The effects of tween 20 as permeabilizing agent on tropane alkaloids f
rom Datura innoxia Mill. hairy roots have been studied. For various tw
een 20 concentrations both hyoscyamine and scopolamine accumulated in
the culture medium. Plant material viability could be preserved after
a 24 hours-2% tween 20 concentration treatment. The time-course study
of alkaloid release showed that the maximum of excretion occurred afte
r a 20 hour contact with tween 20. At that time, a concentration of hy
oscyamine superior to 25 mg/l was detected in the medium.