Scientists writing in the FASEB Journal say a genetically modified strain of tobacco can help temper the damaging effects of toxic pond scum, known as microcystin-LR (MC-LR), which makes water unsafe for drinking, swimming, or fishing. The plant could serve as a major tool for helping keep water sources safe to use, especially in developing nations.

The new strain was developed by inserting genes which code for the production of an antibody called MC-LR. With the genes in place, the new strain of tobacco produced the antibody in its leaves and secreted it from its roots into the surrounding hypotonic growth medium.

When the toxin from MC-LR was added to the plant's surrounding hypotonic growth medium, the antibody bound to the toxin, rendering it harmless. This is the first example of a transgenic plant expressing an antibody that remediates an environmental toxin, but the researchers say more plants like these will be developed in the future to address different environmental problems.

"Tobacco is perhaps one of the most cultivated non-food crop in human history," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal, "and for centuries it has hurt human health. Now, with smart genetic tweaking, tobacco may prove more valuable in the field than in the pipe."