In vitro CULTURE OF ROOTS IN FLASKS AND BIOREACTORS: BIOTECHNOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF DRUGS

Abstract

Objective: To describe and analyze the importance of secondary metabolism in roots, on main drugs in in vitro root cultures, as well as in different configurations of bioreactors, and in the use of biotic and abiotic elicitation, in order to contribute to the expansion of the production of secondary metabolites in each system at a molecular level.
Design/methodology/approach: A review of updated literature was made regarding secondary metabolism, the pharmaceutical production from in vitro root cultures in flasks, as well as the production of drugs from roots grown in bioreactors, and performing in vitro elicitation.
Results: Manipulation of plant roots in bioreactors was found to be attractive, making it an excellent alternative for conducting further research on increased pharmaceutical production at an industrial level. Elicitation represents a strategy that induces a genetic response to secondary metabolites.
Limitations on study/implications: In genetics terms, in vitro cell and callus cultures are less stable when compared to in vitro organ and root cultures.
Findings/conclusions: In vitro culture of roots in flasks is a successful alternative to drug production by using plant biotechnology. With the purpose of promoting a greater production and commercialization of drugs, these crops motivate a greater production in bioreactors. In addition, the biochemical and genetic stability of secondary metabolites produced in roots through in vitro cultures may favor a higher demand in the pharmacological field. There is also a significant differentiation in morphological terms of the metabolites, a condition that would lead to a feasible and sustainable alternative under commercial terms.