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Microbial Biopigment Production by Rhodotorula sp. Using Horticultural Waste; Its Functionality, Stability and
Shubham Mahajan1, Pooja Nikhanj1, Arashdeep Singh2
1Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141004 India.
Indian Journal of Microbiology
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Potato waste effectively supports Rhodotorula yeast growth for biopigment production. This study demonstrates a cost-effective method using agricultural waste as a sustainable alternative to artificial food colors.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Food Science
Background:
- Agricultural waste, specifically potato waste, possesses a rich nutritional profile suitable for microbial cultivation.
- There is a growing demand for natural biopigments as alternatives to synthetic food colorants due to health and environmental concerns.
- Rhodotorula sp. is a yeast known for its ability to produce valuable pigments, particularly carotenoids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate horticultural wastes as a cost-effective medium for biopigment production by Rhodotorula sp. MTCC 1446.
- To optimize the concentration of potato waste and growth conditions for enhanced biomass and biopigment yield.
- To characterize the produced biopigment and assess its stability and application potential in food products.
Main Methods:
- Proximate analysis of various horticultural wastes to identify the most suitable substrate (potato waste).
- Optimization of potato waste concentration and standardization of growth parameters (pH, temperature, incubation time, DAHP addition) using Response Surface Methodology.
- Biomass and biopigment quantification, characterization of pigment properties (antimicrobial, anticancerous, antioxidant, thermostability, UV/sunlight stability), and application testing in food products.
Main Results:
- Potato waste showed optimal nutritional content for Rhodotorula sp. growth.
- Optimized conditions (pH 7.0, 30°C, 66h, 362.5g DAHP) yielded 34.60 g/L biomass and 3345.82 µg/g biopigment, validated at 3L scale.
- The produced carotenoid biopigment exhibited antimicrobial, anticancerous, antioxidant properties, thermostability up to 70°C, and stability under UV/sunlight for 4 hours. Its use in food products enhanced nutraceutical value and appearance.
Conclusions:
- Potato waste is a viable and economical substrate for biopigment production using Rhodotorula sp.
- Optimized fermentation conditions significantly enhance biomass and biopigment yield.
- The characterized biopigment serves as a promising natural alternative to artificial food colors, offering health benefits and improved food product quality.
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