PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR FARMING: A NEW FRONTIER IN PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATION
Dr. Rashmi Jachak*
ABSTRACT
Molecular farming is a biotechnological approach that utilizes genetically engineered plants to produce pharmaceuticals like vaccines, antibodies, and therapeutic proteins. Offering a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional methods, it eliminates risks of human pathogen contamination and reduces reliance on complex fermentation facilities. Advances in plant genetic engineering, including transgenic and transient expression systems, have enhanced biopharmaceutical yield and quality. Expression platforms like chloroplast engineering and viral vectors, such as the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), enable rapid, high-yield protein production. Despite promising developments, challenges like low protein yields, processing complexities, and regulatory barriers persist. This paper explores innovations in molecular farming, addressing genetic modifications, optimization strategies, and regulatory considerations, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize pharmaceutical production and improve global healthcare access.
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