Astaxanthin succinates was synthesized via acylation of astaxanthin with succinic anhydride using Candida sp.lipase as catalyst

the enzymatic product was analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC/Q-TOF-MS)equipped with an electro spray ion source

which indicated that it contains astaxanthin succinic acid monoester and astaxanthin succinic acid diester.The parameters affected the conversion yields of astaxanthin

such as enzyme sources

organic media

reaction temperature and substrates molar ratio in the reaction system

were investigated in detail.The results showed that Candida sp.lipase was the best lipase.The most suitable media for the reaction was DMSO

and the appropriate reaction temperature was 45℃.The molar ratio of succinic anhydride to astaxanthin was the most important parameter which not only determined the conversion yield but also affected the product composition.The enzymatic reaction can occur only when the substrate molar ratio was more than 40

and when it was higher than 150 dieaster can be formed. The influences of water content in the system and amount of lipase was also discussed in the paper

respectively.The experimental results indicate that there is a good possibility of the synthesis of astaxanthin succinates catalyzed by Candida sp.lipase.