Abstract

Due to the potential for health benefits, the importance of carotenoids is growing. Since this group of compounds is used in medical as well as food and cosmetic applications, a review of the current sources of carotenoids is undertaken. A literature survey is presented related to the methods currently used for the extraction of carotenoids from plants: low-pressure solvent extraction by different techniques and supercritical fluid extraction. The process parameters and their influence on carotenoids yield are considered. The cost of manufacturing carotenoids-rich extracts by supercritical fluid extraction is also discussed.

Keywords: Carotenoids, manufacturing cost, organic solvent extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, vegetables.