Improving lycopene production by Blakeslea trispora using ingredients

In this research, the effects of initial pH, different ingredients (glucose, sucrose, orange peel) and different amount of natural oils (as sunflower oil and corn oil) on lycopene production by Blakeslea trispora were studied. Lycopene, pH, biomass concentrations and lycopene contents were determined during fermentation time. Optimum initial pH value for lycopene production from B. trispora was found as 6.5. About 77.6, 7.7 and 3.7 mg/L of lycopene was produced from 4, 6 and 8 % glucose with initial pH 6.5, respectively. When glucose concentration increased, lycopene concentration decreased. About 12.4, 57.0 and 57.2 mg/L of lycopene was produced from 5, 6 and 7 % sucrose with initial pH 6.5, respectively. As sucrose concentration increased, lycopene concentration increased. B. trispora can be used as an industrial microorganism for lycopene production. It can not need any specific environmental conditions for growth. Key words: Blakeslea trispora, lycopene, HPLC, fermentation, fermenter