Scientists Engineer Nicotiana Benthamiana to Produce Human Milk Sugars for Healthier Infant Formula

Jun 16, 2024, 06:09 PM

Scientists have genetically modified the tobacco-like plant Nicotiana benthamiana to produce human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), complex sugars found in breast milk. These HMOs, specifically 2'FL and LNFP1, are known to boost healthy gut bacteria and support infant immune systems. The research, led by IGI Investigator @LabsShih and published in @NatureFoodJnl, suggests that producing these sugars in plants could be more cost-effective than using microbes, according to technoeconomic analysis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more nutritious infant formula.