Investigation On Carotenoids From Marine Rhodotorula Sp

Carotenoids are widespread in nature and are typically seen as pigments in animals, plants and microorganisms, but are not synthesized in animals which rely on the diet. Carotenoids can function as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidant harmful effects. Over recent years there has been considerable interest in carotenoids for their use as food colorants, nutritional supplements and for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes, especially with respect to their potential in alleviating age-related diseases in humans. Therefore, much attention has been attracted to inexpensive means for producing carotenoids.Carotenoids can be economically produced by microbial fermentation. It is reported that among the microorganisms that are capable of producing carotenoids, Rhodotorula has great potential in carotenoid production considering its unique advantages, such as simple nutritional need, short fermentation cycle, rich nutrition in cells. In the present study, carotenoid yield of Rhodotorula sp. Hidai was examined and about 124.3μg/g carotenoid in the yeast cells (cell dry weight) was observed within 5-day of fermentation. It was shown that Rhodotorula sp. hidai can be a producer of carotenoid.By a series of mutagenesis of UV, EMS and NTG, one mutant (Mutant MM) with a high carotenoid yield was isolated. It grew well in YPD medium. Thus, it was confirmed that the carotenoid production was indeed enhanced in the mutant strain.A serial of experiments in shaking flasks were conducted to investigate...