An investigation into the role of initial KLa on the growth and alkaloid accumulation by cultures of Catharanthus roseus

The effect of initial KLa on the batch culture of Catharanthus roseus ID1 in a 12.5‐L bioreactor has been examined. Optimum KLa values were found for both growth and alkaloid accumulation. Different sparger designs were used to alter the KLa values. High KLa values caused increased aggregation of the cultures, depressed biomass yields, and altered patterns of alkaloid accumulation.