E160d (Lycopene) is a colouring agent derived from the carotenoid lycopene, which is found in fruits and vegetables and is used to impart colour.
Industrial Production Process
- Preparation of reagents. The main raw materials include natural sources rich in carotenoids, such as algae, carrots, or palm fruits, and organic solvents such as ethanol or hexane.
- Harvesting and cleaning. The raw materials are harvested and cleaned to remove impurities and debris.
- Drying. The cleaned raw materials are dried at controlled temperatures to reduce moisture content and facilitate carotenoid extraction.
- Extraction. The dried raw materials are treated with a suitable solvent (ethanol, hexane, or a solvent mixture) to extract the carotenoid compounds. Extraction can be done through maceration, infusion, or solvent extraction.
- Filtration. The extracted mixture is filtered to remove solid residues and obtain a clear coloring solution.
- Concentration. The coloring solution is concentrated through vacuum evaporation to reduce the volume and increase the concentration of carotenoids.
- Purification. The concentrated solution may be further purified using techniques such as chromatography to remove unwanted impurities and improve the color quality.
- Stabilization. The purified coloring is stabilized with antioxidants like BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) to prevent oxidation and maintain color stability during transportation and storage.
- Drying. The purified product is dried at controlled temperatures to obtain a fine carotenoid powder.
- Quality control. Lycopene undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure it meets standards for purity, color intensity, and safety. These tests include chemical analysis, spectroscopy, and microbiological testing.
What it is used for and where
Medical
In this study on carotenoids, a list of fruit and vegetables and the percentages they contain (1).
Lycopene possesses antioxidant and anti-cancer properties (2).
Food
In the food industry, it is a chemical compound, an ingredient listed in the European Food Additives List as E160d and in the Colour Index International as CI 75125. It is a synthetic colouring agent with carotenoids (fat-soluble organic pigments responsible for the colouring of different fruits and vegetables) and is also known as Natural Yellow 27.
Cosmetics
Restricted cosmetic ingredient as IV/110 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported:
- Lycopene. Wording of conditions of use and warnings Purity criteria as set out in Commission Directive 95/45/EC (E 160d)
Colouring agent. This ingredient has the primary function of colouring the solution in which it is inserted in a temporary, semi-permanent or permanent manner, either alone or in the presence of the complementary components added for colouring.
Safety. It is an ingredient considered safe
 |  |
Molecular Formula: C40H56
Molecular Weight: 536.888
CAS: 502-65-8
EC number 207-949-1
UNII SB0N2N0WV6
DTXSID2046593
Synonyms:
E160d
Lycopene
Lycored
Redivivo
