抄録
In this study, the efficient production of carotenoids that have high antioxidant capacity was investigated, using a marine heterotrophic microorganism Thraustochytrium. This microorganism can accumulate carotenoids and highly unsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid （DHA） and eicosapentaenoic acid （EPA）. When cells are stressed, they emit “ROS （reactive oxygen species）” and since carotenoids have intrinsic properties for removing them, it has been suggested that the production of carotenoids is enhanced under stress conditions. The addition of butanol to the culture medium as a stress source was carried out, and the result confirmed a significant increase in the total carotenoid production. In addition, fatty acid production, which is usually a trade-off for carotenoid production, also increased. From these results, an important method for carotenoid production has been discovered.
