Duraklı Velioğlu, SerapTırpancı Sivri, Göksel2022-05-112022-05-1120180369-94201758-6941https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-05-2017-0055https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11776/9855Purpose beta-carotene, found naturally in many foods, has been widely used as a colourant in various products. The aim of this study is to optimize the production of -carotene by Blakeslea trispora using bug-damaged wheat as the main nitrogen and carbon source. Design/methodology/approach Response surface methodology (RSM) has been used to determine the optimum concentrations of media components for the maximum -carotene production. -carotene concentration was determined quantitively using a spectrophotometric method. Findings A full quadratic model fit the data best for -carotene production with a high R-2 value (0.999). Using optimized media increased the production of -carotene by B. trispora DSM-2387 and B. trispora DSM-2388 to a higher level (250.407 mg/l) than the control medium (72.195 mg/l). Originality/value This study showed that bug-damaged wheat, an agro-industrial waste having low economical value, may be used as a valuable substrate for microbial production of -carotene, a natural food colourant possessing high economical value.en10.1108/PRT-05-2017-0055info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessOptimizationResponse surface methodologybeta-caroteneBlakeslea trisporaBug-damaged wheatBubble-Column ReactorStatistical ApproachCheese WheyOptimizationPigmentsFermentationMolassesGrainsArticle473189195Q4WOS:0004277894000012-s2.0-85044030873Q3