Carotene Production from Biomass Waste

Carotenoids, a group of substances that belongs to the terpenoid group, are widely used for food colouring to give yellow, orange, or red colour in food products. In particular, β-carotene can be produced by extraction from biological substance, such as vegetables, fruits, oils, or microbial fermentation; or produced synthetically via chemical reactions. This article presents a review of β-carotene production method, in particular from biomass waste. As a case study, the potential of β-carotene production from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB), the major biomass waste from the palm oil industry, is evaluated.