Improving xanthophyll extraction from marigold flower using cellulolytic enzymes.

In this work is studied the effect of a noncommercial enzyme preparation on xanthophyll extraction from marigold flower (Tagetes erecta). The enzymatic extract was synthesized by endogenous microorganisms previously isolated and identified as Flavobacterium IIb, Acinetobacter anitratus, and Rhizopus nigricans. The results show that the extraction yield depends directly on the extent of the enzymatic hydrolysis of cell walls in the flower petals and that it is possible to reach yields in excess of those previously reported for treatments with commercially available enzymes (29.3 g/kg of dry weight). HPLC analysis of the product indicates that the original xanthophyll profile is not altered. The enhanced extraction system appears to be very competitive when compared to the traditional process and current alternatives.