ABSTRACT
A cell suspension culture consists of cell aggregates dispersed and growing in moving liquid media. Plant cell suspension culture is potentially valuable for studying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Secondary plant metabolites may be obtained from cell cultures produced by batch or less commonly by continuous processes. Batch culture consists of a heterogeneous mixture of cells at different stages of biochemical and morphological differentiation. There are an increasing number of reports of immobilization of plant cells producing secondary metabolites on a variety of supports. Presently, different processes based on immobilized biocatalysts are in commercial operation, which include production of high fructose syrups, 6-aminopencillanic acid and various amino acids. The technique of immobilization is based on confinement of biocatalyst on or within a matrix by entrapment, adsorption or covalent linkage. Entrapment within a polymeric network is the most appropriate method used for the immobilization of large sensitive plant cells and protoplasts.
