INTRODUCTION. Beta-carotene, a widely demanded red-orange pigment, has multiple applications in the food, cosmetic, and textile industries. Synthetic pigments are associated with harmful side effects, which necessitates the exploration of natural alternatives. Rhodotorula toruloides, a yeast strain, offers a promising natural source of β-carotene, potentially overcoming the limitations posed by traditional plant-based sources like carrots.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this study, β-carotene was extracted from R. toruloides using submerged fermentation with YPD medium, optimized for maximum pigment production. Characterization was performed using spectrophotometry, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the extracted β-carotene were analyzed, and its suitability as a dye was tested.
RESULTS. The yield of β-carotene from R. toruloides was 0.36 g/L, with significant antimicrobial activity against Salmonella sp. (25.3 ± 0.3 mm inhibition zone), outperforming carrot-derived β-carotene. Additionally, the DPPH assay revealed strong antioxidant activity. The β-carotene extracted from R. toruloides also successfully dyed cotton fabric, demonstrating its potential as an organic dye.
CONCLUSIONS. The study concludes that β-carotene extracted from R. toruloides exhibits superior antimicrobial and antioxidant properties compared to carrot-derived β-carotene. With its ease of cultivation and cost-effectiveness, R. toruloides presents a viable, natural, and efficient alternative source for β-carotene production, suitable for various industrial applications.
