Optimization of apple pomace based medium and fermentation conditions for pigment production by Micrococcus species

The effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on yield and carotenoids production by Micrococcus sp. was studied in apple pomace (AP) based medium. AP (20 g/l) have shown maximum yield of biomass and carotenoids in the basic medium. The addition of fructose (0.2%) to AP-based medium gave the maximum yield of biomass (4.13g/l) and carotenoids (9.97 mg/100g). Among the different nitrogen sources tried, sodium nitrate (0.2%) gave the highest production of biomass (4.63 g/l) and carotenoids (9.87 mg/100g). Beyond 0.2% concentration, there was decrease in biomass and carotenoids. Optimum parameters standardized were: temp, 35 degrees C; incubation period, 96 h; and pH 6.0.