Improvement of friable callus induction of Crocus sativus L. and establishment of a cell suspension culture system with high biomass

This study aims to explore the potential of in vitro culture as a method for scaling up the production of saffron based medicinal compounds, the most expensive spice renowned. Emphasis is placed on the critical role of friable callus (FC) formation as a prerequisite for successful suspension culture.

The research primarily investigates FC formation, focusing on the impact of varying strengths of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium as well as combinations of NAA or 2,4-D and BA or Kin on compact callus. Subsequently, the study involves supplementing the MS medium with different concentrations of 2,4-D, kin, zeatin, glutamine, sucrose, and nitrogen to establish a cell suspension culture.

The highest FC yield was achieved on a solid medium containing 2,4-D (1 mg l-1)+Kin (0.2 mg l-1), resulting in a fresh weight (FW) of 0.413 g. Furthermore, MS combined with 2,4-D (1 mg l-1)+Kin (0.2 mg l-1)+glutamine (10 mg l-1), as well as MS+2,4-D (0.5 mg l-1)+zeatin (0.3 mg l-1)+glutamine (10 mg l-1), demonstrated the highest FW under suspension conditions. The study also identified that 30 g l-1 sucrose and 30 µM were optimal for inducing maximum FW.

Research limitations: 

Cell biomass is influenced by several factors that should to be optimized.

Originality/Value: 

This research concludes that a cell suspension system holds promise for rapidly generating sufficient cell biomass to produce valuable secondary metabolites within a limited timeframe and space. Notably, the system successfully increased biomass from 0.2 to 1.2 g, underscoring its potential for efficient saffron-based product development.