Improved Production of Y-Decalactone from Castor Oil by UV Mutated Yeast Sporidiobolus salmonicolor (MTCC 485)

γ-Decalactone (GDL; C 10 H 18 O 2 ) is an industrially important flavor compound having peachy fruit aroma and approved by FDA as a food additive. The aim of the present study is to enhance the production of γ-Decalactone by mutant strain of Sporidiobolus salmonicolor MTCC 485through batch cultivation using castor oil as substrate. Mutation studies were carried out using UV light and four potential mutant strains were developed (UV1, UV2, UV3 and UV4). Bioconversion of castor oil for the production of γ-Decalactone by obligate aerobic yeast S. salmonicolor was investigated in a 5 l bioreactor. Four mutant strains were shoed fast growth and higher production of γ-Decalactone when compared to Wild strain which produced 62.2 mg/l. maximum at 96 h. Among the four strains selected UV3 was produced 81.9 mg/l maximally at 96 h. It was showed 33% higher production of γ-Decalactone when compared to the wild strain.