Bioprocess Optimization of Furanocoumarin Elicitation by Medium Renewal and Re-elicitation: A Perfusion-Based Approach

Effect of various abiotic (methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid) and biotic (yeast extract, Aspergillus niger) elicitors on furanocoumarin production and in situ product removal was studied using shoot cultures of Ruta graveolens L. Elicitation by yeast extract (1% w/v) on day 15 was most effective. It led to 7.8-fold higher furanocoumarin production that was attained 24 h after elicitation and 43% of the product was released into the medium. Changes in the relative concentration of furanocoumarins produced depend on the elicitor used. Molar ratio of bergapten increased to 93% in response to yeast extract. With the perspective of developing a commercially feasible process, an approach for preserving viability of biomass and its reuse needs to be developed. For this, medium renewal strategy was investigated. Removal of the spent medium 48 h after elicitation allowed in situ product removal and proved effective in revival of cultures, allowing reuse of biomass. A week after medium renewal, the revived biomass was re-elicited and a second furanocoumarin production peak was obtained. A perfusion-based bioprocess optimization approach, employing elicitation coupled with medium renewal with subsequent re-elicitation, as a new strategy for improved furanocoumarin production, has been suggested.