Abstract: In the present study immobilized cell cultures of Juniperus chinensis were developed using various calcium alginate gel concentrations (1.8, 3 and 6% w/v). The podophyllotoxin productivity of immobilized cell cultures was compared with that for free cell suspension cultures. The free cell suspension cultures accumulate podophyllotoxin in intracellular compartments, while the immobilized cells with calcium alginate excrete marked amounts of podophyllotoxin into the culture media. From the effect of immobilization components on free cell suspension cultures, it was considered that the calcium alginate gel was supposed to be act as an elicitor and forced the cells to release the product into the culture media. The amount of podophyllotoxin excreted depends on the alginate gel concentration used: 3% calcium alginate gel promoted podophyllotoxin production through 28 days of cultivation. The podophyllotoxin production by immobilized cell cultures entrapped with the 3% calcium alginate gel was enhanced to 4 mg g-1 dry weight.