Organization of Carotenoids in Models of Biological Membranes: Current Status of Knowledge and Research

This review focuses on modern spectroscopic approaches to the investigations of the incorporation and organization of carotenoids in biological membranes and in experimental models of them. In particular, the application of electronic absorption, emission, Raman, resonance Raman and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies are discussed in the light of the molecular organization of carotenoids in lipid membranes. The perspectives and prospects of exploiting the energy transfer processes involving carotenoids are discussed in this context. The incorporation and intermolecular interactions of carotenoids within lipid membranes depend on two major factors. One is the hydrophobic polyene backbone and the other the oxygen-containing polar side groups. They determine the miscibility of carotenoids with lipids and their tendency to form aggregates, and also affect their localization and orientation in lipid membranes.