Carbohydrate-induced biomass accumulation and elicitation of secondary metabolites in callus cultures of Fagonia indica

Abstract

Elicitation is a very feasible strategy to enhance important secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenoids in plant cell cultures. In this report, we studied the effects of different carbohydrate sources on biomass and secondary metabolism of Fagonia indica callus cultures. The results showed that disaccharides, especially sucrose, are favorable for biomass accumulation when applied in higher concentration. Maximum biomass (Fresh weight = 52.05 g/100 mL and dry weight = 2.72 g/100 mL) was recorded in callus cultures raised in vitro in 5% sucrose. Maltose-supplemented callus cultures (5%) also responded with higher biomass (fresh weight = 43.75 g/100 mL and Dry weight 2.715 g/100 mL). Considering the production of secondary metabolites, 3% glucose produced the highest total phenolic content (TPC) in callus cultures (1.677 mg GAE/g DW) followed by fructose (1.625 mg GAE/g DW). The high-performance liquid chromatography data showed that a higher concentration of carbohydrates in the media elicited higher quantities of important phenolic compounds. It is concluded that the antioxidant potential of callus cultures is directly related to the secretion of phenolic compounds because 3% glucose-treated callus cultures gave the highest 82.11% antioxidant activity. The total chlorophyll content was found to decrease with the increasing concentration of carbohydrates. In conclusion, maltose, as a source of carbohydrate in F. indica callus cultures elicits the production of secondary metabolites including Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, Salicylic Acid, Quercetin, Myricetin, and Ellagic acid.