Production of lipids and carotenoids by Rhodotorula gracilis ATCC 10788 yeast in a bioreactor using low-cost wastes

Abstract The study evaluated the possibility of using potato wastewater and glycerol fraction as media components for lipid and carotenoid biosynthesis by Rhodotorula gracilis ATCC 10788 yeast in a bioreactor. The cultures were carried out in 20 and 28 °C. A biomass yield range of up to 20 gd.w./L was obtained after 72 h. The lipid content in yeast biomass was the highest (19 g/100 gd.w) on the third and fourth days. After 96 h, it was observed that linoleic acid had the largest share (~28%). The biosynthesis of carotenoid by yeast cells grown in a bioreactor occurred for 120 h, but after taking into account the biomass yields, the highest value of the volumetric efficiency biosynthesis (6.24 mg/L) was found within 96 h of culture. After this time, the levels of β-carotene (~47%) and torulene (~51%) were similar, while torularhodin was synthesized in negligible amounts (