Methodologies for the Analysis of Fungal Carotenoids

Carotenoids are high-value natural products utilized by several industrial sectors. Some filamentous fungi such as Phycomyces blakesleeanus, Mucor circinelloides , and Blakeslea trispora possess the ability to synthesise carotenoids. In this chapter, procedures for comprehensive analysis of fungal carotenoids are described. Protocols necessary for the growth of adequate biomass, carotenoid extraction, and analysis of carotenoids are provided. The techniques used include column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, ultraviolet-visible spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line photodiode array detection.