Anthocyanin synthesis, growth and nutrient uptake in suspension cultures of strawberry cells

Abstract

Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. Shikinari) cell suspension cultures carried out in shake flasks for 18 days were investigated for cell growth, anthocyanin synthesis and the development of pigmented cells in relation to the uptake of carbohydrate, extracellular PO4, NO3, NH4 and calcium. Cell viability, extracellular anthocyanin content, pH and electric conductivity of the broth were also monitored. The specific growth rate of strawberry cells at exponential phase was 0.27 and 0.28/day based on fresh and dry weight, respectively. Based on the results of kinetic analysis, a model was developed by incorporating governing equations for the ratio of pigmented cells into a Bailey and Nicholson's model. The model satisfactorily described the cell culture.