Biotechnological Production of Carotenoids Using Yarrowia lipolytica

Carotenoids are a group of tetraterpenoid natural products with a variety of physiological activities, which led to their application in food, cosmetics, agriculture, and other industries with broad market prospects. The fermentation of carotenoids using engineered microbial hosts has emerged as an efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly production method with significant potential for further development. Yarrowia lipolytica (Y. lipolytica), an unconventional oleaginous yeast, has intrinsic advantages as a host strain for the production of carotenoids. This review outlines the functions of some well-studied carotenoids, including lycopene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin. Furthermore, the biotechnological strategies for carotenoid production in Y. lipolytica are categorized and summarized. Finally, potentially feasible future strategies for further improvement of carotenoid production in Y. lipolytica are also prospected.