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

Aims: 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. Methods and Results: 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 1(-1), about 150% of that observed in batch co-cultures. The different carotenoid pigments (beta -carotene, torulene, torularhodin) were quantified. Conclusions: 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. Significance and Impact of the Study: The above results suggest that the red yeasts belonging to the genus Rhodotorula may have industrial relevance as carotenoid producers.