Abstract:

Microbial fermentation is the optimal method for lycopene production. There are two biosynthetic pathway of
lycopene including MEP (2-methyl-derythritol-4-phosphate) pathway and MVA (Mevalonic acid) pathway. The key relevant
enzymes for lycopene biosynthesis includes isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IPI), geranyl pyrophosphate sythase (GPS),
farnesyl pyrophosphate sythase (FPS), geranylgeranyl pyrophoaphate sythase (GGPS), phytoene synthase (PSY), phytoene
desaturase (PDS), ζ-carotenedesaturase (ZDS) and carotene isomerase (CRTISO). The synthesis pathway and the yield
of lycopene could be improved by regulating and modifying the key enzymes through mutation, genetic recombination
and gene knockout method. In recent years, extensive research has been carried on microbial fermentation production of
lycopene using bacteria, fungi, yeast and other microorganisms and several novel technologies for fermentation synthesis
of lycopene are developed, which provides insights for improving the yield and reducing the costs of lycopene. This article
reviewed the synthesis and production of lycopene by microbial fermentation and the aim was to provide new ideas and
directions on development and application of lycopene.

Key words: lycopene, microorganism, biosynthesis, gene engineering