Strategies for the Optimization of Culture Conditions for Increasing Metabolite Production Through Hairy Root Cultures: Monoterpene Indole Alkaloid Production in Catharanthus roseus Hairy Roots

This chapter describes a two-step process to increase the accumulation of monoterpenoid alkaloids ajmalicine and catharanthine in hairy roots cultures of Catharanthusroseus (L.) G. Don, Madagascar periwinkle. The first step consists in culturing roots in an alkaloid production medium (APM) for 10 days before exposing them to 200 μM methyl jasmonate for up to 48 h. APM formulation is based on Gamborg’s B5 medium, at half of its ionic strength and vitamin concentration, but adding an extra supply of nitrogen (12.5 mM as NH4NO3) and sucrose (30 g/L). By combining these treatments the result is an increase in ajmalicine accumulation between two- and fourfold, compared to roots kept in the Gamborg’s B5 maintenance medium.