Improved production of carotenes from synthetic medium by Blakeslea trispora in a bubble column reactor

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The carotene production from a synthetic medium sterilized at initial pH 11.0 by Blakeslea trispora in a bubble column reactor was investigated. Under the above conditions the fungus formed compact aggregates (pellets). As a consequence, a mild oxidative stress in B. trispora was occurred indicated by the specific activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The oxidative stress resulted in a significant increase in carotene production and a change in the biosynthesis of carotenes. The highest concentration of carotenes (85.0mg/g dry biomass) was obtained after 8 days of fermentation. In this case, the proportion of β-carotene, γ-carotene, and lycopene was 52.42%, 45.43%, and 2.15%, respectively. Bubble column reactor has a potential for carotene production from synthetic medium sterilized at initial pH 11.0.