The present invention is directed to carotenoid compositions and methods for inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria or for preventing or treating bacterial infections in subjects by administration of an effective amount of astaxanthin and beta-carotene. An evaporator and a condenser are installed in the body. The first fluid flow conduit includes a nozzle portion having a converging bore through which the first fluid is accelerated. The main member has two lateral walls and a back wall and the board. The disclosure provides methods for exposing the sidewall surface and the bottom surface of the opening to a plurality of substantially parallel ultra-violet radiation rays to form a dense dielectric layer having a substantially uniform thickness over both the sidewall surface and the bottom surface. The output buffer stores cells for transmission by a corresponding one of the output ports.