Optimization of carotenoid production by Umbelopsis ramanniana

Umbelopsis ramanniana was investigated to increase carotenoid production. Nine different carbon sources and six different nitrogen sources were evaluated for the maximum carotenoid production. The most effective nitrogen and carbon sources were KNO₃ and lactose, respectively. Then, the optimization of medium components for enhancement of carotenoid production by Umbelopsis ramanniana was achieved using Plackett-Burman design. Box-Behnken response surface methodology was applied to further optimize carotenoid and biomass production. Carbon to nitrogen ratio, lactose concentration, and shaking speed were studied as variables in Box-Behnken design. The optimum conditions for carotenoid and biomass production were determined as 32.42 g/L of lactose concentration, 20:1 of carbon to nitrogen ratio, and shaking speed of 130 rpm. The maximum carotenoid and biomass production under optimized conditions were 1141 μg/L (β-carotene-Eq) and 13.14 g/L, respectively. When compared to the control fermentation, carotenoid, and biomass production were increased by about 2 and 1.3 folds, respectively.