An Envelope-Shaped Film Culture Vessel for Shikonin Production by Lithospermum erythrorhizon Hairy Root Cultures

Abstract

Hairy roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon cultured in “Culture Bag” containing NH₄NO₃-depleted MS medium without agitation were found to produce shikonin. Although the amount in the Culture Bag was less than that in shaken flasks, the ratio of shikonin secreted into the medium in the former was higher than that in the latter, suggesting that the “Culture Bag” is useful for studies of the physiological effect of shaking or agitation on plant tissue and cell cultures in a liquid medium.