Outcomes & Impact

Some essential oil extracts showed growth-inhibitory effects against MCL cell lines (Figure 1). Their subcomponents were further tested for selectivity and specificity. Four components have been taken forward for further research to assess proof of concept toward therapeutic application. Proteomic profile analysis was used to identify cellular target pathways for application to the disease state. Light optimisation did show that products/extracts of pharmaceutical plant species could be altered to increase the yield of desired components. Essential Oils did show antibacterial properties against human pathogens (see Table 1), including some antibioticresistant strains. Research will continue to assess the oil components for bioactivity against cancer, and build on the preliminary pathogen data by examining additional oils and their components for activity on a greater range of pathogens, to assess their potential for applications in health therapies.

Dissemination of the research activity and outcomes has attracted interest from another Life Science company based in Cornwall, Phytome, which is pursuing a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Plymouth and Innovate UK. Strategic Investment Funding (UoP June 2022, 19K) was secured to broaden the scope of this project to include Pancreatic Cancer and Breast Cancer testing strands. Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference - 13th September 2022: presentations on project findings by Prof Mick Fuller, Dr Lynn McCallum, and Marwa Jbara. Visits for collaboration potential to Phytome & Eden Project (Cornwall). Additional collaboration projects for Prof Mick Fuller and Dr Hail Rihan after hosting Saudi and Jordanian industrial partner visits.