Effects of hydrodynamic stress on cultured plant cells: A literature survey

Abstract

In this paper a literature survey is presented on the effects of hydrodynamic stress (“shear stress”) on cultured plant cells. Hydrodynamic stress has mostly negative effects on cells, these effects can be designated as “damage.” Various symptoms of cell damage as damage indicator are discussed: alteration of morphology, release of intracellular compounds, alteration of metabolism and productivity, and loss of viability. A compilation is made of the experimental techniques that have been used to investigate the shear sensitivity of plant cells. From the literature reviewed it is clear that huge differences in hydrodynamic stress sensitivity exist among various plant cell lines. The opinion that plant cells are by all means sensitive to hydrodynamic stress has to be revised. It is concluded that for the development of a productiond system based on plant cells, hydrodynamic stress sensitivity should be determined preferably in a down-scaled version of the production system.