β-Carotene-properties and production methods

Abstract

β-Carotene belongs to a group of more than 600 compounds, jointly called as carotenoids. It has numerous biological functions in the human body and because human is not able to synthesize any of them, it is necessary to supply these valuable compounds with food or pharmaceuticals. Rising, therefore, market demand stimulates the development of its diverse production methods. Originally β-carotene was recovered from plants by physicochemical extraction and mainly from carrots. Nowadays β-carotene is mainly produced through chemical synthesis. But quite recently biotechnology makes a great approach toward β-carotene production as bioactive compounds of natural origin reveal higher bioaccessibility and higher consumer trust on market.