Plant molecular farming to produce milk components: Production, functionality, and food applications

The environmental impact of dairy farming has increased the demand for dairy alternatives that replicate the sensory and nutritional properties of conventional dairy. However, current yields of recombinant protein expressed in alternative production systems remain relatively low and dairy alternatives often fail to mimic the sensory and nutritional attributes of traditional dairy. By leveraging genetic engineering and protein expression technologies, dairy proteins have been efficiently produced in transgenic plants. Formulation of plant-expressed dairy proteins with optimized plant-based ingredients has enhanced texture, emulsification, and functional performance of alternative dairy products. This chapter explores recent advancements in plant-based dairy protein expression, highlighting subcellular targeting strategies, posttranslational modifications, and co-expression systems that enhance recombinant protein stability and bioavailability. As consumer demands for functional, scalable, sustainable, and ethically sourced dairy alternatives grow, molecular farming is poised to revolutionize the next generation of plant-based and hybrid dairy products.