Edible vaccines | Production in laboratory | Benefits | Oral vaccines | Bio science

Summary

This video discusses the concept of edible vaccines, a revolutionary approach where vaccines are produced through genetically modified plants, allowing oral consumption instead of injections. The process includes engineering plants to produce vaccines that can prevent diseases like measles, cholera, and hepatitis. Edible vaccines offer several benefits, such as easier production, reduced cost, and no need for medical personnel. The video also covers the methods used in their development, such as the Agrobacterium tumefaciens method, and explains how plants are modified to contain genes that help fight pathogens, ultimately providing an innovative alternative to traditional vaccines.

Takeaways

• 😀 Edible vaccines are engineered foods (often plants) that can help develop the immune system by producing vitamins and proteins that defend against pathogens.
• 😀 Unlike traditional vaccines, which are given via injections, edible vaccines are consumed orally through food, such as fruits or vegetables.
• 😀 Edible vaccines are beneficial in that they do not require special equipment for production, unlike traditional vaccines which need fermentation tanks and advanced facilities.
• 😀 These vaccines are easier and less expensive to store compared to traditional vaccines, as they do not require refrigeration or special storage conditions.
• 😀 The oral administration of edible vaccines eliminates the fear of injections, making them more accessible, especially for children and those afraid of needles.
• 😀 Edible vaccines are currently being developed to address human and animal diseases like measles, cholera, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
• 😀 Two common methods for producing edible vaccines are the Agrobacterium tumefaciens method and the gene gun method, with Agrobacterium tumefaciens being more widely used.
• 😀 In the Agrobacterium tumefaciens method, a gene of interest (responsible for immunity) is inserted into the agrobacterium, which is then used to modify plant cells.
• 😀 The recombinant agrobacterium containing the gene of interest is introduced into plant cells (e.g., potato leaves) through a process known as plant tissue culture.
• 😀 After the modified plant cells grow into full plants (such as engineered potato plants), they produce food that contains the vaccine, which can be consumed to develop immunity against specific pathogens.

Q & A

What are edible vaccines?

Edible vaccines are engineered vaccines produced from food, typically plants, that help in developing the immune system to defend against pathogens. They contain vitamins and proteins that, once consumed, assist in activating the immune system.

How are edible vaccines different from traditional vaccines?

Unlike traditional vaccines, which are administered through injections, edible vaccines are consumed orally in the form of food, such as engineered fruits or vegetables. This eliminates the need for needles and medical personnel for administration.

What are the main benefits of edible vaccines?

Edible vaccines are easier to produce, purify, sterilize, and distribute. They require no special equipment for mass production and are cheaper to store. Additionally, they offer potential health benefits, eliminate fear of injections, and can be taken without medical supervision.

How are edible vaccines produced?

Edible vaccines are produced through two primary methods: the Agrobacterium tumefaciens method and the gene gun method. The Agrobacterium method is more commonly used, involving the insertion of a gene of interest into a plant's DNA to produce the desired immune response.

What role does the Agrobacterium tumefaciens play in producing edible vaccines?

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil bacterium used in genetic engineering. It carries a plasmid (vector) into plant cells and inserts the gene of interest, which is responsible for producing the vaccine. The modified plant then contains the gene that can help combat specific pathogens.

What is a gene of interest in the context of edible vaccines?

A gene of interest is a specific DNA sequence chosen for its ability to produce a protein or antigen that triggers an immune response against a particular pathogen. This gene is inserted into plants to produce edible vaccines.

How is the gene of interest inserted into the plant cells?

The gene of interest is inserted into the plant cells using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens method. This bacterium introduces the gene into the plant’s DNA, which then enables the plant to produce the required vaccine proteins.

What is a recombinant Agrobacterium cell?

A recombinant Agrobacterium cell is a genetically modified bacterium that contains a recombinant gene (the gene of interest) which has been inserted into its plasmid. This bacterium is used to transfer the gene into plant cells during the production of edible vaccines.

What is the significance of using plant tissue culture in the production of edible vaccines?

Plant tissue culture is used to grow modified plant cells in a controlled environment. By using this technique, plant cells that have incorporated the gene of interest can be cultured, grown into plants, and eventually harvested to produce edible vaccines.

What types of plants can be used to produce edible vaccines?

Various types of plants can be used to produce edible vaccines, including potatoes, tomatoes, and bananas. The choice of plant depends on the vaccine being developed and the specific needs of the production process.