Molecular farming: strategies, expression systems and bio-safety considerations

Abstract

Molecular farming is an experimental application of biotechnology that involves the genetic modification of crops for the production of proteins and chemicals for medicinal and commercial purposes. The vast majority in the developing world cannot afford the high cost of therapeutics produced by existing methods. We need to produce not only new therapeutics but also cheaper versions of the existing ones. Molecular farming could offer a viable option for this growing need for biopharmaceuticals. Plant made therapeutics are cheaper, safer, can be abundantly produced and easily stored. Here, strategies and approaches utilized in plant molecular farming are discussed. Furthermore, the bio-safety considerations related to this emerging field are also discussed.