Maximizing the simultaneous production of lipids and carotenoids by Rhodosporidium toruloides from wheat straw hydrolysate and perspectives for large-scale implementation

This study aimed to select fermentation conditions able to simultaneously maximize the production of lipids and carotenoids by oleaginous yeast cultivated in wheat straw hydrolysate. An evolved strain of Rhodosporidium toruloides with improved tolerance to toxic compounds present in hydrolysate medium was used. Experiments were performed in order to investigate the effect of the temperature and inoculum load on the production of lipids and carotenoids by R. toruloides. Results revealed that the accumulation of both products can be simultaneously maximized when performing the fermentation at 17 °C and using 3.5 g/L of inoculum. This maximum simultaneous production opens up new perspectives for the establishment of a feasible and more sustainable large-scale process for the production of lipids and carotenoids. Even corresponding to only 1% of the cell mass, due to the high market value, carotenoids would account for more than 90% of the total income of the industrial plant.