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Review
. 2025 Oct;22(10):e00469.
doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202500469. Epub 2025 Jun 16.

Brazilian Biomes as Promising Resources of Rhodotorula Yeasts for the Biotechnological Production of Carotenoids

David Cristian Rodrigues Lucas  1 , Renan Campos Chisté  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Brazilian Biomes as Promising Resources of Rhodotorula Yeasts for the Biotechnological Production of Carotenoids

David Cristian Rodrigues Lucas et al. Chem Biodivers. 2025 Oct.

Abstract

Yeasts belonging to the genus Rhodotorula are capable of synthesizing carotenoids, such as β-carotene, γ-carotene, torulene, torularodine, and astaxanthin. These carotenoids have been shown to offer health benefits to humans, such as immune system strengthening and a reduced risk of chronic degenerative diseases. This review systematically collected and analyzed extant literature on carotenoids of industrial interest produced by these yeasts found in Brazilian biomes (Pampa, Pantanal, Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, and Amazon). The most significant gaps are the absence of molecular identification of strains and the carotenoid composition. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was found in all the biomes. The Cerrado biome had the largest number of Rhodotorula species, with seven species identified (R. glutinis, R. mucilaginosa, R. graminis, R. aurantiaca, R. lactosa, R. toruloide, and R. diabovata), followed by the Amazon biome, with four species: R. mucilaginosa, R. minuta, R. aurantiaca, and R. glutinis.

Keywords: Amazon; Atlantic Forest; Caatinga; Cerrado; Pampa; Pantanal.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Rhodotorula yeasts and their subglobose, ovoid, ellipsoidal, and elongate forms. View on Petri plates and microscopy. Photo by Gilson Celso Albuquerque Chagas Junior.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Biosynthetic pathway of the carotenoid production in yeasts.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
The main carotenoids reported for yeasts from genus Rhodotorula.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Illustration of Brazilian export (in thousand per year) and import (in million per year) of carotenoid and their derivatives.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Profile of Rhodotorula species in Brazilian biomes. Adapted from Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (2024).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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