Cichorium intybus Transformation

Cichorium intybus is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe, it is popular worldwide, especially in the southern United States, India and Southeast Asia. The roots and leaves are edible and are an essential sugar, spice, vegetable, and forage crop, as well as an essential pharmaceutical ingredient. Currently, the genetic improvement of Cichorium intybus by conventional breeding methods is subject to greater limitations, and the realization of germplasm innovation with the help of modern molecular biology is an essential link in the breeding of Cichorium intybus. The transgenic method can break the species boundary, rapidly and directionally genetically improve the target traits, and accelerate the breeding process, which is a new technology with high efficiency and economy.

After years of research, Lifeasible has developed a mature plant genetic transformation system to provide standardized Cichorium intybus genetic transformation services. We are committed to providing professional and comprehensive technical support and services for plant genetic transformation to research institutions and related universities.

What do we offer?

Based on our advanced plant transformation platform and experienced team of experts, we have established a method for tissue culture and genetic transformation of Cichorium intybus. We achieved plant genetic transformation by using dark light-cultured Cichorium intybus cotyledons as explants, which were infested with Agrobacterium and placed in co-culture under light conditions, and by taking advantage of the rapid cell division of the cotyledon cells that occurs when the cells are transferred from dark light to light conditions. Our transformation method has a higher seedling emergence rate and higher transformation efficiency, which can significantly save labor and material resources compared with the conventional reported transformation methods, i.e., pre-cultivation of true-leafed explants under light conditions, followed by Agrobacterium transformation and co-cultivation.

Our research objectives

• Improved agronomic traits. Genetic transformation can aim to introduce or enhance desirable agronomic traits in chicory. This could include traits such as increased yield, improved stress tolerance (e.g., drought, salinity), disease resistance, or enhanced nutritional content.
• Enhanced medicinal properties. Cichorium intybus has been valued for its medicinal properties, including its potential as a source of natural bioactive compounds. Genetic transformation can increase the production of specific bioactive compounds, such as inulin (a dietary fiber) or secondary metabolites with potential pharmaceutical applications.
• Herbicide resistance. Genetic transformation can introduce herbicide resistance genes into Cichorium intybus, allowing for the development of herbicide-tolerant varieties. This can facilitate weed control in chicory cultivation, improving crop yield and quality.

The results of the experiments we provided

• Experimental progress description.
• Sequencing report and pictures of vector construction.
• Pictures of exosome invasion, induced healing, embryonic healing, tissue differentiation, and plant regeneration.
• 10-20 T0 generation positive seedlings for each transformation experiment.
• Gel electrophoresis diagram of target gene PCR detection in T0 generation regenerated plants.

Our service process

• Sign a service contract.
• The customer transfers the target gene and makes a payment.
• We carry out the transgenic experiment.
• We deliver the experimental results to the customer, and the customer carries out acceptance.

Advantages of our services

Lifeasible is committed to plant genetic transformation research services, and we offer a wide range of plant genetic transformation services. So far, we have established a good relationship with many universities and research institutes, and our advanced and powerful plant transformation platform can significantly help researchers improve the efficiency of genetic transformation. Our Cichorium intybus genetic transformation system lays the foundation for future genetic improvement of chicory. If you are interested in us, please feel free to contact us.