Optimization of the biotechnological process using Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and acerola (Malpighia emarginata L.) seeds for the production of bioactive compounds

The objective of the research was to optimize the fermentation process by using acerola seeds with R. mucilaginosa to obtain bioactive compounds. A Central Composite Rotational Design (CCRD) was applied, using the independent variables, pH, yeast extract, residue and glucose, resulting in maximum values of total carotenoids (1.50 mg/g) and soluble phenolics (327 mg GAE/g) in biomass, in relation to the fermented broth, 1.12 mg/L and 258 mg/L, respectively. The UPHLC-DAD analysis identified gallic and protocatechuic acids, hesperidin and pyrocatechol. In 96 h of fermentation, the medium contained a higher concentration of gallic acid (0.50 mg/g) and β-carotene (20.9 ± 0.0 mg/g). Among the organic acids identified by HPLC-DAD, oxalic acid showed the highest concentration (83.6–90.3 mg/100 mL). The acerola residue was an excellent substrate for the production of bioactive compounds. The results indicate that the submerged fermentation with R. mucilaginosa is a strategy to add value to the acerola residue by providing a significant increase in the synthesis of phenolic compounds with important biological functions. •Seeds use of acerola proposed so as to reduce environmental problems.•Seeds use of acerola produced bioactive compounds.•Phenolic compounds were obtained by fermentation with R. mucilaginosa on acerola seeds.•Increased production of β-carotene on fermentation with R. mucilaginosa of acerola seeds.