Production and characterization of extracellular polymeric substances from carotenogenic yeasts

abstract

English

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have garnered significant attention in research due to their bioactive properties and wide range of potential applications. Despite the increasing demand for exopolysaccharides from various sources, the use of yeast-derived exopolysaccharides remains limited, primarily due to relatively low production yields. Carotenogenic yeasts are well-known for their synthesis of antioxidant pigments and intracellular polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. However, their capacity to produce EPS and the characteristics of these compounds are relatively unexplored. These EPS are also attractive because they enhance the overall yield of the cultivation process by utilizing the supernatant. The objective was to identify the optimal carbon source for EPS production and to determine its effect on the synthesis of various EPS fractions, as well as carotenoids and lipids. The production and properties of these fractions were studied using gravimetric, chromatographic, and microscopic analyses. These analytical methods revealed a strong dependence of EPS output on the carbon source, with the strain Rhodotorula kratochvilovae achieving the highest EPS yield (5.88±0.36 g/L) when grown on sucrose. This study highlights the potential of optimizing carbon sources to enhance the production of valuable extracellular substances in carotenogenic yeasts, offering promising implications for industrial applications.

EPS, carotenogenic yeasts, carotenoids, lipids, proteins

ŠPAČKOVÁ, D.; HOLUB, J.; OBRAČAJ, J.; SNIEGOŇOVÁ, P.; GERSPITZEROVÁ, N.; MÁROVÁ, I.

22. 1. 2025

Sciendo

2564-615X

The EuroBiotech Journal

9

1

Republic of Italy

47

48

1