Optimization of cell growth and bacoside-A production in suspension cultures of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. using response surface methodology

Abstract

Plant secondary metabolites have emerged as potential raw materials, which are used in the pharmaceutical, food, chemical, and cosmetic industries. Bacoside-A, a secondary metabolite produced by Bacopa monnieri, is known for its memory-facilitating properties. In recent years, various strategies have been developed to enhance biomass accumulation and synthesis of secondary compounds in cultures. In the present investigation, various factors affecting the production of biomass and bacoside-A in the cell suspension cultures of B. monnieri were optimized using the statistical experimental design approach. Preliminary screening by Plackett–Burman’s design revealed that among the tested factors, glucose, KNO3, KH2PO4, and inoculum density significantly influenced cell growth and bacoside-A production. Furthermore, using response surface methodology (RSM), glucose, KNO3, and KH2PO4 at a concentration of 5.67, 0.313, and 0.29%, respectively, and an inoculum density of 0.66% in basal MS medium were found to be optimal for cell growth and bacoside-A production. After optimization, the biomass yield increased about twofold (from 5.52 to 12.58 g L−1 fresh cell weight) and bacoside-A production about 1.7-fold (5.56 to 9.84 mg g−1 dry weight). The present study results show the successful application of RSM to enhance the production of biomass and accumulation of bacoside-A content in cell suspension cultures of B. monnieri.