Biotechnological tools in microbial vitamins and carotenoids production

Abstract

In recent years, the use of carotenoids and vitamins in the food, flavoring, pharmaceutical, and feed sectors has led to a surge in demand for these nutrients. Nevertheless, these compounds can be expensive and technically challenging to extract and synthesize. Recent decades have seen an increase in the search for natural carotenoids and vitamins due to the increased interest in greener and more sustainable industrial processing. In particular, the microbial production of carotenoids and vitamins offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical synthesis or direct extraction from plants. Consequently, it has been proposed that bioprocessing technologies can boost production yields of carotenoids and vitamins as well as increase the efficiency of currently employed production techniques. Therefore, this chapter gives a summary of the most current biotechnological advancements in the microbial synthesis of carotenoids and vitamins. This chapter aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the most suitable and cost-effective approaches for the biotechnological synthesis of vitamins and carotenoids.