Dsm IP Assets B.v.

Gustavo Rodriquez

George Schloemer

Mario D Torres-Cardona

Mario D T Cordona

A method is described for preparing astaxanthin esters from zeaxanthin by acylation of zeaxanthin with an acylating agent followed by contacting the esterified zeaxanthin with an oxidizing agent to produce esterified astaxanthin. The astaxanthin esters are more stable and show a better bioavailability than free astaxanthin when used in salmonid pigmentation.

Method for producing esterified astaxanthin from esterified zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin, the main carotenoids in marigold flowers, and capsanthin and capsorubin, the main carotenoids in red peppers are esterified mainly with C-18 fatty acids. The pigments were re-esterified without isolating them from the natural saponified extract using carboxylic acids in the range of C-1 to C-12 and their corresponding metallic salts in the presence of a catalyzing agent. Both the diester and monoester forms were obtained. It is expected that the pigment esters with a fatty acid of 12 or less carbons will have a better digestibility than the esters of xanthophylls in their natural state and better stability than the hydrolyzed xanthophylls. This will result in a better pigmentation capacity of the carotenoids for poultry or aquaculture.

Growing community of inventors

Sinaloa, Mexico

Gustavo Rodriquez