Response surface methodology was applied to maximize the yield and production of carotenoids by Sporidiobolus pararoseus WZ012 using citrus juice. A high concentration of yeast extract and citrus juice favored carotenoid production and biomass concentration, respectively. Under optimal conditions, a more than 51 percent (from 860 to 1300 µg/g) and 62 percent (from 17.05 to 27.66 mg/L) respective enhancement in intracellular and total carotenoid production was achieved. Finally, this process was successfully upscaled in a 5-L fermentor. A comparison of the carotenoid distributions revealed that torulene (61.3%) was the dominant carotenoid when using the citrus based medium, while the main carotenoid was β-carotene (62.5%) when using the glucose medium. The present work provides an alternative method to produce high-value products derived from waste and low-grade citrus.
Keywords: Biomass; Sporidiobolus pararoseus; carotenoids; citrus juice; response surface methodology.