Co-production of carotenoids and xylitol by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (Phaffia rhodozyma)

Carotenoid production by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (formerly Phaffia rhodozyma) when growing on xylose depended on the initial substrate concentration. Astaxanthin was the main carotenoid, others were echinenone, 3-hydroxyechinenone and canthaxanthin. Xylitol (an intermediate of xylose metabolism, with application as sweetener) accumulates in the fermentation media. Xylitol concentrations up to 22 g/l were obtained in experiments carried out with an initial xylose concentration of 42 g/l. Xylitol was assimilated after xylose depletion.