This study aimed to evaluate the production of carotenoid pigments by Rhodotorula spp. in submerged fermentation, using residual glycerin from biodiesel production as a carbon source. Chromatographic analysis by HPLC showed that the residual glycerin used as substrate was 57.88% composed of glycerol. The best growth conditions were found in the fermentation medium composed of residual glycerin at a concentration of 30 g/L and pH 9. From all the Rhodotorula strains tested, R. minuta URM6693 was selected because of their performance and adaptation in all culture media assayed. The maximum volumetric production of carotenoids was found at 48 h (equivalent to 17.20 mg/L, for the R. minuta). The production of β-carotene since the first 24 h of fermentation reach a final concentration of 1.021 mg/L. The yeast Rhodotorula minuta proved its capability to efficiently convert the substrate (mainly at the concentration of 50 g/L), obtaining products of biotechnological interest.
Keywords: Agroindustrial waste; Glycerine; Yeasts; β-carotene.