β-胡萝卜素的研究进展及应用

The progress and application of β-carotene

本文综述了β-胡萝卜素的结构性质、生理功能、制备方法、加工工艺、应用领域以及发展前景。β-胡萝卜属于类胡萝卜素中的四萜类化合物,具有多种异构体,是人体重要的维生素A原,有较好的抗氧化、抗癌作用,能够提高机体的免疫力。β-胡萝卜素的制备方法多样,可以从天然产物如高等植物、藻类中经提取、分离精制得到,亦可通过化学合成、分子修饰、生物合成或基因工程等手段获得。基于β-胡萝卜素具有着色、抗氧化等特性,已被广泛应用于食品、医药、化妆品、饲料等行业。目前β-胡萝卜素的研究热点集中于生产及乳化技术方面。

The structure,property,physiological functions,preparation,processing,applications and development prospects of the β-carotene are reviewed in this paper. β-carotene,a kind of terpenoids,belongs to carotenoids. It has a variety of isomers. As an important provitamin A,it has a strong anti-cancer and anti-oxidation effect on the body,and it can improve the body's immune system. There are many diverse preparation methods of β-carotene,such as,extracting,separating and purifing effective ingredients from natural higher plants and algae. Also it can be obtained by chemical synthesis,molecular modification,biological synthesis or genetic engineering,etc. Based on the characteristics of coloring and antioxidant,β-carotene has been widely used in food,medicine,cosmetics,animal feed and other industries. Now,the research of β-carotene is focused on the production and emulsion technology.