Abstract
Carotenoids are isoprenoid pigments used in food, chemical, textile, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. They act not only as dyes and provitamins A but also have antioxidants, photoprotective, antimicrobial properties, among others. This class of pigment can be obtained traditionally by plants or chemical synthesis, but they have some disadvantages. In recent years, search for alternative sources has been an important strategy for the carotenoid industries. Microbial synthesis is an alternative that has shown good yields, speed, and reduced production costs. Hostile environments, such as the Caatinga domain, represent an interesting source of microorganisms that produce biomolecules, especially carotenoids, because of oxidative stress caused by sunlight. Thus, this region has been attracting the attention of the scientific community and industry for the use of these organisms in the production of carotenoids and applications in cosmetic products; since these compounds have interesting antioxidant and photoprotective properties. In this review, general characteristics of carotenoids, sources of production, industrial applicability, and commercialization will be discussed, as well as perspectives on the production of carotenoids from microorganisms isolated from the Caatinga and their application in anti-UV products.
Highlights
The word carotenoid is derived from the scientific name of the carrot Daucus carote, identified by Wackenroder in 1831 as the first source of carotene [1]
Microbial synthesis is an alternative that has shown good yields, speed, and reduced production costs. Hostile environments, such as the Caatinga domain, represent an interesting source of microorganisms that produce biomolecules, especially carotenoids, because of oxidative stress caused by sunlight
Most of the commercialized carotenoids are from vegetable extraction and chemical synthesis
Summary
The word carotenoid is derived from the scientific name of the carrot Daucus carote, identified by Wackenroder in 1831 as the first source of carotene [1]. Chemical synthesis is a generally complex process that causes the formation of hazardous and inappropriate waste when disposed of in the environment; this is not considered safe for health [6]. Β-carotene, lycopene, and astaxanthin are among the carotenoids described and used as photoprotection due to their antioxidant action, which acts against free radicals induced by UV radiation to protect the skin against erythema [5] [21] In this context, the present work sought to summarize the characteristics of carotenoids, their structures, properties, classifications, sources of obtention, commercialization, and applications. This review addresses the production of carotenoids from extremophilic microorganisms, especially from the Caatinga Domain, as a promising source of these biomolecules with interesting properties; as well as, they envision their applications in cosmetic products, especially those with UV protection
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