Ultrasound-based strategies for the recovery of microalgal carotenoids: Insights from green extraction methods to UV/MS-based identification.

Carotenoids, versatile natural pigments with numerous health benefits, face environmental concerns associated with conventional petrochemical-based extraction methods and limitations of their synthetic equivalents. In this context, this study aims to introduce eco-friendly approaches using ultrasound-based strategies (probe and bath) for the extraction of carotenoids from microalgae, initially focusing on Microchloropsis gaditana and subsequently evaluating the versatility of the method by applying it to other microalgae species of interest (Tisochrysis lutea, Porphyridium cruentum, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and defatted microalgal residues. Among the approaches evaluated, the 5-min ultrasonic probe system with ethanol showed comparable carotenoid recovery efficiency to the reference method (agitation, 24 h, acetone) (9.4 ± 2.5 and 9.6 ± 3.2 mg g-1 carotenoids per dry biomass, for the green and the reference method, respectively). Moreover, the method's sustainability was demonstrated using the AGREEprep™ software (scored 0.62 out of 1), compared to the traditional method (0.22 out of 1). The developed method yielded high carotenoid contents across species with diverse cell wall compositions (3.1 ± 0.2, 2.1 ± 0.3, and 4.1 ± 0.1 mg g-1 carotenoid per dry biomass for T. lutea, P. cruentum, and P. tricornutum, respectively). Moreover, the application of the method to defatted biomass showed potential for microalgal valorization with carotenoid recovery rates of 41 %, 60 %, 61 %, and 100 % for M.gaditana, P. tricornutum, T. lutea, and P. cruentum, compared to the original biomass, respectively. Furthermore, by using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), we reported the carotenoid and chlorophyll profiles of the different microalgae and evaluated the impact of the eco-friendly methods. The carotenoid and chlorophyll profiles varied depending on the species, biomass, and method used. In summary, this study advances a green extraction method with improved environmental sustainability and shorter extraction time, underscoring the potential of this approach as a valuable alternative for the extraction of microalgal pigments.

Stability, chromatic characteristics and chemical changes of sacha inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana) oil enriched with aguaje oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) rich in carotenoids.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana) oil is a food matrix that contains more than 80 % of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic and α-linolenic acids. The objective of this study was to develop blends of sacha inchi oil (P. huayllabambana) enriched with aguaje oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) and evaluate the induction period, total carotenoid content, nutritional quality indices and oxidative stability from the fatty acid composition. The analytical tests were conducted for oil blends that had the following proportions: sacha inchi oil enriched with aguaje oil at 5, 10 and 20 %. The results prove that the enrichment of sacha inchi oil with aguaje oil (SIO-PH-AO) leads to an improvement in oxidative stability and nutritional and physical properties. For example, the oxidative stability index (OSI) varied from 0.87 to 2.53 h. The content of total carotenoids produces an increase from 0.35 to 99.90 mg/kg, while total polyphenols from 47.45 to 126.90 mg GAE/g, and chroma from 39.91 to 69.02 units. Regarding the fatty acid profile, the oxidizability value improves with the addition of aguaje oil. Reduces levels of PUFA, PUFA/SFA, and hypo-and hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H). Additionally, an increase in SFA and MUFA levels, while the ω6/ω3 ratio remained constant. Finally, it can be noted that the enrichment of sacha inchi oil with aguaje oil (rich in carotenoids) provides better stability and can be used for commercial applications as a mechanism to establish new vegetable oils with better properties.

Carotenoid, Tocopherol, and Volatile Aroma Compounds in Eight Sacha Inchi Seed (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Oil Accessions.

Sacha inchi seed oil is a food matrix rich in bioactive constituents, mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this study, the characteristics of color, carotenoid content, tocopherols, and volatile aroma compounds in eight sacha inchi seed (Plukenetia volubilis L.) oil accessions were evaluated. Results showed that the oil obtained from the accessions presented a lightness and chroma of 91 to 98 units and 6 to 10 units respectively, while the hue angle ranged between 93 to 97 units. The total carotenoid content in the different accessions ranged from 0.6 to 1.5 mg/kg, while γ- and δ-tocopherol ranged from 861.6 to 1142 mg/kg and 587 to 717.1 mg/kg. In addition, the total content of tocopherols varied between 1450 and 1856 mg/kg and the δ/γ ratio ranged between 0.58 and 0.70. The oils from the accessions PER000408 (861 µg/kg) and PER000411 (896 µg/kg) were those with the higher volatile concentration, especially 1-hepten-3-ol, 2-nonanol, (E)-3-hexen- 1-ol, (E)-2-hexenal, and 1-hexanol. In this study, the variability of the oil obtained from 8 accessions were observed, from which promising accessions can be selected for continuous investigations of the new sacha inchi seed genotypes.

Differences of skin carotenoids and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet pattern in adults from Southern Italy and Dominican Republic.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of the skin carotenoids using the Veggie Meter® has emerged as a rapid objective method for assessing fruit and vegetable intake, highly recommended by the Mediterranean Diet (MD), which represents one of the healthiest dietary patterns, worldwide. This study aimed to examine differences in skin carotenoid content and degree of adherence to the MD pattern between two adult populations from Southern Italy and the Dominican Republic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 995 adults, 601 subjects from Italy and 394 from the Dominican Republic. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements and skin carotenoid assessment by Veggie Meter®. Adherence to the MD and lifestyle were evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (MEDLIFE) questionnaires. Correlations between the skin carotenoid and MEDAS score were estimated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression models were created to determine variables that affect skin carotenoid score for both populations. RESULTS: Mean total skin carotenoids were higher in the Italian compared to the Dominican Republic population (342.4 ± 92.4 vs 282.9 ± 90.3; p < 0.005) regardless of sex (women: 318.5 ± 88.9 vs 277.3 ± 91.9, p < 0.005 and men: 371.7 ± 88.3 vs 289.5 ± 88.1, p < 0.005), and remaining statistically significant after age-adjustment of the Dominican Republic sample. Using the MEDAS questionnaire, we found a higher MD adherence score in the Italian than in the Dominican Republic population also after age-adjusting data (7.8 ± 2.1 vs 6.2 ± 3.7; p < 0.005) and even when categorized by sex (Italian vs age-adjusted Dominican Republic women: 7.9 ± 2.1 vs 6.3 ± 2.6; Italian vs age-adjusted Dominican Republic men: 7.7 ± 2.2 vs 6.0 ± 4.7; p < 0.005). Using the MEDLIFE test, total Italians presented a lower score with respect to the age-adjusted Dominican Republic population (3.2 ± 1.2 vs 3.4 ± 1.4; p < 0.05). In multiple regression analysis, skin carotenoids were associated with sex and negatively associated with BMI in the Italian population (sex: ß: 54.95; 95% CI: 40.11, 69.78; p < 0.0001; BMI: ß: - 1.60; 95% CI: - 2.98,0.86; p = 0.03), while they resulted associated with age and sex in the Dominican Republic population (age: ß: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.92, 3.56; p < 0.001; sex: ß: 23.29; 95% CI: 5.93, 40.64; p = 0.009). Interestingly, skin carotenoids were positively correlated with MEDAS score in both populations (Italy: r = 0.03, p < 0.0001, Dominican Republic: r = 0.16, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the assessment of the adherence to the MD and skin carotenoid content in adults living in Southern Italy and the Dominican Republic, showing a higher MD adherence score and a skin carotenoid content in inhabitants from the Mediterranean region. Our findings highlight the need to globally encourage fruit and vegetable intake, particularly in non-Mediterranean area.

Induction of volatile organic compounds in chrysanthemum plants following infection by Rhizoctonia solani.

This study investigated the effects of Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn infestation on the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and biochemical composition of ten cultivars of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium /Ramat./ Hemsl.) to bring new insights for future disease management strategies and the development of resistant chrysanthemum cultivars. The chrysanthemum plants were propagated vegetatively and cultivated in a greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions. VOCs emitted by the plants were collected using a specialized system and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Biochemical analyses of the leaves were performed, including the extraction and quantification of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. The emission of VOCs varied among the cultivars, with some cultivars producing a wider range of VOCs compared to others. The analysis of the VOC emissions from control plants revealed differences in both their quality and quantity among the tested cultivars. R. solani infection influenced the VOC emissions, with different cultivars exhibiting varying responses to the infection. Statistical analyses confirmed the significant effects of cultivar, collection time, and their interaction on the VOCs. Correlation analyses revealed positive relationships between certain pairs of VOCs. The results show significant differences in the biochemical composition among the cultivars, with variations in chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds content. Interestingly, R. solani soil and leaf infestation decreased the content of carotenoids in chrysanthemums. Plants subjected to soil infestation were characterized with the highest content of phenolics. This study unveils alterations in the volatile and biochemical responses of chrysanthemum plants to R. solani infestation, which can contribute to the development of strategies for disease management and the improvement of chrysanthemum cultivars with enhanced resistance to R. solani.

Identification and quantification of pigments in plant leaves using thin layer chromatography-Raman spectroscopy (TLC-Raman).

Carotenoids are yellow, orange, and red pigments commonly found in plants. In leaves, these molecules are essential for photosynthesis, but they also play a major role in plant growth and development. Efficiently monitoring concentrations of specific carotenoids in plant tissues could help to explain plant responses to environmental stressors, infection and disease, fertilization, and other conditions. Previously, Raman methods have been used to demonstrate a correlation between plant fitness and the carotenoid content of leaves. Due to solvatochromatic effects and structural similarities within the carotenoid family, current Raman spectroscopy techniques struggle to assign signals to specific carotenoids with certainty, complicating the determination of amounts of individual carotenoids present in a sample. In this work, we use thin layer chromatography-Raman spectroscopy, or TLC-Raman, to identify and quantify carotenoids extracted from tomato leaves. These quick and accurate methods could be applied to study the relationship between pigment content and a number of factors affecting plant health.

Improvement of the Quality of Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) with Respect to Health-Related Compounds by Enhanced Growth Irradiance.

For healthier human nutrition, it is desirable to provide food with a high content of nutraceuticals such as polyphenolics, vitamins, and carotenoids. We investigated to what extent high growth irradiance influences the content of phenolics, α-tocopherol and carotenoids, in wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia), which is increasingly used as a salad green. Potted plants were grown in a climate chamber with a 16 h day length at photosynthetic photon flux densities varying from 20 to 1250 µmol m-2 s-1. Measurements of the maximal quantum yield of photosystem II, FV/FM, and of the epoxidation state of the violaxanthin cycle (V-cycle) showed that the plants did not suffer from excessive light for photosynthesis. Contents of carotenoids belonging to the V-cycle, α-tocopherol and several quercetin derivatives, increased nearly linearly with irradiance. Nonintrusive measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence induced by UV-A and blue light relative to that induced by red light, indicating flavonoid and carotenoid content, allowed not only a semiquantitative measurement of both compounds but also allowed to follow their dynamic changes during reciprocal transfers between low and high growth irradiance. The results show that growth irradiance has a strong influence on the content of three different types of compounds with antioxidative properties and that it is possible to determine the contents of flavonoids and specific carotenoids in intact leaves using chlorophyll fluorescence. The results may be used for breeding to enhance healthy compounds in wild rocket leaves and to monitor their content for selection of appropriate genotypes.

Effect of the Drying Method and Storage Conditions on the Quality and Content of Selected Bioactive Compounds of Green Legume Vegetables.

This study aimed to determine the effect of the drying method (freeze-drying, air-drying), storage period (12 months), and storage conditions (2-4 °C, 18-22 °C) applied to two legume species: green beans and green peas. The raw and dried materials were determined for selected physical parameters typical of dried vegetables, contents of bioactive components (vitamin C and E, total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, ß-carotene, and total polyphenols), antioxidative activity against the DPPH radical, and sensory attributes (overall quality and profiles of color, texture, and palatability). Green beans had a significantly higher content of bioactive components compared to peas. Freeze-drying and cold storage conditions facilitated better retention of these compounds, i.e., by 9-39% and 3-11%, respectively. After 12 months of storage, higher retention of bioactive components, except for total chlorophyll, was determined in peas regardless of the drying method, i.e., by 38-75% in the freeze-dried product and 30-77% in the air-dried product, compared to the raw material.

Valorisation of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) gonads through canning.

Fresh sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) gonads are a delicacy with short seasonal availability, very often heterogeneous in size and intrinsic characteristics. This study aimed to valorise this resource through the preparation of canned products (with/without Porphyra spp.) and evaluate their physicochemical and sensory quality (3-12 months). Canning contributed to a decrease in protein, K and most carotenoids contents; and a concentration of lipids, ash, Na and Se levels. A simulated 12-month ageing led to decrease the protein and ß-carotene contents; and the Na and lutein levels concentration. The macroalgae addition resulted in an orange, darker and less soft product, with higher carbohydrates, Na, Se and carotenoids contents. A 25 g-dose contributes to significant daily intakes of protein (8-9%), EPA+DHA (47-53%), I (35-62%) and Se (30-47%). The products were commercially stable/sterile and had good sensory acceptance. Overall, canning constitutes a strategy to provide a nutritionally balanced product available all year-round.

Quantification of flavonoids, minerals, and pigments present in "Nanicão" bananas during the ripening process.

Banana is one of the most consumed and popular fruits in all regions of the world, being cultivated mainly in tropical countries. It is not only a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and other vitamins and nutrients, but it also contains several types of antioxidants with high nutritional value. In this context, the current study aimed to quantify the content of ascorbic acid, flavonoids, pigments, and minerals present in "Nanicão" bananas during the ripening process. As demonstrated, the level of flavonoids was higher in ripe and overripe fruits, whereas the mineral composition was high only at ripening stage 4 (more yellow than green) a stage that should be prioritized when recommending fruit consumption to the population deficient in these minerals. Regarding pigments, there was a reduction in chlorophylls a and b and an increase in carotenoids and anthocyanins in peels and pulps. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Flavonoids are phenolic, bioactive compounds with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and products of the plant's secondary metabolism. The degradation of chlorophylls and synthesis of carotenoids and anthocyanins, and as a consequence of the latter pigment, the increase in flavonoids in the pulp was evident during the monitoring of ripening, mainly in the fruit peels in relation to pigments. Minerals are essential elements, the main ones provided in balanced diets and important for dietary and nutritional health.

High-Pressure Processing of Fruit Smoothies Enriched with Dietary Fiber from Carrot Discards: Effects on the Contents and Bioaccessibilities of Carotenoids and Vitamin E.

The effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) (450 MPa/600 MPa/3 min) on the carotenoid and vitamin E contents of smoothies made from strawberry, orange juice, banana and apple, and the same smoothies enriched with dietary fiber from discarded carrots were compared. The contents and bioaccessibilities of these compounds were also evaluated over the course of 28 days at 4 °C. The application of HPP in the formulations significantly increased the contents of ß-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene and ß-carotene and retained the contents of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E compared to untreated samples. A decreasing trend in the content of each compound was observed with an increase in storage time. The application of HPP initially led to reductions in the bioaccessibility of individual compounds. However, overall, during storage, there was an increase in bioaccessibility. This suggests that HPP influences cell structure, favoring compound release and micelle formation. HPP is a sustainable method that preserves or enhances carotenoid extractability in ready-to-drink fruit beverages. Furthermore, the incorporation of dietary fiber from carrot processing discards supports circular economy practices and enhances the health potential of the product.

Diversity, distribution, and bioprospecting potentials of carotenogenic yeast from mangrove ecosystem.

Microbial production of carotenoids has gained significant interest for its cost-effectiveness and sustainable nature. This study focuses on 47 red-pigmented yeasts isolated from sediments and plant parts of 13 species of mangrove trees. The relative abundance and distribution of these yeasts varied with plant species and plant parts. The highest number of red yeasts was associated with the mangrove plant Avicennia officinalis (32%). Notably, the leaves harbored the highest percentage (45%) of carotenogenic yeasts, and definite compartmentalization of these yeast species was noticed in mangrove plant parts. All the isolates were molecularly identified and they belonged to the genera of Rhodotorula, Rhodosporidiobolus, and Cryptococcus. The diversity of the pigmented yeasts isolated from A. officinalis was found to be the greatest. Among these strains, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa PV 8 was identified as the most potent producer of carotenoid pigment. Under optimized conditions of physical parameters - 28 °C, pH 5, and 15% salinity led to biomass production of 9.2 ± 0.12 g/L DCW and a pigment yield of 194.78 µg/g. The pigment produced by PV 8 was identified as ß-carotene by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). This ß-carotene demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. Moreover, the carotenoid displayed promising antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant organisms, including Aeromonas sp. and Vibrio sp. In vitro studies revealed the probiotic traits of PV 8. The cytotoxicity of R. mucilaginosa PV 8 was assessed in the invertebrate model Artemia salina and the survival rate showed that it was non-toxic. Furthermore, the ß-carotene from PV 8 demonstrated the ability to transfer its vibrant color to various food products, maintaining color stability even under varied conditions. This research underscores the potential of R. mucilaginosa PV 8, as a versatile and valuable resource for the production of carotenoids.

Bioactive Constituents in Cold-Pressed Plant Oils: Their Structure, Bioactivity and Chromatographic Analysis.

Cold-pressed oils are oils prepared from pressing plant materials with a screw or hydraulic press, yielding oils with little contamination of harmful chemicals and high content of nutrients and functional constituents. Cold-pressed oils have gained increasing recognition as food supplements for preventing and ameliorating body deterioration due to ageing and the progression of lifestyle diseases or non-communicable diseases. This article aimed to review their structure, bioactivity, and chromatographic analysis of the mostly found functional compounds in cold-pressed oils, including phytosterols, carotenoids, tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols), phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignans), and squalene.

Longitudinal analysis of carotenoid content in preterm human milk.

To describe the variability in carotenoid content of human milk (HM) in mothers of very to extremely low birth weight preterm infants throughout lactation and to explore the relationship between lutein in HM and the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. We recruited healthy mothers along with their preterm infants that were born at gestational age 24 + 2 to 29 + 6 weeks or with a birth weight under 1500 g and were exclusively breastfed HM. Each participant provided up to 7 HM samples (2-10 ml) on day 0-3 and once a week until 6 weeks. Additionally, when possible, a blood sample was collected from the infant at week 6. Concentrations of the major carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene) in all HM and blood samples were assessed and compared. Thirty-nine mother-infant dyads were included and 184 HM samples and 21 plasma samples were provided. Mean lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene concentration decreased as lactation progressed, being at their highest in colostrum samples (156.9 vs. 66.9 vs. 363.9 vs. 426.8 ng/ml, respectively). Lycopene (41%) and beta-carotene (36%) were the predominant carotenoids in colostrum and up to 2 weeks post-delivery. Inversely, the proportion of lutein and zeaxanthin increased with lactation duration to account for 45% of the carotenoids in mature HM. Lutein accounted for 58% of the carotenoids in infant plasma and only 28% in HM. Lutein content of transition and mature HM did not differ between mothers of ROP and non-ROP infants.Conclusion Carotenoid content of HM was dynamic and varied between mothers and as lactation progressed. Infant plasma displayed a distinct distribution of carotenoids from HM.

Comprehensive evaluation of the chemical profile and antioxidant potential of buritirana (Mauritiella armata) an underexplored fruit from Brazilian Cerrado.

Buritirana (Mauritella armata) is a fruit from a native Brazilian palm tree whose economic and industrial potential is still little explored. The nutritional composition and carbohydrates; organic acids; fatty acids; triacylglycerol; and phenolics profile of buritirana pulp, shells, and seeds were performed in this study. In addition, pH, color, ant total carotenoid, phenolic, flavonoids, flavonols, tannins, and antioxidant potential (ABTS, DPPH, ILP, FRAP, CUPRAC, and TRC) were determined in these parts of the fruit. The results indicated high lipid content and energy value for pulp (30.53 g 100 g-1, and 351.21 kcal 100 g-1, respectively) and shells (18.41 g 100 g-1, and 276.73 kcal 100 g-1, respectively). On the other hand, high fiber (63.09 g 100 g-1), starch (2.66 g 100 g-1), and carbohydrates (28.60 g 100 g-1) contents were observed for the seeds. Glucose was the main carbohydrate found in pulp and seed, while sucrose was the main sugar in shells. Tartaric acid was the predominant organic acid in pulp and shells (16.60 and 10.96 mg 100 g-1, respectively), while malic acid was the main organic acid in seeds (58.78 mg 100 g-1). Oleic and palmitic acid were the main fatty acids detected in buritirana pulp, shells, and seeds. Buritirana pulp and shells showed a high content of total phenolic and total flavonoid (918.58 and 940.63 mg GAE 100 g-1; and 679.31 and 444.94 mg CE 100 g-1, respectively). Moreover, a high antioxidant potential (DPPH•, CUPRAC, and ILP) was observed in the extracts obtained from pulp and shells. The pulp showed a significant content of carotenoids (270.23 µg g-1). Among the 28 phenolic compounds determined in buritirana pulp and seeds, and 27 in shells, 22 (pulp and seeds), and 21 (shells) were reported by first time in the literature. Ferulic acid in pulp and shells (99.39 and 111.69 µg g-1) and pinocembrin in seeds (19.21 µg g-1) were the main phenolic compounds identified in buritirana. Multivariate analysis showed high correlation of phenolic compounds on antioxidant potential. The results showed that buritirana is rich in nutrients and bioactive products and can be fully utilized. The products resulting from buritirana processing can be applied in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

Impact of sulfite use and acidification on chemical quality components in thermally processed watermelon juices.

The present study compared pasteurized and reconstituted (from vacuum-concentrated) watermelon juices with sulfite use (∼40 mg/L) and acidification (pH = 4.2) to fresh watermelon juices. The products were evaluated for phenolics, free amino acids, carotenoids, sugars, organic acids, and alcohols by high-performance liquid chromatography-HPLC and the volatile profile by headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(HS-GC/MS). Pasteurization had no significant impact on most of the chemical components. Furthermore, it potentiated typical watermelon aromas (E,E)-2,6-nonadienal, (Z)-3-nonen-1-ol, 4-hexen-1-ol, (E,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol, 6-amino-2-methyl-2-heptanol, (E)-6-nonenal, (E)-2-nonenal, pentanal, nonanal and 1-nonanol), without off-flavor compounds formation. On the other hand, the reconstituted juice showed reduced amino acids (serine, glutamine, and tryptophan), phenolics (epicatechin gallate, myricetin, and cis-resveratrol), carotenoids (lycopene, ß-carotene, and violaxanthin) and most volatile compounds. Our results showed that sulfite and acidification could maintain watermelon juice's nutritional and quality parameters after pasteurization. The vacuum concentration and reconstitution processes negatively impacted the evaluated compounds. Our findings contribute to improving thermal processes in watermelon juices for better preservation of nutrients, flavor, and bioactive compounds.

Microbiome of seventh-century old Parsurameswara stone monument of India and role of desiccation-tolerant cyanobacterium Lyngbya corticicola on its biodeterioration.

The Parsurameswara stone monument, built in the seventh century, is one of the oldest stone monuments in Odisha, India. Metagenomic analysis of the biological crust samples collected from the stone monument revealed 17 phyla in the microbiome, with Proteobacteria being the most dominant phylum, followed by cyanobacteria. Eight cyanobacteria were isolated. Lyngbya corticicola was the dominant cyanobacterium in all crust samples and could tolerate six months of desiccation in vitro. With six months of desiccation, chlorophyll-a decreased; however, carotenoid and cellular carbohydrate contents of this organism increased in the desiccated state. Resistance to desiccation, high carotenoid content, and effective trehalose biosynthesis in this cyanobacterium provide a distinct advantage over other microbiomes. Comparative metabolic profiles of the biological crust and L. corticicola show strongly corrosive organic acids such as dichloroacetic acid, which might be responsible for the biocorrosion of stone monuments.

Bioactive Potential of Carrot-Based Products Enriched with Lactobacillus plantarum.

The primary goal of this study was to generate different kinds of functional products based on carrots that were supplemented with lactic acid bacteria. The fact that carrots (Daucus carota sp.) rank among the most popular vegetables in our country led to the convergence of the research aim. Their abundance of bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, offers numerous health benefits. Among the obtained products, the freeze-dried carrot powder (FDCP) variation presented the highest concentrations of total carotenoids (TCs) and ß-carotene (BC) of 26.977 ± 0.13 mg/g DW and 22.075 ± 0.14 mg/g DW, respectively. The amount of total carotenoids and ß-carotene significantly increased with the addition of the selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for most of the samples. In addition, a slight increase in the antioxidant activity compared with the control sample for the FDCP variant, with the highest value of 91.74%, was observed in these functional food products. The content of polyphenolic compounds varied from 0.044 to 0.091 mg/g DW, while the content of total flavonoids varied from 0.03 to 0.66 mg/g DW. The processing method had an impact on the population of L. plantarum that survived, as indicated by the viability of bacterial cells in all the analyzed products. The chromatographic analysis through UHPLC-MS/MS further confirmed the abundance of the bioactive compounds and their corresponding derivatives by revealing 19 different compounds. The digestibility study indicated that carotenoid compounds from carrots followed a rather controlled release. The carrot-based products enriched with Lactobacillus plantarum can be considered newly functional developed products based on their high content of biologically active compounds with beneficial effects upon the human body. Furthermore, these types of products could represent innovative products for every related industry such as the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries, thus converging a new strategy to improve the health of consumers or patients.

Phytochemicals, antioxidant capacities and volatile compounds changes in fermented spicy Chinese cabbage sauces treated by thermal and non-thermal technologies.

To extend shelf life of fermented spicy Chinese cabbage sauce at room temperature, the effects of electron beam irradiation (EBI), high pressure processing (HPP), pasteurization (PT) and autoclave sterilization (AS) treatments on the colony counts of Lactobacillus plantarum, phytochemicals, antioxidant activities and volatile compounds were investigated. Results showed that thermal and non-thermal treatments could significantly decrease the colony counts of Lactobacillus plantarum, in which EBI and AS treatments inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum thoroughly. EBI and HPP treatments were superior to PT and AS treatments in terms of volatile compounds, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. The total contents of volatile compounds in sauces treated by EBI and HPP were significantly increased by 43.92%-61.87% and 71.53%-84.46%, respectively, and the new formed substance 2,3-butanedione endowed sauces with sweet and creamy aroma. In addition, HPP treatment improved the extractable contents of total phenolics and carotenoids, retained capsicum red pigment content, and significantly enhanced antioxidant capacities of sauces. Sauce treated by HPP at 200 MPa exhibited the highest total carotenoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP, increasing by 9.27%, 2.24% and 16.13%, respectively, compared with CK. EBI treatment exhibited higher total phenolic content and FRAP, which positively depended on the dose. Therefore, HPP and EBI treatments were suggested as potential technologies to improve shelf-life stability and volatile compounds of fermented spicy Chinese cabbage sauce.

Carotenoid degradation rate in milled grain of dent maize hybrids and its relationship with the grain physicochemical properties.

Carotenoids in maize grain degrade during storage, but the relationship between their stability and the physicochemical properties of the grain is unclear. Therefore, the carotenoid degradation rate in milled grain of three dent hybrids differing in grain hardness was evaluated at various temperatures (-20, 4 and 22 °C). The carotenoid degradation rate was calculated using first-order kinetics based on the content in the samples after 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 90 days of storage and related to the physicochemical properties of the grain. The highest grain hardness was found in the hybrid with the highest zein and endosperm lipid concentration, while the lowest grain hardness was found in the hybrid with the highest amylose content and the specific surface area of starch granule (SSA). As expected, carotenoids in milled maize grain were most stable at -20 °C, followed by storage at 4 and 22 °C. Tested hybrids differed in the degradation rate of zeaxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin and ß-carotene, and these responses were also temperature-dependent. In contrast, all hybrids showed similar degradation rate for lutein and ß-cryptoxanthin regardless of the storage temperature. Averaged over the hybrids, the degradation rate for individual carotenoids ranked as follows: lutein < zeaxanthin < α-cryptoxanthin < ß-cryptoxanthin < ß-carotene. The lower degradation rate for most carotenoids was mainly associated with a higher content of zein and specific endosperm lipids, with the exception of zeaxanthin, which showed an opposite pattern of response. Degradation rate for lutein and zeaxanthin negatively correlated with SSA, but interestingly, small starch granules were positively associated with higher degradation rate for mostcarotenoids. Dent-type hybrids may differ significantly in carotenoid degradation rate, which was associated with specific physicochemical properties of the maize grain.