Bioactive compounds in Laelia speciosa (Orchidaceae) seedlings grown in temporary immersion bioreactor

Laelia speciosa is an epiphytic orchid endemic to Mexico, enjoying special protected status due to illegal sales and clandestine field extraction. Until now, in vitro cultivation of this plant has not been explored using temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB). L. speciosa seedlings were grown in a TIB, and the presence of bioactive compounds released into the liquid culture medium was determined. Bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, total polyphenols, and flavonoids were identified. The maximum concentration of total polyphenols was 2.29 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g, and the antioxidant capacity reached 33.7 %. Colorimetric tests revealed the presence of flavanones and flavonols. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified components of the culture medium as 1,3-dihydroxyacetone dimer and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furancarbaldehyde. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of polyphenols in the culture medium. This work provides an alternative method for obtaining bioactive compounds while conserving L. speciosa seedlings.