Biotech Updates

Scientists Develop First Genetically Modified Miscanthus

June 8, 2012

A research team from the University of Hokkaido in Japan completed the first ever genetically modified Miscanthus. The herbaceous perennial that originated from East Asia is considered to be a promising energy crop. The plant is considered as a cellulosic feedstock material which contains lignocellulose, a structural material that can produce abundant ethanol.

The newly developed gene transfer technology for Miscanthus is expected to create new varieties such as those which have improved saccharification through modification of the cell wall composition (by lowering lignin content) and those which have environmental stress tolerance among others.

The original article is available at http://www.hokudai.ac.jp/en/news/201103.html.