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Elevated CO2 During Kalanchoe pinnata Growth Reveals Enhanced Antiproliferative and Synergistic Therapies

CSEF · 2026 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology (Junior Division)

Uma Kattamuri

Overview

To combat cancer and address drug resistance, there is growing scientific interest in plants that produce compounds with therapeutic potential. CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) plant Kalanchoe pinnata has been shown to generate secondary metabolites - compounds with anticancer and antioxidant effects. CAM plants become more water-efficient under elevated CO₂. This experiment investigates how CO₂ enrichment influences the antiproliferative and antioxidant properties of K. pinnata, and its synergy with curcumin. It was hypothesized that the CAM+CO₂ extract would show stronger antioxidant activity than CAM and resemble ascorbic acid. However, the results showed the opposite: CO₂ enrichment decreased antioxidant effects in CAM; thus, the hypothesis was rejected. It was hypothesized that CAM+CO₂ had greater antiproliferative effects and, when combined with curcumin, would yield a higher synergy score. Results from both assays showed that CAM+CO₂ exhibited enhanced antiproliferative activity and greater cell inhibition when combined with curcumin. Both hypotheses were accepted. In this experiment, extracts from K. pinnata grown at 420 and 1,200 PPM CO₂ were evaluated in an H₂O₂ catalase reaction for antioxidant activity; a dose response assay to explore the antiproliferative effects against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (45 CFUs; n=3); and a co-treatment matrix with curcumin to evaluate synergy (34 CFUs; n=1 in 4x4). This being a home project, the results are directional, as a sterile environment and scientific equipment were not available; however, understanding how elevated CO₂ alters K. pinnata biochemistry could serve as the basis for developing sustainable plant-based cancer therapies that reduce the doses of other potent cancer treatments.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology (Junior Division) · Entry J-04-10

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