Plant-Produced Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Promotes Cell Proliferation and Collagen Production

The study from November 2020 investigated the production of human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the plant Nicotiana benthamiana and its biological effects on cell proliferation and collagen production. The researchers found that bFGF produced without a signal peptide had higher expression levels and was purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation and Ni-affinity chromatography. The purified plant-produced bFGF was biologically active, enhancing cell proliferation in human periodontal ligament stem cells and human follicle dermal papilla cells, and it also increased collagen production in human dermal fibroblast cells. These results indicate that plant-produced bFGF could be used as an anti-aging and hair growth-promoting agent in the cosmetic industry. The study was based on in vitro cell studies and did not involve human subjects.