Effects of some factors on carotenoid biosynthesis by Rhodotorula muclaginosa

Abstract

Carotenoid compounds are the popular natural antioxidants which are often isolated from plants. There have been more and more researches on carotenoid biosynthesis towards lowering product prices. In this study, in order to produce carotenoid, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was grown on aqueous media composed of carbon source (glucose, glycerol), nitrogen source (yeast extract, (NH₄)₂SO₄). The optimum nutrient concentration was lOg/L glucose, 10g/L glycerol, the ratio of yeast extract and (NH₄)₂SO₄ (3:7). The fermentation time for obtaining the highest carotenoid yield was 10 days in our research condition. Additionally, some oxidative stress environment for Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was be studied. The result has shown that the low level of Cu (4.5mM) or 1% H₂O₂ solution (% v/v) in the fermentation media could increase the carotenoid biosynthesis.