Improved β-thujaplicin production in Cupressus lusitanica suspension cultures by fungal elicitor and methyl jasmonate

Abstract.

Production of a novel antimicrobial tropolone, β-thujaplicin, in Cupressus lusitanica suspension cultures was studied by using a variety of chemicals and fungal elicitors. Sodium alginate, chitin, and methyl jasmonate resulted in 2-, 2.5-, and 3-fold higher β-thujaplicin production, respectively, than in the control. Significantly improved β-thujaplicin production (187 mg l^–1) was obtained using a high cell density (180–200 g l^–1) and fungal elicitor treatment [10 mg (g fresh cells)^–1] in a production medium with a high ferrous ion concentration (0.3 mM). This improved volumetric productivity was 3- to 4-fold higher than obtained under standard conditions. A synergistic effect of fungal elicitor and ferrous ion on β-thujaplicin production was also suggested by our study.