Rosmarinic acid production by Lavandula vera MM cell suspension culture: nitrogen effect

The growth of Lavandula vera MM cell suspension and the biosynthesis of rosmarinic acid (RA) were followed during its cultivation in Linsmayer–Skoog media, containing different concentrations of ammonium and nitrate ions. The results showed that cultivation in a medium with 0.09g ammonium ions/l (1/4 of standard medium) ensured intensive growth (16g dry biomass/l) and enhanced biosynthesis of RA (15mg/g dry biomass). Cultivation of L. vera MM cell culture in a medium with 1.2-fold concentration of nitrate ions led to accumulation of 11mg RA/g dry biomass which was twice as much as in the standard Linsmayer–Skoog medium.