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: The present invention describes a method of preparation of formulations of microcrystalline lutein, particularly in the form of esters, which are resistant to oxidation and are soluble in hydrophilic and/or lipophilic media. For these formulations, the esters of lutein are mixed with antioxidants, vegetable oils and/or organic solvents, and this initial mixture is submitted to various stages depending on the type of final formulation required. These formulations are suitable for direct application as colourants in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics fields. They can also be used as diet supplements.

Abstract: Biosynthetic genes of ?-carotene from Blakeslea trispora that code for lycopene cyclase/phytoene synthase (carRP) and phytoene dehydrogenase (carB). The carRP gene, characterized by the DNA sequence SEQ ID NO:1, codes for the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:3, which has the lycopene cyclase/phytoene synthase enzymes. For its part, the carB gene, characterized by the DNA sequence SEQ ID NO:2, codes for the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:4, which possesses phytoene dehydrogenase enzyme activity. In addition, (i) procedures for constructing plasmids for the expression of additional copies of the aforesaid genes and (ii) methods for the expression of heterologous genes under the control of the promoters of said genes, are described.