Blakeslea trispora are further investigating whether the fungus "Blakeslea trispora" could be a potent effector of anti-aging because of its ability to efficiently mass produce amounts of lycopene. β-carotene is also a relevant component for human health and chronic diseases. β-carotene is a molecule which displays a red-orange pigment. Therefore, it is used as a coloring agent for food products. β-carotene is a member of carotenes which are highly unsaturated isoprene derivatives. Because "Blakeslea trispora" has an effective ability to produce great amount of β-carotene from lycopene, "Blakeslea trispora" is the main organism used for its production on an industrial scale. β-carotenes
Pigment of power and life. Natives of Peru had been producing cochineal dyes for textiles since at least 700 CE, but Europeans had never seen the color before. When the Spanish invaded the Aztec empire in what is now Mexico, they were quick to exploit the color for new trade opportunities. Carmine became the region's second most valuable export next to silver. Pigments produced from the cochineal insect gave the Catholic cardinals their vibrant robes and the English "Redcoats" their distinctive uniforms. The true source of the pigment—an insect—was kept secret until the 18th century, when biologists discovered the source. While