Extract from a mutant Rhodobacter sphaeroides as an enriched carotenoid source

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Lycogen™ extract from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (WL-APD911) shows potential as a bioactive mixture.
• Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties are of significant interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the chemical components of Lycogen™.
• To evaluate its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities.
• To assess its safety profile.

Main Methods:

• Chemical mutagenesis of Rhodobacter sphaeroides to create WL-APD911 mutant strain.
• Cultivation of the mutant strain and extraction of Lycogen™.
• High-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for compound identification.
• DPPH assay for anti-oxidative activity assessment.
• Primary skin irritation test on hamsters.

Main Results:

• Mutant strain WL-APD911 exhibited a 3.5-fold increase in carotenoid content compared to the wild type.
• Lycogen™ demonstrated more potent anti-oxidative activity than wild-type lycopene.
• Spheroidenone and methoxyneurosporene were identified as major components of Lycogen™.
• No skin irritation was observed in hamsters after 30 days of treatment with Lycogen™.

Conclusions:

• The study identified spheroidenone and methoxyneurosporene as major carotenoids in Lycogen™.
• The mutant strain yields significantly higher carotenoid content.
• Lycogen™ possesses superior anti-oxidative activity and a favorable safety profile, indicating its potential as an enriched carotenoid source.