# Key Points from IRC Log

• Researchers discussed using plants as bioreactors for protein expression, with specific interest in dandelions for their latex properties and ease of extraction, as well as duckweed (Lemna) which can secrete proteins into growth medium for easier purification.

• Various biological production systems were discussed, including mammary glands as bioreactors, bladder epithelium for protein secretion into urine, and rhizosecretion (root exudation) for harvesting recombinant proteins.

• The group explored methods for plant transformation, including Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (with papers on increasing plant susceptibility) and biolistic gene guns, with notes that early gene guns were modified BB guns.

• Specific proteins of interest for expression included GFP, DNA polymerases (for PCR), MagA (MRI reporter genes), mechanoreceptors, channelrhodopsin-2, insulin, and various neurotransmitters.

• The conversation included sharing of research papers on novel biotechnology applications, including coconut-based systems, light-promoted gene transfer, and the sequencing of swine flu virus.

• Conceptual discussions included ideas for DNA synthesis using nanomechanical approaches and PDMS polymers, with references to papers on oligonucleotide on-chip synthesis.

• Links were shared to papers on diverse topics including spiderman-inspired superadhesive materials, oral delivery of siRNA, and symbolic regression design diagrams.