Batch and fed-batch carotenoid production by Rhodotorula glutinis-Debaryomyces castellii co-cultures in corn syrup

Investigations on the production of red pigments by Rhodotorula glutinis on raw substrates of agro-industrial origin may be considered of interest because they represent the first approach to the utilization of these raw materials for biotechnological purposes.

Rhodotorula glutinis DBVPG 3853 was batch and fed-batch co-cultured with Debaryomyces castellii DBVPG 3503 in a medium containing corn syrup as the sole carbon source. Fed-batch co-cultures gave a volumetric production of 8.2 mg total carotenoid l(-1), about 150% of that observed in batch co-cultures. The different carotenoid pigments (beta-carotene, torulene, torularhodin) were quantified.

Oligosaccharides and dextrins of corn syrup could be used profitably for pigment production by R. glutinis DBVPG 3853-D. castellii DBVPG 3503 in co-culture.

The above results suggest that the red yeasts belonging to the genus Rhodotorula may have industrial relevance as carotenoid producers.