3. Introduction
Plant tissue culture is a technique that
involves the aseptic (sterile) culture of
plant cells, tissues, or organs in a
controlled environment, allowing for
the growth and development of new
plants. This technology has various
commercial applications, but it also
presents some challenges and
issues.
6. Introduction
• Horticulture and plant propagation significantly benefit from
the application of tissue culture techniques.
• Plant tissue culture plays a crucial role in these fields by
providing a controlled and efficient means of propagating
plants with desirable traits, improving genetic diversity, and
preserving rare or endangered species.
• Here are some specific applications of tissue culture in
horticulture and plant propagation.
7. Applications
Micropropagation
Micropropagation is extensively used in horticulture for commercial
production of elite plant varieties, such as ornamental plants, fruit trees,
and high-value crops. It ensures uniformity and consistency in plant
traits, leading to increased productivity and better quality crops.
Rejuvenation of Old Plants
Tissue culture allows horticulturists to rejuvenate aging plants by
culturing cells or tissues from young and healthy parts of the plant. This
process renews the vigor of the plant and enables continued
propagation of valuable older specimens.
Germplasm Conservation
Tissue culture provides a valuable tool for conserving germplasm of
rare and endangered plant species. By maintaining plant cells, tissues,
or embryos in vitro, horticulturists can protect these species from
extinction and preserve their genetic diversity for future generations.
8. Propagation of Recalcitrant Plants
Some plant species have seeds that are difficult to store or
germinate. Tissue culture can be employed to propagate
these recalcitrant plants by using other plant parts, such as
shoot tips or axillary buds, as explants for culturing.
Rapid Seedling Production
Tissue culture can accelerate seedling production for
various crops. It offers an efficient method to multiply
seedlings rapidly, particularly for species with slow seed
germination or low seed viability.
9. Issues
• Cost and infrastructure
• Labor intensive
• Sensitivity to environmental
factors
• Recalcitrant species
• Contamination
• Genetic stability
• Acclimatization and
transplantation
• Over-reliance on clonal
propagation
12. Introduction
• Plant tissue culture has several important
applications in the pharmaceutical industry,
particularly in the production of valuable
secondary metabolites and pharmaceutical
compounds from plants. Here are some key
applications
13. *Applications
Production of Medicinal Compounds
Many plants produce bioactive compounds with medicinal properties, such
as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Tissue
culture allows for the controlled production of these compounds in vitro,
providing a consistent and renewable source of medicinal plant materials.
Drug Development and Screening
By culturing plant cells, scientists can test the efficacy of various plant
extracts or compounds against specific diseases or health conditions,
speeding up the process of drug screening.
Biochemical and Metabolic Studies
Plant tissue culture allows researchers to study the biochemical pathways
involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. This knowledge is vital
for optimizing production and understanding the potential therapeutic
effects of these compounds.
14. Enhancement of Secondary Metabolite
Production
Through tissue culture techniques, researchers can manipulate
culture conditions, nutrient media, and growth regulators to enhance
the production of specific medicinal compounds in plant cells.
Genetic Engineering for Improved
Compounds
Tissue culture allows for genetic engineering of plants to produce
novel or improved pharmaceutical compounds. Genes responsible
for producing valuable compounds can be introduced into plants,
leading to enhanced yields or the production of compounds not
naturally found in the plant.
15. Issues
Cost of
Production
Regulatory
Approval
Contamination
Control
Ethical
Considerations
Pharmaceutical
Compound
Yield
Cultural and
Technical
Knowledge
17. Introduction
• In the cosmetic and personal care industry, tissue culture
techniques have several applications that contribute to the
development and production of various products.
• These applications leverage the ability of tissue culture to produce
valuable compounds, extract active ingredients, and propagate
plant materials with desirable traits.
• Some key applications of tissue culture in the cosmetic and
personal care industry include:
18. Applications
Production of Plant Extracts
Tissue culture allows for the controlled production of plant cells and
tissues rich in bioactive compounds. These plant extracts can be used
as natural ingredients in cosmetic formulations, providing antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.
Anti-Microbial Agents
Plant-derived compounds with antimicrobial properties can be
produced through tissue culture and used in personal care products
like soaps and cleansers.
Sustainable Sourcing
By using tissue culture to produce plant-derived ingredients, the
cosmetic industry can reduce its impact on natural ecosystems and
support sustainable sourcing practices.
19. Biologically Active Compounds
Tissue culture enables the production of biologically active
compounds, such as enzymes, peptides, and growth factors, which
have applications in anti-aging and skin rejuvenation products.
Aroma Compounds
Tissue culture can be used to produce specific aroma compounds
from plant tissues, which are utilized in fragrances, perfumes, and
scented personal care products.
Colorants and Pigments
Pigment-producing plant cells cultured in vitro can yield natural
colorants used in cosmetics, hair dyes, and other personal care
products.
20. Issues
• Availability of Plant
Material
• Consumer
Acceptance
• Cost of Production
• Scale-Up Challenges
• Contamination
Control
• Regulatory Approval
• Limited Applications
21. Other applications
Agricultural Biotechnology
Crop Breeding and Trait Introduction
Virus Elimination and Disease-Free Plant
Somatic Embryogenesis and Artificial Seeds
Conservation and Forestry
Rare species rescue
Research and breeding
22. References
• George, E. F., Hall, M. A., & De Klerk, G. J. (2008). Plant Propagation by Tissue
Culture: The Background. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Thorpe, T. A. (2007). History of Plant Tissue Culture. Molecular Biotechnology,
37(2), 169-180.
• Giri, C. C., & Zaheer, M. (2016). Chemical elicitors versus secondary metabolite
production in vitro using plant cell, tissue and organ cultures: Recent trends and
a sky eye view appraisal. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC),
127(1), 1-18.