Influence of olive mill waste polyphenols levels on carotenoid production by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.

CARELLI, AMALIA ANTONIA; GHILARDI CAROLINA.; BORRONI, MARÍA VIRGINIA

Bahía Blanca

Conferencia; International Conference of Production Research-Americas (ICPR-Americas 2020).; 2020

Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)

Olive oil extraction performed with the two-phase extraction system generates a waste named ?alperujo? or two-phase olive mill waste (TPOMW), which has a high percentage of water (65%), slightly acidic pH, high concentration of salts, organic matter and phenolic compounds. Because of these components, the alperujo is a significant source of environmental pollution, hindering the disposal of this waste. Nevertheless, biophenols have high nutraceutical and antioxidant power and could be used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This work aimed to evaluate the ability of an aqueous extract from alperujo (AE) and the liquid fraction of alperujo (Alperujo water, AW), with different levels of phenols to sustain the growth and carotene production of Rhodotorula mucilagi-nosa. Extraction with ethyl acetate reduces the concentration of phenols from AE and AW, without affecting protein or glucose levels. The yeast was able to grow and produce carotenoids in all mediums, although growth was better when phe-nols were partially removed. Carotenoid production was significantly higher in the most concentrated dephenolized alperujo mediums (AE 30%, AW). Our study represents a new approach to the valorization of alperujo, with a dual bene-fit, the recovery of valuable compounds, i. e. biophenols and the bioproduction of new ones, i.e. carotenoids.