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Carotenoids of Biotechnological Importance

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology book series (ABE, volume 148)

Abstract

Carotenoids are natural pigments with antioxidative functions that protect against oxidative stress. They are essential for humans and must be supplied through the diet. Carotenoids are the precursors for the visual pigment rhodopsin, and lutein and zeaxanthin must be accumulated in the yellow eye spot to protect the retina from excess light and ultraviolet damage. There is a global market for carotenoids as food colorants, animal feed, and nutraceuticals. Some carotenoids are chemically synthesized, whereas others are from natural sources. Microbial mass production systems of industrial interest for carotenoids are in use, and new ones are being developed by metabolic pathway engineering of bacteria, fungi, and plants. Several examples will be highlighted in this chapter.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Carotenoid biosynthesis Carotenoid market Carotenoid production Carotenoid sources Metabolic pathway engineering 
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© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Biosynthesis Group, Molecular BiosciencesGoethe University FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany

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