Production of Carotenoids by from Sauerkraut Brine

Abstract

Sauerkraut brine could serve as a substrate for the fermentative production of yeast carotenoids. Of the three yeast strains examined,Rhodotorula rubraNRRL Y-15596 was found to produce the highest amount of carotenoids. The maximal yield of total carotenoids expressed as β-carotene was 1041 μg/L or 131 μg/L yeast dry weight after 48 h of growth at 30 °C in Sauerkraut brine with an initial pH of 5·0. The yeast removed the acidity completely and reduced the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) by over 70%.