Cannabis sativa in vitro propagation and cannabinoid biosynthesis via yeast synthetic biology
Dual-track biotechnology platform combining tissue culture protocols for high-quality Cannabis sativa seed and plant production for small and medium growers, alongside synthetic biology approaches to produce cannabinoids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Aims to enable scalable cultivation and offer a yeast-based alternative for cannabinoid compound manufacturing.
Overview
This solution addresses two complementary challenges in the Cannabis sativa value chain. The first track focuses on generating high-quality in vitro plant material and seeds, enabling small and medium producers to establish large-scale cultivation reliably. The second track applies synthetic biology to express the cannabinoid metabolic pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, offering a fermentation-based route to cannabinoid production that may improve yield, consistency, and scalability compared to traditional extraction.
The combined offering supports both agricultural propagation and bio-based compound manufacturing, creating opportunities for producers, processors, and product developers seeking reliable inputs and alternative cannabinoid sources.
Technical specifications
Cannabis sativa in vitro propagation:
- Established tissue culture protocols for introduction and multiplication of Cannabis sativa
- Multiple literature-reported protocols evaluated, with preliminary identification of the most effective approach
- Planned optimization of culture media to enhance cannabinoid expression or accelerate biomass growth for fiber applications
- Production of high-quality, economically valuable seeds for small and medium growers
Cannabinoid biosynthesis in yeast:
- Designed metabolic pathway for cannabinoid expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- In silico predictions confirming feasibility of compound expression
- Gene acquisition strategy for all pathway-related genes
- Plans for yield measurement and subsequent metabolic pathway optimization to improve production efficiency
Technology readiness level
The in vitro plant propagation work is at an early experimental stage, with protocols tested and a preliminary best candidate identified, but multiplication protocols and culture media still require optimization. The yeast-based cannabinoid biosynthesis is at the design and in silico validation stage, with experimental gene acquisition and expression testing planned as next steps. Both tracks require further laboratory validation before commercial-scale deployment.
About Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC) is a public, STEM‑oriented university with a multi‑campus presence across Cartago, San José, Alajuela, and San Carlos, combining applied research with technology extension. Through its Centro de Vinculación, TEC connects companies and public agencies with faculty and research units for contract problem‑solving, customized training, and long‑term partnerships. Technology transfer and continuing education centers embedded on the campuses provide access to specialized laboratories and training, enabling rapid engagement with industry partners; international collaboration infrastructure includes K‑Lab in San Carlos developed with South Korea’s NIPA. Research is supported by national science and innovation agencies and by competitive international programs, including EU Erasmus+ collaborations. A dedicated technology transfer office advances IP management, licensing, and entrepreneurship.
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