The project “Deep Processing Techniques of Pot Marigold and Development of Related Products”, undertaken by Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics (LICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), passed the acceptance check organized by the Bureau of High-tech Research and Development of CAS.

After listening to the report made by the principal investigator about the whole project and going over related paper materials, the experts group held that through 3 years’ work, researchers have made achievements which met the requirements in the mission statement and that the project could pass the acceptance criteria.

Pot marigold is a kind of wild plant rich in carotenoid and sepiapterin and is widely grown in northeastern, northwestern and northern parts in China. It is green renewable resource and is of great economic value. It can be used as important pharmaceutical intermediates and functional natural food additives.

Researchers have carried out studies on the extraction, structural characterization, stability of highly purified yellow pigment and lutein; solved the problems of low water solubility, instability and easiness to be oxidized; achieved facile, fast and highly efficient separation and purification of yellow pigment and lutein; developed related capsules.