Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a high content of highly pure, low-cost, and safe carotenoid and a method for industrially producing the same. The present invention also provides functional food, a pharmaceutical composition and a cosmetic product comprising such a composition. The present invention further provides a method for producing a composition containing at least 80% of carotenoid, which is characterized in treating a microorganism culture with extraction using a lower alcohol at 80° C. at the lowest or a combination of water and a lower alcohol at 80° C. at the lowest, and then washing and filtrating the precipitate obtained from the extract solution with a combination of a lower alcohol and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparation of lycopenes, especially to lycopenes with high all-E contents or high 6Z contents from C15-Wittig slats mixtures.(with high all-E-contents and high 6Z-contents, respectively). C15-Wittig slats mixtures are purified and 6Z-C15-Wittig salts are extracted from the mixtures. The extracted 6Z-C15-Wittig salts are, used in the synthesis of lycopenes with high 6Z contents and the residues are used in the synthesis of lycopenes with high All-E contents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparation of lycopenes, especially to lycopenes with high all-E contents or high 6Z contents from C15-Wittig slats mixtures. (with high all-E-contents and high 6Z-contents, respectively). C15-Wittig slats mixtures are purified and 6Z-C15-Wittig salts are extracted from the mixtures. The extracted 6Z-C15-Wittig salts are, used in the synthesis of lycopenes with high 6Z contents and the residues are used in the synthesis of lycopenes with high All-E contents.

Abstract: A process for transforming a group >C?O (I) in a compound into a group >C?S (II) or into a tautomeric form of group (II) in a reaction giving a thionated reaction product, by use of crystalline P2S5.2 C5H5N as a thionating agent. A thionating agent which is crystalline P2S5.2 C5H5N.

Abstract: Administering water-soluble or dispersible synthetic analogs or derivatives of astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, or lycophyll and/or other carotenoids to a subject may reduce some of the adverse effects of inflammation in a body organ or tissue. The analogs or derivatives may be incorporated into pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, or nutraceutical preparations. Administration of the analogs or derivatives described herein may reduce deposition of inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein, complement system proteins or the membrane attack complex (MAC) in tissues. Reduced deposition of these molecules in tissues may reduce cell damage and/or lysis in the tissues.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the efficient production of carotenoids. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method for producing carotenoid and carotenoid containing cells, especially astaxanthin and astaxanthin-containing cells, by generating mutant microorganisms belonging to the photoautotrophic algae of the Class Chlorophyceae and culturing same. The present invention further relates to methods of generating microorganisms producing high yields of carotenoids, in particular astaxanthin, products containing said microorganisms or said carotenoids, and the use of said carotenoids produced by the microorganisms according to the present invention and deposited mutant strains generated from said microorganisms.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a method for producing contact lenses with improved oxidative stability of Carotenoids in the contact lens. The method of the invention involves adding a vitamin E material into a contact lens in an amount sufficient to reduce oxidative degradation of Carotenoids in the lens by at least about 30% in comparison with an identical contact lens without the vitamin E material.

Abstract: A process of obtaining lutein in a high yield from green algae is described. Lutein and lutein-enriched products obtained by the process, which are suitable for use as dietary supplements and/or food additives, or cosmetic or pharmaceutical raw materials, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treatment of material transported through the device comprising at least one porous element consisting of solid, for example metallic, structure which allows cross-flow of the material through the porous element. The invention also relates to various types of uses of the device. A device in accordance with the invention is particularly useful to carry out chemical reactions under homogenous and heterogeneous conditions. Such a device hereinafter also referred as reactor may comprises a tube (1) having a cylindrical wall (2) with one inlet end (3) and one outlet end (4). Arranged in the tube (1) is at least one cylindrical porous element (5) consisting of solid metal structure, wherein said porous element (5) comprises a plurality of hollow spaces that are connected to each other and form an interconnected cavity network and wherein the at least one porous element (5) and the cylindrical wall (2) are made in one piece.

Abstract: The presently described embodiments are directed to compositions that include one or more carotenoid analogs or derivatives for use in the treatment of a disorder associated with platelet aggregation. Certain embodiments provide for the use of said carotenoid analogs or derivatives in preparing compositions suitable for use in such treatments. Further embodiments provide for pharmaceutical compositions that include one or more carotenoid analogs or derivatives in combination with one or more additional compositions or medicaments suitable for the treatment of a disorder associated with platelet aggregation.

Abstract: The novel C dialdehyde compound which can be efficiently utilized in the synthesis of carotenoid compounds based on the sulfone chemistry, the preparation method of the same, and the expeditious and practical synthetic processes for lycopene and ?-carotene by the use of the above novel compound are disclosed. The syntheses of lycopene and ?-carotene are characterized by the processes of the coupling reaction between two equivalents of geranyl sulfone or cyclic geranyl sulfone and the above C dialdehyde, the functional group transformation reactions of the diol in the resulting C 40 coupling products to X's (either halogens or ethers), and the double elimination reactions of the functional groups of the benzenesulfonyl and X to produce the fully conjugated polyene chain of the carotenoids.

Abstract: The method of fermentation with selected strains of B. trispora described in the present invention makes it possible to achieve lycopene yields higher than those currently described. The methods of isolation, purification and formulation are applicable to any natural source of lycopene, especially to submerged cultures of mucoral fungi of the genera Blakeslea, Choanephora, Phycomyces or Mucor. The method of extraction makes it possible to simplify the recovery process and increase the purity of the product, relative to the methods previously described. The methods of formulation provide high added value, since they make it possible to obtain stabilized preparations of lycopene for direct application in the food and pharmaceutical fields.

Abstract: Carotenoids are extracted and/or enriched from a mixture containing such compounds. The extraction/enrichment process involves the use of liquefied or supercritical solvents to extract lipids and carotenoids from carotenoid-containing substrates. The extraction process can also be performed in two steps in which lipids and carotenoids are first removed from a carotenoid-containing substrate with a liquefied or supercritical solvent, and subsequently a liquefied or supercritical gas is used to separate the lipids from the carotenoids. The two step process can be reversed to first extract lipids with the liquefied or supercritical gas, and subsequently use the solvent to extract the carotenoids. The process is also applicable to yield an organic solvent-free product from a carotenoid-containing source that was first extracted using an organic solvent.

Abstract: The novel C dialdehyde compound which can be efficiently utilized in the synthesis of carotenoid compounds based on the sulfone chemistry, the preparation method of the same, and the expeditious and practical synthetic processes for lycopene and ?-carotene by the use of the above novel compound are disclosed. The syntheses of lycopene and ?-carotene are characterized by the processes of the coupling reaction between two equivalents of geranyl sulfone or cyclic geranyl sulfone and the above C dialdehyde, the functional group transformation reactions of the diol in the resulting C 40 coupling products to X's (either halogens or ethers), and the double elimination reactions of the functional groups of the benzenesulfonyl and X to produce the fully conjugated polyene chain of the carotenoids.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting and/or ameliorating the occurrence of diseases associated with reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, radicals and/or non-radicals in a subject whereby a subject is administered a carotenoid analog or derivative, either alone or in combination with another carotenoid analog or derivative, or co-antioxidant formulation. The analog or derivative is administered such that the subject's risk of experiencing diseases associated with reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, radicals and/or non-radicals may be thereby reduced. The analog or analog combination may be administered to a subject for the inhibition and/or amelioration of any disease that involves production of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, radicals and/or non-radicals. In some embodiments, the invention may include a chemical compound including an analog or derivative of a carotenoid. The carotenoid analog or derivative may be synthetic.

Abstract: The novel intermediate compound which can be efficiently utilized in the synthesis of carotenoid compounds based on the sulfone chemistry, the preparation method of the same, and the practical synthetic process for preparing ?-carotene by the use of the above novel compound are disclosed. The synthesis of ?-carotene is characterized by the double elimination reactions of the C40 compound containing both the benzenesulfonyl group and the group X (either halogen or ether), which can be prepared by the coupling reaction of the novel C10 dialdehyde with two equivalents of the C15 allylic sulfone, followed by the functional group transformation of the resulting C40 diol either to the corresponding halide or to the ether, to produce the fully conjugated polyene chain.

Abstract: The novel intermediate compound which can be efficiently utilized in the synthesis of carotenoid compounds based on the sulfone chemistry, the preparation method of the same, and the practical synthetic process for preparing ?-carotene by the use of the above novel compound are disclosed. The synthesis of ?-carotene is characterized by the double elimination reactions of the C40 compound containing both the benzenesulfonyl group and the group X (either halogen or ether), which can be prepared by the coupling reaction of the novel C10 dialdehyde with two equivalents of the C15 allylic sulfone, followed by the functional group transformation of the resulting C40 diol either to the corresponding halide or to the ether, to produce the fully conjugated polyene chain.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing intermediates for use in the synthesis of carotenoid synthetic intermediates, carotenoid analogs, and/or carotenoid derivatives. The carotenoid analog, derivative, or intermediate may be administered to a subject for the inhibition and/or amelioration of any disease that involves production of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, radicals and/or non-radicals. In some embodiments, the invention may include methods for synthesizing chemical compounds including an analog or derivative of a carotenoid. Carotenoid analogs or derivatives may include acyclic end groups. In some embodiments, a carotenoid analog or derivative may include at least one substituent. The substituent may enhance the solubility of the carotenoid analog or derivative such that the carotenoid analog or derivative at least partially dissolves in water.

Abstract: Carotenoids are extracted and/or enriched from a mixture containing such compounds. The extraction/enrichment process involves the use of liquefied or supercritical solvents to extract lipids and carotenoids from carotenoid-containing substrates. The extraction process can also be performed in two steps in which lipids and carotenoids are first removed from a carotenoid-containing substrate with a liquefied or supercritical solvent, and subsequently a liquefied or supercritical gas is used to separate the lipids from the carotenoids. The two step process can be reversed to first extract lipids with the liquefied or supercritical gas, and subsequently use the solvent to extract the carotenoids. The process is also applicable to yield an organic solvent-free product from a carotenoid-containing source that was first extracted using an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method of increasing a fraction of free carotenoids in a source of carotenoids in which at least some of the carotenoids are fatty acid esterified carotenoids is disclosed. The method is effected by contacting the source of carotenoids with an effective amount of an esterase under conditions effective in deesterifying the fatty acid esterified carotenoids, thereby increasing the fraction of free carotenoids in the source of carotenoids.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of phytonutrients such as carotenes, phospholipids and ubiquinones from palm oil esters is disclosed. This process comprises the steps of vacuum distillation, treatment and purification of concentrate containing these phytonutrients. The alkyl esters is subjected to at least one stage vacuum distillation at temperature from 80° C. to 220° C. and pressure less than 40 mTorr. The carotenes concentrate is subjected to various physical and chemical treatments to yield higher carotenes concentration enriched with ubiquinones in indigenous diacylglycerols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the thermal isomerization of a mixture of all-E-lycopene and its Z isomers of any composition to increase the proportion of all-E, wherein the isomerization takes place in a polar solvent in which lycopene is only slightly soluble.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystalline carotenoid compound, such as ?-carotene, with a purity of at least 95% and with substantially no solvent enclosed in the crystal lattice. The present invention further describes a process to prepare such a highly pure crystalline carotenoid compound from microbial biomass, without the use of a solvent extraction and/or an anti-solvent crystallization process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting carotenoids from green plant materials using supercritical fluid extraction. A first and second supercritical fluid extraction is performed on the green plant composition at two different pressures to obtain two extracts. The first extract includes substantial amounts of ?-carotene. The second extract may have a controlled concentration of ?-carotene, and includes substantial amounts of lutein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated DNA sequence encoding an enzyme (e.g., farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase) in the pathway from isopentenyl pyrophosphate to farnesyl pyrophosphate. Vectors and plasmids including such DNA are also set forth. The invention also includes host cells transformed by such DNAs, or vectors or plasmids containing such DNAs. A process for the production of astaxanthin and/or farnesyl pyrophosphate using such transformed host cells is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of crystalline carotenoid compound from microbial biomass comprising disrupting the microbial cell walls, separating cellular debris from the carotenoid-containing residue, washing one member of the group consisting of the microbial biomass, the disrupted cell mass and the carotenoid-containing reside with a solvent to remove lipid, suspending the obtained carotenoid crystals in water to float the crystals, recovering the crystals and, optionally, further purifying the crystals which avoids the use of large amounts of solvent of carotenoid extraction process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (101) for the recovery of fat soluble compounds, such as beta carotene, is described. In one embodiment of the invention a solution (102) containing a fat soluble compound is passed through a fluidised bed (104) of crystalline metallic ore particles, such as magnetite, allowing the fat soluble compound to bind to the particles to form a complex (109). The fat soluble compound is released from the complex (109) by passing a wash solution (107) through the fluidised bed and subsequently collected in solution (108). The crystalline metallic ore particles may be reused.

Abstract: The invention consists of a process for producing new carotenoid compounds from lutein, which for the purposes of this description the new carotenoids are cis isomers of lutein, zeaxanthin, and lutein esters. The cis-isomer products are carotenoid compounds having UV absorption properties and are formed by preparing a solution of lutein and a liquid, refluxing the solution, cooling the solution to room temperature, and centrifuging the solution to remove trans-lutein crystals. The present invention particularly provides for a product, produced under mild conditions, of cis-isomers, which are preferred due to their increased UV absorption and lighter pigmentation, and thus creating an improved topically applied personal care product further having the same antioxidant characteristics as trans-isomers used before. The cis-isomer products may be used in topically applied personal care products or various food and beverage products and dietary supplements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting carotenoids from green plant materials using supercritical fluid extraction. A first and second supercritical fluid extraction is performed on the green plant composition at two different pressures to obtain two extracts. The first extract includes substantial amounts of &bgr;-carotene. The second extract is substantially free of &bgr;-carotene, and includes substantial amounts of lutein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to extract oil from Momordica cochinchinensis aril to yield an edible oil rich in &bgr;-carotene. The process can be carried out without the use of any harmful organic solvents, and provides products containing other carotenoids, such as lycopene, and fiber and vitamin E. This invention provides a bioavailable and stable source of &bgr;-carotene, a pro-vitamin A carotenoid, in areas where vitamin A deficiency exists. Products derived from this invention serve as a safe source of antioxidants and nutritional supplement for human and animal consumption, and for the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries as well as providing a suitable, effective food additives and colorants.

Abstract: It is made possible to efficiently produce adamantane and analogues thereof, namely a hydrocarbon having an adamantane structure by a process which comprises isomerizing a tricyclic saturated hydrocarbon having ten or more carbon atoms in the presence of a solid-acid catalyst containing one or two or more metals selected from among the metals belonging to group VIII in the Periodic Table (group 8 to 12 in the new Periodic Table), wherein one or two or more monocyclic saturated hydrocarbons are added to the tricyclic saturated hydrocarbon having ten or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: The process of the present invention relates to the isolation and purification of both a natural mixed carotenoid product and an all-trans-&bgr;-carotene product from various different biomass sources, preferably from algae of the genus Dunaliella. More particularly, the present invention relates to a single solvent process whereby both natural and colorant products lie along the same process line. The nutritional product contains the natural array of carotenes and xanthophylls found in the plant material, while the colorant product contains primarily trans-&bgr;-carotene.

Abstract: A process is described for extracting carotenes from carotene-containing materials, in particular from fats and oils of biological origin, which provides for extraction of carotene-containing material with an extractant comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, N-methylpyrrolidone, N,Ndimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, 4-formylmorpholine, 4-acetylmorpholine, 4-methylmorpholine, 4-phenylmorpholine.

Abstract: There are disclosed a process for producing a sulfon derivative of formula (1): wherein Ar represents an aryl group which may be substituted, R represents a lower alkyl group and the wavy line depicted by  indicates a single bond and stereochemistry relating to a double bond bound therewith is E or Z or a mixture thereof, which process is characterized by reacting an aldehyde derivative of formula (2): with phosphonium salt of formula (3): in the presence of a base; a sulfone derivative of formula (1) and a process for producing a &bgr;-carotene using sulfone derivative of formula (1).

Abstract: A composition is provided that includes carotenoid extracts derived from a plurality of natural sources. Carotenoids are extracted from natural sources such as palm fruit, algae and marigold flowers and combined in a single product. The product may include carriers such as yellow bees wax, soybean oil and lecithin and may be in a form suitable for oral ingestion.

Abstract: A process for preparing &bgr;-carotene, represented by Formula 3 staring from a sulfone compound of Formula B

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 5&agr;-reductase in a human subject is provided which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising the carotenoid astaxanthin. Administration of the composition to inhibit the enzyme is useful to prevent and treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer in human males.

Abstract: Organosulfur compounds can be used in complexes with carotenoids for effecting a bathochromic shift in the absorption bands of carotenoids in the UV/vis spectrum. Carotenoid formulations comprising these complexes, a process for preparing these formulations and their use in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors are described.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of carotenes and the production of carotene concentrate from natural oils and fats. The carotene-containing natural oils and fats is subjected to alcoholic esterification to form a mixture of fatty acid alkyl esters, carotenes, tocopherols and tocotrienols. The alkyl esters mixture is subjected to vacuum distillation at a pressure of less than 60 mTorr and a temperature of less than 180.degree. C. to form a carotene-rich concentrate. The carotenes in the carotene-rich concentrate are adsorptively separated, concentrated and collected as carotene-rich fraction.

Abstract: There are disclosed a composition containing 9-cis .beta.-carotene in high-purity and an industrially applicable method of obtaining the same from an alga. The composition can be obtained through steps of washing with ethanol dry powder of the alga belonging to Dunaliella, adding hexane to the washed algal powder, stirring the same, subjecting the same to filtration to obtain a filtrate, concentrating the filtrate to obtain a semi-solidic concentrate, adding hexane to the semi-solidic concentrate in an amount of 10-18 ml of hexane to 1 g of the semi-solidic concentrate, stirring the same, subjecting the same to filtration to obtain a filtrate, concentrating the filtrate to obtain an oily concentrate, adding hexane to the oily concentrate in an amount of 2-4.5 ml of hexane to 1 g of the oily concentrate to dissolve the same, and leaving the solution, as it is, under lower temperature condition to cause a separation of the composition. The composition is a rubiginous powder or crystals and contains 9-cis .beta.

Abstract: A composition and method for its use in treatment of an immune disorder in a mammal. The composition includes, in relative amounts, between 50 and 3000 mg of a purified compound selected from oxidized and unoxidized gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine-glycine, and any other pharmaceutically active compound which directly enhances the level of gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine in a mammal, and any salt or ester of said compound, between 50 and 3000 mg purified L-glutamine, between 50 and 10,000 mg purified vitamin C, between 50 and 500 mg purified vitamin E, between 10 and 100 mg purified Beta-carotene, and between 1 and 25 mg purified vitamin B.sub.6.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing high purity isobutene from a hydrocarbon cut essentially comprising olefinic hydrocarbons containing 4 carbon atoms per molecule including isobutene, also butene-1 and butene-2 compounds in a ratio which substantially corresponds to the thermodynamic equilibrium.

Abstract: Chromoplasts and/or chloroplasts are isolated from plant material. This wet mass is digested in aqueous medium with pectin- and/or protein-cleaving enzymes, insoluble substances are removed, and a carotinoid-rich sediment is obtained after acidifying the separated colloid disperse system. The sediment is heated at alkaline pH with aqueous ethanol or isopropyl alcohol to remove the major part of cleaved proteins, lipides and other accompanying substances. The sediment with enriched carotenoid content is mixed with antioxidants and, if desired, dried, providing a carotenoid concentrate free of toxic solvent residues.

Abstract: New carotenoids of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and n have the significances given herein, are useful for pigmenting the egg yolk, integuments and/or subcutaneous fat of poultry and the meat and/or integuments of fish and crustacea when included in the feed of the poultry, fish or crustacea. As well as such carotenoids and method of pigmenting the invention further embraces the pertinent carotenoid-enriched feed for poultry, fish or crustacea, the premixes for incorporation in such feeds and beadlets containing one or more of these carotenoids for incorporation in such premixes and the use of the carotenoids in the pigmenting method. The process of manufacturing such carotenoids, which more specifically may be designated as carotenoid ketones, monoesters and diesters, also represents an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A powdered water-dispersible carotenoid preparation in the form of discrete carotenoid microparticles is prepared by milling a carotenoid in an aqueous medium in the presence of a hydrocolloid so as to form a suspension, heating the suspension thus formed to a sufficiently high temperature to cause a total or partial melting of the carotenoid and cooling, finely dividing and drying the suspension to form a powder.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of carotenoid dyes from pre-dried natural starting materials is described using compressed gases such as propane and/or butane in which organic entraining agents can be additionally added in order to facilitate and complete the extraction process. With the aid of this process highly concentrated carotenoid dyes are obtained in high yield.

Abstract: For the extraction of carotenes, in particular of .beta.-carotene, from natural sources, these are stirred for several hours at at least 30.degree. C. in a solvent mixture composed of acetic esters of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alcohols as well as a portion of 1 to 25% by weight of an oil of biological origin. The natural colorant is in this way obtained in very high space-time yields and high purity.

Abstract: .beta.-Carotene products with a high proportion of the 9(Z) isomer are prepared starting from mother liquors from the industrial preparation of .beta.-ionylideneethyltriarylphosphonium salts (C.sub.15 -triarylphosphonium salts) by Wittig reaction of a C.sub.15 -triarylphosphonium salt which has been enriched in the 9Z isomer directly with .beta.-apo-12'-carotenal or else with 2,7-dimethyl-2,4,6-octatrienedial and subsequently with the C.sub.15 -triarylphosphonium salt and subsequent thermal isomerization.

Abstract: A novel process for the manufacture of .beta.-keto alcohols from aldehydes comprising reacting a conjugated polyene aldehyde under basic conditions with a cyclocarbonate or derivative thereof. Certain carotenoid products of this process are novel compounds and are also an object of the present invention. The products, which for the most part belong to the carotenoid field, find corresponding use, for example, as colorants or pigments for foodstuffs, egg yolk, integuments and/or subcutaneous fat of poultry and flesh and/or integuments of fish and crustaceans.

Abstract: A carotenoid composition derived from a natural source wherein at least 50% by weight of the carotenoid content of the composition is cis beta-carotene and preferably 9 cis beta-carotene. Typically, the beta-carotene content of the composition is predominantly 9 cis beta-carotene.