Production, extraction, and quantification of astaxanthin by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous or Haematococcus pluvialis: standardized techniques.

For many years, benefits and disadvantages of pigments production either by microalgae or yeasts have been under analysis. In this contribution we shall deal with Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (formerly Phaffia rhodozyma) and Haematococcus pluvialis, which are known as major prominent microorganisms able to synthesize astaxanthin pigment. Then, the usual trend is to look for optimal conditions to conduct astaxanthin synthesis.

Astaxanthin production by Phaffia rhodozyma and Haematococcus pluvialis: a comparative study.

Phaffia rhodozyma (now Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous) and Haematococcus pluvialis are known as the major prominent microorganisms able to synthesize astaxanthin natural pigment. Important research efforts have been made to determine optimal conditions for astaxanthin synthesis. When the focus is on astaxanthin production, the maximal reported value of 9.

Haematococcus pluvialis cultivation in split-cylinder internal-loop airlift photobioreactor under aeration conditions avoiding cell damage.

The effects of superficial gas velocity in the riser (U(Gr)) and gas entrance velocity (v) on the growth of Haematococcus pluvialis cultivated in a split-cylinder internal-loop airlift photobioreactor were investigated. Cell growth decreased when U(Gr) and v were increased above 12 mm s(-1) and 22.8 m s(-1), respectively.

Influence of environmental and nutritional factors in the production of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis.

Astaxanthin extracted from green algae is desirable in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its antioxidant properties. The green unicellular clear water microalga Haematococcus pluvialis has a high production rate of astaxanthin; indeed, it contains more than 80% astaxanthin content in its cells. This remarkable astaxanthin production is commonly obtained under stress conditions such as nutrient deficiency (N or P), high NaCl concentrations, variations of temperature, and other factors.