Encapsulation of bioactive compounds extracted from Cucurbita moschata pumpkin waste: the multi-objective optimisation study.

AIM: Artificial neural network (ANN) development to find optimal carriers (pea protein-P, maltodextrin-M, and inulin-I) mixture for encapsulation of pumpkin waste bioactive (ß-carotene and phenolics). METHODS: Freeze-drying encapsulation and encapsulates characterisation in terms of bioactive contents and encapsulation efficiencies, water activity, hygroscopicity, densities, flowability, cohesiveness, particle size (laser diffraction), solubility, colour (CIELab), morphological (SEM), stability and release properties. RESULTS: Optimal encapsulates, OE-T (with highest total bioactive contents; P, M, and I of 53.9, 46.1, and 0%w/w) and OE-EE (with highest bioactive encapsulation efficiencies; P, M, and I of 45.5, 32.0, and 22.5%w/w) had particle diameters of 94.561 ± 1.341 µm and 90.206 ± 0.571 µm, the span of 1.777 ± 0.094 and 1.588 ± 0.089, highest release at pH 7.4 of phenolics of 71.03%w/w after 72 h and 66.22%w/w after 48 h, and ß-carotene of 43.67%w/w after 8 h and 48.62%w/w after 6 h, respectively. CONCLUSION: ANN model for prediction of encapsulates' preparation, showed good anticipation properties (with gained determination coefficients of 1.000).

Composition, texture, sensorial quality, and biological activity after in vitro digestion of durum wheat pasta enriched with carrot waste extract encapsulates.

Aim of this research was to evaluate durum-wheat pasta enriched with encapsulated carrot waste extracts in oil, obtained by freeze drying (FDE) or spray drying techniques (SDE). Five pastas (control, enriched with 10% FDE, or 10% SDE, or 20% FDE, or 20% SDE) were evaluated for furosine, carotenoids, tocols, colour, in vitro bioactivities, cooking performance, texture and sensory quality. The encapsulates added to the enriched pastas α-carotene (0.58-1.24 mg/kg), ß-carotene (1.43-3.29 mg/kg), cis-ß-carotene (0.51-1.11 mg/kg) and total tocols (10.9-33.6 mg/kg). The carotenes were stable and the tocols diminished (-13%) during pasta manufacturing; both decreased (2-18% and 4-15%, respectively) during cooking, but they were still more abundant in the enriched pastas. Antioxidant, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities after in vitro digestion of cooked pastas improved, while sensory acceptability of control and 10% enriched pastas were similar. The encapsulates addition significantly improved the nutritional and technological qualities of durum-wheat pasta.

Kinetics of Carotenoids Degradation during the Storage of Encapsulated Carrot Waste Extracts.

The encapsulates of carrot waste oil extract improved the antioxidant properties of durum wheat pasta. The aim of this research was to study the kinetics of carotenoids degradation in the freeze-dried (FDE) and spray-dried (SDE) encapsulates of carrot waste extract during storage at four different temperatures (+4, +21.3, +30, +37 °C) up to 413 days by HPLC. Carotenoids levels decreased as a function of time and temperature, following zero-order kinetics. At 4 °C carotenes were stable for at least 413 days, but their half-lives decreased with increasing temperatures: 8-12 months at 21 °C; 3-4 months at 30 °C; and 1.5-2 months at 37 °C. The freeze-drying technique was more effective against carotenes degradation. An initial lag-time with no or very limited carotenes degradation was observed: from one week at 37 °C up to 3 months (SDE) or more (FDE) at 21 °C. The activation energies (Ea) varied between 66.6 and 79.5 kJ/mol, and Ea values tended to be higher in FDE than in SDE.

Encapsulation of beetroot juice: a study on the application of pumpkin oil cake protein as new carrier agent.

Aim: In the present study, beetroot juice was encapsulated in pumpkin protein isolate by freeze and spray drying method.Methods: The powders were characterised by measuring moisture content, hygroscopicity, bulk density, solubility, a* value (colour). To simulate the human gastrointestinal digestion, in vitro digestion was conducted as two-stage hydrolysis by pepsin and by pancreatin. The antioxidant and ACE inhibitory potential of the digests was examined.Results: Encapsulation efficiency of phenols from beetroot juice in pumpkin protein isolate was 92% for freeze and 75% for spray dried. Physical properties of all samples were affected by the drying methods. All powders were easily digested. It was observed that the antioxidant and ACE inhibitory potential of the digests was enhanced, indicating that it originated from the hydrolysates released from the protein carrier during digestion.Conclusion: The results from this study are promising and indicate that the pumpkin oil cake protein has great potential and could be introduced to the encapsulation process of bioactive compounds as a new carrier agent.

Encapsulation and Degradation Kinetics of Bioactive Compounds from Sweet Potato Peel During Storage.

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to evaluate utilization of sweet potato peel as a source of bioactive compounds. The effect of solvents (acetone and acetone/ethanol mixture) on the extraction efficiency of total carotenoids and phenolics from sweet potato tuber, flesh and peel, and antioxidant activity were investigated. Sweet potato peel extract stood out in terms of antioxidant activity and was chosen for encapsulation by spray and freeze-drying. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Encapsulation is an effective method to improve phytochemical stability by entrapping the core material with a coating agent. In this study, spray and freeze-drying techniques were applied for improving the stability of bioactive compounds (carotenoids and phenolics) using whey protein as a coating material. The main advantages of the applied techniques over the other encapsulation techniques are simplicity, continuity, effectiveness, availability and applicability. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Physicochemical characteristics revealed that spray drying resulted in the formation of lower size particles, better flow properties and encapsulation efficiency of carotenoids. The retention of encapsulated and non-encapsulated bioactive compounds was monitored during storage in daylight and dark conditions. Storage conditions affected the carotenoid retention, whereas higher degradation rate of all samples was observable in daylight. Phenolic compounds exhibited higher retention in all investigated samples. Degradation kinetic parameters suggest the longer shelf life of spray dried encapsulated extract and potent method for stabilization of bioactive ingredients. NOVELTY AND SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION: This study demonstrates that the spray drying technique and utilization of sweet potato peel have a big potential for the development of functional additives with improved nutritional, colour and bioactive properties.

Application of encapsulated natural bioactive compounds from red pepper waste in yogurt.

Aim: The aim of this study was to encapsulate red pepper waste (RPW) bioactives and monitor their stability in yogurt.Methods: RPW extract was encapsulated in whey protein using spray and freeze-drying techniques. Physicochemical characteristics of encapsulates were evaluated, and better encapsulates were used to develop functional yogurt. Retention of bioactives was followed over 21 days of storage, and sensory analyses were assessed.Results: Freeze-dried encapsulates (FDE) showed better characteristics like water activity, moisture content, solubility, flowing and colour properties, and, therefore, incorporated in yogurt. Yogurt with FDE successfully retained carotenoids (71.43%) and caused increasing of polyphenol retention (up to 123.73%). This yogurt exhibited higher sensory and general acceptability scores compared to control sample. The fortification of yogurts had a positive influence on maintaining the initial number of lactic acid bacteria during storage.Conclusion: Freeze drying and utilisation of pepper waste are efficient for functional food development, with improved nutritional, colour and bioactive properties.

Bioavailability and Bioactivity of Encapsulated Phenolics and Carotenoids Isolated from Red Pepper Waste.

In order to deactivate the health properties of bioactive compounds, they need to withstand the effects of food processing, their potential release from the food matrix, and remain bio-accessible in the gastrointestinal tract. Bio-actives from different plants are prone to oxidative degradation, and encapsulation is an effective method in improving their stability. In the present study, red pepper waste (RPW), a by-product of vegetable processing industry, was encapsulated in whey protein using spray and freeze-drying techniques. The aim was to evaluate the effects of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the release and bioactivity of encapsulated bio-actives, after each digestion step. The results showed that the release of phenolics and carotenoids, as well as antioxidants, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory activities are influenced by pH and intestinal fluid, with pH 7.5 exhibited at higher levels. There was a rapid initial release of carotenoids from whey protein matrices, while a more gradual increase of phenolics was observed, reaching around 50% for both encapsulates first at 6 h and 37 °C, and small intestine conditions. The encapsulation of RPW demonstrated a protective effect against pH changes and enzymatic activities along digestion, and contributed to the increase in bio-accessibility in the gut. Also, the results suggest that encapsulation is an efficient method for valorization of bio-actives from RPW, with improvements in nutrition, color, and bioactive properties.

Sprouted and Freeze-Dried Wheat and Oat Seeds - Phytochemical Profile and in Vitro Biological Activities.

This research was carried out to study phytochemical profile, in vitro antioxidant capacity, reducing power, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory activities and simulated gastrointestinal digestion of 7-day old cereal sprouts: spelt wheat 'Nirvana' (WSSpe), wheat 'Simonida' (WSSim), oat 'Golozrni' (OSG) and oat 'Jadar' (OSJ). OSG expressed significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids content (TFC), antioxidant capacities (DPPH and ABTS assays) and reducing power (EC50DPPH  = 2.12 mg/ml; EC50ABTS  = 0.87 mg/ml; EC0.5RP  = 12.24 mg/ml) as well as anti-hyperglycemic activity (EC50AHgA  = 0.96 mg/ml). WSSpe had the highest content of chlorophyll (131.23 mg/100 g) and carotenoids (22.84 mg/100 g). WSSim possessed the most potent anti-inflammatory activity (2.71 mg/ml), though not significantly different from OSG (2.77 mg/ml). The in vitro simulation of gastro-intestinal digestion showed higher release of phenolic compounds in intestinal than in gastric fluid.

Encapsulation of Sour Cherry Pomace Extract by Freeze Drying: Characterization and Storage Stability.

In this study sour cherry pomace was extracted with food-grade solvent (50% ethanol), concentrated and stabilized in whey and soy proteins by encapsulation. Soy proteins exhibited higher encapsulation efficiency (94.90%), but not significantly (p < 0.05), from whey (90.10%). Storage properties of whey (WP) and soy protein (SP) encapsulates in terms of total polyphenols, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity were tested for 6 weeks. At the end of storage period the retention of polyphenols in SP and WP was similar (67.33 and 69.30%, respectively), while the content of anthocyanins has increased in SP (for 47.97%) and decreased in WP (for 1.45%). The decrease in antioxidant activity in SP (12.22%) was lower than in WP (35.04%). Colour parameters of encapsulates have followed the similar trend as anthocyanin change during storage. The technique reported herewith can be used for obtaining quality encapsulates for their use as functional food additives, as a way of fruit waste valorization.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Goji fruits (Lycium barbarum L.) Cultivated in Serbia.

OBJECTIVE: Goji fruit extracts, methanol (MGE) and hexane (HGE), were subjected to evaluation as potential source of phenolic antioxidants and antiradical activity. METHODS: Some phenolic compounds (gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, chlorogenic, coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acid and catechin and rutin), vitamin C and carotenoids were identified and quantified by HPLC. Antioxidant activity was tested by measuring ability to scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. Also, reducing power of goji fruit extracts was determined. RESULTS: HPLC analysis results showed predominance of gallic acid (40.44 mg/g g.f). Vitamin C content in MGE was 716.91 mg vitC/100 g g.f. IC50DPPH· varied from 26.64 µmolTEAC/g for HGE to 62.15 µmolTEAC/g for MGE, while RP0.5 values varied from 952.23 µmolTEAC/g for MGE to 1360.48 mg/mL for HGE. IC50·OH for MGE was 1844.01 µmolTEAC/g. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of goji fruits as rich sources of phytochemicals for further utilization in the food industry as supplements and functional food ingredients.

Encapsulation of Beetroot Pomace Extract: RSM Optimization, Storage and Gastrointestinal Stability.

One of the great problems in food production are surplus by-products, usually utilized for feeding animals and for preparation of dietary fibre or biofuel. These products represent potential sources of bioactive antioxidants and colour-giving compounds which could be used in the pharmaceutical industry and as food additives. In the present study beetroot pomace extract was encapsulated in soy protein by a freeze drying method. Process parameters (core: wall ratio, extract concentration and mixing time) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) in order to obtain the optimum encapsulate (OE) with the highest polyphenol encapsulation efficiency (EE) and radical scavenging activity on DPPH radicals (SA). Using the calculated optimum conditions, the EE (86.14%) and SA (1668.37 µmol Trolox equivalents/100 g) of OE did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) from the predicted ones. The contents of total polyphenols (326.51 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (10.23 mg RE/100 g), and betalains (60.52 mg betanin/100 g and 61.33 mg vulgaxanthin-I/100 g), individual content of phenolic compounds and betalains by HPLC, and the ability to reduce Fe(3+) ions, i.e., reducing power (394.95 µmol Trolox equivalents/100 g) of OE were determined as well. During three months of storage at room temperature, polyphenol retention was much higher (76.67%) than for betalain pigments, betacyanins (17.77%) and betaxanthins (17.72%). In vitro digestion and release of phenolics from OE showed higher release rate in simulated intestinal fluid than in gastric fluid. These results suggest encapsulation as a contemporary method for valorisation of sensitive bioactive compounds from food industry by-products.

Comparative analysis of antioxidant, antimicrobiological and cytotoxic activities of native and fermented chamomile ligulate flower extracts.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The work investigated differences in apigenin content, as well as in other compounds, and examined the chemical profiles, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of extracts obtained from native and fermented chamomile ligulate flowers. Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.) has a long history of being used as a medicinal plant due to many health benefits, including antiinflammatory, anticancer, antispasmodic, radical-scavenging effects and others. Apigenin is recognized as one of the most bioactive phenolic compounds in chamomile. In comparison to its bound forms, which include mostly apigenin-7-O-ß-glucoside and various acylated forms, the aglycone is attributed with much higher bioactivity. Due to this fact, in this work ligulate florets of chamomile anthodium were subjected to a fermentation process using native chamomile enzymes to hydrolyze bound forms of apigenin to free aglycone. The contents of apigenin and apigenin-7-O-ß-glucoside were determined in both fermented and nonfermented samples by UHPLC-MS-MS analysis to define the efficiency of conversion. After defining their chemical profiles, the extracts of fermented and nonfermented chamomile samples were also compared with respect to their antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. The antioxidant effects of the obtained extracts were defined by electron spin resonance analysis for hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. The antimicrobial activity was defined for eight microbial strains, whereas cytotoxic activity was evaluated using two human cell lines (human cervix carcinoma and human rhabdomyosarcoma) and murine fibroblasts.

Antioxidant and sensorial properties of linden honey with dried apricots.

The total phenol (TPh) and flavonoid contents (TFd), and antioxidant and sensorial properties of linden honey (LH) with dried apricots (20, 30, and 40%) were evaluated. TPh increased 4.3 times for LH40 (from 23.96 to 102.87 mg gallic acid equiv./100 g honey), while increase of TFd was slightly lower, ca. 2.9-fold for LH40 (from 18.11 to 51.72 mg rutin equiv./100 g honey). Based on HPLC analysis, the most dominant phenolic compound was gallic acid (11.14 mg/100 g honey in LH and 42.65 mg/100 g honey in LH40). In three different assays, the antioxidant activity increased with increasing concentration of apricots in honey. The values varied from 13.36 for LH to 7.06 mg/ml for LH40; the values ranged from 189.83 for LH to 11.23 mg/ml for LH40; the RP0.5 (reducing power) values ranged from 169.00 for LH to 27.60 mg/ml for LH40. Based on the correlation analysis, it is obvious that TPh and TFd were associated with the antioxidant activities of honey samples. A high degree of correlation existed between antioxidant activities of honey samples and TPh (R from 0.945 to 0.996) and TFd (R from 0.805 to 0.934). Obtained scores for individual sensory properties indicated very good quality of honey with dried apricots.

Anthocyanin profiles and biological properties of caneberry (Rubus spp.) press residues.

BACKGROUND: The global interest in natural food colours shows increasing attention towards new product development to replace synthetic colourants, because of the strengthening of legislative rules and consumer awareness of synthetic additives and chemicals in food. This study was designed to evaluate anthocyanin content and biological activities of press residues from four caneberries: two raspberry (Rubus idaeus, cv. 'Meeker' (RM) and 'Willamette' (RW)) and two blackberry (Rubus fruticosus, cv. 'Thornfree' (BT) and 'Cacanska bestrna' (BC)) cultivars. RESULTS: Analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry identified cyanidin glycosides in all press residues, cyanidin 3-glucoside being prevalent in BC (1360.6 mg kg(-1)) and BT (1397.7 mg kg(-1)), and cyanidin 3-sophoroside in RM (349.2 mg kg(-1) ) and RW (581.0 mg kg(-1)). Antioxidant capacity (AC), evaluated by ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay, reducing power (RP) and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential (α-GIP) was higher in blackberry press residues. Total anthocyanin content was in good correlation with AC (r = 0.953; P < 0.05), RP (r = 0.993, P < 0.01) and α-GIP (r = 0.852, P < 0.15). CONCLUSION: This study has revealed the potential for valorization of juice production byproducts for further industrial use as a rich source of bioactive compounds and natural colourants (mainly anthocyanins). Also, they can provide health-promoting effects beyond their general organoleptic acceptance in food product development.

Sustainable Recovery of Polyphenols and Carotenoids from Horned Melon Peel via Cloud Point Extraction.

Using natural plant extracts as food additives is a promising approach for improving food products' quality, nutritional value, and safety, offering advantages for both consumers and the environment. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to develop a sustainable method for extracting polyphenols and carotenoids from horned melon peel using the cloud point extraction (CPE) technique, intending to utilize it as a natural food additive. CPE is novel promising extraction method for separation and pre-concentration of different compounds while being simple, inexpensive, and low-toxic. Three parameters within the CPE approach, i.e., pH, equilibrium temperature, and equilibrium time, were investigated as independent variables through the implementation of Box-Behnken design and statistical analyses. The optimized conditions for the maximum recovery of both polyphenols and carotenoids, reaching 236.14 mg GAE/100 g and 13.80 mg ß carotene/100 g, respectively, were a pH value of 7.32, an equilibrium temperature of 55 °C, and an equilibrium time of 43.03 min. The obtained bioactives' recovery values under the optimized conditions corresponded to the predicted ones, indicating the suitability of the employed RSM model. These results highlight the effectiveness of CPE in extracting bioactive compounds with varying polarities from agricultural by-products, underscoring its potential for enhancing the value of food waste and advancing sustainable practices in food processing. According to microbiological food safety parameters, the optimal CPE extract is suitable for food applications, while its storage under refrigerated and dark conditions is particularly beneficial. The CPE extract's enhanced stability under these conditions makes it a more viable option for long-term storage, preserving both safety and quality.

Novel Green Strategy to Recover Bioactive Compounds with Different Polarities from Horned Melon Peel.

Around 20-30% of the horned melon's weight is peel. This peel is often discarded or underutilized despite containing valuable bioactive compounds. Conventional methods for extracting polyphenols and carotenoids from horned melon peel are typically inefficient, environmentally harmful, or require significant time and energy. The potential of green cloud point extraction (CPE) or green surfactant-based extraction for recovering bioactives with different polarities from this kind of by-product has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study focused on optimizing CPE process parameters using a one-variable-at-a-time (OVAT) approach. Optimal CPE demonstrated superior yields compared to conventional, ultrasound, microwave, ultrasound-assisted CPE, and microwave-assisted CPE methods. Further, a Plackett-Burman design identified key factors influencing optimal CPE conditions, while artificial neural network (ANN) analysis assessed each input variable's impact on outcomes. Maximum extraction efficiency for total phenolics (352.49 mg GAE/100 g), total carotenoids (16.59 mg ß-carotene/100 g), and antioxidant activity (989.02 µmol TE/100 g) was achieved under conditions of: surfactant type = Tween 80, surfactant concentration = 2%; solid:liquid ratio = 1:100; pH = 6612; equilibration temperature = 35 °C; equilibration time = 60 min; salt type = NaCl; salt concentration = 16.4%; centrifugation speed = 7906× g ; centrifugation time = 13.358 min; and No. of CPE steps = Step 1. This comprehensive approach aimed to enhance the understanding and optimization of CPE for maximizing the recovery of bioactives from the horned melon peel, addressing the inefficiencies of traditional extraction methods.

Updating the Status quo on the Eco-Friendly Approach for Antioxidants Recovered from Plant Matrices Using Cloud Point Extraction.

The concepts of "green chemistry" are gaining importance in the agri-food sector due to the need to minimize pollution from toxic chemicals, improve the safety and sustainability of industrial processes, and provide "clean-labeled products" required by consumers. The application of the cloud point extraction (CPE) is considered a promising alternative to conventional organic solvents. In the CPE, the separation of compounds from the bulk solution occurs by adding a surfactant (either non-ionic or ionic). When the solution is heated to or above a critical temperature, referred to as the cloud point, two phases are formed-micellar and aqueous. Recently, the horizons of the traditional CPE have been increasingly expanding by improved procedures and integration with other techniques, such as the microwave- and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. This article provides an updated overview of the theory and research articles on the CPE from 2018 to 2023 and critically discusses the issues relevant to the potential applicability of the CPE as a promising and green technique for antioxidants recovered from plant materials. Finally, some future perspectives and research needs for improved CPE are presented.

Plant-Based Nano-Emulsions as Edible Coatings in the Extension of Fruits and Vegetables Shelf Life: A Patent Review.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are important sources of minerals, vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants, essential for human well-being. However, some fruits and vegetables are highly perishable with a very short shelf life during storage. Serious consumer concern over the use of chemical preservatives for this purpose has led to a green revolution and a sustainable era where the design and fabrication of edible coatings have attracted considerable interest. In recent years, scientific communities have paid great attention to the development of bio-based edible coatings to extend the postharvest shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, nanotechnology has been distinguished as a great strategy for improving coating properties, including a better water barrier and better mechanical, optical, and microstructural properties, as well as gradual and controlled release of bioactive compounds. In this work, patent articles on plant-based nano-emulsions as edible coatings in the extension of fruit and vegetable shelf life were reviewed. The Patentscope search service and Espacenet portal were used, applying a query strategy composed of mesh terms and inclusion criteria. Through database searching, a total of 16 patent documents met the inclusion criteria. Further, to demonstrate the innovation trends in this topic, all relevant patents are described at the end of the study, along with the components, technology, application, and advantages of developed preparations.

Unlocking the Potential of the ANN Optimization in Sweet Potato Varieties Drying Processes.

This study explores the unexploited potential of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) optimization techniques in enhancing different drying methods and their influence on the characteristics of various sweet potato varieties. Focusing on the intricate interplay between drying methods and the unique characteristics of white, pink, orange, and purple sweet potatoes, the presented experimental study indicates the impact of ANN-driven optimization on food-related characteristics such as color, phenols content, biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory), chemical, and mineral contents. The results unveil significant variations in drying method efficacy across different sweet potato types, underscoring the need for tailored optimization strategies. Specifically, purple sweet potatoes emerge as robust carriers of phenolic compounds, showcasing superior antioxidant activities. Furthermore, this study reveals the optimized parameters of dried sweet potato, such as total phenols content of 1677.76 mg/100 g and anti-inflammatory activity of 8.93%, anti-hyperglycemic activity of 24.42%. The upgraded antioxidant capability is presented through DPPH●, ABTS●+, RP, and SoA assays with values of 1500.56, 10,083.37, 3130.81, and 22,753.97 µg TE/100 g, respectively. Additionally, the moisture content in the lyophilized sample reached a minimum of 2.97%, holding favorable chemical and mineral contents. The utilization of ANN optimization proves instrumental in interpreting complex interactions and unlocking efficiencies in sweet potato drying processes, thereby contributing valuable insights to food science and technology.

Tomato waste: a potential source of hydrophilic antioxidants.

Waste obtained from six genotypes of tomato was subjected to evaluation as potential sources of hydrophilic antioxidants on the basis of content of total phenolics (TPh; from 11.7 to 18.6 mg/g), total flavonoids (TFl; from 7.62 to 12.1 mg/g) and ascorbic acid (AA; from 0.51 to 1.89 mg/g), and antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activities of tomato waste extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion chelating activity (CA) and reducing power (RP) assay. The O(2) tomato waste extract was found to have the strongest antioxidant activity in scavenging DPPH radicals (effective concentration, EC(50) = 0.18 mg/ml). The Saint Pierre tomato waste extract showed the best performance in RP assay (EC(50) = 1.57 mg/ml). The Rutgers tomato waste extract exhibited a strongest CA (EC(50) = 1.49 mg/ml). The linear correlation analysis produced moderate-to-high correlation coefficients between the antioxidant activities and TPh, TFl and AA.