Identification and quantification of carotenoids and carotenoid esters from the foraminiferan Allogromia laticollaris Arnold

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Abstract
The 10 carotenoids isolated from the cytoplasm of the monothalamous foraminifera A. laticollaris Arnold (Protozoa, Rhizopoda) were identified as .beta.-carotene, lutein, anhydrolutein-II, anhydrolutein-II palmitate, zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin ester, astaxanthin dipalmitate and, after saponification, allogromiarubin (3'',4''-didehydro-3,4-diketo-.beta.-carotene), .beta.-doradecin and phoeniconone. Most of these pigments represent secondary carotenoids produced in the foraminiferan by metabolism of primary carotenoids, which are derived from the food organism, the green alga Chlorella. Anhydrolutein-II, its palmitate and allogromiarubin have not been found as natural products. The possible biosynthesis of the secondary carotenoids is discussed.

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