Tissue cultures of Gypsophila elegans as means for production of pharmacologically active triterpenoids

Due to the chemical features of saponins, the compounds are considered valuable in phytotherapy. They present expectorant, exudative or anti- inflammatory activity, and recently gained considerable attention as aid in the delivery of biopharmaceuticals into target cells [1]. Aiming at overcoming problems with cultivation and processing of saponin rich plants, we developed the tissue culture method of Gypsophila elegans M. Bieb. Temporary immersion system (TIS), and polyurethane foam platforms were used for growing of G. elegans roots, callus tissues and cell suspensions. Differences in the biomass production of cell cultures were observed depending on the medium and supplementation with growth regulators. Both solid and liquid media were found to be effective for the cell and roots biomass growth. The highest biomass increase of callus cells was recorded on a MS medium supplemented with plant growth regulators such as kinetin (1µM), naphthaleneacetic acid (0.5 µM), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2.5 µM). In case of organ cultures, the largest increase in roots growth was observed on the MS liquid medium with a reduced of macro-, and microelements concentration (1/2 MS). Extracts obtained from the in vitro plant material were examined for the content of triterpene saponins and their derivatives. The content of several gypsogenin saponosides was confirmed using LC-MS.

The applied techniques of G. elegans in vitro cultures were effective in terms of cell and organ multiplication allowing for obtaining a substantial amount of biomass. The obtained plant material can be considered as a convenient source of medicinally relevant triterpenoids.

• References

• 1 Sama S, Jerz G, Schmieder P, Joseph JF, Melzig MF, Weng A. Plant derived triterpenes from Gypsophila elegans M.Bieb. enable non-toxic delivery of gene loaded nanoplexes. J Biotechnol 2018; 284: 131-139