Abstract

This study addresses the optimization of agroindustrial medium used to obtain carotenoids with the wild yeast, Sporidiobolus pararoseus. The optimal condition for the production of total carotenoids was achieved in 168 h obtaining 779.60 µg/L (65.64 µg/g) with 30 g/L of raw glycerol (from the synthesis of biodiesel) and 52.9 g/L of corn steep liquor at 25°C and 180 rpm. The formulation of another culture medium was also optimized by combining 40 g/L of sugar cane molasses and 6.5 g/L corn steep liquor, achieving a total carotenoid of 520.94 µg/L (73.19 µg/g) under the same process conditions, demonstrating the potential of this yeast as a biopigment source.

Key words: Agroindustrial, by-products, culture medium, optimization.