Preparing carotenoids or their precursors useful e.g. in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, foods and animal feeds, comprises culturing genetically modified Blakeslea

摘要

Preparing carotenoids (I) or their precursors (Ia) using genetically modified organisms of the genus Blakeslea, is new. Preparing carotenoids (I) or their precursors (Ia) using genetically modified organisms of the genus Blakesleacomprises: (1) transforming at least one cell; (2) optionally homokaryotizing the cells so that cells are produced in which the nuclei are all simultaneously altered in one or more genetic characteristics and these alterations are expressed; (3) selection, multiplication and culture of the modified cell(s); and (4) recovery of (I) and (Ia) from the cells. Independent claims are also included for: (1) producing at least one high-purity (I) and a nutrient, consisting of (I)-producing organisms and at least one (I), by culturing a (I)-producing Blakeslea; and (2) human and animal foods or food supplements produced by the new method.