Unlocking Plant Seed Oil Mechanism: Transformative Impact on Industrial and Food Oil Sectors

Researchers have uncovered a groundbreaking mechanism for oil biosynthesis in plants and have successfully genetically engineered a test plant to produce a wider array of seed oils efficiently. Although still in its proof-of-concept stage, this discovery holds promise for revolutionizing the production of valuable oils crucial for various industries. Led by Washington State University scientists, the study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on a previously unknown capability of certain plants to modify their seed oil composition post-production.

Professor Phil Bates, the lead author, explains that while scientists have long pursued novel seed oil compositions, achieving significant yields has been elusive. The team's investigation into Physaria fendleri, a relative of canola, revealed its ability to naturally alter fatty acid composition in seed oil, a phenomenon previously unrecognized in plants. Leveraging this discovery, they identified the genetic mechanism responsible and successfully replicated it in Arabidopsis, another plant species, resulting in substantial production of an oil akin to castor oil, which Arabidopsis does not naturally produce.

Plant oils are integral to various sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuels, owing to their fatty acid profiles. Bates underscores the significance of this finding, noting that around 90% of oil is crucial for industrial applications, such as lubricants derived from castor beans. However, existing methods often yield insufficient usable oil. The newly unveiled biosynthetic pathway offers a promising solution to enhance oil production.

The implications extend beyond industry, potentially mitigating reliance on hazardous crops like castor, which contain ricin, a potent toxin. Bates emphasizes the versatility of this biosynthetic process, envisioning applications beyond industrial use to include health-oriented fatty acids.

The research team is exploring similar oil remodeling processes in other plant species, with implications for food and biofuel sectors, including aviation fuel. This collaborative effort, involving WSU's Bates and Smertenko labs alongside USDA partners, was supported by funding from USDA, NSF, and DOE, marking a significant step towards sustainable and enhanced oil production methods.