Researchers Develop Method to Increase Pro-Vitamin A Content in Lettuce by 30-Fold
AGRICULTURE
9/27/2024
Researchers from the Technical University of Valencia have successfully developed an innovative method for biofortification, significantly enhancing beta-carotene content, the primary precursor of vitamin A. In their study, published in the Plant Journal in August 2024, the researchers combined two approaches: biotechnological techniques and high-intensity light treatments. Through biotechnology, they modified the cytosolic production of the plant and the plastid conversion mediated by crtB. Then, with high-intensity light treatments, they increased beta-carotene levels in the cytosol and plastoglobules, fat storage vesicles within chloroplasts that do not participate in photosynthesis. Using this method, the researchers achieved a 30-fold increase in beta-carotene content in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaves. These findings provide new insights into optimizing biofortification and hold significant potential for improving the nutritional value of other vegetables without altering their characteristic aroma and taste.