SBIR Phase I: Enabling High Output Carotenogenesis in Plant Cells

Kuehnle Agro Systems, Honolulu HI

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the technical feasibility of enhancing isoprenoid biosynthesis by mevalonate pathway addition to plastids of a eukaryotic model. Isoprenoids, as carotenoids, serve as natural colorants in plant products and also have a market as human dietary supplement. Increasing the output of carotenoids in cultivated plants and microalgae is of considerable interest as a way to provide these isoprenoids as natural products from renewable sources rather than from chemical synthesis. The commercial application of this project will be on the aquaculture and the ornamental horticulture industries.