Production of betacyanins by a cell suspension culture of table beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

A cell suspension culture of table beet (Beta vulgaris L.) was established for efficient betacyanin production from violet callus induced from the hypocotyls of aseptic seedlings. This suspension culture produced large amounts of betacyanins. The betacyanin content increased with increasing cell growth during the log phase. Reducing the total nitrogen concentration (30 mM) and modifying the ratio of ammonium to nitrate (1:14) resulted in an increased betacyanin content. Supplementation of Fe2+ to the LS medium also promoted betacyanin production. The maximal betacyanin yield was achieved with a 2 mM Fe2+ concentration. Combining these conditions, we established a revised LS medium to improve betacyanin productivity (250 mg/l for a 14-day culture).