Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic...
Transcript of Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic...
Chapter IV
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B
4.1 INTRODUCTION
Designing of bioreactor is the key step towards commercial
production of secondary metabolites through plant biotechnology.
Bioreactor offers optimal conditions for the large scale production of
metabolites for commercial manufacturers. Much progress has been
achieved in the past on optimization of these systems for the production
and extraction of valuable plant ingredients with medicinal properties
(Tabata, et al., 1988).
The heart of the fermentation process is the bioreactor. It is a
container in which a favorable environment is maintained for the operation
of a desired biological process. The unique feature of a bioreactor lies in
the type of cells being grown and also in the agitation and aeration of the
system. The bioreactor may be used for growing eukaryotic cells like plant
cells, mammalian cells, and also microbial cells. The type of bioreactor
used and its design is dependant on the properties of the cultures used
Research over the last two decades has established efficient
protocols for isolated cell culture and a large scale bioreactor system.
Bioprocess optimization involves biocatalyst design, medium design and
process design. Initial optimization studies were usually carried out in small
scale, under conditions as close as possible to the actual large scale
fermentation (Shueler and Kargi, 2002). Shake flask cultures are simple
type of batch bioreactors which were initially used for bacterial and yeast
culture. Later it was developed for fungi and animal cell (Ziv, 2005). They
are easy to handle and economic and are available in different volumes
from 25ml - 5 litres. In this type, a nutrient charge and a cellular inoculum
are mixed, shaken and allowed to grow. As the cells grow, the medium
becomes continually depleted of nutrients (Shuler, 1986). Under batch
conditions, several compounds in the medium become exhausted and the
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environmental conditions become limited (stationary phase of growth
cycle) leading to production of secondary metabolites.
4.1.1 Plant cell bioreactors
Routier and Nickell (1956) first discussed the use of plant cell
cultures for the commercial production of compounds normally extracted
from plants. In addition to the production of secondary metabolites, plant
cell cultures have been used for biotransformations (Alfermann et al.,
1980, Veliky and Jones, 1981). Later with the production of ginseng
biomass (Furuya et al., 1984) and berberine in large scale, bioreactors of
large volume and precise control parameters were evolved (Scragg and
Fowler, 1985).Various types of bioreactors with gas sparged mixing were
suitable for the production of cluster of buds, meristems or protocorms. A
simple glass bubble column bioreactor for proliferation of ornamental and
vegetable crop species resulted in biomass increase of 3-6 folds in 3-4
weeks. Micro bioreactors or microtiterplates of 5 µl working volume for
analytical purpose integrated with optical sensors were used in medical,
pharmaceutical and industry (Deutz et al., 2000). Bubble column
minibioreactors were designed with a working volume of 200ml for
optimisation and production of a protein from Staphylococcus carnosus
(Dilsen et al., 2001).
An internal loop bioreactor was used for the embryogenic cultures
of asparagus, celery, and cucumber. Disposable pre sterilized plastic
bioreactors (2-5 l) were used for the proliferation of meristematic clusters
of several ornamental, vegetable and woody plant species (Ziv, 2005).
4.1.2 Commercial bioreactors
Commercially produced Stirred Tank Bioreactors (STR) were
initially used in Japan for the cultivation of Tobacco cells (Nicotiana
tabaccum). During 1970s introduction of airlift bioreactors as an alternative
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 155
to stirred tank bioreactors came into use. Stirred system provided a
homogenous environment with controlled closed and reproducible cultures
(Collins, et al., 1998).
Unlike microbial suspension culture, plant cell suspension consists
of groups or aggregates of many thousands of cells up to 2mm or more in
diameter. A fine suspension has cells with 200-500 per diameter (Dixon
and Gonzales, 1994). Culturing period of plant cells are very low, when
compared to microbial cells. But plant cells have the ability to control their
own pH hence, pH control is not normally necessary. To increase the
productivity of slow growing cultures, a high cell density is advantageous
as in Coptis japonica (Scragg et al., 1986).
Since immobilized plant cells were in an intermediate state
between a homogenous suspension and highly structured tissue of the
whole plant, immobilisation provided an environment favourable to viable
cell maintenance. Bioreactor cultures have several advantages compared
with agar based cultures. They can be controlled in a better way. The
growth regulator supply, aeration and medium supply, filtration of medium
and scaling up of cultures can be optimised.
A wide literature survey revealed that Murashige and Skoog
medium was the most common medium used in fermenters especially in
batch cultures. The growth pattern of Nicotiana tabaccum was similar to
that of microorganisms (Hashimoto and Azechi, 1985). The size of
inoculum is an important factor which determines the production of
secondary metabolite. The size of tobacco culture inoculum was one-tenth
the size of total culture medium. Tanaka (1982) reported that as the cell
concentration increased to 30 g/l of the media concentration, there was an
increase in yield of the product. This was achieved by adding sugar into
the culture medium. Aeration and agitation are two important factors which
promoted cell division. Since there is a tendency for cell aggregation in
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continuous system aeration may be adopted for maintaining cell
homogenicity
4.1.3 Objectives
The following objectives were considered for bioreactor studies
1. Preparation and standardization of Luffa sponge matrix for
immobilization by shake flask cultures.
2. Designing of a three bed bioreactor for the production Scopadulcic
acid B from Scoparia dulcis immobilized on Luffa sponge.
3. Production of Scopadulcic acid B using the bioreactor.
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 157
4.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE A number of bioreactors have been developed and are successfully
being employed in secondary metabolite production from plant cells. The
design of plant cell bioreactor is being decided by the characteristics of
plant cell suspension. For suspension cultures, air lift and stirred
bioreactors were commonly used as they provided efficient mixing of the
cells in suspension.
4.2.1 Bioreactors for plant suspension cultures
Propagation in bioreactors through the organogenetic pathway was
achieved in Banana, Boston fern, Strawberry, Potao, Coffee, Pineapple,
Orchids, Narcissus and Cyclaen (Ziv, 2000). A pilot scale culture of Coffea
arabica was used as a model in performed novel loop fluidized bed
reactor cell line (Dubius et al., 1995). Liquid cultures have been used for
plant culture in both agitated vessels, and in bioreactors for somatic
embryogenesis (Scragg, 1992). A bubble column reactor was designed for
Catherantheus roseus (Smart and Fowler, 1984) Bioreactors of 5 litre size
was developed for plant suspension culture of Lithospermum erythrorhizon
(Tanaka, 1987), Mentha sp. (Tal and Goldberg et al., 1983), Morinda
citrifolia (Wagner and Vogelmann, 1977).
A two step procedure for in vitro multiplication of Rubus
chamaeomorus shoots using bioreactors were designed by Debnath
(2007). This plant was noted for its anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial
properties. It is a constituent of traditional medicines. Somatic
embryogenesis was induced for large scale production of secondary
metabolite in Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) an
endangered medicinal plant. Embryogenic callus obtained from leaf
explant in 1/2 -1/3 MS medium produced phenolics and flavenoids in
addition to the secondary metabolite. They were found to be in higher
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concentration in fully mature embryos than in various other stages
(Shohanel et al., 2006).
Bioreactors were designed for organized cultures such as roots,
shoots, and embryos. Reports of novel designs and modification of existing
bioreactors for hairy root culture include a 10 litre modified Stirred tank
bioreactor (STR) for roots of Atropa belladonna (Akita and Takayema,
1988), Trickle bed bioreactors for Carthamus tinctorius (Dilorio et al., 1992)
and Bubble column bioreactor for Lithospermum erythrorhizon (Sim and
Chang, 1993). Mist Bioreactors, a new type of bioreactors were successful
in the production of shoot cultures in Musa and Nephrolepis (Weathers and
Giles, 1988) and Dacus carota (Kondo et al., 1989). Air lift bioreactors
Medicago sativa (Stuart et al., 1987) and Stirred tank bioreactor were used for
embryo cultures of Datura stramontium (Hilton et al., 1988). Bioreactor
system was also applied for embryonic and organogenic cultures of
several plant species.
4.2.2 Plant cell bioreactors for industrial applications
Nicotiana tabaccum cells were grown as cell suspensions in a semi
continuous culture in 30 litre jar fermentor (Matsumoto et al., 1971). The
first commercial process for producing a natural plant product by plant cell
culture was developed in Japan for the production of shikonin (Curtin,
1983). Berberine, an isoquinone alkaloid was scaled up to 400 l scale by
Mitsui Petrochemical Industry, Japan (Zenk et al., 1985). Now a number of
industries have come up for the production of secondary metabolites.
In bioreactors, the concentration of nutrients in the medium is
affected mainly by absorption rate and by cell lyses. The availability of
growth regulators in bioreactor cultures was effective in controlling the
proliferation and regeneration potential than in agar culture (Ziv, 2005). In
the case of many plants cultivated in the bioreactors, continuous aeration
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 159
mixing and circulation causes shearing damage and cell wall break down.
Foaming was reduced when 1/2 strength of medium was used (Ziv, 1995).
Four variations of gel entrapment methods were usually used for
plant cell culture. They included preformed polyurethane foams for
Capsicum frutiscens (Mavituna and Park 1985), nylon pan scrubbers for
Beetroot and Hop cultures (Rhodes 1982), polyacrylamide polymers for
Nicotiana sp. (Rosavear, 1981), Catherathus roseues (Bordelius and
Nilsson, 1980), alginate entrapment for Dacus carota (Velky and
Jones,1981) and Morinda citrifolia (Bordelius et al., 1980).
Natural plant products like dry fruits of Luffa cylindrica were initially
used for entrapping microbial cells. They acted as a carrier for immobilizing
by trapping yeast cells. A new biosorbant was developed by immobilizing
unicellular micro algae Chlorella sorokinara within Luffa sponge disc to
remove metal ions from aqueous solution (Akhatar et al., 2003). It was also
successfully employed as a matrix for immobilizing Aspergillus niger-26
which produced poly methyl galacturonase (Slokoska and Angelova, 1998).
Large cells and aggregates of cells in suspension cultures of Coffea arabica,
Catheranthus tinctorius, and Angelica sinensis (Liu. et al., 1998) were
immobilized on the sponge. Yeast cells were successfully immobilized on
Luffa sponge by Ogohonna et al., (1994).
From 1998 onwards, works on plant cell culture using Luffa sponge
gained importance. Recently the trend was to use Luffa sponge as an
alternative matrix to coir in tissue culture technique to stabilize root
induction as in Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ propagation (Gangopadhya et al.,
2004). The principle of this method was that at first a mechanical
entrapment was formed and later cells got fixed due to adsorption and
adhesion or even aggregation by their natural tendency. It was also a
simple and rapid method of immobilization.
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4.2.1 Bioreactors for Immobilized Culture
Immobilized plant cells have a number of advantages over normal
cultures as it allows continuous operation, separates biomass from
medium, protects shear and stimulates secondary product formation. The
selection and design of bioreactor depended on how the cells were
immobilized and also on the nature of the plant cells. Flat bed immobilized
systems consisted of a simple culture vessel with the cells fixed to a matrix
made up of substratum of polypropylene. A separate reservoir of nutrient
medium was supplied to the cultured cells by dripping from a reservoir on
to the polypropylene foam with recirculation by means of peristaltic pump
(Lindsey and Yeoman, 1983 b).
In this context the feasibility of using Luffa sponges (Luffa
cylindrca) as a carrier for immobilization was investigated for the
production of scopadulcic acid B from suspension cultures of Scoparia
dulcis. A simple, novel bioreactor system was designed, where cells were
immobilized on vegetable sponge matrix of Luffa cylindrica.
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 161
4.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 4.3.1 Immobilisation of cells on Luffa sponge in shake flask
cultures 4.3.1.1 Source of Luffa discs. The mature dried fruits of Luffa cylindrica were collected from local
market and were used for immobilization. It was an annual climbing herb
with leaves, 5-7 lobed, flowers white, and fruits oblong and cylindrical.
Fruits were smooth and became fibrous when old (Gamble, 1984a).
4.3.1.2 Pre-treatment of discs The outer fruit walls were removed to get dry fibrous sponges
(Plate4.1a, 4.1b). They were cut into discs of 2.5 cm diameter (Plate 4.1c)
and 1-2 cm thick and soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes. It was
thoroughly washed under tap water and left in distilled water for 24 hrs.
The water was changed three times. The Luffa discs were dried in an oven
at 700 C and autoclaved for 20 minutes at 1210C (Akhtar, et al., 2003).
4.3.1.3 Production of Scopadulcic acid B by the cells immobilized on Luffa sponge
The oven dried discs were weighed under sterile condition. 10ml of
two week old cell suspension in MS medium supplemented with NAA
(5mg/l) and BA (1mg/l) was used as inoculum for mother suspension. The
discs were gently transferred to 250 ml medium containing viable cells for 2
hours They were then removed and washed carefully with fresh medium to
remove excess cells. 100ml of MS medium supplemented with NAA (5mg/l)
and BA (1mg/l) were used for the production of secondary metabolite using
S. dulcis. The Luffa discs with immobilized cells were placed carefully in
250ml conical flasks containing MS medium supplemented with NAA (5mg/l)
and BA (1mg/l). They were kept on rotary shaker at 110 rpm for 30 days.
SDB content was analyzed after 30 days. SDB was estimated as
mentioned under section 2.3. A control was used without any hormones in
the medium. The experiment was conducted in 5 replicates.
162 Chapter IV
a b
c d
Plate 4.1 Luffa cylindrica
4.1a. Dry fruit of mature Luffa cylindrica. 4.1b. Fibrous net work of Luffa cylindrical after removing the outer fruit wall 4.1c. Transverse section of sponge of Luffa cylindrica 4 1d. Fibrous net work of Luffa cylindrica covered with immobilized plant cells x1000
(Nikon Eclipse E 400 microscope)
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 163
4.3.2 Designing and working of the Bioreactor
An immobilized three bed glass bioreactor with an external
recirculation was designed for enhancing the production of scopadulcic
acid B from the suspension cells of Scoparia dulcis.
The reactor was of vertical type (20cm × 4 cm) consisted of three
separate units A, B, and C fitted one above the other (plate 4.2a). An
inlet for inflow of culture medium and outlet for collecting spent medium
at the top of the column A were provided for the bioreactor. A reservoir of
1 litre capacity was connected to peristaltic pump through a peristaltic
tube. Luffa discs with the immobilized cells prepared as mentioned under
section 4.3.1.3 (two weeks old) were inserted into column A, B and C
using sterile forceps and needle under laminar airflow hood (Plate 4.2 b
and 4.2c) The MS liquid medium supplemented with NAA (5 mg/l) and
BA (1 mg/l) was sparged through column C, B and A. The Luffa sponges
embedded with cell biomass were completely soaked in the medium. The
collected product containing medium was recirculated through an
external loop back into the reservoir using the peristaltic pump. The
aliquots of samples were collected at regular intervals of 24 hrs for the
detection of SDB. SDB was estimated as mentioned under section 2.3.
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a b
c
Plate 4.2 Parts of the Bioreactor
4.2a Glass columns with three cartridges designated as A, B, C 4.2b A cartridge filled with Luffa matrix 4.2c Catridges A, B, C filled with Luffa matrix
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 165
Plate 4.3 Three bed bioreactor with cells of Scoparia dulcis immobilized on Luffa sponge for the production of Scopadulcic acid B.
All connections were made air tight and the units were held firmly
with the help of clamps. A peristaltic pump was used to pump the medium
from the reservoir and flow rate was adjusted to 4 ml / minute. The pH of
the medium was adjusted to 5.6 (Plate 4.3).
166 Chapter IV
4.4 RESULTS 4.4.1 SDB production in shake flask cultures
Microphotographs (plate4.1d) of cells indicated a uniform growth
along the surface of fibrous thread indicating that the immobilized cells
were not localized at a single point. The fibrous network of Luffa sponge
was completely loaded with immobilized plant cells. After 30 days the
sponges were removed, weighed and net weights of immobilized cells
were recorded. Quantity of the immobilized plant cell biomass was
determined as the difference between constant dry weights of Luffa disc
before and after immobilization. The average fresh weight of cells adhered
to the matrix was 3.18 g. In the shake flask cultures, single discs were
used to immobilize cells and five trials were conducted. Maximum SDB
content of 52.42mg/l was observed after 30 days of incubation (Table 4.1).
Table 4.1 –SDB Production in Shake flask culture
F.wt. (g) of
Luffa sponge before
inoculation
F.wt. (g) of Luffa sponge after 30 days
F.wt. (g) of of cells immobilized on
Luffa
SDB mg/g cells Immobilized on Luffa after 30
days
Control trials 3.211 4.831 1.620 --
T1 2.518 4.407 1.889 46.87
T2 3.592 9.535 5.943 52.42
T3 4.608 5.829 1.221 51.71
T4 5.670 9.261 3.591 51.28
T5 3.515 4.680 1.665 51.97
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 167
4.4.2 SDB production in Bioreactor When Luffa sponges inoculated columns were used for SDB
production in bioreactor, a maximum amount of SDB (350.57 mg/g cells)
was obtained in the first batch operation by 19th day (Figure 4.1).
Performance evaluation of the bioreactor was done continuously for almost
50 days (Fig.4.2). The maximum productivity of the reactor could be
maintained up to 25th day. Subsequently, the productivity decreased
almost in a proportional manner with a result of half productivity at 30th
day. The half life period was almost calculated as 10 days. Batch wise
operation of the bioreactor was done in three cycles (Fig.4.3). The second
cycle could yield 175.2mg/g, while the third batch could give 120 mg/g.
TLC, UV, HPLC, and IR analysis confirmed the presence of SDB. TLC
of SDB content obtained from bioreactor showed an Rf at 1.5 (Plate 4.4). UV
analysis indicated maximum absorption spectra at 282.2nm. HPLC
confirmed retention peak at 9.0 minutes (Figure 4. 4). IR also showed
functional groups corresponding to SDB (Figure 4.5).
0 5 10 15 20 25
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
SD
B (m
g/g
of c
ells
imm
obili
sed)
Time (Days)
Production of SDB in Bioreactor
Fig 4.1 Production of SDB in Bioreactor for 21 days
168 Chapter IV
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 550
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400S
DB
(mg/
g of
cel
ls im
mob
ilise
d)
Time (Days)
Performance of the Bioreactor
Fig 4.2 Half life period of SDB production in Bioreactor
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 650
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
SD
B (m
g/g
of c
ells
imm
oblis
ed)
Time (Days)
Ist Stage 2nd Stage 3rd Stage
Fig 4.3 Production of SDB in Bioreactor in various cycles
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 169
Plate 4.4 TLC of SDB produced from Bioreactor
Fig 4.4 HPLC of SDB produced in the bioreactor with cells of Scoparia dulcis immobilized on Luffa sponge in MS medium with NAA(5mg/l and BA(1mg/l).
170 Chapter IV
Fig. 4.5 IR of SDB produced in the bioreactor with cells of Scoparia dulcis immobilized on Luffa sponge in MS medium with NAA(5mg/l and BA(1mg/l).
4.5 DISCUSSION
Plant cell bioreactors can be used as a tool at commercial level to
increase the productivity of a culture for secondary metabolite production.
They provide a rapid and efficient plant propagation system for many
agricultural and forestry species, and there by avoiding intensive manual
handling.
Immobilization technique using sodium alginate was experimented
for secondary metabolite production in S. dulcis. In Amaranthus tricolor
when cells were immobilized in calcium alginate they produced only low
quantity of oxalic acid (Knorr and Teutonico, 1986). Similar reports were
seen when biosynthetic activity of alginate immobilized and free
suspended cells were compared for accumulation of capsacin. The rate of
increase in fresh weight and dry weight of alginate immobilized cells was
less than that of freely suspended cells in culture conditions favoring cell
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 171
division. This was reflected even in the rate of protein synthesis (Lindsey,
1986a).
A novel method of immobilizing cells was adopted where free cells
were directly deposited on sterile Luffa sponge matrix. The use of Luffa
sponge disc as a biosorbant for the removal of metal ions from aqueous
solutions by immobilizing unicellular Chlorella, a microalgae was highly
successful (Akahtar et al., 2003). Similarly the use of yeast cells,
(Oghonna et al., 1994) and fungal cells (Iqbal and Zafar, 1993) along with
Luffa sponge were also reported. In the study, when Luffa sponges were
used in bioreactor, the production of SDB was found to be enhanced at an
earlier period (19 days) than in shake flask conditions. Microscopic studies
revealed that the fibrous network of the Luffa sponge discs were
completely covered by plant cells. In free cultures, the cells were in small
aggregates. In the method of Luffa sponge immobilization, cells appeared
in reticulate open net work of Luffa sponge matrix which provided free
access and enhanced surface area to the medium for diffusion. Luffa
sponge immobilization of cells was found more effective for SDB
production than sodium alginate immobilized cells. The production of
secondary metabolites was observed within 19-21 days in this method
compared to shake flask method (30 days). The TLC, UV, HPLC and IR
studies confirmed the production of Scopadulcic acid B through the Luffa
bioreactor (Table 4.1).
The production of SDB in the Luffa bioreactor was more efficient
than in shake flask culture. In shake flask studies, the amount of
Scopadulcic acid B obtained was less than expected. The flasks were kept
in the shaker and hence good mixing and aeration, were achieved. The
less productivity obtained even under these conditions indicated that there
might be the possibility of increased shearing stress as a result of which
172 Chapter IV
plant cells might have undergone partial lysis and hence might have
resulted in less productivity.
In shake flask cultures, of the five trials conducted, maximum
production was in T 2 with 52 mg/g cells of immobilized cells on the 30th
day. In the bioreactor, the production of SDB was enhanced on 19th day
(350.57mg/g of immobilized cells) in the first batch where as in the second
batch it was less than 176mg/g of immobilized cells and in the third batch it
was slowed to less than 120 mg/g of immobilized cells.
Thus there was more production of Scopadulcic acid B in the
bioreactor. The Luffa sponge packed in the reactor offered a good matrix
for the immobilization of the cells. As it was by physical adsorption the
accessibility to the nutrient medium was more. The cell aggregation was
less and there was no resultant shear due to lack of mixing. The medium
was passed into the reactor from the bottom. Hence the incoming medium
was getting expressed to the immobilized cells layer by layer achieving
effective utilization by cells. The medium was put into recirculation which
might have resulted in a cumulative increase in Scopadulcic acid B within
19 days. Comparatively good spots were obtained on TLC (plate 4.4).
HPLC analysis of the extract of the medium from the bioreactor confirmed
that the purity of the SDB produced was comparatively better than all other
cases mentioned earlier (Fig. 4.4). The amount of SDB produced was
highest and there were only few peaks other than that of SDB(9min). IR
also showed all representations of the characteristic structural features of
SDB (Fig. 4.5).
The present work assumes significance of using Luffa sponge as a matrix for immobilizing free cells from suspension cultures of S.dulcis. This innovative technique of employing Luffa in the bioreactor has an ample scope for scaling up the production of SDB to commercial levels. The demand for SDB as antimicrobial, antiviral and
Designing of Bioreactor for the production of Scopadulcic acid B 173
for other clinical applications may be met with this new, enhanced
production method.
The main advantages of using Luffa sponge matrix in production of
SDB is that it is inexpensive, easily available, simple to install, physically
strong, highly porous and reusable. Recovery of Scopadulcic acid B is
possible as early as by the 19-21st day. A small amount of medium comes
in contact with large amount of biomass ensuring increased cell to cell
contact. Another advantage is that the product containing supernatant is
free from cells or debris, which is usually a problem in shake flask cultures.
A disadvantage of this type of reactor is that after sixty days of
continuous production, a sheath of cell debris was formed which adhered
to the outer surface of the sponge. This hindered the free circulation of the
medium and oxygen supply. The Luffa matrix is a plant product and hence
there is a tendency for its decomposition. This drawback can be overcome
by using its disposable cartridges which may be cost effective and may be
easy to assemble.
Immobilization of cells and tissues, which synthesize important
metabolites, has great future in large-scale product synthesis. There is a
need to identify highly active cell lines for specific biotransformation of
commercial importance. By using suitable bioreactors specific for plants, a
continuous production of phytochemicals, which can overcome the
inherent limitations in handling highly fragile cells, is possible.
There is an ample scope for the application of the immobilized
three bed bioreactor with disposable cartridges filled with pre sterilized
Luffa sponge for the efficient and enhanced production of Scopadulcic
acid B. This method is comparatively cost effective and environmental
friendly. The raw material is easily available or can be produced locally
with low financial or technical inputs.