METHOD FOR PRODUCING ASTAXANTHIN

摘要

A method which heightens the efficiency of production of astaxanthin by the cultivation of a microalga. The method for producing astaxanthin comprises incubating a microalga to cause the microalga to produce astaxanthin in the alga cells, and is characterized in that light irradiation during at least the astaxanthin production cultivation period in the cultivation period is conducted using blue LEDs having a peak wavelength of 420-500 nm and red LEDs having a peak wavelength of 620-690 nm in combination. The ratio of the blue LEDs having a peak wavelength of 420-500 nm to the red LEDs having a peak wavelength of 620-690 nm is preferably 1:19 to 19:1 in terms of photon flux density. The photon flux density of each of the LEDs is preferably 20 µmol/m2/s or greater.