Biology and Biotechnology

Ronald D. Cheetham

Professor Emeritus

Department: Biology & Biotechnology
Professional Page
Office: Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center, 4015
Fax: +1-508-831-5936
cheetham@wpi.edu

Educational Background

Research & Teaching Interests

Plant cell culture; micropropagation; aquatic ecology

IQP Advising Interests

Water polution; natural resource management; biotechnology issues; competition for open space; preservation of unique genotypes; environment and technology; environmental impact statements; introducing new teaching materials

Research

The effect of microenvironments on plant cell culture

Plant cells grown in vitro are subject to many environmental influences acting on a small scale. Optimization of plant growth and development depend upon the interaction and control of these variables. Studies with high light and carbon dioxide concentrations are means to reduce the plant's dependence upon high sugar levels in the media. The type and ratios of elements such as nitrogen, phosphorous and calcium are important determinants of plant growth. Rates of gas enchange and the osmotic strength of the medium are under investigation with a variety of plants grown in vitro.

Development of bioreactors for plant cell culture.

WPI has a strong interdisciplinary plant research group (PRG) which is focused on in vitro plant growth in bioreactors. This group is one of the leading centers for the use of nutrient mists (i.e. aeroponics) for the in vitro growth of plants. Aeroponic culture is suitable for use in extreme climates such as microgravity, the arctic and in arid areas. Tests are under way to develop large scale bioreactors and minitare systems that can culture a single root.

In vitro production of plant secondary products.

It is now well recognized that plants produce an amazing variety of secondary products and that many of these have the potential for clinical use (medicinal drugs). To date most of the medicinal drugs are still harvested from plants grown in the wild, or from traditional agriculture. Plant cell culture offers many advantages over agricultural sources of the raw materials. Attempts to use in vitro grown plants, for the production of secondary products, have been generally unsuccessful at the commercial level. We have made considerable progress using genetically transformed roots (i.e. hairy roots) grown in aeroponic bioreactors to produce such products. Research on this topic is the major focus of our present research group.

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