Effects of some trace elements on lipid and fatty acid composition of rhodotorula glutinis in continuous culture

Abstract

Effects of some trace elements which enhance the cell growth and lipid accumulation of Rhodotorula glutinis on fatty acid composition were studied in continuous culture system. Generally, neutral lipid portion was increased in proportion to the total lipid content. At a dilution rate of 0.08hr$^{-1}$, addition of iron increased the biomass and lipid content and changed the fatty acid composition of lipid, especially phospholipid. As the amount of iron added was increased, linolenic acid was increased and oleic acid weas decreased. But manganese increased oleic acid and decreased linolenic acid. Copper had no effect on fatty acid composition but increased the biomass dramatically. When zinc was added into control medium, biomass was increased while lipid content was reduced. When iron and copper were added simultaneously, both the biomass and lipid content were increased remarkable. And addition of other supplements into this medium affected the cell growth slightly. At a dilution rate of 0.02hr$^{-1}$, iron had no effect not only on cell growth and lipid content but also on fatty acid composition.