Carotenoid processing with supercritical fluids

Recent developments in carotenoids particle formation and coprecipitation with biodegradable polymers using supercritical fluids as antisolvent have been reviewed. A brief description of some of the most suitable antisolvent processes involving supercritical fluids is given. These include gas antisolvent process (GAS), supercritical antisolvent process (SAS) and supercritical fluid extraction from an emulsion (SFEE). The focus of this article is to provide the necessary background on carotenoid particle processing with supercritical fluids and to present a comprehensive review focused on the coprecipitation of the most usual carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene) with biodegradable or biocompatible polymers. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.