Biotech Updates

Biotechnology of Fibrous Flax in Europe and China

September 18, 2014

Flax, an ancient crop used in the manufacturing industries as a potential source of fiber, has gained an increase in research interest due to several findings revealing its health and industrial benefits. Improvement in the yield and quality of fibers produced by flax was further developed due to genetic engineering.

The review article by Kulma and his colleagues in biotechnology of flax in Europe and China summarizes the recent developments and progress in genetic engineering of flax for its fiber. The article also shows the application of GM flax fiber in manufacturing industries and medicine, which reported its ability in chronic wound healing.

The review article can be viewed at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669014005123.