An immobilized cell culture system for berberine production by Thalictrum minus cells.

Thalictrum minus cells immobilized in calcium-alginate beads were cultured in a newly devised bioreactor for the purpose of producing berberine. This system could prevent cells from leaking out of the beads, allowing them to release most of the berberine synthesized into the liquid medium. Furthermore, the biosynthetic capability of the immobilized cells was found to be comparable to that of freely suspended cells.