Algal Carotenoids 51. Secondary carotenoids 2. Haematococcus pluvialis aplanospores as a source of (3 S, 3′S)-astaxanthin esters

Abstract

Aplanospores of Haematococcus pluvialis MUR 145 contained 0.7% carotenoids (dry wt. basis) consisting of β,β-carotene (5% of total carotenoid), echinenone (4%), canthaxanthin (4%), (3 S,3′S)-astaxanthin diester (34%), (3 S,3′S)-astaxanthin monoester (46%), (3 S,3′S)-astaxanthin (1%) and (3 R,3′R,6′R)-lutein (6%). The astaxanthin esters were examined by TLC and HPLC and VIS,1H NMR and mass spectra recorded. Their chirality was determined by the camphanate method (Vecchi & Müller, 1979) after anaerobic hydrolysis. The tough cell wall of the aplanospores required enzymatic treatment prior to pigment extraction. The potential use of this microalga as a feed ingredient in aquaculture is discussed briefly. © 1992 Kluwer Academic Publishers.