Sustainable Production of the Plant-Derived Anti-Cancer Drug Camptothecin via Novel Microbial Fermentation Route CSR Proposal

Sustainable production of plant-derived anti-cancer drug lead Camptothecin via microbial fermentation route

Objective

• This project addresses the pressing issue of inadequate supply of the anti-cancer drug Camptothecin (CPT), primarily sourced from endangered plants. The project proposes a sustainable solution: microbial fermentation technology using Alternaria burnsii fungi in bioreactors. The project aims to enhance CPT yield through genetic improvements, optimize culture conditions, and develop efficient extraction methods, ultimately ensuring a sustainable supply of this critical anti-cancer drug.

Description

• This project addresses the pressing issue of inadequate supply of the anti-cancer drug Camptothecin (CPT), primarily sourced from endangered plants. With cancer cases on the rise in India, there's a surging demand for CPT that current production methods can't meet. To mitigate ecological risks and fulfill this demand, the project proposes a sustainable solution: microbial fermentation technology using Alternaria burnsii fungi in bioreactors. This approach offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to plant extraction. The project aims to enhance CPT yield through genetic improvements, optimize culture conditions, and develop efficient extraction methods, ultimately ensuring a sustainable supply of this critical anti-cancer drug.

Impact

• The project addresses overharvesting of endangered plants, reduces dependence on imports, and potentially lowers the cost of CPT, benefitting cancer patients and the pharmaceutical industry.