Response surface methodology for optimization of growth parameters for theproduction of carotenoids by a mutant strain of Rhodotorula gracilis

Response surface methodological studies of growth parameters for carotenoid production by a mutant strain of Rhodotorula gracilis (CFR 0-1) was carrie d out by a two-level fractional factorial design involving five variables, namely glucose concentration (%), incubation period (days), volume of inocu lum (ml/100 ml), pH, and temperature (degreesC). The response equation deve loped indicated linear relationship between period of incubation, temperatu re, sugar concentration, and volume of inoculum on carotenoid production. A temperature of 24 degreesC was found to exhibit maximum carotenoid product ion in the mutant. The results indicated maximum carotenogenesis (0.09%) at 8% glucose level, with pH 7.5 and 6.0 ml/100 ml of inoculum for an incubat ion period of 12 days at 24 degreesC, which was also verified by experiment al data.