Current perspectives on industrial application of microbial carotenoid as an alternative to synthetic pigments

Carotenoids are natural bioactive secondary metabolites known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. These are significantly demanded by pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, leading to the exploitation of ideal sources of carotenoids. Currently, the production of carotenoids using microorganisms has become a great interest to researchers and industrialists for its potential usage in various industrial applications. Thus, this review provides a brief insight into using various sources of microorganisms for carotenoid production. In addition, biosynthetic pathways involved in microbial synthesis of carotenoids were summarized. This will provide a better understanding to produce genetically improved strains for enhanced carotenoid production. In addition, the production, extraction, and purification strategies of carotenoids were highlighted. Moreover, this review will expedite how to take microbial carotenoids to various commercialization ventures.