Production of Carotenoids Using Microalgae Cultivated in Photobioreactors

Carotenoids comprise a diverse group of natural biomolecules with a plethora of beneficial effects. These compounds include potent bioantioxidants, provitamins, and safe colourants that are in high demand by pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. A few species of unicellular algae (called carotenogenic microalgae) mainly the representatives of Chlorophyta, are among the richest biological source of carotenoids such as β-carotene and astaxanthin. This chapter covers the mass cultivation of the microalgae in closed systems (photobioreactors) for the production of value-added carotenoids. The biochemistry and regulation of the biosynthesis of secondary carotenoids are considered together with the biotechnology of most important carotenogenic microalgae species. Special attention is paid to the real-time optical monitoring of carotenoid accumulation in microalgal cultures.