Research and Production Center of Microbiology and Virology, Bogenbay Batyr Str., 105, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Alexander Rapoport
Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Str., 1-537, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
Mekala Venkatachalam
Laboratoire CHEMBIOPRO (Chimie et Biotechnologie des Produits Naturels), ESIROI Département Agroalimentaire, Université de La Réunion, 15 Avenue René Cassin, F-97490 Saint-Denis, France
Laurent Dufossé
Laboratoire CHEMBIOPRO (Chimie et Biotechnologie des Produits Naturels), ESIROI Département Agroalimentaire, Université de La Réunion, 15 Avenue René Cassin, F-97490 Saint-Denis, France
Zhanerke Yermekbay
Research and Production Center of Microbiology and Virology, Bogenbay Batyr Str., 105, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Yelena Oleinikova
Research and Production Center of Microbiology and Virology, Bogenbay Batyr Str., 105, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Carotenoids are one of the most studied groups of biologically active compounds. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and coloring properties and are particularly interesting for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, feed, cosmetic, and textile industries. Rapidly growing consumer demand for natural products has led to a significant increase in research and development of opportunities for their production from natural sources. Among the sources of carotenoids of natural origin, various microorganisms are of greater interest. This mini-review briefly summarizes the information published mainly during the last decade about carotenoid-producing microorganisms, the physiological importance of carotenoids for microbial cells, and the possibilities to improve their biosynthesis. This review also describes some new approaches/directions to make biotechnological production of microbial carotenoids more efficient.
