## 7 Recent Patents Relating to Bioreactors for the Culture of Plant Cultures  
Recent research has provided many new strategies for increasing the synthesis and/or accumulation of attractive and valuable secondary metabolites. In addition, the optimization of gene transfer into plant cells has facilitated the production of genetically modified cells, organs, or organisms that synthesize completely new recombinant proteins with a wide range of applications. The creation of strategies for increasing the productivity of plant cultures in vitro have led to the design of highly efficient systems that produce valuable secondary metabolites or recombinant proteins. A satisfactory effect is most often obtained using a combination of several different techniques and treatments, such as transgenesis, elicitation, or large-scale culture. The growth of knowledge regarding cellular processes and factors regulating biosynthetic pathways has allowed for the design of highly efficient plant in vitro cultures, the products of which can be used on an industrial scale. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of studies and patents related to the culture method and the use of biologically active compounds of plant origin. A good example is PhytoCellTec(tm) by Mibelle Biochemistry, which consists of plant stem cells derived from callus tissue and are used as a starting point for the culture of stem cells in large-scale bioreactors. In 2008, the company registered the first _Malus domestica_ preparation containing stem cell extract derived from a rare variety of Swiss apple tree (Patent number: EP1985280A2). These products are used as additives to cosmetics with anti-aging and anti-cellulite properties and are believed to protect against UV-A and UV-B radiation. In addition to the properties of various plant cells (Alp rose, _Vitis vinifera_, _Symphytum_, or Goji), the company has recently examined the potential of moss culture. Another example can be seen in the products of Innova BM. These use a range of cell suspension bioreactor cultures, including _Rosa damascena_, _Haberlea rhodopensis_, and _Calendula officinalis_. Their properties are used to protect epidermal stem cells against internal and external stress factors and delay the aging process. Increasing numbers of cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies have turned to plant compounds, seeing them as satisfying the demand for modern pharmaceutical and cosmetic products with exceptional properties.  
In addition, an anti-aging or antioxidant composition including compounds derived from a ginseng cambium derived plant stem cell line as an active ingredient has been patented by Unhwa Corp. (Patent number:US9095532B2). The product is designed to minimize the side effects associated with existing anti-aging agents and antioxidants, making it safe for the skin. It also has antioxidant properties, inhibiting reactive oxygen species caused by exposure to UV radiation, which is the main cause of skin aging. Another example is TEUPOL 10P or 50P, which is an extract from _Ajuga reptans_ cell suspension cultures introduced by ABResearch srl. The active ingredient is teupoliside (standardized at 10% or 50%) and is used in testosterone-related disorders. The same manufacturer also introduced Echin 4P extract of _Echinacea angustifolia_, which has a wide range of neuroprotective, anti-aging, and immunomodulatory effects [11; 124; 200; 201; 202].  
In addition to the many patented ingredients in cosmetics, dietary supplements, and drugs, intensive work is also underway on the technical solutions that allow for the simple and cheap culture of plant cells on a larger scale. Table 3 below shows some examples of patented bioreactors in which such cultures can be carried out.