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February 28, 2024
The CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), renowned for its expertise in extracting natural compounds from aromatic and medicinal plants, is gearing up to launch a new unit dedicated to the development of a synthetic biology platform for high-value phytomolecules.
Synthetic biology, a cutting-edge field of science, involves intentionally modifying living organisms to imbue them with new functionalities through genetic engineering.
Director of CIMAP, Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, unveiled plans for the establishment of this innovative unit, stating, “The unit will focus on developing phytomolecules—compounds naturally produced by plants to fend off moulds, yeasts, bacteria, and other harmful organisms. Given the longstanding use of plants and their extracts in human and veterinary medicine, this initiative holds significant promise for the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.”
Trivedi outlined CIMAP’s broader objectives, including accelerating research on plant genome editing, setting standards for herbal products, and fostering sustainable aroma clusters aimed at doubling farmers’ income. The institute’s strategic adoption of synthetic plant biology aligns with its ongoing research in aromatic and medicinal plants, emphasizing the potential for synthetic biology to revolutionize the production of bioactive compounds.
“Synthetic biology empowers us to introduce useful new traits into viruses, bacteria, yeasts, plants, or animals through genetic manipulation,” explained Trivedi. “For instance, by integrating spider DNA into silkworms, we can enhance the production of super-strong, ultra-lightweight silk. Our goal is to establish a robust synthetic biology platform that will drive innovation and advancement in this field.”
Trivedi emphasized CIMAP’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of farmers and entrepreneurs. Initiatives such as sustainable aroma clusters, utilizing solar distillation units to minimize carbon emissions, zero-waste practices, apiculture, and the integration of agri-drones for disease and nutrient management underscore CIMAP’s holistic approach to agricultural sustainability and economic development.
As CIMAP embarks on this ambitious venture, it aims to spearhead advancements in synthetic biology, plant genome editing, and sustainable agriculture, propelling India’s scientific prowess to new heights.
