Production of rosmarinic acid from perfusion culture ofAnchusa officinalis in a membrane-aerated bioreactor

Summary In this study, a perfusion fermentation ofAnchusa officinalis was carried out in a stirred tank bioreactor integrated with an internal cross-flow filter. Bubble-free aeration via microporous membrane fibers was used to provide oxygen. A two-stage culture was successfully conducted in this reactor without filter fouling. In a 17 day fermentation, a cell density of 26 g dw/I and a rosmarinic acid productivity of 94 mg/l day were achieved. This productivity is three times that obtained in a batch culture.