Influence of chitosan, acetic acid and citric acid on growth and tropane alkaloid production in transformed roots of Brugmansia candida - Effect of medium pH and growth phase

The effects of chitosan, acetic acid and citric acid on production and rele ase of hyoscyamine and scopolamine in hairy root cultures of Brugmansia can dida were studied. Chitosan and acetic acid were tested at different concen trations and also at different media pH values. At pH 5.5, and at certain c oncentrations, acetic acid and chitosan increased the content of root scopo lamine and hyoscyamine, and promoted the release of both alkaloids. Lowerin g the pH to 3.5 and 4.5 reduced the accumulation of both alkaloids in the r oots, but at a pH of 4.5, their release increased significantly. Acetic and citric acid stimulated the release of scopolamine and hyoscyamine.