to increase production of valuable oils used across various industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuels.
Plant oils are a crucial component in numerous industries due to their fatty acid composition, with a majority of the oil being valuable for industrial uses in crops like castor beans. However, transferring desirable oil-making genes into other plants often results in only small amounts of usable oil being produced. The newly discovered mechanism of oil biosynthesis presents an opportunity to enhance oil production by overcoming metabolic bottlenecks and improving the composition of oils in a more efficient manner, reducing the reliance on dangerous crops like castor.
The discovery of this novel biosynthetic process offers the potential to revolutionize oil composition and production, leading researchers to explore the application of this technology in crop plants. The goal is to produce healthy fatty acids beneficial beyond industrial uses, potentially impacting food production and biofuels, particularly in the aviation industry. Bates and his team are exploring whether other plants exhibit similar capabilities in remodeling oils post-production, highlighting the potential for further innovation in the agricultural sector.
Collaborating with labs at WSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the project was funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, National Science Foundation, and U.S. Department of Energy. Through continued research and development, the researchers aim to refine the genetic engineering process and expand the applications of this innovative mechanism in enhancing oil production in crop plants. This groundbreaking discovery has the potential to transform the agricultural industry and pave the way for sustainable and efficient methods of producing valuable oils for various industrial and commercial purposes.
