Enhanced sorghum with improved protein digestibility for food and feed applications

Overview

This technology offers a gene-edited sorghum line with modified kafirin storage proteins that significantly improve protein digestibility while preserving grain quality characteristics. The innovation addresses a key nutritional limitation of sorghum by remodelling protein deposition within the endosperm, producing a more nutritious grain suitable for both human food and animal feed applications. Initial validation in a model sorghum variety has demonstrated promising results, and the technology is now ready for advancement into African-adapted germplasm to support commercialisation in regions where sorghum is a dietary staple.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Targeted knockout of kafirin genes to remodel protein body morphology and deposition within the starch-protein matrix of the endosperm
• Up to 2.3-fold improvement in protein digestibility measured using monogastric enzyme assays (pepsin and chymotrypsin)
• No significant change in total protein content, grain opaqueness, or grain hardness
• Validated through proteomic analysis of mature flour and scanning electron microscopy of protein body structure
• Transgene-free edited lines (segregated CRISPR components) suitable for non-GM classification and field testing
• Applicable to African-adapted sorghum varieties such as Macia for regional commercialisation

Technology readiness level

The technology has been validated at laboratory scale using tissue culture amenable sorghum (Tx430) with multiple gene-edited lines confirmed through proteomics and in vitro digestibility testing. The next phase involves crossing the trait into African-adapted germplasm and assessing quality in homozygous F1 hybrids over approximately eight months, followed by speed breeding backcrossing to BC4 generation within one year. Sequencing support is being sought to confirm non-GM status of transgene-free edited lines, enabling field testing in Australia and supporting the path toward commercial deployment in target markets.