Scientists are changing the face of biotechnology.

Genome Editor will allow scientists to add value to plants with precision up to one million times greater than current technologies allow. Genome Editor was developed by scientists at Phytodyne, an ISU spin-off company. Current processes are costly and laborious, limiting the number of genes that can be changed, Leafstedt said.

With current technology, adding a gene to the plant would be similar to the author of a 120,000 page book randomly adding one word. To see if it made sense, the author would have to read the whole book. A word processor allows the author to add the word anywhere in the story, just as the Genome Editor allows a scientist to add a gene exactly where it is desired in a corn plant of 120,000 genes, Leafstedt said.

“Now we can add, delete or modify any word in the book,” said Jon Leafstedt, president of Phytodyne.

Dan Voytas, professor of genetics, development and cell biology and co-founder and CEO of Phytodyne, said he hopes precision in biotechnology will calm consumer fears of biotechnology.

The process is based on homologous recombination, a natural process in cell reproduction. DNA may be introduced as a protein turns specific genes on or off, Voytas said.

“In terms of production, there will be dramatic decreases in cost,” Voytas said. “Now it takes six years to develop a crop variety in biotechnology, and we hope to take one or two years off that. That will save millions of dollars.”

Dave Wright, co-founder and vice president of Phytodyne, said Genome Editor will aid scientists in changing just part of a gene.

“It has been part of scientific curiosity to learn how to re-code a plant,” Wright said. “One of the biggest challenges is having full control over a gene, and now we can literally pick a spot.”

Farmers and consumers will benefit from the system, he said.

Wright said there is talk about using Genome Editor to remove allergens from food and boosting amino acids. But it will take some time before consumers see these products on the grocery store shelf, he said.

“We still have a lot to learn,” Voytas said.

Phytodyne will start using the technology for corn and soybeans this summer, Voytas said. Research will take at least two years to complete.

“Consumers will see new and better products in the marketplace, like a sweeter vegetable crop or healthier oils,” Leafstedt said. “But you have to alter a number of genes to see consumer benefits.”

Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack recognized Phytodyne with a $5 million grant.

Voytas said the grant will be used to build labs, expanding research and production for the Genome Editor.

“Genome Editor has a clear long-term impact for Iowa and Iowa farmers,” he said. “Our technology will have an impact on worldwide agriculture.”