DESCRIPTION

Lycopene from Blakeslea trispora occurs as a red crystalline powder. It is a fermentation product that accumulates inside the biomass of the fungus and is extracted and purified using suitable solvents. It is predominantly all-trans-lycopene, but also contains minor quantities of other carotenoids. Commercial preparations containing Lycopene from Blakeslea trispora are available as suspensions in edible oils or as water-dispersible powders and are stabilized using suitable food-grade antioxidants. Lycopene from Blakeslea trispora is sparingly soluble in tetrahydrofuran and insoluble in water.