A comparative evaluation of batch and fed-batch cultures for enhanced lipid, carotenoid, and β-carotene production by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa

This study explored the impact of sodium acetate (Na-acetate) impact on lipid, carotenoid, and beta-carotene production by the newly isolated strain Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Batch and fed-batch bioreactor cultures were employed to optimize growth conditions and product yields. R. mucilaginosa fed with Na-acetate in the yeast medium was evaluated in the batch bioreactor culture. The following merits were accomplished for the cell dry weight (5.02 gL-1), lipid content (65.73%), carotenoid (40.33 mu gg-1) and beta-carotene (17.63 mu gg-1) consistently. The fed-batch reactor cultivation using yeast extract supplemented with Na-acetate yielded superior lipid content (68.58%), cell dry weight (5.92 gL-1), carotenoid (48.36 mu gg-1), and beta-carotene production (21.38 mu gg-1) compared to batch cultivation. The fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are produced from the lipids suitable for biodiesel production. These findings highlight the potential of R. mucilaginosa as a promising organism for sustainable biofuel and high-value compound production. Further optimization of culture conditions and downstream processing could enhance the commercial viability of this approach.