Effect of impeller design and speed on the large-scale cultivation of suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus

Abstract

The effect of long-term high shear and impeller design on the growth and alkaloid accumulation by Catharanthus roseus cultures grown in stirred-tank bioreactors has been studied. As the impeller speed was increased from 100 to 300 rev min -1, the growth rate increased and the maximum biomass and alkaloid accumulation decreased. An inclined impeller reduced the decrease in aggregate size as the impeller speed was increased to 300 rev min -1, but the expansion index was not affected. The C. roseus also proved capable of growth at an impeller speed of 1,000 rev min -1, and inclined impellers increased the growth rate, alkaloid accumulation, and expansion index.