Chitosan-coated manganese ferrite nanoparticles enhanced Rhodotorula toruloides carotenoid production.

The present study aims to analyze the interaction between Rhodotorula toruloides and magnetic nanoparticles and evaluate their effect on carotenoid production. The manganese ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized without chitosan (MnFe2O4) and chitosan coating (MnFe2O4-CS) by the co-precipitation method assisted by hydrothermal treatment. XRD (X-ray diffraction), Magnetometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), are used to characterize the magnetic nanoparticles. The crystallite size of MnFe2O4 was 16 nm for MnFe2O4 and 20 nm for MnFe2O4-CS. The magnetic saturation of MnFe2O4-CS was lower (39.6 ± 0.6 emu/g) than the same MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (42.7 ± 0.3 emu/g), which was attributed to the chitosan fraction presence. The MnFe2O4-CS FTIR spectra revealed the presence of the characteristic chitosan bands. DLS demonstrated that the average hydrodynamic diameters were 344 nm for MnFe2O4 and 167 nm for MnFe2O4-CS. A kinetic study of cell immobilization performed with their precipitation with a magnet demonstrated that interaction between magnetic nanoparticles and R. toruloides was characterized by an equilibrium time of 2 h. The adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) were fitted to the experimental values. The trypan blue assay was used for cell viability assessment. The carotenoid production increased to 256.2 ± 6.1 µg/g dry mass at 2.0 mg/mL MnFe2O4-CS. The use of MnFe2O4-CS to stimulate carotenoid yeast production and the magnetic separation of biomass are promising nanobiotechnological alternatives. Magnetic cell immobilization is a perspective technique for obtaining cell metabolites.

Comparative profiling of Chlorella vulgaris cells, extracts, and intact chloroplasts using electron transfer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ET-MALDI-MS).

The intricate composition of microalgal pigments plays a crucial role in various biological processes, from photosynthesis to biomarker identification. Traditional pigment analysis methods involve complex extraction techniques, posing challenges in maintaining analyte integrity. In this study, we employ Electron Transfer Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ET-MALDI-MS) to compare the pigmentary profiles of Chlorella vulgaris intact cells, chloroplasts, and solvent extracts. We aim to obtain comprehensive extracts rich in polar and non-polar compounds using ultrasound-assisted and supercritical fluid extraction methods. Additionally, intact chloroplasts are isolated using a lysis buffer and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Our ET-MALDI-MS analysis reveals distinct compositional differences, highlighting the impact of extraction protocols on microalgal pigment identification. We observe prominent signals corresponding to radical cations of key pigments, including chlorophylls and carotenoids, which are crucial for C. vulgaris identification. Furthermore, ET-MALDI-MS facilitates the identification of specific lipids within chloroplast membranes and other organelles. This study underscores the rapid and precise nature of ET-MALDI-MS in microalgal biomarker analysis, providing valuable insights into phytoplankton dynamics, trophic levels, and environmental processes. C. vulgaris emerges as a promising model for studying pigment composition and membrane lipid diversity, enhancing our understanding of microalgal ecosystems.

Analysis of Maillard reaction precursors and secondary metabolites in Chilean potatoes and neoformed contaminants during frying.

Southern Chile native potatoes are an interesting raw material to produce novel snacks like colored potato chips. These novel products should be comprehensively evaluated for the presence of undesirable compounds such as acrylamide, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furan, the main neoformed contaminants in starchy rich fried foods. This study evaluated the neoformed contaminant levels and oil content on chips made from eleven Chilean potato accessions and compared them with commercial samples. The neoformed contaminant contents were related to Maillard reaction precursor levels (reducing sugars and asparagine) and secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds and carotenoids). Neoformed contaminants correlated well among them and were weakly correlated with reducing sugars and asparagine. Acrylamide level in native potato chips ranged from 738.2 to 1998.6 µg kg-1 while from 592.6 to 2390.5 µg kg-1 in commercial samples. Thus, there is need to implement neoformed contaminant mitigation strategies at different steps of the production chain of colored potato chips.

Traditional and new trend strategies to enhance pigment contents in microalgae.

Microalgae are a source of a wide variety of commodities, including particularly valuable pigments. The typical pigments present in microalgae are the chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins. However, other types of pigments, of the family of water-soluble polyphenols, usually encountered in terrestrial plants, have been recently reported in microalgae. Among such microalgal polyphenols, many flavonoids have a yellowish hue, and are used as natural textile dyes. Besides being used as natural colorants, for example in the food or cosmetic industry, microalgal pigments also possess many bioactive properties, making them functional as nutraceutical or pharmaceutical agents. Each type of pigment, with its own chemical structure, fulfills particular biological functions. Considering both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, some species within the four most promising microalgae groups (Cyanobacteria, Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta and Heterokontophyta) are distinguished by their high contents of specific added-value pigments. To further enhance microalgae pigment contents during autotrophic cultivation, a review is made of the main related strategies adopted during the last decade, including light adjustments (quantity and quality, and the duration of the photoperiod cycle), and regard to mineral medium characteristics (salinity, nutrients concentrations, presence of inductive chemicals). In contrast to what is usually observed for growth-related pigments, accumulation of non-photosynthetic pigments (polyphenols and secondary carotenoids) requires particularly stressful conditions. Finally, pigment enrichment is also made possible with two new cutting-edge technologies, via the application of metallic nanoparticles or magnetic fields.

Potential Use of Tomato Peel, a Rich Source of Lycopene, for Cancer Treatment.

Tomatoes are well known for their impressive nutritional value among vegetables. However, the industrial processing of tomatoes generates a significant amount of waste. Specifically, 10% to 18% of the raw materials used in tomato processing become waste. This waste can seriously affect ecosystems, such as freshwater bodies, wetlands, rivers, and other natural environments, if not properly managed. Interestingly, tomato waste, specifically the skin, contains lycopene, a potent antioxidant and antimutagenic that offers a range of health benefits. This makes it a valuable ingredient in industries such as food and cosmetics. In addition, researchers are exploring the potential of lycopene in the treatment of various types of cancer. This systematic review, guided by the PRISMA 2020 methodology, examined studies exploring the possibility of tomato peel as a source of lycopene and carotenoids for cancer treatment. The findings suggest that tomato peel extracts exhibit promising anticancer properties, underscoring the need for further investigation of possible therapeutic applications. The compiled literature reveals significant potential for using tomato peel to create new cancer treatments, which could potentially revolutionize the field of oncology. This underscores the importance of continued research and exploration, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the scientific community's contribution to this promising area of study.

Bioactivity and Bioavailability of Carotenoids Applied in Human Health: Technological Advances and Innovation.

This article presents a groundbreaking perspective on carotenoids, focusing on their innovative applications and transformative potential in human health and medicine. Research jointly delves deeper into the bioactivity and bioavailability of carotenoids, revealing therapeutic uses and technological advances that have the potential to revolutionize medical treatments. We explore pioneering therapeutic applications in which carotenoids are used to treat chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related macular degeneration, offering novel protective mechanisms and innovative therapeutic benefits. Our study also shows cutting-edge technological innovations in carotenoid extraction and bioavailability, including the development of supramolecular carriers and advanced nanotechnology, which dramatically improve the absorption and efficacy of these compounds. These technological advances not only ensure consistent quality but also tailor carotenoid therapies to each patient's health needs, paving the way for personalized medicine. By integrating the latest scientific discoveries and innovative techniques, this research provides a prospective perspective on the clinical applications of carotenoids, establishing a new benchmark for future studies in this field. Our findings underscore the importance of optimizing carotenoid extraction, administration, bioactivity, and bioavailability methods to develop more effective, targeted, and personalized treatments, thus offering visionary insight into their potential in modern medical practices.

Alternative green solvents associated with ultrasound-assisted extraction: A green chemistry approach for the extraction of carotenoids and chlorophylls from microalgae.

This study proposes a method for the ultrasonic extraction of carotenoids and chlorophyll from Scenedesmus obliquus and Arthrospira platensis microalgae with green solvents. Ethanol and ethanolic solutions of ionic liquids were tested with a variety of extraction parameters, including number of extractions, time of extraction, and solid-liquid ratio R(S/L), to determine the optimal conditions. After selecting the most effective green solvent (ethanol), the process conditions were established: R(S/L) of 1:10, three extraction cycles at 3 min each), giving an extraction yield of 2602.36 and 764.21 µgcarotenoids.gdried biomass-1; and 22.01 and 5.81 mgchlorophyll.gdried biomass-1 in S. obliquus and A. platensis, respectively. The carotenoid and chlorophyll extracts obtained using ethanol were shown to be potent scavengers of peroxyl radical, being 5.94 to 26.08 times more potent α-tocopherol. These findings pave the way for a green strategy for valorizing microalgal biocompounds through efficient and environmentally friendly technological processes.

Sources of Carotenoids in Amazonian Fruits.

Epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in bioactive components significantly reduces cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. In this sense, there is a need for meta-analytical research that confirms this phenomenon and increases specific knowledge about certain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to disseminate knowledge about the sources of carotenoids in fruit consumed in the north of Brazil which are outside the Brazilian trade balance. A systematic review and a meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines were conducted based on a random effects synthesis of multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs). Searches of seven sources were carried out, including PubMed, Science Direct from Elsevier, Web of Science, Scielo, Eric Research and Google Scholar databases. The systematic review was guided by a systematic review protocol based on the POT strategy (population, outcome and type of study) adapted for use in this research. Mendeley was a resource used to organize and manage references and exclude duplicates of studies selected for review. In this review, we present the potential bioactive compounds concentrated in little-known fruit species from the Amazon and their benefits. Consuming fruits that are rich in notable constituents such as carotenoids is important for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases through anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, as well as antivirals, immunomodulators and antioxidants agents that directly affect the immune response.

One-step ultrasound-assisted recovery of yellow-orange-red natural coloring from defatted annatto seeds: A cleaner processing alternative.

The interest in natural colorants derived from sustainable processes has prompted research into obtaining bixin from defatted annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds. Bixin is a compound that imparts yellow-orange-red coloration, known for its high biodegradability, low toxicity, and wide industrial applicability. Meanwhile, high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) technology has emerged as a promising method for extracting natural colorants, offering higher yields through shorter processes and minimizing thermal degradation. Although some studies have demonstrated the efficiency of HIUS technology in bixin extraction, research on the effects of acoustic cavitation on the properties of the colorant remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of HIUS-specific energy levels (0.02, 0.04, 0.12, and 0.20 kJ/g) on the chemical, physical, and morphological characteristics of annatto extracts containing bixin and geranylgeraniol. Single-step extractions of bixin using ethanol as a solvent were evaluated at various acoustic powers (4.6, 8.5, 14.5, and 20 W) and extraction times (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 min) to determine their impact on the yield of natural colorant extraction. Increasing the acoustic power from 4.6 to 20 W and extending the extraction time from 0.5 to 5 min resulted in higher yields of natural colorant, likely due to the effects of acoustic cavitation and increased heat under more intense conditions. However, elevated levels of mechanical and thermal energy did not affect the chemical properties of the colorant, as indicated by UV-Vis and FTIR spectra. Conversely, higher specific energies yielded colorants with a more intense red hue, consistent with increased bixin content, and altered the microstructure and physical state, as observed in X-ray diffractograms. Nevertheless, these alterations did not impact the solubility of the colorant. Therefore, employing a cleaner extraction procedure aided by one-step ultrasound facilitated the recovery of natural colorants and contributed to the biorefining of annatto seeds, enabling the production of a rich geranylgeraniol colorant through a sustainable approach.

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.

Optimized carotenoid production and antioxidant capacity of Gordonia hongkongensis.

The current emphasis within the cosmetic market on sustainable ingredients has heightened the exploration of new sources for natural, active components. Actinomycetota, recognized for producing pigments with bioactive potential, offer promising functional cosmetic ingredients. This study aimed to optimize pigment and antioxidant metabolite production from the Gordonia hongkongensis strain EUFUS-Z928 by implementing the Plackett-Burman experimental design and response surface methodology. Extracts derived from this strain exhibited no cytotoxic activity against human primary dermal fibroblast (HDFa, ATCC® PCS-201-012™, Primary Dermal Fibroblast; Normal, Human, Adult). Eight variables, including inoculum concentration, carbon and nitrogen source concentration, NaCl concentration, pH, incubation time, temperature, and stirring speed, were analyzed using the Plackett-Burman experimental design. Subsequently, factors significantly influencing pigment and antioxidant metabolite production, such as temperature, inoculum concentration, and agitation speed, were further optimized using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design. The results demonstrated a substantial increase in absorbance (from 0.091 to 0.32), DPPH radical scavenging capacity (from 27.60% to 84.61%), and ABTS radical scavenging capacity (from 17.39% to 79.77%) compared to responses obtained in the isolation medium. The validation of the mathematical model accuracy exceeded 90% for all cases. Furthermore, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) facilitated the identification of compounds potentially responsible for enhanced pigment production and antioxidant capacity in extracts derived from G. hongkongensis. Specifically, six carotenoids, red-orange pigments with inherent antioxidant capacity, were identified as the main enhanced compounds. This comprehensive approach effectively optimized the culture conditions and medium of a G. hongkongensis strain, resulting in enhanced carotenoid production and antioxidant capacity. Beyond identifying bioactive compounds and their potential cosmetic applications, this study offers insights into the broader industrial applicability of these extracts. It underscores the potential of G. hongkongensis and hints at the future utilization of other untapped sources of rare actinomycetes within the industry.

Comparison of green solvents for the revalorization of orange by-products: Carotenoid extraction and in vitro antioxidant activity.

Orange peels contain a considerable number of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, that can be used as ingredients in high-value products. The aim of this study was to compare orange peel extracts obtained with different green solvents (vegetable oils, fatty acids, and deep eutectic solvents (DES)). In addition, the chemical characterization of a new hydrophobic DES formed by octanoic acid and l-proline (C8:Pro) was performed. The extracts were compared in terms of carotenoid extraction, antioxidant activity by three methods, color, and environmental impact. The results confirmed that the mixture of C8:Pro is a DES and showed the highest carotenoid extraction (46.01 µg/g) compared to hexane (39.28 µg/g). The antioxidant activity was also the highest in C8:Pro (2438.8 µM TE/mL). Finally, two assessment models were used to evaluate the greenness and sustainability of the proposed extractions. These results demonstrated the potential use of orange peels in the circular economy and industry.

Bacterial Carotenoids: Extraction, Characterization, and Applications.

Natural carotenoids are secondary metabolites that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. These types of compounds are highly demanded by pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and food industries, leading to the search for new natural sources of carotenoids. In recent years, the production of carotenoids from bacteria has become of great interest for industrial applications. In addition to carotenoids with C40-skeletons, some bacteria have the ability to synthesize characteristic carotenoids with C30-skeletons. In this regard, a great variety of methodologies for the extraction and identification of bacterial carotenoids has been reported and this is the first review that condenses most of this information. To understand the diversity of carotenoids from bacteria, we present their biosynthetic origin in order to focus on the methodologies employed in their extraction and characterization. Special emphasis has been made on high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) for the analysis and identification of bacterial carotenoids. We end up this review showing their potential commercial use. This review is proposed as a guide for the identification of these metabolites, which are frequently reported in new bacteria strains.

The C-terminal region of phytoene synthase is a key element to control carotenoid biosynthesis in the haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii.

Phytoene synthase (PSY) converts two molecules of geranyl-geranyl diphosphate to phytoene, the key regulatory step in carotenogenesis. However, post-translational mechanisms that control PSY expression are scarcely understood. Carotenoid biosynthesis (mainly bacterioruberin) is a distinctive feature of haloarchaea thriving in hypersaline environments. Carotenogenesis is negatively regulated by the AAA+ LonB protease in the haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii as it controls PSY degradation. We investigated the relevance of the C-terminal portion of HvPSY as a regulatory element for carotenoid biosynthesis. H. volcanii mutants were constructed to express full-length HvPSY protein (strain HVPSYwt) and truncated HvPSY lacking 10 (HVPSY10), 20 (HVPSY20) or 34 amino acids (HVPSY34) at the C-terminus. Cells of HVPSY20 and HVPSY34 showed hyperpigmentation (bacterioruberin content 3-fold higher than HVPSYwt) which correlated with increased PSY protein abundance (2-fold in HVPSY34) while they contained less psy transcript level compared with HVPSYwt. In vivo degradation assays showed that HvPSY34 was more stable than HvPSYwt. Collectively, these results show that the C-terminal region of HvPSY contains a 'recognition determinant' for proteolysis in H. volcanii. Preliminary evidence suggests that LonB is involved in the recognition mechanism. This study provides the first identification of a regulatory sequence in an archaeal PSY for the post-translational control of carotenogenesis.

Combination of Spray-Chilling and Spray-Drying Techniques to Protect Carotenoid-Rich Extracts from Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Byproducts, Aiming at the Production of a Powdered Natural Food Dye.

Reducing waste, using byproducts, and natural food additives are important sustainability trends. In this context, the aim of this study was to produce and evaluate a natural food dye, extracted from pumpkin byproducts, powdered and protected by spray-chilling (SC) and a combination of spray-drying and spray-chilling techniques (SDC). The extract was obtained using ethanol as solvent; vegetable fat and gum Arabic were used as carriers. Formulations were prepared with the following core:carrier ratios: SC 20 (20:80), SC 30 (30:70), SC 40 (40:60), SDC 5 (5:95), SDC 10 (10:90), and SDC 15 (15:85). The physicochemical properties of the formed microparticles were characterised, and their storage stability was evaluated over 90 days. The microparticles exhibited colour variation and size increase over time. SDC particles exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (95.2-100.8%) and retention of carotenoids in the storage period (60.8-89.7%). Considering the carotenoid content and its stability, the optimal formulation for each process was selected for further analysis. All of the processes and formulations produced spherical particles that were heterogeneous in size. SDC particles exhibited the highest oxidative stability index and the highest carotenoid release in the intestinal phase (32.6%). The use of combined microencapsulation technologies should be considered promising to protect carotenoid compounds.

Lutein bioaccessibility in casein-stabilized emulsions is influenced by the free to acylated carotenoid ratio, but not by the casein aggregation state.

Considering that carotenoids are found acylated to fatty acids in most edible fruits, the influence of the ratio of free to acylated lutein on the hydrolysis extent and bioaccessibility was evaluated by in vitro digestion. For this purpose, for the first time, esterified, free, or a mixture of both carotenoid forms was used in the lipid phase of emulsions stabilized by sodium caseinate (NaCas) and native phosphocaseinate (PPCN). Marigold petals was used as a source of lutein-rich extracts. The emulsions were characterized and the extent of ester hydrolysis, carotenoid recovery, and bioaccessibility were evaluated by LC-DAD-MS/MS. Besides low polydispersity, NaCas and PPCN stabilized emulsions exhibited a constant mean droplet diameter of about 260 and 330 nm, respectively, after 7 days. Caseins were completely digested after the gastric digestion step. Moreover, casein supramolecular structure did not significantly affect carotenoid bioaccessibility. Lutein was majorly found in its free form in all bioaccessible fractions. The carotenoid bioaccessibility increased from 3% to 40% by increasing the percentage of free carotenoids from 0.5 to 100% in the emulsions; but the carotenoid recovery and hydrolysis extent of lutein esters were not affected. In conclusion, emulsion-based systems for carotenoid delivery stabilized either by NaCas or PPCN provided similar carotenoid bioaccessibility. Furthermore, bioaccessibility was inversely dependent on the overall hydrophobicity of the carotenoid extract. Our results suggest that the low bioaccessibility of esterified carotenoids was a consequence of their limited hydrolysis extent. This study provides information that may help design emulsion-based systems stabilized by food protein as a vehicle for carotenoids.

Modelling of the Citrus CCD4 Family Members: In Silico Analysis of Membrane Binding and Substrate Preference.

Coloring is one of the most important characteristics in commercial flowers and fruits, generally due to the accumulation of carotenoid pigments. Enzymes of the CCD4 family in citrus intervene in the generation of ß-citraurin, an apocarotenoid responsible for the reddish-orange color of mandarins. Citrus CCD4s enzymes could be capable of interacting with the thylakoid membrane inside chloroplasts. However, to date, this interaction has not been studied in detail. In this work, we present three new complete models of the CCD4 family members (CCD4a, CCD4b, and CCD4c), modeled with a lipid membrane. To identify the preference for substrates, typical carotenoids were inserted in the active site of the receptors and the protein-ligand interaction energy was evaluated. The results show a clear preference of CCD4s for xanthophylls over aliphatic carotenes. Our findings indicate the ability to penetrate the membrane and maintain a stable interaction through the N-terminal α-helical domain, spanning a contact surface of 2250 to 3250 Å2. The orientation and depth of penetration at the membrane surface suggest that CCD4s have the ability to extract carotenoids directly from the membrane through a tunnel consisting mainly of hydrophobic residues that extends up to the catalytic center of the enzyme.

Red Tomato Products as an Alternative to Reduce Synthetic Dyes in the Food Industry: A Review.

Most dyes used in the food industry are synthetic and can be a health hazard. Red tomato may serve as a natural alternative dye to replace synthetic colorants. This study aimed to review the literature on the addition of red tomato products (powder tomato, paste, freeze-dried, tomato peel powder, tomato pomace) to reduce the usage of synthetic dyes in the food industry. Red tomato products have been used as coloring in pasta, bologna, sausages, cookies, crackers, macaroons, hamburgers, breads, muffins, cheeses, and nuggets. The trans-cis isomerization of lycopene by oxidative processes directly affects the color of the pigment. The lycopene contained in tomato has antioxidant activity and could reduce or eliminate other oxidants and/or synthetic preservatives in food. Moreover, tomatoes in foods have high sensory scores, nutritional appeal, and marketing potential. However, its use as a food colorant has been not extensively explored. Therefore, further studies are still required, especially on the stability of carotenoids in tomatoes used in processed foods.

Bioactive Compounds of Fruit Parts of Three Eugenia uniflora Biotypes in Four Ripening Stages.

Variability of secondary metabolites in edible (peel and pulp) and inedible (seeds) parts of three pitanga varieties, red, red-orange and purple, was investigated during the maturation process. Hydrolysable tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids were quantified by HPLC/DAD and carotenoids by absorbance. Peel/pulp showed greater complexity of constituents (carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and hydrolysable tannins), while only tannins were identified in seeds, but in quantities of 10 to 100 times greater. The red-orange variety showed the highest levels of phenolic compounds in seeds and peel/pulp, except anthocyanins. The analysis of the principal response curves showed that the pitanga biotype has greater influence on metabolite variation than ripening stages. During peel/pulp maturation, a reduction in the levels of flavonoids and tannins contrasted with an increase in carotenoids and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in all varieties, whereas in the seeds oenothein B, the major tannin, increased up to 1.32 g/100 g fresh weight. Such marked differences between fruit parts demonstrate that the seeds in stages E3 and E4 are a source of hydrolysable tannins, compounds known for their antitumor activity, while peel/pulp of all varieties in the ripe stage provide natural antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids. Lastly, the purple biotype can be a rich source of the cyanidin-3-O-glucoside pigment a potent bioactive compound.

Production of carotenoid sarcinaxanthin by Kocuria palustris isolated from Northeastern Brazil Caatinga soil and their antioxidant and photoprotective activities

BACKGROUND This study aimed to produce carotenoids of two bacterial strains obtained and isolated from Caatinga soil in Northeastern Brazil and to evaluate their antioxidant and photoprotective activities. The morphological identification of bacteria was performed by Gram staining and molecularly confirmed through the 16S rRNA gene. The production of carotenoids was performed on two 23 factorial designs to analyze the influence of independent variables (temperature range, luminosity, agitation, spiral presence, and bacterial isolate type) for maximum carotenoid yield. The selected condition has been transferred to a bioreactor (10L). The identification of carotenoids was performed by liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was determined by inhibiting the bcarotene/linoleic acid system and the effectiveness as sunscreen was measured through its sun protection factor (SPF). RESULTS The results revealed that the isolates FT-7.22 and FT-5.12 were identified as Kocuria palustris; producers of a rare C50 carotenoid sarcinaxanthin. This is the first report on the production of carotenoids by this species from the Caatinga Domain. The pigment that was obtained from the Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) medium in the best conditions of the factorial designs (increased agitation, aeration, and light exposure) exhibited a significant increase in the carotenoid production. The isolated FT-7.22 reached a higher sarcinaxanthin concentration (112,480 lg/L), and it exhibited promising antioxidant (76.53 ± 0.09%) and photoprotective activities (SPF = 9.36 ± 0.52). CONCLUSIUON This study demonstrated the ability of K. palustris to produce carotenoid sarcinaxanthin with antioxidant and photoprotective activities so that it can be applied in cosmetic formulations. How to cite: Mendes-Silva TCD, Vidal EE, de Souza RFR, et al. Production of carotenoid sarcinaxant