Title: Amazonian plant biotechnology: Bridging regional science and industry
Abstract:
The Amazon Rainforest, a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, holds a vast and invaluable reservoir of plant genetic resources withimmense potential for innovative biotechnologicalapplications aligned with a sustainable bioeconomy. Despite its natural richness, much of this potential remains underutilized, particularly in terms of value addition, technological innovation, and the development of biobased products with industrial, pharmaceutical, and ecological relevance. This presentation aims to demonstrate how plant biotechnology focused on Amazonian species can effectively connect locally generated scientific knowledge with the dynamic demands of global markets. Recent advances in plant tissue culture technologies have proven critical for the conservation, propagation, and sustainable use ofnative species with high ecological and commercial value. Key techniques include large-scale micropropagation, somatic and zygotic embryogenesis for clonal propagation and genetic improvement, synthetic seed production as a scalable and transportable alternative for plantlets, and the in vitro biosynthesis of high-value secondary metabolites for applications in the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. These strategies enable the development of biofactories and the use of bioreactors, ensuring genetic uniformity, traceability, and environmental sustainability in value chains based on Amazonian biodiversity. Results from ongoing research at the Laboratory for the Study of Amazonian Ecosystems: Plant Biotechnology and Bioeconomy will be presented, highlighting species of strategic importance such as Myrciaria dubia Mc. Vaugh (camu-camu), internationally recognized as the tropical fruit with the highest vitamin C content, also rich in flavonoids and essential minerals; Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açai), known for its high nutritional value and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; and Caryocar villosum (Aubl.) Pers (piquia), a promising source of carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids for functional food development. Additional examples include Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd. (cumaru), widely used in the production of aroma compounds and bioactives with high market value, and sustainable alternatives to Aniba rosaeodora Duke (rosewood), which are essential to reduce extraction pressure on endangered species while promoting innovation in natural perfumery and green cosmetics. The presentation also addresses the role of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), which contribute significantly to improved seedling development, ex vitro acclimatization, and enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress—factors that are critical for the successful scaling of plant tissue culture systems. Furthermore, biotechnological strategies aimed at enhancing the climate resilience of Amazonian species will be discussed, particularly in the context of forest conservation and ecosystem service stability. Finally, the transfer of scientific knowledge to productive sectors will be explored through sustainable value chain models, seedling and bioactive certification protocols, support for smallholder inclusion, technical training for local communities, and the strengthening of public-private partnerships. Amazonian plant biotechnology thus emerges as a transformative tool for connecting regional scientific excellence with global industrial innovation, promoting a bioeconomy that is inclusive, resilient, and deeply aligned with biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. In this context, we are seeking strategic partners to scale these innovations and maximize the global impact of Amazonian biotechnology.
