Response surface methodology for optimization of growth parameters for the production of carotenoids by a mutant strain of Rhodotorula gracilis

Response surface methodological studies of growth parameters for carotenoid production by a mutant strain of Rhodotorula gracilis (CFR 0-1) was carried out by a two-level fractional factorial design involving five variables, namely glucose concentration (%), incubation period (days), volume of inoculum (ml/100 ml), pH, and temperature (°C). The response equation developed indicated linear relationship between period of incubation, temperature, sugar concentration, and volume of inoculum on carotenoid production. A temperature of 24 °C was found to exhibit maximum carotenoid production in the mutant. The results indicated maximum carotenogenesis (0.09%) at 8% glucose level, with pH 7.5 and 6.0 ml/100 ml of inoculum for an incubation period of 12 days at 24 °C, which was also verified by experimental data.