A Review of Beta-Carotene Accumulation in Microalgae Under Different Stress Conditions

One of the major produced metabolites by the microalgae is beta-carotene. It has many application in preparation of cosmetic, as antioxidant and precursor to vitamin A. Beta-carotene is more efficiently produced through microalgae compared to plants, bacteria and fungi, since microalgae can be cultured all year long with low nutrient requirements and higher yield. In this study, beta-carotene accumulation in microalgae was investiagted under different stress conditions of light intensity, temperature, nutrient satrvation, and saltinity. The results of the previous researches shows high accumulation of beta-carotene with increasing concentration of salt. However, at very high concentrations of salt, beta-carotene production is decreased. Among nutrient stresses, the deficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus have shown the greatest impact on beta-carotene accumulation. Light stress has also been investigated from quantitative and qualitative point of views in which has the greatest impact among other stresses. Applying simultaneous stresses can be used for beta-carotene production.