High-level production of astaxanthin by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous mutant JH1, using chemical and light induction

Abstract

The production of astaxanthin by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous mutant depended on the Culture conditions. Therefore, a cultivation Strategy, including effective chemical and light induction, for the high-level production of astaxanthin by X dendrorhous mutant JHI was explored. Effective chemicals Such as ethanol, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide, which are known inducers or precursors of astaxanthin synthesis, were investigated for their increase of astaxanthin production. Each of 1.0% ethanol, 1.0% acetic acid, and 1.0% hydrogen peroxide increased the astaxanthin concentration to 49.77 mg/l, 46.33 mg/l, and 45.61 mg/l, respectively. Among these chemicals, 1.0% ethanol showed the best effect on increasing astaxanthin concentration after 48 h of cultivation. Under 1.0% ethanol feeding condition, high light intensity (2,400 lux) stimulated astaxanthin production to 59.67 mg/l, compared with that in the dark-grown Cultivation.