CONVERSION OF TRYPTAMINE TO SEROTONIN BY CELL SUSPENSION CULTURES OF PEGANUM HARMALA

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0031-9422(88)80015-3

Biotransformation of tryptamine to serotonin by cell cultures of Peganum harmala was preformed in 250 ml conical flaskes or 10 l bioreactor with high serotonin yields (2.5 g/l of culture and 20percent of the biomass dry weight).The specific biotransformation rate reached more than 100 mg/g dry weight/day.The influence of pH, auxin concentration, and temperature were studied.Phenobarbital stimulated the reaction.Immobilized cells showed a lower biotransformation rate than cell suspensions.The stability of the cell line after cryostorage (growth and biotransformation capability) was established.Key Word Index - Peganum harmala; Zygophyllaceae; tryptamine; serotonin; biotransformation; bioreactor; cryopreservation; immobilization; Ca-alginate; chitosan.