Phytome Research Collaboration Aims to Revolutionize Pharmaceutical Agriculture

Phytome Life Sciences has joined forces with Inventronics and the University of Plymouth to develop advanced controlled environment solutions for the biopharmaceutical industry. Their research collaboration, initiated in November 2022, focuses on investigating the epigenetic effects of light and other environmental factors on plant-based production of biotherapeutics in controlled-environment systems.

Preliminary results from their AI-driven study have shown that specific wavelengths of light can enhance plant biomass yield, increase the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and promote plant longevity. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to transform cultivation strategies, reduce energy consumption, and optimize the production of plant-derived therapeutics.

Dr. Sebastian Vaughan, CEO of Phytome Life Sciences, emphasizes the importance of standardizing the production of high-value therapeutic molecules in a plant-based system. The goal is to achieve scalable and reproducible production of specific plant-derived therapeutics, which could have significant implications for medical drug research and the controlled-environment agriculture industry.

By exploiting epigenetic plant traits and delivering precise environmental cues, Phytome’s research aims to maximize productivity and consistency while minimizing energy waste. Combined with optimized plant cultivars, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the field of controlled-environment agriculture.

The collaboration between Phytome and the University of Plymouth is led Dr. Hail Rihan, an expert in controlled environment agriculture and plant tissue culture. The research team is exploring the commercial application of next-generation LED technologies for intensive hydroponic cultivation of high-value crops.

The preliminary results have garnered excitement and interest from industry professionals. Dino Jakobi, Global Sales Manager of Horticulture at Inventronics, highlights the opportunity to develop new luminaire technologies and lighting strategies that enhance crop quality and conformity while reducing operating costs.

The University of Plymouth’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Archie Clements, and Professor Richard Preziosi, Head of the School for Biological & Marine Sciences, both express their enthusiasm for the potential of these technologies to revolutionize plant-environment interactions and unlock the fullest potential of plants as sustainable sources of medicines, industrial chemicals, and high-quality food.

Phytome Life Sciences is dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions in the botanical pharmaceutical industry. This research collaboration marks a significant milestone in their efforts to revolutionize the field and unlock the full potential of plant-based therapeutics.

Source: Phytome Life Sciences, Inventronics, University of Plymouth