Plants as Factories for Bioproduction

This book reviews the latest developments in the field of plant-based biomanufacturing, including the utilization of plant factories to obtain valuable active ingredients for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Biotechnological processes for the production of these natural active substances are increasingly becoming the focus of research as plants hold enormous potential for a bio-based economy. The book discusses various examples of the biological activity of plant molecules and the use of plants and plant in vitro cultures in modern biotechnological processes. Possibilities for targeted modification in plant metabolic pathways for co-cultivation of plants and cyanobacteria and the extraction of secondary plant compounds from residues of medicinal and aromatic plants are presented. Special aspects of bioprocess technology, safety and ethical issues including global tasks and future challenges are also highlighted. This book is not only a useful resource for researchers from academia and industry but also provides important information to newcomers in the field.