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

Zhijia Liu,Francesca Natalizio,Giuliano Dragone,Solange I Mussatto

doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125598

Zhijia Liu, Francesca Natalizio + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125598

Copy DOI

Abstract

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.

Highlights

Prominent negative consequences caused by the excessive use of fossil resources, including global warming and environmental pollution, represent nowadays big challenges for the humanity
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
The present study aims to advance the research in this area by selecting appropriate con ditions of fermentation able to result in a maximum simultaneous pro duction of lipids and carotenoids by R. toruloides from wheat straw hydrolysate

Summary

Introduction

Prominent negative consequences caused by the excessive use of fossil resources, including global warming and environmental pollution, represent nowadays big challenges for the humanity. Single cell oil produced by oleaginous yeasts has been considered as a promising alternative feedstock for the production of biodiesel and oleochemicals. Oleaginous yeasts can accumulate up to 70% of their dry cell weight in lipids, which make them very attractive for industrial application. Lipids accumulated by these yeasts have prop erties similar to those of vegetable oil, and their production by yeasts do not cause competition with food production (like the vegetable oils, for example) nor depends on the seasons or regions (Liu et al, 2020; Vas concelos et al, 2019). Carotenoids have numerous applications in food, feed, cosmetic and pharmacy industries, due to their relevant properties such as anti-oxidant and anti-tumor activities, and attractive color (Novoveskaet al., 2019)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion