Lycopene is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of many carotenoids.

Carotenoids such as lycopene are found in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes of plants, photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, and algae. [5] They give fruits and vegetables their bright orange-red color, perform various functions in photosynthesis, and protect photosynthetic organisms from excessive light. Lycopene is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of carotenoids such as β-carotene and lutein. [12]

Dispersed lycopene molecules can be encapsulated into carbon nanotubes, enhancing their optical properties. [13] Efficient energy transfer occurs between the encapsulated dye and the nanotube—light is absorbed by the dye and transferred to the nanotube without significant loss. Encapsulation increases the chemical and thermal stability of lycopene molecules; it also allows their isolation and personalization.

The unconditional biosynthesis of lycopene in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cyanobacteria is similar, as are the enzymes involved. [5] The synthesis begins with mevalonate, which is converted to dimethylallyl pyrophosphate. This is then condensed with three molecules of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (an isomer of dimethylallyl pyrophosphate) to give the 20-carbon geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. Two molecules of this product are then condensed into a tail-to-tail configuration to give the 40-carbon phytoene, the first step in carotenoid biosynthesis. Through several desaturation steps, phytoene is converted to lycopene. The two terminal isoprenyl groups of lycopene can be cyclized to produce β-carotene, which can then be converted into various luteins.