Optimization of Carbon and Nitrogen Sources, Yeast Extract Concentration, and Agitation Speed for Carotenoid Production by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of carbon sources, yeast extract concentration, nitrogen sources, and agitation speed on carotenoid biosynthesis by yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, due to the high cost and limited availability of plant-based sources that produce carotenoids. The results demonstrated that sucrose was the most effective carbon source for carotenoid production, yielding 1250.95 µg/L, followed closely by date molasses, which produced 1207.91 µg/L. In contrast, lactose was the least effective carbon source, resulting in the lowest carotenoid yield (98.83 µg/L). The optimum yeast extract concentration for carotenoid production was 5 (g/L), while ammonium sulfate proved to be the most suitable nitrogen source, achieving the highest carotenoid production of 1505.01 µg/L. Furthermore, the optimum agitation speed was 250 rpm. Overall, these findings indicate that maximizing carotenoid production by R. mucilaginosa depends on the appropriate selection of carbon and nitrogen sources, optimal yeast extract supplementation, and suitable aeration conditions achieved through proper agitation, thereby providing favorable nutritional and environmental conditions for microbial growth and carotenoid biosynthesis.