Patent ID: 7192731
Filing Date: 2007-03-20
Classification: A23K,A23L,A23V,C12P,C12Q

Abstract:
1. A method of increasing a fraction of free carotenoids from a source of carotenoids in which at least some of the carotenoids are fatty acid esterified carotenoids, the method comprising the steps of (a) contacting the source of carotenoids with an effective amount of an esterase and a recycled emulsifier under conditions effective in deesterifying fatty acid esterified carotenoids, wherein said conditions effective in deesterifying the fatty acid esterified carotenoids are characterized by addition of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of: a cellulose degrading enzyme; a protein degrading enzyme; a pectin degrading enzyme; and at least one metal ion; and (b) extracting resulting deesterified carotenoids with ethyl acetate under alkaline conditions, thereby increasing the fraction of free carotenoids from the source of carotenoids.