*5.2. Yarrowia lipolytica*

*Yarrowia lipolytica* is an Ascomycetous yeast and the only described species of the genus Yarrowia. It is widespread in nature, has many industrial uses and is important in the food industry and medical field. It is used as an alternative source of β-carotene. The major constituents of the carotenoids include all-trans-β-carotene with small amounts of 9-cis β-carotene, 15-cis β-carotene, 13-cis β- carotene and others [99].

Toxicity studies of β-carotene from *Y. lipolytica* in genotoxicity models and a standard subchronic rat study revealed no significant difference, compared with commercial products. An extracellular nontoxic pyomelanin pigment from *Y. lipolytica* was found to have antioxidant and noncytotoxic properties for two mammalian cell lines, viz., mouse fibroblast (NIH3T3) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Purified pyomelanin has a significant sun protection factor (SPF) value, highlighting its potential as a UVfilter in cosmetic preparations. Biomass of this yeast was defined as a safe novel food by the European Food Safety Authority [100].

## **6. Conclusions**

In recent decades, natural pigments have been extensively used as colorants in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and textile industries. Several fungal strains are known for pigment production, while many fungi have not been systematically explored for their pigment-producing capability. Therefore, there is a need to explore novel and safe pigments using appropriate tools and techniques. Many pigments, including those with antibioticlike properties, need to be studied for selective toxicity so that they can be produced commercially for human use. Fungal pigments open many new avenues in the production of textiles for medical use. This provides an extensive area of exploration to identify natural, eco-friendly pigments for diverse applications to satisfy public demand. In addition, biotechnological approaches help to produce pigments on a large scale with low cost, high yield and easy extraction without mycotoxins. The manufacture of fungal pigments has taken a big step to promote eco-friendly pigments. A literature search reveals the application of fungal pigments in the food and health care industries. These fungal pigments need to pass toxicity tests, quality tests and regulatory approval before their final entry into the market as food colorants or as drugs. Moreover, toxicology testing for most of the fungal pigments was not available. Another major impediment is that the funding required to carry out the necessary safety studies on such food additives is not available. For the above pigments to be feasible, testing is imperative. Fungal pigments could be a boon to the food industry.

**Author Contributions:** Writing—original draft, conceptualization (R.P.); writing—review and editing, supervision, resources (S.P.); supervision, conceptualization, writing—review and editing, validation (L.D.); visualization, supervision, conceptualization, resources (J.K.). All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Institutional Review Board Statement:** Not applicable.

**Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.

**Data Availability Statement:** Not applicable.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.
