Ginsenoside production by hairy root cultures of Panax ginseng:: influence of temperature and light quality

Large-scale production of valuable secondary metabolites by plant cell cultures is generally hampered by low productivity. This productivity is affected by several physical factors like temperature and light. In this study we have investigated the impact of temperature and light quality on biomass accumulation and ginsenoside production by hairy roots cultivated in large-scale bioreactors. Biomass accumulation and ginsenoside production was optimal under 20 degreesC/13 degreesC day (12 h)/night (8 h) cycle. Biomass of hairy roots was highest in the cultures grown under dark or red light while ginsenoside accumulation was optimum in the cultures grown under fluorescent light. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.