Astaxanthin | CAS 472-61-7 | Carotenoid Antioxidant (Research Use Only) | Knowlux

Product Description

Astaxanthin, CAS 472-61-7, is a synthetic or fermentation-derived carotenoid pigment supplied by Knowlux for laboratory research use. It is a red-orange lipophilic xanthophyll belonging to the C40 isoprenoid class, structurally characterized by hydroxyl and keto groups on each ionone ring. The molecular formula is C40H52O4 and the molecular weight is 596.84 g/mol. Each lot is released with a lot-specific COA, MSDS and full analytical traceability.

Source and isomeric form clarification: CAS 472-61-7 describes the astaxanthin molecule itself, but commercial material originates from three distinct sources with different stereoisomer profiles. Natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis is predominantly the 3S,3'S isomer (>90%), while synthetic astaxanthin is a racemic mixture of approximately 25% 3S,3'S, 50% meso, and 25% 3R,3'R. Knowlux declares the source and isomeric profile on each COA; buyers should confirm whether their research requires a specific stereoisomer or a defined natural/synthetic origin. Commercial listings describe astaxanthin as an anti-aging or skin-whitening ingredient; those designations attach to cosmetic or supplement markets and do not apply to, and are not represented by, this research-grade lot.

Product Parameters

Product Details

1. Overview

Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid responsible for the pink-red pigmentation of salmon, shrimp, and flamingos. It is biosynthesized by microalgae such as Haematococcus pluvialis and by certain yeast species, and is commercially produced via algal cultivation, fermentation, or chemical synthesis. The molecule is distinguished from other carotenoids by the presence of hydroxyl and keto functional groups on both ionone rings, which contribute to its high radical-scavenging capacity and its ability to span lipid bilayers. Knowlux supplies astaxanthin as a research-grade material for laboratory and analytical use; this supply is not intended for human consumption and does not constitute a finished food, supplement, or cosmetic product.

2. Research Context (Not a Therapeutic Claim)

Published literature describes astaxanthin as a lipophilic antioxidant studied in in vitro and in vivo research models. Its conjugated polyene chain enables singlet oxygen quenching and free radical scavenging, and its polar end groups allow it to orient across membrane bilayers. Research has investigated its effects on oxidative stress markers, lipid peroxidation, and cellular signalling pathways in various model systems. The stereoisomeric composition is a critical variable in research design: natural 3S,3'S astaxanthin has been reported to exhibit higher bioavailability and antioxidant activity in some models compared with the synthetic racemic mixture. These descriptions are derived from published research and are provided for scientific reference only. Knowlux makes no claims regarding the efficacy, safety, or suitability of this product for any human application. Promotion of astaxanthin for anti-aging, skin health, eye health, or any health benefit is not supported by Knowlux and is inconsistent with research-use-only supply.

3. Quality Control

The specification failures that matter most in astaxanthin supply are related to oxidative degradation (astaxanthin is highly sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen), isomeric profile consistency, and residual solvent carryover from extraction. Buyers should require a specific HPLC assay with a declared isomeric profile and a stability-indicating method, not a generic purity figure. Full COA, MSDS, and lot-specific chromatograms are issued with each shipment.

• Reference standard for carotenoid analytical method development

• In vitro antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging assays

• Lipid peroxidation and membrane oxidation research models

• Stereoisomer bioavailability and metabolism studies

• Pigmentation and carotenoid biosynthesis research models

• LC-MS and biochemical assay calibrators

5. Packaging, Storage & Shipping

Astaxanthin is highly sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen. Primary containment: amber glass vial or high-barrier aluminium pouch under nitrogen headspace, sealed with tamper-evident closure. Secondary packing: light-protected carton with desiccant. Cold-chain shipping with validated gel packs and temperature logger; dry ice for -20 C shipments. COA, MSDS, packing list and certificate of origin issued with each shipment.

6. Documentation Support

Per lot: COA, MSDS, certificate of origin, residual solvent statement, heavy metal statement, isomeric profile report. Specification summaries and audit support available on a project basis.

About Knowlux

Knowlux Biotechnology is a GMP-oriented manufacturer and supplier of peptides, APIs and fine-chemical research compounds, operating from Hubei, China. We serve research groups, CDMOs and distributors in more than 40 countries, and support contract synthesis, custom packaging and technical documentation requests.

Compliance Statement

This product is supplied for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or animal administration, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use, not for retail sale, and not for personal use. Astaxanthin-rich extracts from Haematococcus pluvialis have received GRAS status in the United States for specific food applications (GRN 294 and GRN 580, at levels up to 0.15 mg astaxanthin per serving), and are authorised as a novel food in the European Union for food supplements at a maximum of 8 mg astaxanthin per day. Those regulatory positions attach to compliant food- and supplement-grade supply chains and do not apply to, and are not represented by, this research-grade lot. Research context statements are for scientific reference only and do not constitute medical advice, promotional claims, or dosing guidance.