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Production of Paclitaxel: From Plant Extraction to Biotechnological Methods and Final Purification
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Mahdi Mahmoudi   , Ahmad Sadat-Noori * |
| University of Tehran |
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Abstract: (60 Views) |
| Paclitaxel, a complex diterpenoid alkaloid, is extracted from trees of the genus Taxus, particularly Taxus brevifolia, and is used in the treatment of various cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer. This drug operates through a unique mechanism, halting mitotic cell division and thereby inducing the death of cancer cells. Common industrial methods for paclitaxel production include total synthesis and semi-synthesis. Total synthesis is not feasible on an industrial scale due to high costs and low yields, making semi-synthesis the most widely used method. Semi-synthesis relies on compounds such as 10-deacetylbaccatin III, derived from yew leaves. However, reliance on natural resources and limited access to raw materials are significant drawbacks of this approach. Extracting paclitaxel from Taxus trees can lead to environmental degradation and the extinction of plant species. As a result, research has focused on alternative methods, such as plant cell culture, the use of endophytic fungi, and the utilization of other plants like hazelnut. By employing genetic engineering techniques and manipulating the genes involved in paclitaxel biosynthesis, these methods can not only increase paclitaxel production but also reduce pressure on natural resources, offering sustainable alternatives for the supply of this vital drug. |
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| Keywords: Production of taxol, Cancer, Cell culture, Genetic engineering |
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Full-Text [PDF 658 kb]
(66 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/03/7 | Accepted: 2026/01/15 | Published: 2026/01/17
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