Work

Açai Seeds, a Highly Discarded Byproduct in the Amazonia, as Potential Alternative Substrate for the Biotechnological Production of Carotenoids

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Rhodotorula yeasts can biosynthesize carotenoids inside their cells when they are subjected to adverse environmental conditions, and this biotechnological process can be industrially viable if the production cost can be minimized using low-cost byproducts as substrates. This research investigated the production of carotenoids using açaí seeds as a substrate for R. mucilaginosa . The best conditions for the production of biomass of R. mucilaginosa were pH 7.0, 40 °C, and agitation at 200 rpm, while those for the biosynthesis of carotenoids were pH 7.0, 30 °C, and 200 rpm. The optimized conditions provided 2 g of dry biomass and total carotenoid contents of 37 μg/g of dry biomass, with β-carotene (77%), Z -γ-carotene (6.9%), and torulene (4.5%) being the major carotenoids. Therefore, the biotechnological production of carotenoids achieved by R. mucilaginosa using açai seeds deserves scientific attention as a promising alternative to the use of waste processing units as a sustainable strategy for a circular economy.

Source: ACS Agricultural Science & Technology

DOI: 10.1021/acsagscitech.5c00377

Authors: Willen Silva Igreja, Felipe de Andrade Maia, Gilson Celso Albuquerque Chagas Junior, Alessandra Santos Lopes, Renan Campos Chisté

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Pará, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Metabolism and Applications

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500