Vol. 6, Issue 1 (2017)

Author(s):
MRA Manimala and R Murugesan

Abstract:
The present investigation was carried out to identify efficient carotenoid pigment producing yeast (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) by utilizing potential cheap natural substrates to minimize the production cost of pigments. An agro-industrial residues such as rice bran, wheat bran, coconut oil cake, sesame oil cake, tamarind seed powder, groundnut oil cake, cassava bagasse, sugarcane bagasse and rice flour (carbon source) were used for carotenoid production in nutrient broth under submerged fermentation. The results showed that highest pigment production was achieved with cassava bagasse followed by rice flour and sugarcane bagasse, other substrates which showed poor yields. The optimal fermentation condition to achieve maximum yield of total carotenoid were observed in cassava bagasse of intial pH at 6.0 and at 25 °C for 4 days. Cassava bagasse as a cheap substrate in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa carotenoid yield was ranging from 12.00-12.50 mg l^-1.