DNA Vault Program
Around 40% of all known plant species are currently threatened with extinction, while 75% of undiscovered speciesare expected to disappear before they are ever identified. To respond to this global crisis, Luxigene will launch the DNA Vault Program — a long-term initiative dedicated to safeguarding the genetic heritage of rare and endangered plants. Through international expeditions, our team will rescue fragments of vulnerable ecosystems, collecting living tissues and DNA for sequencing, genetic analysis, and cryopreservation. By cultivating these samples in our laboratories, we aim to characterize, understand, and ultimately preserve the essence of these species — ensuring that even the most fragile forms of life can be studied, protected, and one day revived.
To bring this vision to life, Luxigene plans to establish a research and development laboratory in French Guiana, at the heart of one of the world’s most biologically rich yet endangered ecosystems. This strategic presence will enable us to conduct field expeditions, conservation missions, and in situ collaborations with local experts, ensuring the ethical and scientifically rigorous exploration of plant biodiversity.
Each species we encounter will be studied in detail, with its DNA sequenced and its living tissues cryopreserved for long-term conservation. Once secured, the unique genetic traits revealed in these rare or previously unknown plants — from unusual colors and structures to natural resilience — will be analyzed and selectively integrated into future Luxigene creations, allowing us to bring entirely new botanical forms into cultivation for the first time.
Beyond the artistic and ornamental dimension, these expeditions hold great scientific importance: many rare or undiscovered species may possess extraordinary natural properties. For instance, fungi discovered in the Amazon rainforest have demonstrated the ability to completely degrade plastic, reminding us how much untapped potential nature still holds — and how much we risk losing forever.
Ultimately, this initiative will allow Luxigene to use art and innovation as a form of awareness, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the fragility and disappearance of plant life across our planet.