Development of process strategies for berberine production in plant cell suspension cultures

Several factors enhancing berberine production in Thalictrum rugosum cultures were found. Some of them enhanced both cell growth and product formation, but others resulted in a decoupling of growth and product formation with significant enhancement in the specific product level. Since berberine production usually follows growth-associated product formation kinetics, we looked to develop a process strategy using enhancing factors in an optimal fashion. Combination of positive effectors was discovered to have a synergistic effect and increased product formation considerably.