Potential Bioconversion of Microalgal Waste for Carotenoid-Rich Biomass Production

To increase the carotenoid-rich biomass production, various exogenous conditions as well as nutritional stress in terms of carbon sources were tested using a yeast strain, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa AY-01, isolated as a carotenoid producer. Biomass and carotenoid production were monitored according to the type of substrates. For cost reduction and carbon source recycling in bio-refinery, crude biomass designated to microalgal wastes was collected from Tetraselmis tertiolecta KCTC12432BP. Afterward it was used for the biodiesel production and considered as suitable carbon source for the cultivation of R. mucilaginous AY-01. The results indicated about a 27% increase in total biomass and 15.7% increase in carotenoid production respectively, as compared to glycerol supplemented medium. It is worth to note that microalgal wastes substrate can be used as an alternative carbon and nitrogen sources for the cultivation of R. mucilaginous AY-01 and contribute to the enhancement of the economic competition of biodiesel production from microalgae.