title: [Fungal carotenoids: biological functions and practical use].
abstract: The review covers recent data on the use of mycelial fungi for the production of carotenoids and on the chemical composition and biological functions of micromycete carotenoids. Particular emphasis is placed on the physiology and biochemical characteristics of the mucor fungus Blakeslea trispora, the only beta-carotene producer employed on an industrial scale. The biotechnological importance of the fungus with respect to lycopene production, recent data on the high antioxidant activity of lycopene, and potential applications of carotenoids in medicine are discussed.
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Feofilova
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001709:Biotechnology; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D005658:Fungi / Q000737:chemistry*; D008027:Light
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D002338:Carotenoids
vernacular_title: Karotinoidy gribov: biologicheskie funktsii i prakticheskoe ispol'zovan