Large-scale cultivation of Catharanthus roseus cells: production of ajmalicine in a 20-l airlift bioreactor.

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.