Effects of cellular stress on pigment production inRhodotorula mucilaginosa/alborubescensAJB01 strain from the Caribbean region of Colombia

Abstract

Considering that a large proportion of industrially used pigments are toxic and potentially mutagenic, with some having carcinogenic effects, it is essential to replace them as well as eliminate them from industrial effluents. The discovery of biopigments has received considerable attention from the industry sector. The main objective of this study was to increase the production of carotenoid pigments in naturally pigmented yeast by subjecting the yeast to various cellular stresses. The fungal strain Rhodotorula mucilaginosa/alborubescens AJB01 was isolated from a food sample collected in Barranquilla, Colombia, and one of the pigments produced was β-carotene. This strain was subjected to various stress conditions, including osmotic stress using different salts, physical stress by ultraviolet (UV) light, and light stress using different photoperiods. The optimal growth conditions for carotenoid production were determined to be 1 min of UV light, 0.5 mg/L of magnesium sulfate, and 18:6 h light/dark period, which resulted in a carotenoid yield of 118.3 µg of carotenoid per gram of yeast.

Draft Genome Sequences of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Strains Isolated from the International Space Station

“… Rhodotorula mucilaginosa of phylum Basidiomycota is found in soil, air, food, stool, and other environments ( 1 ) and produces carotenoids, making it easily identifiable by its distinctive pink, yellow, orange, or red colonies ( 2 ). Carotenoids are important for various biological activities, including vitamin A biosynthesis, enhancement of the immune system, reduction of the risk of various diseases ( 3 ), and protection from radiation ( 4 ). For these reasons, R. mucilaginosa carotenoids are used as food additives and hold pharmaceutical potential ( 5 ).…”

Production of Bioferments from Artichoke and Asparagus Waste with High Unicellular Protein and Carotenoid Content Using R. mucilaginosa

“…Some species of Rhodotorula, such as R. rubra and R. glutinis, produce β-carotene, torulene, and torularhodin, the latter having the highest oxidation level among carotenoids [8]. What is more interesting is that various alternative carbon and nitrogen sources have been tested to replace commercial ones in biotechnological processes for obtaining carotenoid pigments [9].…”