Lycopene | CAS 502-65-8 | Carotenoid Pigment (Research Use Only) | Knowlux

Product Description

Lycopene, CAS 502-65-8, is a naturally occurring or fermentation-derived carotenoid pigment supplied by Knowlux for laboratory research use. It is a linear, unsaturated hydrocarbon carotenoid and the principal red pigment in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon, and certain other fruits. The molecular formula is C40H56 and the molecular weight is 536.85 g/mol. Each lot is released with a lot-specific COA, MSDS and full analytical traceability.

Source and form clarification: CAS 502-65-8 describes the lycopene molecule itself, but commercial material originates from three distinct production routes with different impurity and isomeric profiles. Natural extraction from tomato fruit yields lycopene alongside other carotenoids and lipid-soluble co-extractives; fermentation-derived lycopene (e.g., from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Blakeslea trispora) yields a more defined profile with all-trans lycopene typically reported at >=90%; synthetic routes are also available. Knowlux declares the source and isomeric profile on each COA; buyers should confirm whether their research requires a specific origin. Commercial listings describe lycopene as an antioxidant supplement or cosmetic ingredient; those designations attach to food and cosmetic markets and do not apply to, and are not represented by, this research-grade lot.

Product Parameters

Product Details

1. Overview

Lycopene is a C40 tetraterpene hydrocarbon carotenoid characterized by an extended conjugated polyene chain. Unlike beta-carotene, it lacks terminal ionone rings and therefore has no provitamin A activity. The molecule is responsible for the deep-red coloration of ripe tomatoes and is biosynthesized via the isoprenoid pathway in plants and certain microorganisms. In research settings, lycopene is studied primarily as a lipophilic antioxidant and as a model compound for carotenoid isomerization and degradation pathways. Knowlux supplies lycopene 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 lycopene as a lipophilic antioxidant studied in in vitro and in vivo research models. Its conjugated polyene system enables singlet oxygen quenching and free radical scavenging, and its lipophilicity allows it to partition into membrane lipid bilayers. Research has investigated its effects on oxidative stress markers and cellular signalling pathways in various model systems. The isomeric composition (all-trans vs. cis isomers) and source matrix are critical variables in research design, as these factors influence bioavailability and biological activity in model systems. 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 lycopene for anti-aging, cardiovascular protection, cancer prevention, 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 lycopene supply are related to oxidative degradation (lycopene 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.

4. Applications

• Reference standard for carotenoid analytical method development

• In vitro antioxidant capacity and singlet oxygen quenching assays

• Lipid peroxidation and membrane oxidation research models

• Carotenoid isomerization and degradation pathway studies

• Pigmentation and carotenoid biosynthesis research models

• LC-MS and biochemical assay calibrators

5. Packaging, Storage & Shipping

Lycopene 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 packaging: 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. Lycopene is authorised as a food additive (E 160d) and as a novel food in the European Union, and tomato lycopene extracts have received GRAS status in the United States for specific food applications (GRN 156, at levels up to 10 mg/kg in various food categories). A GRAS notice for fermentation-derived lycopene (GRN 1253) was filed in 2026 and is pending FDA review. 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.