title: Large-scale cultivation of Catharanthus roseus cells: production of ajmalicine in a 20-l airlift bioreactor.
abstract: Bioreactor systems have been developed for the production of ajmalicine, an alkaloid used in the treatment of hypertension. Cell cultures of Catharanthus roseus produced higher levels of ajmalicine (323 micrograms g-1 dry weight) in a production medium enriched with tryptophan. The cell cultures were grown in medium prepared in tap water and market sugar with a view to minimise the costs of production. Large-scale cultivation of cell suspension was performed in a 20-l airlift bioreactor under controlled conditions. An ajmalicine production of 315 micrograms g-1 dry weight was achieved in the bioreactor after 14 d of cultivation.
authors.affiliation: Plant Biotechnology Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Bombay, India.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Fulzele
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Heble
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism*; D046948:Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids; D015016:Yohimbine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D046948:Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids; D015016:Yohimbine; C005709:raubasine