KINETICS OF TAXOL PRODUCTION AND NUTRIENT USE IN SUSPENSION-CULTURES OF TAXUS-CUSPIDATA IN SHAKE FLASKS AND A WILSON-TYPE BIOREACTOR

Suspension cultures of Taxus cuspidata were grown in shake flasks and Wilson-type reactors where bubbled air provided both agitation and mix ing. Taxol titers of 22 mg l(-1) were achieved for both configurations in 20 days for a volumetric productivity of 1.1 mg l(-1) day(-1). Thi s productivity is many-fold higher than reported for other Taxus sp. s uspension cultures. Taxol was released to the extracellular medium as it was produced with little intracellular retention (less than or equa l to 10%). Taxol production occurred during the last seven days of the cultivation period and was not growth-associated. Although the same t axol titers could be obtained in both reactor types, nutrient uptake r ates were faster in the Wilson-type reactor than in shake flasks. Form ation of a growth ring in the Wilson-type reactor reduced measured cel l mass yields.