This project, conducted at the University of Turku, will investigates acetate as a carbon and energy feedstock for plant production. Controlled indoor plant cultivation allows the production of high-quality foods and biochemicals. Acetate is emerging as a sustainable carbon and energy source that could be harnessed for cellular agriculture and plant production. Acetate is a naturally occurring compound in plants and metabolized to energy and other biomolecules inside plan cells. To harness the potential of acetate for plant production, we will investigate plant responses to exogenous acetate and use genetic engineering to enhance plant acetate uptake and metabolism in model plants. This research will provide strategies for future breeding of plant cultivars that grow on acetate. The project will advance novel plant production methods and contribute to global transition to sustainable circular bioeconomy.

2026

2030