Development of dye-sensitized solar cells using pigment extracts produced by Talaromyces atroroseus GH2.

The identification of more efficient, clean, secure, and competitive energy supply is necessary to align with the needs of sustainable devices. For this reason, a study for developing innovative dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on microbial pigments is reported starting from Talaromyces atroroseus GH2. The fungus was cultivated by fermentation and the extracellular pigment extract was characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analyses. The most abundant compound among the 22 azaphilone-type pigments identified was represented by PP-O. The device's behavior was investigated in relation to electrolyte and pH for verifying the stability on time and the photovoltaic performance. Devices obtained were characterized by UV-vis measurements to verify the absorbance intensity and transmittance percentage. Moreover, photovoltaic parameters through photo-electrochemical measurements (I-V curves) and impedance characteristics by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were determined. The best microbial device showed a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 0.69 mA/cm2, an open-circuit photo-voltage (Voc) of 0.27 V and a Fill Factor (FF) of 0.60. Furthermore, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device was 0.11%. Thus, the present study demonstrated the potential of microbial origin pigments for developing DSSCs.

A comprehensive review on carotenoids in foods and feeds: status quo, applications, patents, and research needs.

Carotenoids are isoprenoids widely distributed in foods that have been always part of the diet of humans. Unlike the other so-called food bioactives, some carotenoids can be converted into retinoids exhibiting vitamin A activity, which is essential for humans. Furthermore, they are much more versatile as they are relevant in foods not only as sources of vitamin A, but also as natural pigments, antioxidants, and health-promoting compounds. Lately, they are also attracting interest in the context of nutricosmetics, as they have been shown to provide cosmetic benefits when ingested in appropriate amounts. In this work, resulting from the collaborative work of participants of the COST Action European network to advance carotenoid research and applications in agro-food and health (EUROCAROTEN, www.eurocaroten.eu, https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA15136/#tabs|Name:overview) research on carotenoids in foods and feeds is thoroughly reviewed covering aspects such as analysis, carotenoid food sources, carotenoid databases, effect of processing and storage conditions, new trends in carotenoid extraction, daily intakes, use as human, and feed additives are addressed. Furthermore, classical and recent patents regarding the obtaining and formulation of carotenoids for several purposes are pinpointed and briefly discussed. Lastly, emerging research lines as well as research needs are highlighted.

Structure and biosynthesis of carotenoids produced by a novel Planococcus sp. isolated from South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The genus Planococcus is comprised of halophilic bacteria generally reported for the production of carotenoid pigments and biosurfactants. In previous work, we showed that the culturing of the orange-pigmented Planococcus sp. CP5-4 isolate increased the evaporation rate of industrial wastewater brine effluent, which we attributed to the orange pigment. This demonstrated the potential application of this bacterium for industrial brine effluent management in evaporation ponds for inland desalination plants. Here we identified a C30-carotenoid biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for pigment biosynthesis in Planococcus sp. CP5-4 through isolation of mutants and genome sequencing. We further compare the core genes of the carotenoid biosynthetic gene clusters identified from different Planococcus species' genomes which grouped into gene cluster families containing BGCs linked to different carotenoid product chemotypes. Lastly, LC-MS analysis of saponified and unsaponified pigment extracts obtained from cultures of Planococcus sp. CP5-4, revealed the structure of the main (predominant) glucosylated C30-carotenoid fatty acid ester produced by Planococcus sp. CP5-4. RESULTS: Genome sequence comparisons of isolated mutant strains of Planococcus sp. CP5-4 showed deletions of 146 Kb and 3 Kb for the non-pigmented and "yellow" mutants respectively. Eight candidate genes, likely responsible for C30-carotenoid biosynthesis, were identified on the wild-type genome region corresponding to the deleted segment in the non-pigmented mutant. Six of the eight candidate genes formed a biosynthetic gene cluster. A truncation of crtP was responsible for the "yellow" mutant phenotype. Genome annotation revealed that the genes encoded 4,4'-diapolycopene oxygenase (CrtNb), 4,4'- diapolycopen-4-al dehydrogenase (CrtNc), 4,4'-diapophytoene desaturase (CrtN), 4,4'- diaponeurosporene oxygenase (CrtP), glycerol acyltransferase (Agpat), family 2 glucosyl transferase 2 (Gtf2), phytoene/squalene synthase (CrtM), and cytochrome P450 hydroxylase enzymes. Carotenoid analysis showed that a glucosylated C30-carotenoid fatty acid ester, methyl 5-(6-C17:3)-glucosyl-5, 6'-dihydro-apo-4, 4'-lycopenoate was the main carotenoid compound produced by Planococcus sp. CP5-4. CONCLUSION: We identified and characterized the carotenoid biosynthetic gene cluster and the C30-carotenoid compound produced by Planococcus sp. CP5-4. Mass-spectrometry guided analysis of the saponified and unsaponified pigment extracts showed that methyl 5-glucosyl-5, 6-dihydro-apo-4, 4'-lycopenoate esterified to heptadecatrienoic acid (C17:3). Furthermore, through phylogenetic analysis of the core carotenoid BGCs of Planococcus species we show that various C30-carotenoid product chemotypes, apart from methyl 5-glucosyl-5, 6-dihydro-apo-4, 4'-lycopenoate and 5-glucosyl-4, 4-diaponeurosporen-4'-ol-4-oic acid, may be produced that could offer opportunities for a variety of applications.

Determination of free apocarotenoids and apocarotenoid esters in human colostrum.

The presence of carotenoids in human colostrum has been reported in the literature, and xanthophyll esters in human colostrum were recently detected for the first time. However, no published studies have reported whether apocarotenoids, which are metabolites derived from carotenoid enzymatic or nonenzymatic oxidative cleavage, are present in human colostrum. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to search for the possible occurrence of apocarotenoids, including apocarotenoid esters, in human colostrum for the first time by applying an online supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methodology. Recent evidence related to apocarotenoid transcriptional activity has suggested that they may have beneficial health properties superior to those of their parent carotenoids. Three different apocarotenoids, namely apo-8'-ß-carotenal, apo-8'-lycopenal, and ß-citraurin, were identified in intact human colostrum samples, with average concentrations of 85 nmol L-1, 54.6 nmol L-1, and 75.4 nmol L-1, respectively. The overall detection of 16 different free apocarotenoids and 10 different apocarotenoid fatty acid esters in human colostrum was achieved here for the first time. Their occurrence in human colostrum certainly has implications for newborn health status, since colostrum is the only form of food for the newborn during the very first days of life. Graphical abstract.

The Contribution of Carotenoids, Phenolic Compounds, and Flavonoids to the Antioxidative Properties of Marine Microalgae Isolated from Mediterranean Morocco.

This study aimed to investigate the potential of four sea water microalgae, isolated and cultivated at M'diq Bay in Morocco, as a new source of natural antioxidants. These microalgae belong to different classes, including Phaedactylium tricornitum (Bacillariophyceae), Nannochloropsis gaditana (Eustigmatophyceae), Nannochloris sp (Trebouxiophyceae), and Tetraselmis suecica (Chlorodendrophycea). The antioxidant properties were screened by the use of in vitro assays, namely 2,2-difenil-1-picrylhydrazyl, Ferric reducing antioxidant power, and Ferrous ions chelating activity, and compoundidentification was carried out in methanol and acetone extracts of both dried and fresh microalgae biomass by HPLC-PDA-MS analysis. Among the investigated microalgae, Phaedactylium tricornutum was the richest one regarding its carotenoid (especially all-E-fucoxanthin) and phenolic (especially protocatechuic acid) contents, as well as antioxidant activity (65.5%), followed by Nannochloris sp, Tetraselmis suicica, and Nannochloropsis gaditana, with antioxidant activity of 56.8%, 54.9%, and 51.1%, respectively.

Comparison of different analytical techniques for the analysis of carotenoids in tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.).

An on-line method based on the coupling of supercritical fluid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry detection (SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS) for the native carotenoids characterization and apocarotenoids detection in yellow tamarillo was developed for the first time; this is the first work reporting the application of this methodology for the apocarotenoids analysis in any matrix. An off-line liquid extraction (LE) and analysis by LC-PDA-MS, using both a conventional C30 (3 µm I.D. particles) and a novel C30 column with sub-2 micron particles were also performed. 31 compounds were extracted and identified by the developed SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS methodology in less than 18 min, including free carotenoids, carotenoids monoesters, carotenoids diesters and apocarotenoids in a very fast, and efficient way; moreover among those 31 compounds, 3 antheraxanthin monoesters and 9 apocarotenoids were detected in yellow tamarillo for the first time, namely apo-8'-zeaxanthinal, apo-10'-zeaxanthinal, apo-12'-zeaxanthinal, apo-14'-zeaxanthinal, apo-15'-zeaxanthinal, apo-12'-carotenal, apo-14'-carotenal and the two apocarotenoids esters apo-10'-zeaxanthinal-C4:0 and apo-8'-zeaxanthinal-C12:0. Further, the novel sub-2 micron particles C30 column, showed a better performance compared to the conventional C30 one. Finally a quantitative comparison of two selected carotenoids was performed by using SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS, SFC-QqQ/MS, and LC-PDA, which showed overall comparable results.

Direct online extraction and determination by supercritical fluid extraction with chromatography and mass spectrometry of targeted carotenoids from red Habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.).

Recently, supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry has gained attention as a fast and useful technology applied to the carotenoids analysis. However, no reports are available in the literature on the direct online extraction and determination by supercritical fluid extraction with chromatography and mass spectrometry. The aim of this research was the development of an online method coupling supercritical fluid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography for a detailed targeted native carotenoids characterization in red habanero peppers. The online nature of the system, compared to offline approaches, improves run-to-run precision, enables the setting of batch-type applications, and reduces the risks of sample contamination. The extraction has been optimized using different temperatures, starting from 40°C up to 80°C. Multiple extractions, until depletion, were performed on the same sample to evaluate the extraction yield. The range of the first extraction yield, carried out at 80°C, which was the best extraction temperature, was 37.4-65.4%, with a %CV range of 2-12. Twenty-one targeted analytes were extracted and identified by the developed methodology in less than 17 min, including free, monoesters, and diesters carotenoids, in a very fast and efficient way. Quantification of the ß-carotene was carried out by using the optimized conditions.

Characterization of the pigment fraction in sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) harvested at green and overripe yellow and red stages by offline multidimensional convergence chromatography/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Offline multidimensional supercritical fluid chromatography combined with reversed-phase liquid chromatography was employed for the carotenoid and chlorophyll characterization in different sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) for the first time. The first dimension consisted of an Acquity HSS C18 SB (100 × 3 mm id, 1.8 µm particles) column operated with a supercritical mobile phase in an ultra-performance convergence chromatography system, whereas the second dimension was performed in reversed-phase mode with a C30 (250 × 4.6 mm id, 3.0 µm particles) stationary phase combined with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection. This approach allowed the determination of 115 different compounds belonging to chlorophylls, free xanthophylls, free carotenes, xanthophyll monoesters, and xanthophyll diesters, and proved to be a significant improvement in the pigments determination compared to the conventional one-dimensional liquid chromatography approach so far applied to the carotenoid analysis in the studied species. Moreover, the present study also aimed to investigate and to compare the carotenoid stability and composition in overripe yellow and red bell peppers collected directly from the plant, thus also evaluating whether biochemical changes are linked to carotenoid degradation in the nonclimacteric investigated fruits, for the first time.

Peach Palm Fruit (Bactris gasipaes) Peel: A Source of Provitamin A Carotenoids to Develop Emulsion-Based Delivery Systems.

The peach palm fruit (Bactris gasipaes) peel is a byproduct after fruit consumption. The peel flour of two varieties (yellow and red) was separately obtained by hot air drying and was subsequently milled. The proximate analysis showed that the red variety exhibited higher protein, fat, and fiber contents than the yellow one. A higher carotenoid (836.5 ± 24.5 µg/g), phenolic compounds (83.17 ± 1.76 mg GAE/100 g), and provitamin A activity (33.10 ± 0.83 µg retinol/g) were found in the cooked red variety. The carotenoid and phenolic compositions were analyzed by HPLC-PDA-MS, finding ß-carotene and γ-carotene to be major compounds. The effect of thermal treatment increased the amount of these provitamin A carotenoids and lycopene, which were detected only in the red variety. Among phenolic compounds, procyanidin dimer (isomer I), feruloyl quinic acid, and several apigenin C-hexosides were identified as major constituents of peach palm epicarp. A carotenoid-rich emulsion-based delivery system was obtained after the optimization (RSM model) of carotenoid extraction with ultraturrax and sunflower oil and further development of an ultrasound-assisted emulsion. The best conditions for a stable emulsion were 73.75% water, 25% carotenoid-rich oil extract, 1.25% emulsifiers, and 480 W of ultrasonic power for 5 min. The optimized emulsion had a total carotenoid content of 67.61 µg/g, Provitamin A activity of 3.23 ± 0.56 µg RAE/g, droplet size of 502.23 nm, polydispersity index of 0.170, and zeta potential of -32.26 mV. This emulsion was chemically and physically stable for 35 days at 30 ± 2 °C, showing potential as a food additive with biofunctional properties. The strategy here developed is an economical and environmentally friendly process that allows the reuse of the byproduct of B. gasipaes.

Ketocarotenoids adonirubin and adonixanthin: Properties, health benefits, current technologies, and emerging challenges.

Given their multifaceted roles, carotenoids have garnered significant scientific interest, resulting in a comprehensive and intricate body of literature that occasionally presents conflicting findings concerning the proper characterization, quantification, and bioavailability of these compounds. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the pursuit of novel carotenoids remains a crucial endeavor, as their diverse properties, functionalities and potential health benefits make them invaluable natural resources in agri-food and health promotion through the diet. In this framework, particular attention is given to ketocarotenoids, viz., astaxanthin (one of them) stands out for its possible multifunctional role as an antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial agent. It has been widely explored in the market and utilized in different applications such as nutraceuticals, food additives, among others. Adonirubin and adonixanthin can be naturally found in plants and microorganisms. Due to the increasing significance of natural-based products and the remarkable opportunity to introduce these ketocarotenoids to the market, this review aims to provide an expert overview of the pros and cons associated with adonirubin and adonixanthin.

Determination of carotenoids and their esters in fruits of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) by HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS.

INTRODUCTION: The berries of Hippophae rhamnoides Linnaeus have high nutritional and medicinal values and have been used for centuries as food both in Europe and Asia. The oleoresins represent a potential source of carotenoid esters and can be used as food additives, cosmetic ingredients or nutraceuticals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS method, with both positive and negative ionisation modes, for the direct identification of the native carotenoid composition in fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides, cv. Serbanesti and Victoria, were collected from an experimental field at the Fruit Research Station of Bacau, Romania. Samples were extracted using methanol:ethyl acetate:petroleum ether (1:1:1, v/v/v). The HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS analyses were carried out on a Shimadzu system using a YMC C30-column and a gradient elution. RESULTS: In total 22 compounds were detected, eight were free carotenoids, nine were xanthophylls monoesters and five were xanthophylls diesters. Differences were observed in the relative percentage composition of the identified components among the two cultivars investigated. Zeaxanthin-C16:0,C16:0 was the most abundant diester. The unsaturated palmitoleic acid was directly detected in its esterified form, in zeaxanthin-C16:0,C16:1, which is reported here for the first time. Although present in small amounts the unsaturated oleic, linoleic, linolenic, hexadecadienoic and hexadecatrienoic acids were detected in their esterified forms as lutein monoesters, the last two having been detected in Hippophae rhamnoides for the first time. CONCLUSION: A novel (HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS) method was developed for the direct identification of the native carotenoid composition in fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides.

Effect of Dietary Enrichment with Flaxseed, Vitamin E and Selenium, and of Market Class on the Broiler Breast Meat-Part 2: Technological and Sensorial Traits.

The influence of diet enrichment with flaxseed, selenium and vitamin E, and market class on breast meat was investigated in terms of technological and sensorial quality of breast meat. A randomized complete block design with an experimental unit of n = 6000 broilers receiving a standard or enriched diet, and slaughtered at 37 (light class), 47 (medium class), or 57 (heavy class) days of life, was developed. Then, enriched and standard breast muscles from every market class were studied for their technological and sensorial traits­both at 24 h post-mortem and after one month of frozen storage­by a statistical multiple linear model. Redness and yellowness of muscles significantly (p < 0.05) increased and decreased with increasing market age. Moreover, the yellowness significantly (p < 0.05) raised after frozen storage. However, obtained data were always indicative of a normal meat color. The water holding capacity improved following fed enrichment and significantly (p < 0.05) worsened after frozen storage. For the sensory analysis, juiciness and chewing rest of meat resulted significantly (p < 0.05) improved with increasing slaughtering age and diet enrichment, as well as their mutual interaction, while they deteriorated after frozen storage. Overall, fresh and enriched muscles from heavy broilers had the best technological and sensorial traits, thus, confirming that market size and diet should be highly considered to obtain breast meat with greater consumer acceptance.

[Contamination of the food products by lead, cadmium and copper in the area at risk of Gela (Sicily)]. / Contaminazione da piombo, cadmio e rame di prodotti alimentari nell'area a rischio di Gela.

OBJECTIVE: to make an initial evaluation on the impact of environmental pollution on the food safety of some agricultural products in the area of Gela, an official area of environmental crisis according to Italian legislation. SETTING: Gela (Caltanisetta ) Sicily MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: the investigation looked at the contamination of the food chain, one of the main sources of exposure for the local population. A sample of 13 artichokes and 13 tomatoes where sprayed with contaminated water and the levels of Pb (II), Cd (II) end Cu (II) where then measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: the analysis of the samples investigated shows a high level of metal contamination which can be linked to both the polluted water and air. It is therefore easier to forecast a scenario of exposure for the local population through the food chain.

Apocarotenoids profiling in different Capsicum species.

The present study report on the application of an on line supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography-triple quadrupole/mass spectrometry methodology to the first apocarotenoids profiling of seventeen different chilli peppers cultivars belonging to Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum chinense species. A total of 19 free apocarotenoids and 8 apocarotenoids fatty acid esters were identified; ß-Apo-8'-carotenal and Apo-8'-zeaxanthinal were also quantified and the ß-Apo-8'-carotenal occurrence was in the percentage ranges relative to ß-carotene of 0.03-3.87%. PCA was performed as a multivariate display method on the quantified carotenoids and apocarotenoids, in order to visualize the data structure. Moreover, different ε-apoluteinals and 4-oxo-apo-ß-carotenals were detected in Capsicum species also for the first time and, to the best of authors knowledge, in any food matrix.

Carotenoid and Apocarotenoid Analysis by SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS.

Carotenoids and carotenoids oxidative and enzymatic cleavage products called apocarotenoids are very important bioactive molecules in plants and humans, with different biological functions. Both central and noncentral carotenoid cleavage products have been reported to occur in food and in humans, where they may act as bioactive molecules with functions that were previously attributed to the parent carotenoid. However, relatively few studies are available in the literature on the apocarotenoid occurrence in food and biological fluids which were mainly based on liquid chromatographic separation approaches and even fewer reports are available on the carotenoid and apocarotenoid separation by a direct online supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry detection (SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS) methodology. In comparison with offline approaches the online nature of the system drastically reduces the extraction time required in traditional solid/liquid extraction, which may require a few hours. Moreover, it reduces the analysis run time, as well as the risks of sample contamination and the possible occurrence of operator errors, improves run-to-run precision, and enables the setting of batch-type applications. The purpose of this contribution was to provide an updated description of the SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS methodology applied to carotenoid and apocarotenoid analysis in various matrices, although with a particular focus on the apocarotenoid applications.

Valorisation of Schinus molle fruit as a source of volatile compounds in foods as flavours and fragrances.

Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) is an evergreen tree native to South America and has been introduced into North and South Africa and the Mediterranean region. The mature berries are known as an alternative to pepper by their pungency and collected for essential oil production to substitute black pepper in perfumery. Several investigators have examined the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of the essential oil, but the release of bound volatile compounds in S. molle berries from the corresponding glycosides is presented here for the first time. The carotenoid content of mature berries was also studied over two successive ripening periods. Ten carotenoids were identified by HPLC-MS/MS: lutein, phytoene, ß-cryptoxanthin, phytofluene, ß-carotene, 9-Z-ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin-C12:0, ß-cryptoxanthin-C14:0, ß-cryptoxanthin-C16:0 and lycopene. This research is the first to characterise the carotenoids in molle berries and their degradation products (norisoprenoids) in the "free" and glycosylated volatile fruit fractions. The detection of many of these glycosidically bound volatile compounds in berries should be considered to have a sensory contribution, which might differentiate the volatile profile. In addition, our results could explain, through the flavour complexity found in both the "free" and glycosylated fractions, the reported traditional use of molle berries as a pepper substitute. For comparison purposes, the essential oil from mature berries obtained by hydrodistillation was also studied.

Properties of a New Food Supplement Containing Actinia equina Extract.

Marine species represent a great source of biologically active substances; Actinia equina (AE), an Anthozoa Cnidaria belonging to the Actinidiae family, have been proposed as original food and have already been included in several cooking recipes in local Mediterranean shores, and endowed with excellent nutraceutical potential. The aim of this study was to investigate some unexplored features of AE, through analytical screening and an in-vitro and in-vivo model. An in-vitro study, made on RAW 264.7 stimulated with H2O2, showed that the pre-treatment with AE exerted an antioxidant action, reducing lipid peroxidation and up-regulating antioxidant enzymes. On the other hand, the in-vivo study over murine model demonstrated that the administration of AE extracts is able to reduce the carrageenan (CAR)-induced paw edema. Furthermore, the histological damage due to the neutrophil infiltration is prevented, and this highlights precious anti-inflammatory features of the interesting food-stuff. Moreover, it was assessed that AE extract modulated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) pathways. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, AE extract could be used as a new food supplement for inflammatory pathology prevention.

Biotechnological approaches for the production of natural colorants by Talaromyces/Penicillium: A review.

There has been an increased interest in replacing synthetic colorants by colorants obtained from natural sources, especially microbial pigments. Monascus pigments have been used as natural colorings and food additives in Asia for centuries but have raised toxicity issues. Recently, Talaromyces/Penicillium species have been recognized as potential strains to produce natural pigments similar to those produced by Monascus species. To date, it has not been published a literature compilation about the research and development activity of Talaromyces/Penicillium pigments. Developing a new bioprocess requires several steps, from an initial concept to a practical and feasible application. Industrial applications of fungal pigments will depend on: (i) characterization of the molecules to assure a safe consumption, (ii) stability of the pigments to the processing conditions required by the products where they will be incorporated, (iii) optimizing process conditions to achieve high yields, iv) implementing an efficient product recovery and (v) scale-up of the bioprocess. The above aspects have been reviewed in detail to evaluate the feasibility of reaching a commercial scale of the pigments produced by Talaromyces/Penicillium. Finally, the biological activities of the pigments and their potential applications are discussed.

Carotenoids, Fatty Acids, and Volatile Compounds in Apricot Cultivars from Romania-A Chemometric Approach.

Lipophilic constituents are important for the color and aroma of apricots, but also for their health benefits. In the present study, carotenoids, fatty acids, and volatiles were analyzed in 11 apricot cultivars, from which nine were obtained in Romania. High performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS methodology applied on unsaponified carotenoid extracts allowed the identification and quantification of 19 compounds. The predominant carotenoids in all cultivars were all-trans-ß-carotene and its cis isomers. Lutein was present exclusively in non-esterified form, while ß-cryptoxanthin was predominantly esterified, mainly with oleic, palmitic, lauric, and stearic acid. Moreover, ß-cryptoxanthin linoleate, linolenate, and stearate were detected for the first time in Harogem cultivar. Variation in carotenoid content and composition was observed, with the highest carotenoid content being recorded in Tudor, Harogem, and Mamaia cultivars. The predominant fatty acids determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were linoleic (up to 47%), palmitic (up to 32.7%), and linolenic (up to 17.16%), with small variations among cultivars. In-tube extraction technique (ITEX)/GC-MS was applied for profiling the volatiles in apricot fruits and 120 compounds were identified, with terpenoids and esters as the most abundant classes. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the carotenoids and the fatty acids profile can be used for variety authentication and discrimination in apricots.