A Novel Method of Isolating Taxanes from Cell Suspension Cultures of Yew (TaxusSpp.)

Abstract

A method is described to isolate a mixture of taxanes from cell suspension cultures of Taxus species. The aqueous suspension medium is pre-filtered and centrifuged to remove cellular debris, and then passed through either nylon or PVDF membranes. Contaminants are washed from the membranes and the taxanes are eluted with appropriate solvents. This method provides a rapid, efficient, and inexpensive means of extracting taxanes from cell suspension medium, as well as a significant reduction in the total volume of solvents used.