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Table 2 Structures, application areas and color of the carotenoid compounds found in Neurospora intermedia N-1 namely lycopene, neurosporen, γ-caroten, β-carotene and phytoene

From: Filamentous ascomycetes fungi as a source of natural pigments

Carotenoids

Structure

Applications

Color

Lycopene

High antioxidative activity [64] with beneficial effects on health by fighting many diseases [65]. Used in nutraceuticals and related applications [66]. Used for food coloring (E160d) [67]

Dark red [7]

Neurosporen

Antioxidative properties [68]. Data not found on industrial applications

Yellow-orange [68]

γ-Carotene

Data not found on industrial applications

Orange red [7]

β-Carotene

Used for food coloring (E160a) [67]. Beneficial effects on health by fighting many diseases [65]

Yellow to Orange [7]

Phytoene

Key carotenoid intermediate as a precursor to other carotenoids

Colorless [69]