A comparative evaluation of batch and fed-batch cultures for enhanced lipid, carotenoid, and β-carotene production by <i>Rhodotorula mucilaginosa</i>

This study explored the impact of sodium acetate (Na-acetate) impact on lipid, carotenoid, and β-carotene production by the newly isolated strain <i>Rhodotorula mucilaginosa</i>. Batch and fed-batch bioreactor cultures were employed to optimize growth conditions and product yields. <i>R. mucilaginosa</i> fed with Na-acetate in the yeast medium was evaluated in the batch bioreactor culture. The following merits were accomplished for the cell dry weight (5.02 gL^-1), lipid content (65.73%), carotenoid (40.33 µgg^-1) and β-carotene (17.63 µgg^-1) consistently. The fed-batch reactor cultivation using yeast extract supplemented with Na-acetate yielded superior lipid content (68.58%), cell dry weight (5.92 gL^-1), carotenoid (48.36 µgg^-1), and β-carotene production (21.38 µgg^-1) compared to batch cultivation. The fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are produced from the lipids suitable for biodiesel production. These findings highlight the potential of <i>R. mucilaginosa</i> as a promising organism for sustainable biofuel and high-value compound production. Further optimization of culture conditions and downstream processing could enhance the commercial viability of this approach.