Production of beta-carotene by a mutant of Rhodotorula glutinis.
Wild strains of Rhodotorula glutinis and R. rubra were investigated concerning their carotenoid production, proportion of beta-carotene and cell mass yield. R. glutinis NCIM 3353 produced 2.2 mg carotenoid/l in 72 h; and the amount of beta-carotene was 14% (w/w) of the total carotenoid content (17 microg/g cell dry weight). It was subjected to mutagenesis using UV radiation for strain improvement. Out of 2,051 isolates screened, the yellow coloured mutant 32 produced 120-fold more beta-carotene (2,048 microg/g cell dry weight) than the parent culture in 36 h, which was 82% (w/w) of the total carotenoid content. Mutant 32 was grown on different carbon and nitrogen sources. The best yield of beta-carotene (33+/-3 mg/l) was obtained when glucose and yeast extract were supplied as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Divalent cation salts further increased the total carotenoid content (66+/-2 mg/l) with beta-carotene as the major component (55+/-2%, w/w).
Bhosale
P B
PB
Chemical Engineering Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India.
Gadre
R V
RV
D002244:Carbon / Q000378:metabolism; D003470:Culture Media; D016296:Mutagenesis; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D012248:Rhodotorula / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D003470:Culture Media; D019207:beta Carotene; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen