Temporary immersion bioreactors are widely used for in vitro propagation of plant material under controlled conditions, as this immersion offers clear advantages over traditional continuous culture systems, such as a uniform distribution of nutrients, which results in faster growth rates and higher quality plant material. However, these devices also present limitations, for example, the liquid medium remains in constant contact with the culture vessel, making its replacement more complicated. Furthermore, these systems also hinder access to plant material during cutting and harvesting.
To address this problem, a group of researchers from the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) has developed GreenTray®, a new temporary immersion bioreactor for in vitro plant tissue culture.
GreenTray® is a temporary immersion bioreactor in which the plant grows on a tray-based structure. It is designed so that the liquid culture medium flows through the system at specific intervals by using a programmable controller that also regulates aeration and light cycles. Furthermore, this bioreactor allows plant explants to be handled collectively without removing them from the tray or using tools such as forceps. To start a new culture, selected shoots are cut with scissors and transferred to a new tray.
The research team has validated the effectiveness of GreenTray® through its use over several years in specialized in vitro plant tissue culture facilities. In addition, they have carried out several iterations of the prototype with the aim of optimizing the growth of plant material and making its handling easier. GreenTray® is protected by a Spanish patent (ES201831164) and a PCT extension.
GreenTray® offers users several benefits over commercially available culture systems:
- Allows effective aeration of the culture vessels, increasing CO₂ concentration and enhancing plant autotrophic growth.
- The culture medium that feeds the bioreactor is stored in an external glass bottle, facilitating its replacement.
- Although each bioreactor operates independently, up to 14 units can be managed with a single controller.
- Offers precise control over growing conditions, as parameters such as internal humidity levels can be easily adjusted.
IRTA is looking for a collaboration that leads to a commercial exploitation of GreenTray® in a near future.
Institution: Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)
TRL: 7
Protection Status: Protected by granted patent
Contact: Carlos G. Gredilla | c.gredilla@viromii.com