PROBLEM
Plant biologists in the pharmaceutical, agro-biotechnology and bioenergy industries are continually seeking compounds to significantly activate cell division in cultures of valuable plant cells. Existing compounds such as phytohormones are not always effective in the industrial scale. More effective methods or compounds are needed to stimulate plant tissue growth.
SOLUTION
By using nanomaterials such as multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), researchers at UA Little Rock have found a new effective way to increase the yield of plant cell biomass. Researchers have observed that by adding low doses of carbon nanotubes to standard growth media, it affects the expression of a number of genes that are essential for cellular functions resulting in significantly higher yield of plant cell tissue growth when compared to existing growth regulators or activated carbon. As a result, carbon nanotubes can act as growth regulators/enhancers for plant cells.
ADVANTAGES:
- Increase in overall production of plant cell biomass
- Reduction in growth time
- Low cost of suggested medium supplement
OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER:
Sponsored Research
Licensing
Related Publications:
ACS Nano, 2012, 6 (3), pp 2128–2135 DOI: 10.1021/nn204643g
About the Lead Researcher:
Dr. Mariya Khodakovskaya 
Areas of Expertise
- Metabolic Engineering
- Plant Transformation
- Plant Tissue Culture
- Nanobiotechnology
- Plant Stress Signaling
- Genetic engieering of ornamental plants
Over 30 publications, including published work in Science, PNAS, ACS Nano, Small etc.
Pending/Awarded Patent Applications
- “Method and composition for increasing branching and flowering response in plants” (McAvoy, Khodakovskaya, Li)
- “Method and composition for increasing plant survival and viability under cold and/or dark storage conditions” (McAvoy, Khodakovskaya, Li)
- “Method of using carbon nanotubes to affect seed germination and plant growth“ (Khodakovskaya, Biris)
- “Increase of stress tolerance in plants by silencing of gene of calcium-dependent lipid-binding protein with C2 domain” (Khodakovskaya)
- “Activation of plant cell culture growth by introduction of carbon nanotubes in growth medium” (Khodakovskaya, Biris)
