Molecular farming (
pharming) is a new area
of science which involves production of recombinant proteins and valuable enzymes in plant systems by the use of transgenic technology. Plants possess the natural ability to make human and animal proteins. Mass production is simplified by just increasing the acreage of plants under cultivation. Existing farming equipments can be used in the processing of plants and thus the money involved in making the product can be reduced as much as 1/30 of that necessary when using animal cell culture and microbial culture systems. Products produced in plant parts like seeds, leaves etc. can be stored for long periods by drying without refrigeration. Through
molecular farming, any protein can be produced economically and safely under very controlled conditions. Hence Therapeutic(medical) proteins, industrial enzymes, functional food items, marine industry products etc. can be produced through molecular farming in a safe and secure manner. Thus molecular farming holds great promise and will form an integral part of the future antigen delivery system for vaccination.