INDOOR AIR POLLUTANT DEGRADATION BY GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANTS

摘要

A genetically modified houseplant capable of reducing levels of volatile organic carcinogenic compounds, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and chloroform, in the indoor air in urban homes of developed countries is disclosed. The plant expresses a detoxifying transgene, mammalian cytochrome P450 2e, and has shown sufficient detoxifying activity against benzene and chloroform. Air purifying biofilters utilizing the plants and methods of their use are also disclosed.