A method for producing a carotenoid or apocarotenoid is disclosed. The method comprises the step of expressing in a host cell an expression module comprising an expression vector having a coding region encoding at least one optimised carotenoid or apocarotenoid generating enzyme, the coding region being operably linked to a promoter. A host cell comprising an expression vector having a coding region encoding at least one optimised carotenoid or apocarotenoid generating enzyme, the coding region being operably linked to a promoter is also provided together with a kit.

Recombinant microorganisms configured for enhanced production of carotenoids and other compounds and methods of using the recombinant microorganisms for the production of same. The recombinant microorganism can include a modification that decreases phytoene synthase (CrtB) activity, a modification that decreases lycopene-forming phytoene desaturase (CrtI) activity, a modification that decreases lycopene cyclase (CrtY) activity, a modification that decreases beta-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ) activity, a modification that decreases 2,2-beta hydroxylase (CrtG) activity, and/or a modification that increases beta-carotene ketolase (CrtW) activity. The recombinant microorganism can be from the genus Novosphingobium, such as Novosphingobium aromaticivorans.