Microalgae Offer Potential in Lutein Production

ALMERIA, Spain—While lutein is currently primarily produced from marigold oleoresin, there is potential in biotechnological production via microalgae, according to a review team from the University of Almeria (Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2010 Mar;86(1):27-40. DOI: 10.1007/s00253-009-2420-y). There is increasing interest in lutein because of its potential role in preventing the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the growing aging population. According to the researchers, several microalgae have higher lutein contents than most marigold cultivars and can yield several hundred times the quantities on a per square meter basis. Further, possible restrictions or expense related to the land or labor needed for marigold cultivation could open opportunities for microalgae production of lutein.