Plant Molecular Farming

With growing environmental concerns and a societal transition towards more sustainable industrial practices, there is a pressing need for innovative, bio-based solutions. 

Environmental degradation, resource depletion and climate change are driving demand for natural compounds across multiple sectors – including cosmetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials and food. However, producing these compounds on a larger scale, while remaining environmentally responsible and economically viable, remains a formidable challenge.

In this context, the valorization of plant biomass and development of eco-friendly bioprocesses have emerged as key priorities, driving markets to biotechnological sources of high-value and functional compounds. Plant Molecular Farming (PMF) research addresses this by combining cutting-edge plant biotechnology, synthetic biology and integrative bioprocess engineering to unlock the full potential of plants as "phytofactories" – delivering molecules for sustainable, high-value industrial products.

The Plant Molecular Farming (PMF) research group is committed to driving innovation in the green biotech sector through the development of cutting-edge concepts, technologies and services for the sustainable production of plant-based compounds and bioactive ingredients. 

The group aims to transform and valorize plant-based resources – including underused crops and agro-industrial residues – to deliver green, scalable solutions. Its integrated efforts support Luxembourg’s ambitions in environmental resilience, sustainable manufacturing and circular bioeconomy leadership. 

In particular, the group’s research applies to the following sectors:

• Cosmetics and cosmeceuticals
• Nutraceuticals and functional foods
• Biostimulants, biopesticides and plant protection
• Sustainable agriculture and upcycling of agro-industrial by-products
• Plant resilience and bioactive discovery
• Inclusion into space programme 

The PMF research group adopts a multidisciplinary approach and brings together expertise in plant biology, bioprocess engineering and analytical sciences to deliver robust and innovative research solutions. Its core competencies include:

The group is equipped with an extensive array of specialized RDI infrastructure, including:

• Bioreactors (2L-300 L; illuminated and non-illuminated; stirred and wave-type systems)
• Solid-state fermentation systems
• Tissue culture and transformation facilities
• High-throughput -omics: transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and analytics
• Pilot-scale extraction and purification systems
• Tools for ultrastructural analysis and sample preparation
• Advanced lab equipment for downstream processing 

This infrastructure enables tailored experimental design and execution for both public and private sector partners, with applications spanning from molecular discovery to pre-industrial production readiness. The group’s work integrates an extensive toolkit for sample preparation, target quantification, protein/peptide profiling, and high-throughput mass spectrometry – reinforcing our precision and versatility in plant-based bioproduction.

In a nutshell, the group leverages plant cell suspension cultures as a safe, scalable platform for the mass production of high-value biomolecules, including specialty metabolites and recombinant proteins. It complements this with cutting-edge, high-throughput metabolomics, using mass spectrometry-based biodiscovery platforms to profile and optimize the phytochemical composition of the products. 

Through this integrated and collaborative expertise, the group contributes to addressing some of the key challenges in sustainable production, environmental protection and the advancement of green technologies. 

By combining scientific excellence with its advanced RDI infrastructure, the PMF group provides a safe, scalable and sustainable route to producing high-value natural compounds. Its efforts support Luxembourg’s transition and high-impact approach towards sustainable manufacturing, bio-based innovation and improved public health outcomes.

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Harnessing cannabis and plant cells for a sustainable future

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Plant metabolites and bioprocess engineering