Plant genome editing services using CRISPR-Cas and protoplast transfection for Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae crops
Plant genome editing capabilities for horticultural crops in Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae, combining plant tissue culture, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and CRISPR-Cas gene editing with protoplast transfection workflows. Services support functional genomics through targeted editing, insertional mutagenesis, and generation of edited plants using strategies intended to avoid GMO classification. Includes ploidy selection via flow cytometry and phenotypic evaluation under varied environmental conditions.
Overview
This offering provides plant genome editing capabilities focused on horticultural crops in the Solanaceae (tomato and relatives) and Cucurbitaceae families. The laboratory brings extensive experience in plant tissue culture, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and CRISPR-Cas gene editing, combined with specialized expertise in plant protoplast transfection. A key differentiator is the ability to develop transfection protocols that yield edited plants without generating genetically modified organisms (GMOs), addressing regulatory and market acceptance challenges for crop improvement.
The team has a strong foundation in functional genomics, with ongoing work on identifying and characterizing genes responsible for plant development and abiotic stress tolerance (particularly salinity and drought). This background enables targeted editing approaches that address real agronomic challenges rather than purely academic exercises.
Technical specifications
Core capabilities:
- Agrobacterium-mediated transformation for CRISPR-Cas editing of candidate genes
- Protoplast transfection protocols enabling GMO-free edited plant production
- Experience across multiple horticultural species including tomato and related wild relatives
- Insertional mutagenesis for gene identification and functional characterization
- Generation of T-DNA-free edited plants through self-crossing strategies
- Ploidy evaluation using flow cytometry to select diploid plants
- Phenotypic evaluation of edited plants under varied environmental conditions
Track record:
- Over 7,000 transgenic tomato and wild species plants generated
- More than 35 tomato genes identified and cloned
- Ongoing CRISPR-Cas editing of candidate genes for functional studies
Technology readiness level
The laboratory operates at a mature technology readiness level for plant transformation and CRISPR editing in tomato, with protocols validated through thousands of successfully generated transgenic and edited plants. Protoplast-based editing approaches are positioned as an emerging capability offering GMO-free alternatives, with development ongoing. The team is actively seeking industry collaborations to advance protocol optimization and phenotypic validation across different crops and environmental conditions, making this an opportunity to de-risk early-stage crop editing projects through expert support.
About Universitat Politècnica de València
Universitat Politècnica de València is a public technical university with a strong applied research mission and a multi‑campus footprint in the Valencia region. Its on‑campus science park, the Ciudad Politécnica de la Innovación, brings researchers and companies together through shared facilities and industry services near academic labs. Structured talent pipelines connect companies with faculty and students via formal internship agreements administered by the university’s Integrated Employment Service. Located in a major Mediterranean logistics hub—home to Spain’s largest container port—partners gain efficient access to supply chains and markets. Research is supported by competitive European programs and Spain’s national research agencies, while a dedicated technology transfer office (i2T) manages IP, licensing, and collaboration agreements.
delivered to your inbox.