Marine Carotenoids: Biological Functions and Commercial Applications

Marine Drugs

Carlos Vílchez¹  Eduardo Forján¹  Mar໚ Cuaresma¹  Francisco Bຝmar²  Inés Garbayo¹ 

[1] Algal Biotechnology Group, International Centre for Environmental Research (CIECEM), University of Huelva, 21760 Huelva, Spain; E-Mails:;Faculty of Business, University of Huelva, Plaza de la Merced 11, 21071 Huelva, Spain; E-Mail:

关键词: carotenoids;    microalgae;    applications;    nutraceuticals;    health benefits;   

DOI  :  10.3390/md9030319

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Carotenoids are the most common pigments in nature and are synthesized by all photosynthetic organisms and fungi. Carotenoids are considered key molecules for life. Light capture, photosynthesis photoprotection, excess light dissipation and quenching of singlet oxygen are among key biological functions of carotenoids relevant for life on earth. Biological properties of carotenoids allow for a wide range of commercial applications. Indeed, recent interest in the carotenoids has been mainly for their nutraceutical properties. A large number of scientific studies have confirmed the benefits of carotenoids to health and their use for this purpose is growing rapidly. In addition, carotenoids have traditionally been used in food and animal feed for their color properties. Carotenoids are also known to improve consumer perception of quality; an example is the addition of carotenoids to fish feed to impart color to farmed salmon.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.