In Vitro Production of Terpenoids

Abstract

Plants produce diverse groups of secondary metabolites (SMs); terpenoids are one such large group of SMs. Terpenoids are found commonly in related and unrelated plant taxa; however, some specific terpenoids are also reported in lower and higher taxa. The pharmacological importance and commercial utilization of terpenoids are on the top among the plant SMs. A number of reviews on biosynthesis of terpenoids have been published suggesting 2-C-methyl-Derythritol- 4-phosphate (MEP) and the mevalonate (MVA) as common pathways. Today, researchers are working on target-specific production of terpenoids by altering metabolic pathways and expressing genes in microsystems. Recent highthroughput analytical techniques coupled to functional genomics approach has geared up biosynthesis and overproduction of terpenoids. In this chapter, terpenoids have been reviewed in detail for their sources, biosynthetic pathways, in vitro production technologies, scale-up techniques, and biological activities. The ecological and environmental perspectives for function of terpenoids have also been discussed. Considering commercial implications of terpenoids in therapeutic, perfumery, food, flavor, and fuel industries, a comprehensive account on their prospective future has been concentrated upon. Extraction and detection methodologies for terpenoids have been focused. Attention has also been drawn toward the need for designing possible roadmap for its sustainable utilization.