Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Many plants are rich sources of anticancer molecules. However, in-field cultivation low seed production, long rhizome dormant period, and agro-climatic growth conditions are significant barriers to efficient anticancer molecule production. To resolve these problems, we have developed a unique bioreactor technology which produces significant amount of anticancer molecules which could deliver economic and environmental safety benefits. This strategy, which is pesticide free and not subject to seasonal climate effects, can be perceived as an alternative to field cultivation. A major advantage of this technology is the feasibility of scale-up and enabling mass production of raw material for high purity pharmaceutical molecules. Development of plant-based anticancer drug production technologies to ensure high-quality and minimize costs will elevate US pharmaceutical leadership and competitiveness.

Biography

Ganapathy Sivakumar earned his Ph.D. in 2001 and completed postdoctoral trainings in Italy. He joined the Arkansas State University faculty in 2007. He is internationally recognized in the field of bioprocessing of colchicine and a pioneer in industrial-scale bioreactor for pharmaceutical production. He has over 45 peer-reviewed publications and numerous invited presentations. He serves as an expert of grant proposals as well as numerous scientific journals. Sivakumar?s lab focuses on metabolic engineering of colchicine and developing new anticancer molecules.