Enhanced Antioxidant Formula Based on a Selenium‐Supplemented Carotenoid‐Producing Yeast Biomass

Abstract

Carotenoid-producing yeast species such as Rhodotorula glutinis and Sporobolomyces roseus efficiently accumulated selenium from the growth medium. It was observed that incorporation of selenium into yeast cells during the growth inhibited production of beta-carotenoid and other carotenoid precursors (torularhodin and torulene). The yeasts with high content of the carotenoid pigments and selenium may be used for the preparation of a new type of antioxidant formula that could be directly applied for various human and animal diets. We have demonstrated that such a formula can only be produced by separate processes of the cultivation of red yeasts and a subsequent sorption of selenium into the cells.

Production of Enriched Biomass by Carotenogenic Yeasts - Application of Whole-Cell Yeast Biomass to Production of Pigments and Other Lipid Compounds

“…The results obtained indicate that the most dramatic change was observed in the significantly lowered levels of -carotene, while torularhodin and torulene contents decreased to a lesser extent (Breierova et al, 2008). Previously, it has been shown that Cd, Ni, and Zn induce the opposite effect and stimulate production of -carotene.…”

“…The other explanation is based on observations that presence of heavy metals results in formation of various active oxygen radicals what, in a turn, induces generation of protective carotenoid metabolites that reduce negative behaviour of free radicals. Such strategy has been applied in several pigment-forming microorganisms to increase the yield of microbial pigments (Breierova et al, 2008;Rapta et al, 2005). In order to achieve rapid carotenoid overproduction, various stimulants can be added to the culture broth.…”

“…digestive acids, flavour modifications, interesterification of oils etc. Growth and lipid modifications of pigment-forming yeasts of genus Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces growing under presence of selenium recently were studied (Breierova et al, 2008). Because some of the red yeasts also produce enough quantity of lipids, such selenized red yeasts might be considered as a valuable source of both carotene pigments and useful lipids.…”

“…These findings might be very useful for preparation of selenized red yeasts containing carotenoid pigments with enhanced accumulation of linoleic and linolenic acids. (Breierova et al 2008, Certik et al, 2009.…”

“…Recently preparation of antioxidant formula based on carotenoid forming yeasts Rhodotorula glutinis and Sporobolomyces roseus that also efficiently accumulated selenium from the growth medium was reported (Breierova et al, 2008).…”