Lutein in specific marigold flowers and microalgae
Journal
Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers
Journal Volume
49
Pages
90-94
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Abstract
Lutein is currently produced from marigold flowers. Microalgae can grow fast with high fixation rate of CO2, which have been proposed an alternative lutein source. This communication determined the contents of free lutein and lutein ester of two marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula) and two microalgae samples (Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus obliquus) using the same lutein extraction and identification protocol. The tested T. erecta has low lutein content. The T. patula has high content of lutein ester. Conversely, the tested C. pyrenoidosa and S. obliquus exhibit high contents of free lutein and chlorophyll and minimal quantity of lutein ester. Microalgae can be used instead of marigold flowers for lutein production if rapid production of free lutein products is required. ? 2014 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Subjects
Lutein
Lutein esters
Marigold flower
Microalgae
Type
journal article