Optimization of carotenoid production from hyper-producing Rhodotorula glutinis mutant 32 by a factorial approach

Aims: Optimization of carotenoid production by a mutant of Rhodotorula glutinis. Methods: The growth and carotenoid production was optimized in shake flasks using a two-level, three-variable factorial design. Results: The volumetric carotenoid production could be increased to 129 +/- 2 mg l(-1) in a medium containing (g l(-1)) yeast extract 11.74, glucose 46 and threonine 18 along with other micronutrients, wherein, beta -carotene yield was 102 +/- 2 mg l(-1), accounting for 80% of the total carotenoids. Significance and Impact of the Study: The medium optimization resulted in a fourfold increase in volumetric production and a twofold increase in the cellular accumulation of carotenoids. In view of such high yields, the mutant of Rhodotorula glutinis can be a potential source of beta -carotene.