Influence of light irradiation rates and irradiation modes on caffeine production and cell growth in suspension culture of coffea arabica cells

Abstract

The effect of light on caffeine production by Coffea arabica cells was investigated using chemical actinometry for the purpose of industrial application of plant cell cultures. Caffeine production by the Coffea arabica cells was greatly increased by light. About a six-day irradiation period was required to increase the caffeine production in a batch culture. Caffeine production significantly increased at a low light irradiation rate of 0.11 J/L/s. Meanwhile, cell growth was suppressed by increasing the irradiation rate. Maximum production was achieved at a moderate irradiation rate of 0.70 J/L/s in a 20-day batch culture. It was shown there was a light irradiation rate that optimized production. Since long-term continuous light greatly suppressed cell growth, the culture was divided into two stages: the production period in the light and the growth period in the dark. The high production and good growth were maintained for 65 days. © 1991, The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan. All rights reserved.