Improving the Growth and Bioactive Compound Production of Selected Plant Species Using Controlled Genetic and Epigenetic Manipulation

This review was designed to summarize the present state of research around the genetic and epigenetic modification of selected plant species and the potential for their application in industry. This review summarizes the activity of research groups from the University of Wrocław completed over the last 3 decades which tends to focus on potatoes and flax likely as a result of their centuries-old tradition of cultivation, processing, and use in Poland. The aims of these studies were various and included the creation of pathogen-resistant plants, increased antioxidant production, improved flax fiber quality, and improved oil properties. New plant breeds initially produced using genetic engineering technology provide an excellent basis for improving our understanding of the genes involved in potato and flax productivity and the quality of their products. These results have been published in many papers and have given rise to new methods for plant breeding and product prototypes which have been patented. However, none of the prototypes have been commercialized because of their GMO origins. In addition, later development of a novel, epigenetic method has led to the creation of more diverse products based on the newly obtained variety of flax called Silesia. These developments have facilitated the production of a range of new raw materials from these epigenetically modified plants. These include a modified oil for improved nutrition and regeneration of skin cells, seed- cake extracts that act as anti-infection agents, improved fiber production for use as bandages for chronic wounds, improved fibers for application as bio composite materials for the development of biodegradable packaging materials and scaffolds for tissue engineering, and micronized fiber for drug delivery. These modifications mean that flax has become a more useful and valuable source of a wide range of raw materials applicable in industry, allowing for the application of these materials in zero waste applications.