Optimization of Total Carotenoid Production by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa from Artichoke Agroindustrial Waste Using Response Surface Methodology

The carotenoids have vast medical, industrial, dietary, and pharmaceutical importance due to their provitamin A precursor, immunomodulator, antioxidant photoprotective activity. purpose of the research was optimize production using Rhodotorula mucilaginosa from artichoke agroindustrial waste as a low-cost substrate. artichokes bracts bleached by sodium hypochlorite (NaClO 2%) characterized through whiteness index FTIR. (BABW) used in fermentation went acid hydrolysis, applying 8% residue sulfuric (2.5%) for 1 h at 90°C, obtaining greater reduced sugars content 3.1 g/L. isolated molecularly identified. culture media based on hydrolyzed BABW, peptone (0.5%), yeast extract (0.1%) chloride (0.5%) evaluated different conditions pH (5–8) agitation speed (80–160 rpm) surface response methodology rotational central compound design. best performance obtained had 2968.95 µg/L VVC 1228.53 µg/g TFC 5, 120 rpm 30°C 72 h. chemical characterization extracted confirmed UV-VIS Raman spectroscopy methods. results suggest that is capable producing fermentation, providing sustainable alternative route use global market.