Using Photosynthesis to Create Medicines

Photosynthesis is capable of doing more than just making oxygen and glucose. Scientists are reporting an advance in re-engineering photosynthesis to transform plants into bio-factories that manufacture high-value ingredients for medicines, fabrics, fuels and other products (ACS). Poul Erik Jensen and colleagues explain that photosynthesis does more than transform carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen and generate energy. That process also produces a wealth of natural chemical compounds, many of which have potential uses in medicines and other commercial products (ACS).

The scientists report that they will be relocating an entire metabolic pathway needed for the production of natural bioactive chemicals to the chloroplast (ACS). These chemicals will be used to create medicine. "This opens the avenue for a light-driven synthesis of a vast array of other natural chemicals in the chloroplast," say the scientists (ACS).