Tobacco-like plant produces breast milk nutrients...

[MoeFOH]

If I ever see "breast milk" as a tasting note in a review, I'm out. 

https://interestingengineering.com/health/tobacco-like-plant-engineered-produce-breastmilk

Tobacco-like plant produces breast milk nutrients with gene modification

 

The breakthrough with Nicotiana benthamiana could lead to more nutritious and affordable infant formula by incorporating a broader array of HMOs.

Updated: Jun 17, 2024 02:51 AM EST

 

Sujita Sinha

•  

14 hours ago

 

3 minutes

 

0

 

Representative photo of the tobacco-like plant

iStock

Scientists have successfully genetically engineered a close relative of the tobacco plant to produce nutrients found in human breast milk.

For thousands of years, breast milk has been considered the ideal source of nutrition for infants. Packed with essential nutrients and immune-boosting compounds, it provides a perfect start for a healthy life. But for some mothers, breastfeeding isn’t always an option. 

This has led to the development of infant formula, but it often lacks the complex sugars found in breast milk called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). 

Now, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have taken a major leap forward, genetically engineering a plant to produce these vital HMOs, paving the way for a new generation of infant formula and potentially even healthier plant-based alternatives for adults.

The research team, led by Dr. Patrick Shih, has demonstrated that the genetically modified Nicotiana benthamiana can produce HMOs. 

The potential of HMOs

Human breast milk contains approximately 200 different HMOs, making them the third most abundant solid component. While indigestible to the nursing infant, HMOs serve as a crucial food source for beneficial gut bacteria during the initial weeks of life. 

Promoting healthy gut bacteria, HMOs have been linked to a reduced risk of viral and bacterial infections and potentially offer other health advantages.

Currently, only a limited number of HMOs can be synthesized using engineered E. coli bacteria, a method that is both challenging and costly. Major infant formula manufacturers are beginning to include these HMOs in their products, but the complexity and expense of the process have limited their widespread adoption.

The genetically modified Nicotiana benthamiana offers a promising alternative, capable of producing a broader array of HMOs more efficiently.

Genetic engineering breakthroughs

In their study, the scientists at UC Berkeley reprogrammed the sugar-making machinery of Nicotiana benthamiana. They inserted genes designed to produce specific enzymes required to assemble basic sugars, called monosaccharides, into complex HMO structures. The genetically modified plants were able to produce 11 known HMOs, a significant advancement in the field.

“We made all three major groups of human milk oligosaccharides,” Shih stated. “To my knowledge, no one has ever demonstrated that you could make all three of these groups simultaneously in a single organism.” 

This achievement includes producing LNFP1, an HMO associated with reduced infant infections that cannot be efficiently produced using microbial fermentation methods.

Future implications and challenges

Shih envisions a future where infant formula can be significantly improved by incorporating these plant-produced HMOs, potentially leading to healthier and more affordable options for babies.

“Imagine being able to make all the human milk oligosaccharides in a single plant. Then you could just grind up that plant, extract all the oligosaccharides simultaneously, and add that directly into infant formula,” he explained. 

While acknowledging the challenges in implementation and commercialization, Shih is optimistic about the potential of this technology.

Beyond infant nutrition, the implications of this research extend to broader dietary and health applications. “This could enable not just improved plant-based milks for infants but also for many other facets of adult diet and health,” Shih noted. 

 

[MoeFOH]

Something is bugging me suggesting that someone has already gone there... 🤔

[Arabian]

“as we smoke through the 2nd third of the cigar we notice tittes milk becoming dominant and perhaps nostalgic and kinky at the same time”

[Nevrknow]

I am SO putting breast milk in my next review. 😂👍🏻

[La_Tigre]

[benfica_77]

I'm starting a new NC brand tituaje where the cigar line will be based on bra size. The DD will be a double corona. 

[SirVantes]

More petit coronas for your delactation

New thread: FOHers’ Dairy Smoke 

Look out for Coleccion Habanos Boob editions

[SUP8333]

New topic after... "How to let hints of breast milk taste more complex."

[NeoGeo]

Caution: Do NOT age too long, will become a almost saggy, disappointing cigar; a huge let down from its former self!