Abstract: Studies on production of plant secondary metabolites by hairy roots have been increasing over the last 30 years. But there are constraints for commercialization of hairy root culture，because there is a lack of detailed knowledge about the mechansm affecting biosynthetic pathways in hairy roots. New insights in the effects on secondary metabolites biosynthesis by hairy roots are discussed，which comprise physical and chemical parameters，regulation technologies enhancing productivity，and key factors in bioreactors. The study on suitable bioreactor and methods enhancing mass transfer efficiency will make it possible to produce plant secondary metabolites by hairy roots at commercial level based on their morphological and physiological characteristics.

摘要： 近30年来利用毛状根生产植物次生代谢产物的研究不断增加，但毛状根商业化生产还受到限制，其主要原因是对毛状根合成次生代谢产物的影响机制了解得还不细致。本文讨论了物理、化学因素对毛状根生长和次生代谢产物合成的影响机制，提高毛状根合成代谢物产量的调控技术，以及生物反应器中关键影响因素的研究进展。虽然借助于代谢工程将使得毛状根大量表达次生代谢产物成为可能，但由于毛状根的形态和生理特性，深入研究相应的反应器并提高传质效率将为毛状根法工业化提供可靠依据。