Optimization of carotenoids production by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (MTCC-1403) using agro-industrial waste in bioreactor: A statistical approach

[Display omitted] •Agro wastes were used as carbon, nitrogen source to produce pigments (Carotenoids) by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.•Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize the pH, temperature and agitation in shake flask.•Impact of aeration was studied in Fermenter.•LC-MS confirmed the extracted pigment was mixture of Phytoene, Toluene, Torularhodin, and β-carotene. Bio-colorants are preferred over synthetic colors as bio-colorants not only impart characteristic color to the food also contain harmless bio-active antioxidant nutrients. The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential of agro-industrial waste (Onion peels, potato skin, mung bean husk and pea pods) for carotenoid production from Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. After screening of appropriate carbon, nitrogen sources from agro-industrial waste, the fermentation conditions (pH, temperature, agitation) were optimized using Response Surface Methodology and optimum conditions were pH 6.1, temperature 25.8 ᴼC and agitation 119.6 rpm. Further, to evaluate the effect of aeration on carotenoids synthesis, fermentation was carried out in 3 L bio-reactor under optimum conditions with an air input of 1.0 vvm. Aeration causes elevation of more than 100 μg carotenoids per g of dry biomass. LC-MS of extracted pigment confirmed the presence of some other carotenoids along with β-carotene. The major carotenoid compounds were found from the investigation were torularhodin, β-carotene, and torulene.