Abstract: Solid formulations include a milled carotenoid, at least one hydrocolloid, a glucose syrup, sucrose and at least one water-soluble antioxidant (preferably sodium ascorbate), wherein the carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of lutein and zeaxanthin and any mixture thereof, wherein the hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of modified food starches and any mixtures thereof, and wherein the milled carotenoid has the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 0.6 to 1.5 ?m and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 1.1 to 3.5 ?m, all D values as measured by laser diffraction (Malvern Instruments Ltd, Malvern, UK, Mastersizer 3000) according to the Fraunhofer scattering model. The solid formulation is in form of granules which are used for dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, such as e.g. multi-vitamin and/or multi-mineral tablets and surprisingly show a low compression loss.

Abstract: Beverages are provided which include a beverage liquid and granules mixed with the beverage liquid The granules include: (i) a milled carotenoid consisting of lutein and/or zeaxanthin, wherein the milled carotenoid has the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 0.6 to 1.5 ?m, and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 1.1 to 3.5 ?m, (ii) a matrix material which encapsulates the milled carotenoid and comprises at least one modified food starch, a glucose syrup and sucrose, and (iii) a water-soluble antioxidant, wherein the granules have the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 200 to 300 ?m, and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 220 to 320 ?m, and wherein all D values are as measured by laser diffraction according to the Fraunhofer scattering model, and wherein the granules do not include an oil or a gelatin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a solid formulation comprising a milled carotenoid, at least one hydrocolloid, a glucose syrup, sucrose and at least one water-soluble antioxidant (preferably sodium ascorbate), wherein the carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of lutein and zeaxanthin and any mixture thereof, wherein the hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of modified food starches and any mixtures thereof, and wherein the milled carotenoid has the following particle size distribution: D [3, 2] in the range of from 0.6 to 1.5 ?m and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 1.1 to 3.5 ?m, all D values as measured by laser diffraction (Malvern Instruments Ltd, Malvern, UK, Mastersizer 3000) according to the Fraunhofer scattering model. This solid formulation is in form of granules which are used for dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, such as e.g. multi-vitamin and/or multi-mineral tablets. Surprisingly these tablets show a low compression loss.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the use of granules in beverages, wherein the granules comprise (i) a milled carotenoid selected from the group consisting of lutein and zeaxanthin and any mixture thereof having the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 0.6 to 1.5 ?m, and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 1.1 to 3.5 ?m, and (ii) a matrix comprising at least one modified food starch, a glucose syrup and sucrose, (iii) a water-soluble antioxidant, wherein the granules have the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 200 to 300 ?m, and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 220 to 320 ?m, all D values as measured by laser diffraction according to the Fraunhofer scattering model, whereby the milled carotenoid is encapsulated by the matrix. The present invention is also directed towards the beverages and the granules as such, as well as to a process for the manufacture of the granules. Preferably the carotenoid is lutein, zeaxanthin or any mixture thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for the production of ?-carotene from submerged cultures of mucoral fungi such as Blakeslea, Choanephora or Phycomyces by adding lectin to the culture medium and performing pH control once fermentation has started. The method involves ?-carotene recovery stage that makes it possible to simplify the process, optimize yields and increase purification of the product.

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: 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: The invention relates to a novel method for the production of &bgr;-carotene from submerged cultures of mucoral fungi such as Blakeslea, Choanephora or Phycomyces by adding lectin to the culture medium and performing pH control once fermentation has started. The method involves &bgr;-carotene recovery stage that makes it possible to simplify the process, optimize yields and increase purification of the product.