Abstract
Rhodotorula toruloides (R. toruloides) has shown great potential for the microbiological synthesis of useful substances, including lipids and carotenoids. Through interconnected metabolic pathways, this oleaginous yeast can synthesize various carotenoids and accumulate significant amounts of lipids. The mevalonate pathway plays a crucial role in the production of these substances. R. toruloides can utilize diverse carbon sources, including waste-derived and sustainable substrates. The product yields are significantly influenced by the optimization of stress factors and culture conditions. Lipid and carotenoid extraction methods have advanced from traditional approaches to more sophisticated techniques, such as enzyme-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. These modern techniques aim to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and selectivity. Genetic engineering has played a pivotal role in enhancing lipid and carotenoid accumulation in R. toruloides. These strategies involve overexpressing key biosynthetic genes, modifying regulatory elements, and introducing heterologous pathways. Such approaches have expanded the range of chemical synthesis and led to significant improvements in product yields. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the metabolic linkages between lipid and carotenoid biosynthesis, highlighting how stress factors, genetic engineering, and waste-derived substrates influence productivity. Furthermore, present review uniquely explores the role of R. toruloides in environmental bioremediation and wastewater treatment, emphasizing its potential for sustainable waste valorization. Due to its ability to synthesize valuable chemicals from a wide array of carbon sources, R. toruloides is a promising candidate for commercial applications in the feed, food, cosmetic, and biofuel industries.