ARS | Publication request: Bioconversion of marine carotenoids and their health functions

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 4, 2011
Publication Date: May 4, 2011
Citation: Hosokawa, M., Hou, C.T., Miyashita, K. 2011. Bioconversion of marine carotenoids and their health functions [abstract]. American Oil Chemists' Society. Abstract #BIO. 1-8. p. 22.

Technical Abstract: Fucoxanthin (FX), found in edible brown seaweeds, exhibits anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. In the body, FX is converted to fucoxanthinol (FXOH) and amarouciaxanthin A and accumulates in adipose tissue and other tissues. It was suggested that FXOH and amarouciaxanthin A were active metabolites to show anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects by FX. In addition, FXOH has been reported to have apoptosis-inducing effect on cancer cells and anti-oxidant activity. In this study, we, at first, examined the preparation of FXOH from FX by lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis. Porcine pancreatic lipase was an effective enzyme for FX hydrolysis. Taurocholate content in reaction system was important for reaction yield of FXOH. In our reaction system, FX was converted to FXOH at more than 85%. On the other hand, we also attempted FXOH preparation from FX through bioconversion with Bacillus megaterium ALA2. After 24 h incubation with strain ALA2 in culture media containing FX, we detected significant amount of FXOH produced. This bioconversion is a simple method to prepare FXOH.