Hairy Root Cultures: A Comprehensive Review of Biological Principles, Metabolic Engineering Strategies, and Bioreactor-Based Production Systems

Abedi Jebeli, Zahra; Ehsani, Shaghayegh; Karimian Kelishadorkhi, Fatemeh; Talebi, Majid; Ebrahim Sayed Tabatabaei, Badraldin

doi:10.22034/bsr.2026.564270.1007

Hairy Root Cultures: A Comprehensive Review of Biological Principles, Metabolic Engineering Strategies, and Bioreactor-Based Production Systems

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Zahra abedi Jebeli ¹

Shaghayegh Ehsani ²

Fatemeh Karimian Kelishadorkhi ²

Majid Talebi ²

Badraldin Ebrahim Sayed Tabatabaei ²

¹ Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural biotechnology, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

² Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Biotechnology, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

10.22034/bsr.2026.564270.1007

Abstract

Hairy root culture, induced through Agrobacterium rhizogenes–mediated genetic transformation, has emerged as one of the most powerful platforms in plant biotechnology for the production of high-value secondary metabolites. This technology combines rapid growth, genetic and biosynthetic stability, and synthesis under controlled conditions. In recent years, limitations associated with conventional extraction from natural plants have intensified global interest in vitro systems. Hairy roots offer an efficient alternative, while also enabling metabolic reprogramming and the accumulation of unique phytochemicals not detected in non-transformed tissues. This review summarizes the biological principles of hairy root induction and the metabolic advantages of transformed roots. In addition, the article highlights technological strategies for yield enhancement. Special emphasis is placed on bioreactor-based cultivation, with a focus on reactor designs, engineering constraints, and challenges related to oxygen transfer, shear sensitivity, and biomass aggregation. Key findings highlight that hairy root cultures can surpass wild plants in yield for specific metabolites when combined with elicitation strategies. However, major challenges such as shear sensitivity in bioreactors, biomass aggregation, and scale-up complexities remain significant hurdles for industrial adoption. Continued advances in molecular engineering and bioreactor design are expected to accelerate the commercial deployment of this technology.

Keywords

Hairy roots

Bioreactor systems

Secondary metabolites

Metabolic engineering

Elicitors

Subjects