LAUSR

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of magnetic fields (MF) on inoculum cultivation and carotenoid production by Phaffia rhodozyma. The application of MF in the inoculum culture was evaluated (0 m T – control and 30 m T). Cellular concentration increased by 12.8 % after 24 h-culture with MF application compared to the control assay, and this was the best alternative for the preparation of inoculum. Different intervals of MF application were evaluated over 168 h. The highest volumetric carotenoids concentration was achieved by applying MF throughout cultivation, with values of 1146.39 ± 26.18 μg L−1 and carotenoid productivity of 11.94 ± 1.11 μg L−1  h−1 in 96 h. As a result, carotenoid production increased by 59.4 % and carotenoid productivity by 99.3 %. This study is one of the first to consider MF application in carotenoid production using P. rhodozyma as a viable and low-cost alternative for carotenoid production in a shorter cultivation time.