Plant molecular pharming in Africa for sustainable health and economic development

Abstract

Plant genetic engineering goes back to over 40 years ago with the first genetically modified tobacco expressing the nopaline synthase gene. Since then, genetic engineering has emerged as an important technology as various sectors have included it in their strategic plans with potential impact on healthcare, agriculture and industry. One important aspect is the engineering of plants as bioreactors for production of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, pesticides, orphan drugs, dyes and many other recombinant novel products. This process is referred to as plant molecular pharming. Plant molecular pharming has numerous benefits over conventional methods such as the use of animal cell lines and prokaryotic systems to produce recombinant products. These benefits include cost effectiveness, rapid and high mass production, easy scalability, accessibility and sustainability. Some African countries such as South Africa have adopted plant molecular pharming and have increased human and infrastructural capacity development, collaborations, and public sensitisation coupled with enabling policies and regulatory frameworks. However, in most of Africa, the sector faces numerous challenges including the lack of funding and expertise, low public acceptance, and poor to inadequate polices and regulatory frameworks. Despite the caveats surrounding the technology, it remains a significantly important tool for addressing global health challenges and fostering biotechnology innovations. Therefore, this review explores plant molecular pharming methods and associated products, advantages, strategies taken to improve the technology, regulatory and social- economic issues surrounding the technology in Africa.