Technological Aspects of β-Carotene Production

β-carotene is the main source of pro-vitamin A and is widely used as a food colorant, with a global market estimated to surpass USD 280 million in 2015. The majority of the β-carotene commercialized in the world is obtained by chemical synthesis from β-ionone. Alternatively, the production of β-carotene can be reached on a biotechnological basis, using filamentous fungi, bacteria, microalgae, and yeasts as producers, or even by extraction from vegetable sources, such as oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis ) and buriti ( Mauritia vinifera ). The present review is focused on the current technologies for β-carotene production and presents an overview of new tendencies regarding the carotenoids extraction from microbial and vegetal feedstocks, as well as processes for their concentration.