Main insights of in dustrial production of carotenoids using Paracoccus carotinifaciens
Paracoccus carotinifaciens is an aerobic Gram-negative bacterium that was isolated from soil early in the 1990s[1] . It mainly produces astaxanthin, which is well known as a strong antioxidant. W e conducted classical mutation breeding without genetic engineering technology and optimized manufacturing conditions, and successfully started the industrial production of astaxanthin as non-GMO product in 2000s.[2] Dehydrated P. carotinifaciens is currently sold under the name Panaferd® AX as a n atural pigment for fish and crustaceans.
P. carotinifaciens is cultured under optimized conditions and internally accumulates more than 10 kinds of carotenoids, such as adonirubin, canthaxanthin, and adonixanthin. Hence, P. carotinifaciens is suitable for producing desired several kinds of carotenoids.
Carotenoid app lications in aquafeeds
According to a feeding test on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Panaferd®AX brought higher CF (Color Fan) score than synthetic astaxanthin because other carotenoids such as adonirubin/ adonixanthin besides astaxanthin were also accumulated in the muscle (Fig. 1).
We also explored that Panaferd® AX has additional effects on improving productivity, reducing stress, and increasing immunity of animals. First example, based on one experimental trial on red sea bream (Pagrus major) , Panaferd®AX improved the digestibility of SPC (Soy Protein Concentrate) better than only astaxanthin. The test implied that Panaferd®AX components other than astaxanthin were also effective to improve FCR (Fig. 2 ). As second example, Panaferd®AX benefits to whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were assessed and produced significant resistance to V. parahaemolyticus. Panaferd®AX is not only a valuable natural source for pigmentation, but also features properties as a multi-functional feed additive.
[1] A. Tsubokura, et. al., Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1999, 49, 277–282.
[2] M. Hayashi, et. al., Carotenoids: Biosynthetic and Biofunctional Approaches. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, Springer, Singapore. 1261, 11–20.