Clpf encodes pentatricopeptide repeat protein (PPR5) and regulates pink flesh color in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.).

KEY MESSAGE: The gene controlling pink flesh in watermelon was finely mapped to a 55.26-kb region on chromosome 6. The prime candidate gene, Cla97C06G122120 (ClPPR5), was identified through forward genetics. Carotenoids offer numerous health benefits; while, they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Watermelon stands out as one of the richest sources of carotenoids. In this study, genetic generations derived from parental lines W15-059 (red flesh) and JQ13-3 (pink flesh) revealed the presence of the recessive gene Clpf responsible for the pink flesh (pf) trait in watermelon. Comparative analysis of pigment components and microstructure indicated that the disparity in flesh color between the parental lines primarily stemmed from variations in lycopene content, as well as differences in chromoplast number and size. Subsequent bulk segregant analysis (BSA-seq) and genetic mapping successfully narrowed down the Clpf locus to a 55.26-kb region on chromosome 6, harboring two candidate genes. Through sequence comparison and gene expression analysis, Cla97C06G122120 (annotated as a pentatricopeptide repeat, PPR) was predicted as the prime candidate gene related to pink flesh trait. To further investigate the role of the PPR gene, its homologous gene in tomato was silenced using a virus-induced system. The resulting silenced fruit lines displayed diminished carotenoid accumulation compared with the wild-type, indicating the potential regulatory function of the PPR gene in pigment accumulation. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the forward genetics underlying watermelon flesh traits, particularly in relation to carotenoid accumulation. The findings lay essential groundwork for elucidating mechanisms governing pigment synthesis and deposition in watermelon flesh, thereby providing valuable insights for future breeding strategies aimed at enhancing fruit quality and nutritional value.

Temperature-Caused Changes in Raman Pattern and Protein Profiles of Winter Triticale (x Triticosecale, Wittm.) Field-Grown Seedlings.

Climate change, which causes periods with relatively high temperatures in winter in Poland, can lead to a shortening or interruption of the cold hardening of crops. Previous research indicates that cold acclimation is of key importance in the process of acquiring cereal tolerance to stress factors. The objective of this work was to verify the hypothesis that both natural temperature fluctuations and the plant genotype influence the content of metabolites as well as proteins, including antioxidant enzymes and photosystem proteins. The research material involved four winter triticale genotypes, differing in their tolerance to stress under controlled conditions. The values of chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and antioxidant activity were measured in their seedlings. Subsequently, the contribution of selected proteins was verified using specific antibodies. In parallel, the profiling of the contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and proteins was carried out by Raman spectroscopy. The obtained results indicate that a better PSII performance along with a higher photosystem II proteins content and thioredoxin reductase abundance were accompanied by a higher antioxidant activity in the field-grown triticale seedlings. The Raman studies showed that the cold hardening led to a variation in photosynthetic dyes and an increase in the phenolic to carotenoids ratio in all DH lines.

Microbial chassis as the platform for production of dihydroxy xanthophyll-based carotenoids: an overview of recent advances in biomanufacturing.

Physiological and environmental cues prompt microbes to synthesize diverse carotenoids, including dihydroxy xanthophylls, facilitating their adaptation and survival. Lutein and its isomeric counterpart, zeaxanthin, are notable dihydroxy xanthophylls with bioactive properties such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects, particularly beneficial for human ocular health. However, global natural resources for co-producing lutein and zeaxanthin are scarce, with zeaxanthin lacking commercial sources, unlike lutein sourced from marigold plants and microalgae. Traditionally, dihydroxy xanthophyll production primarily relies on petrochemical synthetic routes, with limited biological sourcing reported. Nonetheless, microbiological synthesis presents promising avenues as a commercial source, albeit challenged by low dihydroxy xanthophyll yield at high cell density. Strategies involving optimization of physical and chemical parameters are essential to achieve high-quality dihydroxy xanthophyll products. This overview briefly discusses dihydroxy xanthophyll biosynthesis and highlights recent advancements, discoveries, and industrial benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin production from microorganisms as alternative biofactories.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of yellow-flowered crocuses to infer alternative sources of saffron metabolites.

BACKGROUND: The increasing demand for saffron metabolites in various commercial industries, including medicine, food, cosmetics, and dyeing, is driven by the discovery of their diverse applications. Saffron, derived from Crocus sativus stigmas, is the most expensive spice, and there is a need to explore additional sources to meet global consumption demands. In this study, we focused on yellow-flowering crocuses and examined their tepals to identify saffron-like compounds. RESULTS: Through metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches, our investigation provides valuable insights into the biosynthesis of compounds in yellow-tepal crocuses that are similar to those found in saffron. The results of our study support the potential use of yellow-tepal crocuses as a source of various crocins (crocetin glycosylated derivatives) and flavonoids. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that yellow-tepal crocuses have the potential to serve as a viable excessive source of some saffron metabolites. The identification of crocins and flavonoids in these crocuses highlights their suitability for meeting the demands of various industries that utilize saffron compounds. Further exploration and utilization of yellow-tepal crocuses could contribute to addressing the growing global demand for saffron-related products.

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

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

Carotenoid biosynthesis genes LcLCYB, LcLCYE, and LcBCH from wolfberry confer increased carotenoid content and improved salt tolerance in tobacco.

Carotenoids play essential roles in plant growth and development and provide plants with a tolerance to a series of abiotic stresses. In this study, the function and biological significance of lycopene ß-cyclase, lycopene ε-cyclase, and ß-carotene hydroxylase, which are responsible for the modification of the tetraterpene skeleton procedure, were isolated from Lycium chinense and analyzed. The overexpression of lycopene ß-cyclase, lycopene ε-cyclase, and ß-carotene hydroxylase promoted the accumulation of total carotenoids and photosynthesis enhancement, reactive oxygen species scavenging activity, and proline content of tobacco seedlings after exposure to the salt stress. Furthermore, the expression of the carotenoid biosynthesis genes and stress-related genes (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase) were detected and showed increased gene expression level, which were strongly associated with the carotenoid content and reactive oxygen species scavenging activity. After exposure to salt stress, the endogenous abscisic acid content was significantly increased and much higher than those in control plants. This research contributes to the development of new breeding aimed at obtaining stronger salt tolerance plants with increased total carotenoids and vitamin A content.

Crocin ameliorates neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in mice with Alzheimer's disease by activating PI3K/AKT pathway.

BACKGROUND: Crocin has a good prospect in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Crocin and its underlying mechanisms in AD. METHODS: AD mice were set up by injecting Aß25-35 solution into the hippocampus. Then, the AD mice were injected intraperitoneally with 40 mg/kg/day of Crocin for 14 days. Following the completion of Crocin treatment, an open-field test, Y-maze test and Morris water maze test were conducted to evaluate the impact of Crocin on spatial learning and memory deficiency in mice. The effects of Crocin on hippocampal neuron injury, proinflammatory cytokine expressions (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α), and PI3K/AKT signaling-related protein expressions were measured using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments, respectively. RESULTS: Crocin attenuated Aß25-35-induced spatial learning and memory deficiency and hippocampal neuron injury. Furthermore, the Western blot and qRT-PCR results showed that Crocin effectively suppressed inflammation and activated the PI3K/AKT pathway in Aß25-35-induced mice. CONCLUSION: Crocin restrained neuroinflammation via the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby ameliorating the cognitive dysfunction of AD mice.

Effect of Light Conditions, Trichoderma Fungi and Food Polymers on Growth and Profile of Biologically Active Compounds in Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum.

The research investigates the influence of different lighting conditions and soil treatments, in particular the application of food polymers separately and in combination with spores of Trichoderma consortium, on the growth and development of herbs-Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum. The metabolic analysis focuses on detecting changes in the levels of biologically active compounds such as chlorophyll a and b, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds (including flavonoids), terpenoids, and volatile organic compounds with potential health-promoting properties. By investigating these factors, the study aims to provide insights into how environmental conditions affect the growth and chemical composition of selected plants and to shed light on potential strategies for optimising the cultivation of these herbs for the improved quality and production of bioactive compounds. Under the influence of additional lighting, the growth of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum seedlings was greatly accelerated, resulting in an increase in shoot biomass and length, and in the case of T. vulgaris, an increase in carotenoid and anthocyanin contents. Regarding secondary metabolites, the most pronounced changes were observed in total antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content, which increased significantly under the influence of additional lighting. The simultaneous or separate application of Trichoderma and food polymers resulted in an increase in flavonoid content in the leaves of both Thymus species. The increase in terpenoid content under supplemental light appears to be related to the presence of Trichoderma spores as well as food polymers added to the soil. However, the nature of these changes depends on the thyme species. Volatile compounds were analysed using an electronic nose (E-nose). Eight volatile compounds (VOCs) were tentatively identified in the vapours of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum: α-pinene, myrcene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene; 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol. Tendencies to increase the percentage of thymol and γ-terpinene under supplemental lighting were observed. The results also demonstrate a positive effect of food polymers and, to a lesser extent, Trichoderma fungi on the synthesis of VOCs with health-promoting properties. The effect of Trichoderma and food polymers on individual VOCs was positive in some cases for thymol and γ-terpinene.

The Antioxidant Power of a Diet May Improve the Quality of Life of Young Women with Acne Vulgaris.

Acne vulgaris (AV) significantly reduces the quality of life (QoL) of young people, so it is important to look for factors that can improve their QoL. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between dietary antioxidants measured using the new DAQI index and QoL measured using standardized tests. The DAQI included the following elements: antioxidant vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, polyphenols, phytosterols, lignans, and the total antioxidant capacity of the diet. The study involved 165 young women with AV, mainly students. A self-report survey was used to collect basic data on their sociodemographic status, anthropometric information, and lifestyle. The energy value of the diet and the content of vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids with antioxidant activity in the diet were estimated using 3-day food diaries and the Diet 6.0 program. The antioxidant potential of the diet and the content of polyphenols, phytosterols, lignans, and selenium were calculated based on the consumption of individual food products and available databases. The results of this study showed that the QoL of the young women with AV was impaired. However, greater adherence to an antioxidant diet reduces the risk of AV impact on the QoL by approximately 30-32% and the risk of depression by 33%. The DAQI may be used as a new indicator of diet quality in acne vulgaris.

Genome wide analysis of carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCO) gene family in Arachis hypogaea (peanut) under biotic stress.

Carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCOs) enzymes play a vital role in plant growth and development through the synthesis of apocarotenoids and their derivative. These chemicals are necessary for flower and fruit coloration, as well as the manufacture of plant hormones such as abscisic acid (ABA) and strigolactones, which control a variety of physiological processes. The CCOs gene family has not been characterized in Arachis hypogaea. Genome mining of A. hypogaea identifies 24 AhCCO gene members. The AhCCO gene family was divided into two subgroups based on the recent study of the Arabidopsis thaliana CCO gene family classification system. Twenty-three AhCCO genes, constituting 95.8% of the total, were regulated by 29 miRNAs, underscoring the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in governing gene expression in peanuts. AhCCD19 is the only gene that lacks a miRNA target site. The physicochemical characteristics of CCO genes and their molecular weights and isoelectric points were studied further. The genes were then characterized regarding chromosomal distribution, structure, and promoter cis-elements. Light, stress development, drought stress, and hormone responsiveness were discovered to be associated with AhCCO genes, which can be utilized in developing more resilient crops. The investigation also showed the cellular location of the encoded proteins and discovered that the peanut carotenoid oxygenase gene family's expansion was most likely the result of tandem, segmental, and whole-genome duplication events. The localization expresses the abundance of genes mostly in the cytoplasm and chloroplast. Expression analysis shows that AhCCD7 and AhCCD14 genes show the maximum expression in the apical meristem, lateral leaf, and pentafoliate leaf development, while AhNCED9 and AhNCED13 express in response to Aspergillus flavus resistance. This knowledge throws light on the evolutionary history of the AhCCO gene family and may help researchers better understand the molecular processes behind gene duplication occurrences in plants. An integrated synteny study was used to find orthologous carotenoid oxygenase genes in A. hypogaea, whereas Arabidopsis thaliana and Beta vulgaris were used as references for the functional characterization of peanut CCO genes. These studies provide a foundation for future research on the regulation and functions of this gene family. This information provides valuable insights into the genetic regulation of AhCCO genes. This technology could create molecular markers for breeding programs to develop new peanut lines.

Protective effect of provitamin A dietary carotenoid intake on overweight/obesity and their relation to inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers - a case-control study.

This investigation assessed associations between dietary carotenoid intake and the odds of overweight/obesity, as well as inflammatory/oxidative stress biomarkers, in 851 participants with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25 kg m-2) and 754 normal-weight controls. A 124-item food-frequency-questionnaire (FFQ) and food composition databases were employed to estimate carotenoid intake. Binary logistic regressions assessed the association of carotenoid intake with the odds of overweight/obesity, adjusting for several potential confounders. Multiple linear regression models revealed associations between carotenoid intake and biomarkers (anthropometrics, blood lipids, inflammation, antioxidant status). Logistic regression models adjusted for various confounders and fruits and vegetables showed protective associations for provitamin A carotenoids (i.e., ß-carotene + α-carotene + ß-cryptoxanthin; odds ratio (OR): 0.655, p = 0.041) and astaxanthin (OR: 0.859, p = 0.017). Similarly adjusted multiple linear regressions revealed significant associations between several carotenoids and lower levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α and increased IL-10 and total antioxidant capacity. Further analysis revealed that lycopene was significantly associated with increased odds of overweight/obesity (OR: 1.595, p = 0.032) in a model adjusted for various confounders and vegetables (i.e., unadjusted for fruits). A protective association between the sum of provitamin A carotenoid and astaxanthin dietary intake and the odds of having overweight/obesity was found. The findings that carotenoids other than lycopene were not or inversely associated with the odds of overweight/obesity may point toward differentiating effects of various carotenoids or their associations with different food groups. Provitamin A rich food items including fruits and vegetables appear to be a prudent strategy to reduce inflammation and the odds of having overweight/obesity.

Do red and yellow autumn leaves make use of different photoprotective strategies during autumn senescence?

Our goal was to determine whether anthocyanin-producing species (red) use different photoprotective strategies to cope with excess light during fall senescence compared with non-anthocyanin-producing species (yellow). In a previous study, we found that a yellow species retained the photoprotective PsbS protein in late autumn, while a red species did not. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that red species make less use of zeaxanthin and PsbS-mediated thermal dissipation, as they rely on anthocyanins for photoprotection. We monitored four red (Acer ginnala, Rhus typhnia, Parenthocissus quinquefolia, Viburnum dentatum) and four yellow species (Acer negundo, Ostrya virginiana, Vitis riparia, Zanthoxylum americanum) throughout autumn senescence and analyzed pigments, protein content, and chlorophyll fluorescence. We found yellow species retained the PsbS protein at higher levels, and had higher dark retention of zeaxanthin in late autumn relative to red species. All species retained lutein and the pool of xanthophyll cycle pigments in higher amounts than other carotenoids in late autumn. Our data support the hypothesis that red species use anthocyanins as a photoprotective strategy during autumn senescence, and therefore make less use of PsbS and zeaxanthin-mediated thermal dissipation. We also found species-specific variation in the particular combination of photoprotective strategies used.

ß-Carotene production from sugarcane molasses by a newly isolated Rhodotorula toruloides L/24-26-1.

Production of carotenoids by yeast fermentation is an advantaged technology due to its easy scaling and safety. Nevertheless, carotenoid production needs an economic culture medium and other efficient yeast stains. The study aims to isolate and identify a yeast strain capable of producing carotenoids using a cost-effective substrate. A new strain was identified as Rhodotorula toruloides L/24-26-1, which can produce carotenoids at different pretreated and unpretreated sugarcane molasses concentrations (40 and 80 g/L). The highest biomass concentration (18.6 ± 0.6 g/L) was reached in the culture using 80 g/L of hydrolyzed molasses. On the other hand, the carotenoid accumulation reached the maximum value using pretreated molasses at 40 g/L (715.4 ± 15.1 µg/g d.w). In this case, the ß-carotene was 1.5 times higher than that on the control medium. The yeast growth in molasses was not correlated with carotenoid production. The most outstanding production of The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests demonstrated the antioxidant activity of the obtained carotenogenic extracts. This research demonstrated the R. toruloides L/24-26-1 strain biotechnological potential for carotenoid compounds. The yeast produces carotenoids with antioxidant activity in an inexpensive medium, such as sulfuric acid pretreated and unpretreated molasses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revealing the dynamics of saffron growth: Optimizing corm size and planting depth for increased yield synergies.

Saffron, the "golden spice" derived from Crocus sativus L., is renowned for its richness in secondary metabolites such as crocin and safranal, contributing to its unique properties. Facing challenges like decreasing global production, optimizing cultivation techniques becomes imperative for enhanced yields. Although the impact of factors like planting density, planting depth, spacing, and corm size on saffron growth has been studied, the interaction between corm size and planting depth remains underexplored. This study systematically investigates the interactive effects of corm size and planting depth on saffron growth and yield, providing evidence-based guidelines for optimizing cultivation. A factorial experiment, employing a completely randomized design, was conducted to assess the influence of corm size (05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) and planting depth (10cm, 15cm, 20cm) on saffron yield. Uniform-sized corms were obtained, and a suitable soil mixture was prepared for cultivation. Morphological and agronomic parameters were measured, and statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. The study revealed that planting depth significantly affected saffron emergence. The corms sown under 15cm depth showed 100% emergence regardless of corm size (either 05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) followed by 10cm depth corms. Corm dry weight exhibited a complex interaction, where larger corms benefited from deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms thrived at shallower depths. Similar patterns were observed in shoot fresh weight and dry weight. Specifically, the largest corm size (t3, 15.1-20g) produced the greatest fresh-weight biomass at the deepest planting depth of 20cm (T3), while intermediate-sized corms (t2, 10.1-15g) were superior at the shallowest 10cm depth (T1). The total plant biomass demonstrated that larger corms excelled in deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms were optimal at moderate depths. This research highlights the intricate interplay between corm size and planting depth in influencing saffron growth. Larger corms generally promote higher biomass, but the interaction with planting depth is crucial. Understanding these dynamics can aid farmers in tailoring cultivation practices for optimal saffron yields. The study emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to corm selection and depth placement, providing valuable insights for sustainable saffron production and economic growth.

Predicting Solvatochromism of Chromophores in Proteins through QM/MM and Machine Learning.

Solvatochromism occurs in both homogeneous solvents and more complex biological environments, such as proteins. While in both cases the solvatochromic effects report on the surroundings of the chromophore, their interpretation in proteins becomes more complicated not only because of structural effects induced by the protein pocket but also because the protein environment is highly anisotropic. This is particularly evident for highly conjugated and flexible molecules such as carotenoids, whose excitation energy is strongly dependent on both the geometry and the electrostatics of the environment. Here, we introduce a machine learning (ML) strategy trained on quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations of geometrical and electrochromic contributions to carotenoids' excitation energies. We employ this strategy to compare solvatochromism in protein and solvent environments. Despite the important specifities of the protein, ML models trained on solvents can faithfully predict excitation energies in the protein environment, demonstrating the robustness of the chosen descriptors.

Shrimp Waste Upcycling: Unveiling the Potential of Polysaccharides, Proteins, Carotenoids, and Fatty Acids with Emphasis on Extraction Techniques and Bioactive Properties.

Shrimp processing generates substantial waste, which is rich in valuable components such as polysaccharides, proteins, carotenoids, and fatty acids. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the valorization of shrimp waste, mainly shrimp shells, focusing on extraction methods, bioactivities, and potential applications of these bioactive compounds. Various extraction techniques, including chemical extraction, microbial fermentation, enzyme-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and pressurized techniques are discussed, highlighting their efficacy in isolating polysaccharides, proteins, carotenoids, and fatty acids from shrimp waste. Additionally, the bioactivities associated with these compounds, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, among others, are elucidated, underscoring their potential in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical applications. Furthermore, the review explores current and potential utilization avenues for these bioactive compounds, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management and circular economy principles in maximizing the value of shrimp waste. Overall, this review paper aims to provide insights into the multifaceted aspects of shrimp waste valorization, offering valuable information for researchers, industries, and policymakers interested in sustainable resource utilization and waste-management strategies.