Improvement of a CrtO-type of beta-carotene ketolase for canthaxanthin production in Methylomonas sp.

Two types of non-homologous beta-carotene ketolases (CrtW and CrtO) were previously described. We report improvement of a CrtO-type of beta-carotene ketolase for canthaxanthin production in a methylotrophic bacterium, Methylomonas sp. 16a, which could use the C1 substrate (methane or methanol) as sole carbon and energy source.

Expression of bacterial hemoglobin genes to improve astaxanthin production in a methanotrophic bacterium Methylomonas sp.

Astaxanthin has been widely used as a feed supplement in poultry and aquaculture industries. One challenge for astaxanthin production in bacteria is the low percentage of astaxanthin in the total carotenoids. An obligate methanotrophic bacterium Methylomonas sp.

Diversity of carotenoid synthesis gene clusters from environmental Enterobacteriaceae strains.

Eight Enterobacteriaceae strains that produce zeaxanthin and derivatives of this compound were isolated from a variety of environmental samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these strains grouped with different clusters of Erwinia type strains. Four strains representing the phylogenetic diversity were chosen for further characterization, which revealed their genetic diversity as well as their biochemical diversity.