https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/press/AA5_101865.html
https://www.chiyodacorp.com/en/media/assets/250707_e.pdf
In the framework of NEDO’s “Development of Bio-derived Product Production Technology to Accelerate the Realization of Carbon Recycling”, Chiyoda Corporation has constructed a demonstration facility for the production of human type II collagen from tobacco plants. This technology can also produce a variety of other products such as vaccines, pharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine products, cosmetics, and functional foods in an animal-free and inexpensive manner.
This facility will be launched as Japan’s first “Plant Biofoundry,” commissioned to develop the practical application of plant biomanufacturing. It will support research and development at various institutions and companies.
While development of demonstration facilities for the production of useful substances using microorganisms is underway, it is difficult for microorganisms to express giant molecules with molecular weights of hundreds of thousands or to produce useful substances with complex molecular structures by post-translational modification. Human type II collagen is such protein that requires complex post-translational modifications that are difficult to produce in E. coli. As shown by several controls, the plant-based product has properties similar to those of animal-derived products.
The project team included Chiyoda, Nippi, METI’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), and Osaka University’s International Center for Biotechnology (ICB).
Chiyoda Corporation will operate this demonstration facility as a “plant biofoundry,” and will also undertake process development and sample manufacturing for useful material products developed by various institutions and companies, and provide support services for practical application, contributing to a plant biomanufacturing industry.
NEDO will increase the number of demonstration examples of such industrial material production systems, accelerate the social implementation of bio-based products, and create new products and services, thereby contributing to the revitalization of Japan’s bioeconomy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
