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Plants as a Promising Biofactory for Bioactive Compounds: 2nd Edition
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Plants as a Promising Biofactory for Bioactive Compounds: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 10118

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jianfeng Xu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72467, USA
Interests: plant cell culture; plant biotechnology; hairy roots; transgenic plants; recombinant proteins; plant cell wall; glycosylation; biofuels; biochemical engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants naturally produce a diverse range of bioactive small molecules, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which are widely utilized as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Plants can also be genetically engineered to produce valuable recombinant proteins (biologics) for therapeutic and industrial applications, such as cytokines, blood proteins, antibodies, vaccines, and industrial enzymes. The driving forces behind the rapid expansion of plant-based biofactories include their low production cost, product safety, and simple scale-up process. Both whole plants and in vitro cultured plant tissues or cells can serve as a viable bioproduction platform. In the past two decades, new strategies that harness metabolic engineering, glycoengineering, and genomic editing have been developed to enhance plant production systems, with the aim of achieving commercially significant production. However, major technical challenges, particularly these systems’ low product yields, remain to be overcome.

This Special Issue of Life aims to provide a broad spectrum of reviews and original research contributions that report innovative strategies and approaches to enhancing the bioproduction of plant biofactories, as well as novel functions and applications of plant-produced bioactive compounds. In addition to papers focusing on higher plants, those on microalgae and moss production systems are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Jianfeng Xu
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • plant cell culture
  • plant tissue culture
  • medicinal plants
  • secondary metabolites
  • bioactive compounds
  • nutraceuticals
  • recombinant proteins
  • biologics

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 4144 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Infusions and Ethanolic Extracts of Annona muricata Leaves from Colima, Mexico: Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity
by Gustavo A. Hernandez-Fuentes, Osiris G. Delgado-Enciso, Edgar G. Larios-Cedeño, Juan M. Sánchez-Galindo, Silvia G. Ceballos-Magaña, Kayim Pineda-Urbina, Mario A. Alcalá-Pérez, Nancy E. Magaña-Vergara, Josuel Delgado-Enciso, Uriel Díaz-Llerenas, Janet Diaz-Martinez, Idalia Garza-Veloz, Margarita L. Martinez-Fierro, Iram P. Rodriguez-Sanchez and Ivan Delgado-Enciso
Life 2024, 14(12), 1702; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121702 - 23 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1428
Abstract
Background: Annona muricata L. (guanabana) leaves are rich in bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant properties. In the state of Colima, both ethanolic extracts and infusions are traditionally used in folk medicine to address various ailments. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the [...] Read more.
Background: Annona muricata L. (guanabana) leaves are rich in bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant properties. In the state of Colima, both ethanolic extracts and infusions are traditionally used in folk medicine to address various ailments. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts and infusions of A. muricata leaves from three geographic regions in Colima, Mexico, with a focus on how geographic origin affects their bioactive properties. Methods: Ethanolic extracts and infusions were prepared from A. muricata leaves and analyzed using phytochemical screening; DPPH, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total phenolic content (TPC) measurements; and HPLC. TLC was also conducted to examine the presence of specific compounds, such as flavonoids and phenols. Results: Both the ethanolic extracts and infusions contained significant levels of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. The infusions demonstrated superior antioxidant capacity, with DPPH inhibition values of 72.5%, 68.3%, and 65.1% in the northern, central, and southern regions, respectively, compared to the ethanolic extracts’ values of 50.3%, 48.9%, and 45.0%. HPLC identified quercetin as a major compound across all samples. Geographically, the northern region exhibited higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, particularly total flavonoid content (TFC) and iron-reducing power (FRPA). Conclusions: Both the ethanolic extracts and infusions of A. muricata leaves exhibited significant antioxidant properties, with the infusions showing superior performance. The results suggest that A. muricata infusions may have potential applications in managing oxidative stress-related diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Exploring their use in traditional medicine and employing this type of approach can help discern the metabolite profile responsible for these bioactivities. Geographic factors influence the bioactive profile of the plant, and further research is needed to isolate specific bioactive compounds and elucidate their therapeutic mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants as a Promising Biofactory for Bioactive Compounds: 2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 4996 KiB  
Article
Localization of Secondary Metabolites in Relict Gymnosperms of the Genus Sequoia In Vivo and in Cell Cultures In Vitro, and the Biological Activity of Their Extracts
by Rima N. Kirakosyan, Elena A. Kalasnikova, Elizaveta A. Bolotina, Abdulrahman Saleh, Anastasiya A. Balakina and Svetlana M. Zaytseva
Life 2024, 14(12), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121694 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1563
Abstract
In order to scientifically search for new sources of secondary metabolites with valuable qualities for phytopharmacognosy, tasks requiring a step-by-step solution were set. The primary task is the development of technologies for obtaining in vitro highly productive biomass of cells of relict gymnosperms [...] Read more.
In order to scientifically search for new sources of secondary metabolites with valuable qualities for phytopharmacognosy, tasks requiring a step-by-step solution were set. The primary task is the development of technologies for obtaining in vitro highly productive biomass of cells of relict gymnosperms of the genus Sequoia, capable of accumulating various classes of secondary metabolites. The study of the accumulation and localization of secondary metabolites allowed us to evaluate the biological activity and cytotoxicity of in vitro Sequoia cultures. In our study, histochemical methods were used to determine the localization of secondary compounds (phenolic and terpenoid in nature) in plant tissues. Secondary metabolites—polyphenols, catechins, and terpenoids—are mainly localized in the epidermal, parenchymal, and conductive tissues of Sequoia leaves and stems. In callus and suspension cultures of Sequoia, secondary metabolites were localized in cell walls and vacuoles. The mineral composition of the nutrient medium (MS and WPM), the light source (photoperiod), and the endogenous content of polyphenols in the primary explant influenced the initiation and growth characteristics of the in vitro culture of Sequoia plants. Inhibition of growth in suspension cultures on the WPM nutrient medium was noted. The cultivation of Sequoia cell lines at a 16 h photoperiod stimulated the formation of polyphenols but had a negative effect on the growth of callus cultures. Extractive substances obtained from intact and callus tissues of evergreen Sequoia demonstrate high biological (fungicidal) activity and cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effect on Fusarium oxisporum was noted when 200 mg/L of Sequoia extract was added to the nutrient medium. Extracts of redwood callus cultures were low in toxicity to normal FetMSC cells but inhibited the growth of lines of “immortal” cervical HeLa cancer cells and human glioblastoma A172. Intact tissues of Sequoia plants and cell cultures initiated from them in vitro are producers of secondary metabolites with high biological activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants as a Promising Biofactory for Bioactive Compounds: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 3712 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Hemolytic and Cytotoxic Effects of Traditional Mexican Medicinal Plant Extracts on Human Erythrocytes and Cell Cultures
by Joel H. Elizondo-Luevano, Ramiro Quintanilla-Licea, Sandra L. Castillo-Hernández, Eduardo Sánchez-García, Minerva Bautista-Villarreal, Georgia M. González-Meza, Marcela A. Gloria-Garza, Osvelia E. Rodríguez-Luis, Maciej Ireneusz Kluz and Miroslava Kačániová
Life 2024, 14(9), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091176 - 18 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1966
Abstract
Plant extracts of fifteen plants of ethnomedicinal use in Mexico were analyzed to provide scientific knowledge of their medicinal properties through the evaluation of different biological activities such as anti-hemolytic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects in normal cells. Therefore, methanolic extracts were obtained from [...] Read more.
Plant extracts of fifteen plants of ethnomedicinal use in Mexico were analyzed to provide scientific knowledge of their medicinal properties through the evaluation of different biological activities such as anti-hemolytic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects in normal cells. Therefore, methanolic extracts were obtained from each of the plants by the Soxhlet extraction. The hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes was evaluated, as was their potential to protect the erythrocyte membrane against the 2,2′-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and 1,1–diphenyl–2–picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Finally, the toxicity of the extracts in normal cell cultures of African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction method. Most of the extracts showed low hemolytic activity and high anti-hemolytic activity as well as high selectivity indices (SI) and antioxidant effects. Extracts of H. inuloides, J. dioica, and J. spicigera induced cell proliferation of the Vero cells. K. daigremontiana, A. adstringens, S. mexicanum, J. spicigera, L. tridentata, and M. tenuiflora extracts showed PBMC cell proliferation. In the present study, it was observed that the evaluated extracts did not present hemolytic activity, and some presented low toxicity when Vero and PBMC cell cultures were exposed. In conclusion, traditionally used plants possess beneficial health properties, and it is hoped that this study will serve as a basis for understanding the biological effects of traditionally used plants and may complement future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants as a Promising Biofactory for Bioactive Compounds: 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 1517 KiB  
Article
Chemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Extracts Isolated from Symbiotic L. japonicus Plants
by Foteini D. Kalousi, Michail Tsakos, Christina N. Nikolaou, Achilleas Georgantopoulos, Anna-Maria G. Psarra and Daniela Tsikou
Life 2024, 14(2), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14020189 - 27 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1717
Abstract
Plants produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites, including compounds with biological activities that could be used for the treatment of human diseases. In the present study, we examined the putative production of bioactive molecules in the legume plant Lotus japonicus, which engages [...] Read more.
Plants produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites, including compounds with biological activities that could be used for the treatment of human diseases. In the present study, we examined the putative production of bioactive molecules in the legume plant Lotus japonicus, which engages into symbiotic relationships with beneficial soil microorganisms. To monitor the production of secondary metabolites when the plant develops beneficial symbiotic relationships, we performed single and double inoculations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria. Plant extracts from non-inoculated and inoculated plants were chemically characterized and tested for anti-proliferative, apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects on human HEK-293 cells. Both shoot and root extracts from non-inoculated and inoculated plants significantly reduced the HEK-293 cell viability; however, a stronger effect was observed when the root extracts were tested. Shoot and root extracts from Rhizobium-inoculated plants and shoot extracts from AMF-inoculated plants showed apoptotic effects on human cells. Moreover, both shoot and root extracts from AMF-inoculated plants significantly reduced TNFα-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity, denoting anti-inflammatory activity. These results suggest that symbiotic L. japonicus plants are enriched with metabolites that have interesting biological activities and could be further explored for putative future use in the pharmaceutical sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants as a Promising Biofactory for Bioactive Compounds: 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 2466 KiB  
Article
Polyphenol Analysis via LC-MS-ESI and Potent Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Activities of Jatropha multifida L. Extracts Used in Benin Pharmacopoeia
by Durand Dah-Nouvlessounon, Michaelle Chokki, Essé A. Agossou, Jean-Baptiste Houédanou, Martial Nounagnon, Haziz Sina, Romana Vulturar, Simona Codruta Heghes, Angela Cozma, Jacques François Mavoungou, Adriana Fodor, Farid Baba-Moussa, Ramona Suharoschi and Lamine Baba-Moussa
Life 2023, 13(9), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13091898 - 12 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2029
Abstract
Jatropha multifida L., a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, is commonly used in Benin’s traditional medicine due to its therapeutic benefits. This study aims to explore the medicinal efficacy of Jatropha multifida L. by evaluating its various biological activities. An initial phytochemical analysis [...] Read more.
Jatropha multifida L., a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, is commonly used in Benin’s traditional medicine due to its therapeutic benefits. This study aims to explore the medicinal efficacy of Jatropha multifida L. by evaluating its various biological activities. An initial phytochemical analysis was conducted, following which the polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified and identified using LC-MS-ESI. The antimicrobial efficacy of the extracts was tested using agar diffusion. Their antioxidant capacity was assessed using several methods: DPPH radical reduction, ABTS radical cation reduction, ferric ion (FRAP) reduction, and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Anti-inflammatory activity was determined based on the inhibition of protein (specifically albumin) denaturation. The study identified several phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid, o-Coumaroylquinic acid, Apigenin-apiosyl-glucoside, and luteolin-galactoside. Notably, the extracts of J. multifida demonstrated bactericidal effects against a range of pathogens, with Concentration Minimally Bactericidal (CMB) values ranging from 22.67 mg/mL (for organisms such as S. aureus and C. albicans) to 47.61 mg/mL (for E. coli). Among the extracts, the ethanolic variant displayed the most potent DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 0.72 ± 0.03 mg/mL. In contrast, the methanolic extract was superior in ferric ion reduction, registering 46.23 ± 1.10 µgEAA/g. Interestingly, the water-ethanolic extract surpassed others in the ABTS reduction method with a score of 0.49 ± 0.11 mol ET/g and also showcased the highest albumin denaturation inhibition rate of 97.31 ± 0.35% at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. In conclusion, the extracts of Jatropha multifida L. are enriched with bioactive compounds that exhibit significant biological activities, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants as a Promising Biofactory for Bioactive Compounds: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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26 pages, 1840 KiB  
Review
Green Catalysis: The Role of Medicinal Plants as Food Waste Decomposition Enhancers/Accelerators
by Liziwe L. Mugivhisa and Madira C. Manganyi
Life 2025, 15(4), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040552 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 411
Abstract
The escalating global issue of food waste, valued at billions of USD annually and significantly impacting sustainability across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, necessitates innovative solutions to enhance waste management processes. Conventional decomposition techniques frequently encounter challenges related to inefficiencies and extended processing [...] Read more.
The escalating global issue of food waste, valued at billions of USD annually and significantly impacting sustainability across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, necessitates innovative solutions to enhance waste management processes. Conventional decomposition techniques frequently encounter challenges related to inefficiencies and extended processing durations. This investigation examines the potential contributions of medicinal plants as green catalysts in the decomposition of food waste, utilizing their bioactive compounds to mitigate these obstacles. Medicinal plants facilitate the decomposition process through various mechanisms as follows: they secrete enzymes and metabolites that aid in the disintegration of organic matter, enhancing microbial activity and soil pH and structure. Furthermore, they foster nitrogen cycling and generate growth regulators that further optimize the efficiency of decomposition. The symbiotic associations between medicinal plants and microorganisms, including mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria, are also instrumental in enhancing nutrient cycling and improving rates of decomposition. The utilization of medicinal plants in food waste management not only accelerates the decomposition process but also underpins sustainable practices by converting waste into valuable compost, thereby enriching soil health and lessening dependence on chemical fertilizers. This methodology is congruent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and presents a plausible trajectory toward a circular economy and improved environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants as a Promising Biofactory for Bioactive Compounds: 2nd Edition)
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