Astaxanthin, as a natural red colorant or powerful antioxidant, can be used in a wide variety of products. It also has health-promoting effects. The natural form of astaxanthin is more active due to the esterified hydroxyl groups and has a higher bioavailability than synthetic astaxanthin. The natural form is usually produced by microalgae. They use sunlight and CO2 to do this.



We have modified a microalgae so that it can now produce astaxanthin. Even though such strains already exist, their use involves a great deal of effort. It requires cell harvesting and subsequent extraction of the astaxanthin from the biomass. Our development largely eliminates these steps. By using a membrane transporter, the microalgae releases the astaxanthin produced directly into the culture medium. An organic solvent coating of the cultures is then used for extraction, which can be easily vaporized afterwards.

can simply be vaporized afterwards.