Robotics & automation for plant-based production of pharmaceutical peptides (2025-2028)
Abstract
The aim of the project is to produce peptide-based drugs in plants. This is significant because peptides are viewed as exciting new generation drugs that are potentially safer and more effective than traditional 'small molecule' drugs. Plants offer the possibility of producing these drugs in a sustainable, eco-friendly way, avoiding harsh chemicals and solvents used in traditional drug manufacture. Expected outcomes are (i) engineered plants custom designed for peptide production, (ii) peptide drugs suitable for plant-based production and (iii) proof of concept that these designer peptides can be produced in a host plant. Anticipated benefits are economic (from future potential products) and environmental (from sustainable manufacture).
