Generation and social acceptance of tomatoes exhibiting enhanced production of functional antioxidants by gene editing technology

Abstract

Tomatoes are rich in various beneficial nutrients such as lycopene, vitamins, and minerals and are recognized for their numerous health benefits, including vascular protection, anticancer properties, immunity enhancement, and skin nourishment. In this study, we analyzed the physicochemical properties, carotenoid composition, and antioxidant activity of tomato fruits in a SISGR1 mutant stable gene-edited line (T4 generation) generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Social acceptability was assessed by surveying 43 panelists on the taste, texture, and preference of the sgr1 #1-6 gene-edited line fruits. The sgr1 #1-6 gene-e dited line maintained phenotypic attributes such as fruit shape and color and a high content of carotenoids such as lycopene. In addition, the antioxidant indicators, total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity, were significantly higher in the sgr1 #1-6 gene-edited line compared to the WT. Consumer evaluation results indicated a much higher social acceptance than previously known GMOs. Therefore, we suggest that legislative efforts be accelerated to allow the commercialization of gene-edited crops for public use.