Studies On Production Of Lycopene By Blakeslea Trispora

Lycopene, an important red carotenoid, has received great attention in recent years due to its use in the human diet and because it is considered as the anti-carcinogenic agent, quenches single oxygen, prevents cardiovascular diseases and regulates the immuno-system. Lycopene is one of intermediates in the biosynthesis of β-carotene. B. trispora can accumulate lycopene if an inhibitor such as nicotine or tert-amine compounds is added to the cultures. In this paper, the production of lycopene by Blakeslea trisopora was investigated on the base of the previous results in our laboratory.1. The purification process of Blakeslea trispora cells was established by addition of SDC at optimal concentration in potato dextrose agar medium. The mutagenesis method suiting for Blakeslea trispora cells (-) was obtained by combining the chemical method and physical radiation.2. The dissolved oxygen levels had the important effect on lycopene synthesis in Blakeslea trispora. The lycopene production was enhanced by controlling the dissolved oxygen in two phases. In 500mL flask, with 100 mL medium during the growth phase and 75mL during the production...