This special issue is a compilation of articles on food and plant biotechnology. Topics discussed are: emerging frontiers in detection and control of bacterial biofilms; genetic engineering of the chloroplast; sustainable sources for omega-3 fatty acids production; biotechnological solutions to the nitrogen problem; central role of cyclic electron transport around photosystem I in the regulation of photosynthesis; plant genome sequencing; current topics in the biotechnological production of essential amino acids, functional amino acids, and dipeptides; environmental responses and phage susceptibility in foodborne pathogens; filamentous fungi are large-scale producers of pigments and colorants for the food industry; novel perspectives for the engineering of abiotic stress tolerance in plants; microbial production of antioxidant food ingredients via metabolic engineering; plant cell wall engineering; rational identification of diet-derived postbiotics for improving intestinal microbiota function; gene clustering in plant specialized metabolism; xylem biosynthesis; designer plant cell walls; salt resistant crop plants; push-pull farming systems; prospects for the use of plant cell cultures in food biotechnology; probiotics tailored to the infant; biotechnological production of natural zero-calorie sweeteners; bioactive fungal polysaccharides as potential functional ingredients in food and nutraceuticals; metabolic engineering approaches for production of biochemicals in food and medicinal plants; flux analysis in plant metabolic networks; and lignin bioengineering. These articles are intended for plant geneticists, food scientists, animal nutritionists and food technologists.[1]

This article aims to inform the reader of the importance of searching patent landscapes in plant biotechnology and the use of basic tools to perform a patent search. The recommendations for a patent search strategy are illustrated with the specific example of zinc finger nuclease technology for genetic engineering in plants. Within this scope, we provide a general introduction to searching using two online and free-access patent databases epicene and Patent Scope. The essential features of the two databases, and their functionality is described, together with short descriptions to enable the reader to understand patents, searching, their content, patent families, and their territorial scope.[2]

Figure 1.Plant Biotechnology

Figure 1 shows Plant biotechnology refers to the application of scientific techniques to improve plant genetics, growth, and development. It has the potential to address global challenges such as food security, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

Some examples of plant biotechnology include:

1. Genetic engineering: Scientists can modify plant genes to produce crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, have higher yields, and are more tolerant to environmental stresses such as drought and heat.
2. Plant tissue culture: Plant tissue culture involves growing plant cells in a laboratory setting to produce identical copies of a plant. This technique is used to propagate rare or endangered plant species and to produce large quantities of plants with desirable traits.
3. Marker-assisted selection: This technique involves identifying DNA markers that are associated with desirable traits and using them to select plants with those traits. This technique allows plant breeders to select plants with desirable traits more efficiently and accurately.
4. Genome editing: Genome editing involves making precise changes to the DNA sequence of a plant. This technique is used to produce crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, have higher yields, and are more tolerant to environmental stresses
5. Bioreactors: Bioreactors are used to grow large quantities of plants in a controlled environment. This technology is used to produce plant-based products such as medicines, cosmetics, and food additives.

Plant biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and address many of the challenges facing the world today. However, it is also a controversial topic, and there are concerns about the safety and environmental impact of genetically modified crops. It is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of plant biotechnology and to ensure that it is used responsibly and ethically.

References:

1. https://www.cabdirect.org/globalhealth/abstract/20143139508
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11248-012-9641-z

Cite this article:

Janani R (2023),Plant Biotechnology, Anatechmaz, pp.114