title: Synergistic enhancement of protoplast growth by oxygenated perfluorocarbon and Pluronic F-68.
abstract: Cell suspension-derived protoplasts of albino Petunia hybrida were grown for 10 d at the interface between aqueous culture medium (KM8P) and an oxygenated (10 mbar for 15 min) perfluorocarbon liquid, perfluorodecalin. Protoplasts synthesised new cell walls and divided normally at the perfluorodecalin/culture medium interface, with a mean viability after 10 d of > 92.0%. The mean plating efficiency of protoplasts was elevated by 37% (P<0.05) following culture at the perfluorodecalin/medium interface, but was unaltered by perfluorodecalin or oxygen separately. The mean plating efficiency of protoplasts cultured at the interface was further increased to a maximium of 52% above control, in the presence of oxygenated perfluorodecalin and KM8P medium supplemented with the non-ionic, co-polymer surfactant, Pluronic F-68 at 0.01% (w/v). These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of oxygenated perfluorodecalin for promoting protoplast growth, by facilitating oxygen delivery. The finding that Pluronic F-68 further increased the plating efficiency of protoplasts cultured at the perfluorocarbon/aqueous interface suggests that these agents improve growth through separate, but cumulative, mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, University Park, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Anthony
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Davey
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Power
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Washington
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Lowe