Evaluation of Various Factors Affecting Bioconversion of L-Tyrosine to L-DOPA by Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica-NCIM 3450 Using Response Surface Methodology

3,4-Dihydroxy L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) is considered a potent drug for the treatment of Parkinson disease. Physical and nutritional parameters where optimized by using Yarrowia lipolytica-NCIM 3450 to accomplished the highest production of L-DOPA. Screenings of critical components were completed by using a Plackett-Burman design, while further optimization was carried out using the Box-Behnken design. The optimized factor levels predicted by the model were pH 6.1, 1.659 g L-1 yeast extract, 1.491 g L-1 L-tyrosine and 0.0290 g L-1 CuSO4. The predicted yield of L-DOPA with these levels was 1.319 g L-1, while actual yield obtained was 1.273 g L-1. The statistical analysis revealed that model is significant with F value 19.55 and R-2 value 0.9514. This process resulted in a 3.594-fold increase in the yield of LDOPA. L-DOPA was confirmed by HPTLC and HPLC analysis. Thus, Yarrowia lipolytica-NCIM 3450 has potential to be a new source for the production of L-DOPA.