Carotenoids are important compounds in the human diet as anticarcinogens,
cardiovascular disease preventers, andimmunesystem
regulators. Moreover, they can act as antioxidants and precursors of
vitamin A (Singh and Goyal, 2008). Due to their association with human
health, carotenoids have also been used in medicines and cosmetics.
One of the most important carotenoids is lycopene (C40H56)
an open chain hydrocarbon with 11 conjugated double bonds. It is a