METHOD OF PRODUCING $G(B)-CAROTENE BY MEANS OF MIXED CULTURE FERMENTATION USING (+) AND (-) STRAINS OF BLAKESLEA TRISPORA

摘要

The invention relates to a method of producing β-carotene by means of mixed culture fermentation using (+) and (-) strains of Blakeslea trispora. The inventive method consists in fermenting selected strains of Blakeslea trispora under specific conditions, such that β-carotene is produced in the form of preparations that are stabilised with residual contents of other carotenoids (η-carotene and β-zeacarotene). The selected fermentation conditions include the programmed addition of oxygen and/or β-ionone throughout the fermentation and the control of the age of the vegetative growth phases of the strains used. The β-carotene obtained can be used in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.