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FAIR-CT96-1633
Genetic Engineering of Carotenoid Metabolism: a Novel Route to Vitamins, Colours and Aromas for the European Market |
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Type of Project | Shared Cost |
| Contract No | FAIR-CT96-1633 | |
| Total Cost | 1,833,969 ECU | |
| EC Contribution | 1,177,916 ECU | |
| Start Date | 01/12/96 | |
| Duration | 36 Months |
Genetic engineering of carotenoid metabolism: a novel route to vitamins, colours and aromas for the European market
Objectives
Technical Approach
Carotenoids are terpenoid pigments very widespread in nature. They are industrially used as highly safe colorants of food and cosmetic preparations. Beta-carotene is the dietary precursor of vitamin A. In developed countries we eat between 1 and 1,5 mg/day beta-carotene and in some third world countries this figure is below 0.5 mg/day. Carotenoid metabolites also play a role in aroma: the flavour of many plant products, such as tomato and saffron, is due to volatile derivatives of the xanthophyll oxidative metabolism. The market for purified carotenoids is growing rapidly and it already exceeds 100 million US $/yr. Over 90% of the market is covered by chemically synthesised carotenoids.
Expected Results
I. Direct Results
II. Indirect Results
Data on the physiology of organisms with altered carotenoid content and on the bioavailability of engineered carotenoids.
Applications
Speciality chemicals, human nutrition, feed additives.
Results To Date
Contacts
Coordinator
EC Scientific Officer
Participant
© Copyright 2006 Policy Statements
Updated
by CPL Press:
03/07/2007
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