Lutein production from microalgae: A review

Yunlei Fu, Yinan Wang, Lanbo Yi, Jin Liu, Shufang Yang, Bin Liu, Feng Chen, Han Sun*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

56 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Lutein production from microalgae is a sustainable and economical strategy to offer the increasing global demands, but is still challenged with low lutein content at the high-cell density for commercial production. This review summarizes the suitable conditions for cell growth and lutein accumulation, and presents recent cultivation strategies to further improve lutein productivity. Light and nitrogen play critical roles in lutein biosynthesis that lead to the efficient multi-stage cultivation by increasing lutein content at the later stage. In addition, metabolic and genetic designs for carbon regulation and lutein biosynthesis are discussed at the molecule level. The in-situ lutein accumulation in fermenters by regulating carbon metabolism is considered as a cost-effective direction. Then, downstream processes are summarized for the efficient lutein recovery. Finally, challenges of current lutein production from microalgae are discussed. Meanwhile, potential solutions are proposed to improve lutein content and drive down costs of microalgal biomass. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Article number128875
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume376
Online published13 Mar 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2023

Research Keywords

  • Carbon metabolism
  • Downstream process
  • Lutein production
  • Microalgae
  • Multi-stage cultivation

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