Chloroplast-Derived Nanomaterials

Advances in nanotechnology offer promising new approaches to some of the toughest challenges in chloroplast biotechnology research. Lifeasible has successfully developed a variety of reliable and economical solutions for chloroplast engineering in biomaterials. Our engineers focus on developing nanoparticles with enhanced chloroplast transformation efficiency using chloroplast genetic engineering.

Introduction

The development of chloroplast transformation technology is hindered by the low chloroplast transformation rate, the small number of species capable of transforming the chloroplast genome, and the labor-intensive culture of callus. The development of nanotechnology provides promising new approaches for the application of chloroplast biotechnology in the fields of medicine, fuel, food, bioplastics and chemicals. Nanomaterials are particles with sizes in the 1-100 nm scale, with different shapes, aspect ratios, charges, and surface chemistries. Nanoparticles can be encapsulated or loaded with biomolecules to deliver cargo, such as chemicals and genetic elements, that can be targeted to plant cells and organelles such as chloroplasts by changing their size and charge. Scientists have successfully synthesized an economical and environmentally friendly gold nanoparticles using chloroplasts as biological templates, which are widely used in cancer diagnosis, biosensors and ultrasensitive detection. Furthermore, nanoparticles proved to be a new, powerful and promising tool to enhance plant photosynthesis.

Fig. 1. Understanding and modeling nanoparticle-chloroplast interactions. (Newkirk GM, et al., 2021)

Solutions

Successful delivery of nanoparticle-based biomolecules to chloroplasts is possible based on the understanding of the interaction between nanoparticles and plant cells. We have successfully applied chloroplast transformation technology to the research and development of nanomaterials. Lifeasible is committed to developing a nanoplatform consisting of chloroplast-derived nanoparticles for targeted delivery of chemicals and genetic elements to the chloroplast, nanosensors for designing chloroplast biomolecules, and nanoparticles for enhancing chloroplast performance.

Currently we offer the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles and carbon-based nanomaterials using chloroplasts as reducing agents and stabilizers. At the same time, we tried to implement nanotechnological transport of chloroplast synthetic biology using various strategies, such as coating single-walled carbon nanotubes with single-stranded DNA, and using nanoparticles to fabricate carbon nanotubes and quantum dots with fluorescent properties. Our engineers have successfully developed several nanotechnology approaches to chloroplast biotechnology.

• Modular tuning of nanomaterial properties for multiple functions, including biomolecular and chemical delivery, biosensors, antioxidants.
• The nanomaterials were delivered into chloroplasts as liquid suspensions by passive ingestion without mechanical assistance or by needle-free syringes and foliar sprays.
• Using nanotechnology to engineer chloroplasts to improve chloroplast function or enable unnatural abilities of chloroplasts.

Applications of Our Solutions

• Nanotechnology-based sensors monitor plant health.
• Nanotechnology-based sensors detect molecules associated with photosynthesis as well as chemicals in the environment.
• Enhancing photosynthesis in plants by supporting chloroplast biotechnology through nanotechnology.
• Targeted delivery of agrochemicals to the chloroplast.
• Converting plants to biomanufacturing.

Lifeasible is committed to providing customers around the world with fully customized chloroplast engineered solutions for nanoparticles. Please contact us to discuss further details to ensure your next success.

References

1. Newkirk GM, de Allende P, et al. (2021) Nanotechnology Approaches for Chloroplast Biotechnology Advancements. Front Plant Sci. 12:691295.
2. Swift TA, Oliver TAA, et al. (2019) Functional nanomaterials to augment photosynthesis: evidence and considerations for their responsible use in agricultural applications. Interface Focus. 9(1):20180048.