Abstract:

β-Carotene, a typical representative of carotenoids, is the main source of pro-vitamin A. It has been widely
used in chemical, cosmetic, feed, food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and other industries. Natural β-carotene has
wider applications for its safety and bioavailability compared with the synthesized one. Among all commercialized
natural β-carotene sources, microbial sources of β-carotene are much preferred due to its economical process and less
limitation of environment factors, such as light, climate, producing region, etc. The present review is focused on the
current advances in the view points of strain breeding, fermentation optimization, and bioreactor development, which
will enhance our understanding of this bioprocess.

Key words: Blakeslea trispora, β-carotene, strain breeding, fermentation optimization