Biomass and carotenoid pigment production by patagonian native yeasts

Summary New yeast isolates from unexplored Patagonian habitats were studied for the production of biomass and carotenoids as the first step towards the selection of hyper-producing strains and the design of a process optimization approach. Patagonian yeast isolates considered as potential biomass and carotenoid sources were studied using ammonium sulphate and urea as nitrogen sources in semi-synthetic medium (MMS), and agro-industrial byproducts (cane molasses, corn syrup, raw malt extract) as carbon sources. Maximum pigment production (300 μg g⁻¹) was achieved by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CRUB 0195 and by novel species Cryptococcus sp. CRUB 1046. β-carotene, torulene and torularhodin were the major carotenoids found.