Novel method to increase production and extraction of phytosterols

Description of the technology

New procedure that increases the production and extraction of phytosterols in plant cell cultures in vitro. To do this, is added to the culture medium cyclodextrins and optionally methyl jasmonate. After growing under certain conditions, phytosterols are obtained with yields higher than the current extraction techniques from the plant material. This method allows a stable production of phytosterols, independent of geographical, seasonal and environmental factors, with reduced spaces requirements and easier process of purification and industrial scaling.

Specifications

Main advantages of its use

• The in vitro plant cell cultures are independent of: geographical, seasonal and environmental factors.
• They are stable production systems (ensure continuous collection of compounds with constant quality and productivity).
• Reduced space requirements for the development of production.
• Easier process of purifying the compound of interest (it can be optimized and adjusted to the parameters of cell growth to facilitate their release into the culture medium)
• Possibility to produce phytosterols on a large scale in bioreactors easier and cheaper, so it is possible to reach costing levels that permits marketing the technology.
• Possibility of obtaining new products that are not synthesized by plants in natural state.
• There are other factors that can increase productivity (for example, the elicitation of cell culture).

Applications

• Food additives, their consumption is closely related with a lower risk of coronary heart diseases, and this is why they are present in margarine, butter, milk, yogurt, ice cream, breakfast cereals, sausages, sauces, etc.
• Medicine.
• Pharmacy.
• Biotechnology
• Cosmetics