Development of BsPhyC phytase-enriched tomatoes to enhance micronutrient bioavailability in plant-based diets

Phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate), a predominant antinutrient in plant-based diets, limits the bioavailability of essential minerals in monogastric animals and humans. To overcome this nutritional limitation, we developed transgenic tomato lines constitutively expressing the BsPhyC phytase gene. PCR and Southern blot confirmed stable T-DNA integration, and transgenic fruits (T₂-4 and T₂-14) showed 2–3-fold higher phytase activity than controls. Spectrophotometric and HPLC analyses further revealed enhanced lycopene and β-carotene levels by approximately 2 and 2.5-fold, respectively. In vivo bioavailability assays using BsPhyC tomato extracts demonstrated a significant increase in essential minerals including Fe, Ca, P, K, Zn, Mn, and Co, indicating enhanced nutrient absorption. These results support BsPhyC tomato lines as a dual-purpose biofortified crop to combat hidden hunger by enhancing micronutrient bioavailability and provitamin A, carotenoids in plant-based diets. The development of phytase-rich transgenic tomatoes provides an innovative strategy to overcome the challenges posed by phytic acid in plant-based diets, offering a promising dietary intervention to enhance nutrient absorption, especially in populations reliant on cereals and legumes. This strategy presents an innovative and sustainable approach to combatting hidden hunger and improving public health in plant-based dietary systems.