Research progress on lutein production from microalgae as a new biomaterial

Lutein, a carotenoid, has significant applications in the medical care field due to its eye protection, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Due to the very low yield of chemical synthesis, marigold flower petals are currently the only commercial source of lutein extraction. As a new type of biomaterial, microalgae, with their lutein content significantly higher than that of marigold petals, have emerged as a highly promising alternative biomaterial source in lutein production, offering a new approach for the efficient preparation of lutein. To establish microalgae as a sustainable and alternative source of lutein, critical factors—including microalgal strains, key culture conditions (e.g., light intensity, nutrient status, metabolic patterns), as well as lutein pretreatment, extraction, and purification—require in-depth investigation. Against this backdrop, this paper reviews recent research advances in the application of microalgae as a novel biomaterial for lutein production.