Studies on growth, modelling and pigment production by the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma

Within the aquaculture industry a potential has been identified for the pigment astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is the carotenoid responsible for the distinctive coloration of salmonids, crustaceans and certain birds. Due to the fact that animals cannot synthesize carotenoids themselves, it is necessary for these pigments to be present in their food source. In the case of farm-raised salmonids and crustaceans, supplementation of their food with astaxanthin is required. The chemical synthesis of astaxanthin is very costly and complicated. As a result natural, microbial sources of astaxanthin are being investigated. Phaffia rhodozyma is the only yeast known to synthesize astaxanthin as its principle carotenoid. The aim of this dissertation is to present a study investigating the growth and pigmentation of P. rhodozyma, with a view to its commercial production. A P. rhodozyma mutant (UCT-1 N-3693) with a 50% increased total carotenoid content was selected after NTG mutagenesis of the wild strain.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research

Year dc:date.issued

1995

Author dc:creator

• Reynders, Michael Barry

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Harrison, STL
• Rawlings, D E

• Bioprocess Engineering

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/21500

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/21500