Ascorbic Acid Content Research Articles

Deciphering the Genomic Characterization of the GGP Gene Family and Expression Verification of CmGGP1 Modulating Ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis in Melon Plants.

Ascorbic acid (AsA), also known as vitamin C, is a well-known antioxidant found in living entities that plays an essential role in growth and development, as well as in defensive mechanisms. GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase (GGP) is a candidate gene regulating AsA biosynthesis at the translational and transcriptional levels in plants. In the current study, we conducted genome-wide bioinformatic analysis and pinpointed a single AsA synthesis rate-limiting enzyme gene in melon (CmGGP1). The protein prediction analysis depicted that the CmGGP1 protein does not have a signaling peptide or transmembrane structure and mainly functions in the chloroplast or nucleus. The constructed phylogenetic tree analysis in multispecies showed that the CmGGP1 protein has a highly conserved motif in cucurbit crops. The structural variation analysis of the CmGGP1 gene in different domesticated melon germplasms showed a single non-synonymous type-base mutation and indicated that this gene was selected by domestication during evolution. Wild-type (WT) and landrace (LDR) germplasms of melon depicted close relationships to each other, and improved-type (IMP) varieties showed modern domestication selection. The endogenous quantification of AsA content in both the young and old leaves of nine melon varieties exhibited the major differentiations for AsA synthesis and metabolism. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis of gene co-expression showed that AsA biosynthesis in leaves was greater than AsA metabolic consumption, and four putative interactive genes (MELO3C025552.2, MELO3C007440.2, MELO3C023324.2, and MELO3C018576.2) associated with the CmGGP1 gene were revealed. Meanwhile, the CmGGP1 gene expression pattern was noticed to be up-regulated to varying degrees in different acclimated melons. We believe that the obtained results would provide useful insights for an in-depth genetic understanding of the AsA biosynthesis mechanism, aimed at the development of improving crop plants for melon.

Extraction, Isolation and Neuropharmacological Potential of Phyllanthus acidus L.

Because of their broad availability, low cost, low danger, and few side effects, medicinal herbs are vital in traditional medication all over the world. Traditional therapeutic herb Phyllanthus acidus L. is well-known for its calming possessions on the nervous system. Its roots are known for their activity against bacteria, inflammation, immunity stimulation, and erogenous properties, which contribute to potential health benefits. This study investigates the neuropharmacological effects of P. acidus L. in enhancing memory, targeting cognitive disorders and learning deficits. Analysis of the ethanolic extract’s phytochemistry of P. acidus L. revealed a rich composition of phytoconstituents. UV analysis and thin layer chromatography (TLC) bioassay demonstrated significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition by the extract. TLC and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analyses of the extract indicated distinct and well-separated spots, suggesting the presence of active compounds. Additionally, the extract was assessed for its total phenolic, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid content, revealing antioxidant properties through ex-vivo lipid peroxidation assays. The study concludes that the ethanolic extract of P. acidus L. exhibits memory-enhancing, antidepressant, and neuroprotective effects attributed to its AChE inhibition, modulation of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and antioxidant activity. This suggests its potential utility in Alzheimer’s dementia treatment, though further research is necessary to elucidate pharmacology with mechanisms of action and applications

Extension of Quality and Shelf Life of Tomatoes Using Chitosan Coating Incorporated with Cinnamon Oil.

This study examined the effects of 2% chitosan (CS) coatings incorporated with varying concentrations of cinnamon oil (CO) (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) on the extension of the quality and shelf-life of tomatoes stored under ambient conditions. Control samples were untreated and coated with distilled water. All samples were stored for 14 days at 25 ± 1 °C, with quality assessments conducted every two days. The application of CS-CO treatments was notably effective in controlling weight loss (3.91-5.26%) and firmness loss (10.81-16.51 N), sustaining the color index score (11.98-16.78), and stabilizing the total soluble solids (4.64-4.71 brix), titratable acidity (0.374-0.383%), total phenolic content (75.89-81.54 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid concentration (21.64-33.69 mg/100 g), total antioxidant capacity (85.89-91.54%) and pigment levels, particularly chlorophyll (52.80-63.18 mg/100 g), compared to control samples (p < 0.05). Higher CO concentrations (1.0% and 1.5%) in the CS coating maintained a significant level of phytochemicals in the samples compared to the control group, while CS-CO at 0.5% performed similarly in preserving the other physicochemical qualities. Both CS and CS-CO treatments extended the shelf life of the tomatoes up to 14 days (<6.78 log10 CFU/mL), whereas control samples were only viable for storage for 6 days due to higher microbial growth (>7.8 log10 CFU/mL) (p < 0.05). Overall, CS-CO-treated tomatoes demonstrated superior quality preservation and shelf-life enhancement, with a notable improvement in overall qualities as compared to the CS and control samples.

Assessment of bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, and enzymatic activity in different guava (Psidium guajava) cultivars

AbstractFresh fruits of five guava (Psidium guajava L.) cultivars were assessed for ascorbic acid (AA) content and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and ascorbate peroxidase [APX]) activities, while extracted peel and pulp samples were analyzed for total phenol (TP) and total flavonoids (TFs). The hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity was evaluated using six different analytical assays. We noticed significant differences in the antioxidant compounds (AA, TP, and TF). SOD and APX activities varied from ∼54 to 71 and ∼41 to 59 U/g FW, respectively. Cv. KG Guava had the highest TP (in both hydrophilic and lipophilic peel and pulp fractions) and TF (in hydrophilic pulp and lipophilic peel and pulp fractions). Therefore, the strongest antioxidant potential was exhibited by KG Guava using most of the assays, which was followed by the cultivars Kimchu and Salithong. The results provide valuable information about antioxidant potential of guava peel and pulp fractions, which is essential for their future application in the food and health industry.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal Ascorbic Acid Ameliorates Cold Tolerance in Rice Seedling Plants

Ascorbic acid (AsA) plays a crucial role in the physiological processes of rice plants when they encounter various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the specific mechanism by which AsA affects cold tolerance in rice seedlings remains unclear. Two rice genotypes, Zhongzao39 (ZZ39) and its recombinant inbred line RIL82, were exposed to cold stress, resulting in more damage observed in RIL82 compared to ZZ39. This damage included higher levels of relative electrolytic leakage (REC), malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2, a lower Fv/Fm, and a lower survival rate. A comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and metabolome data indicated that AsA was involved in regulating cold tolerance in ZZ39 and RIL82 seedling plants. AsA content increased in ZZ39 while it decreased in RIL82 under cold stress. Additionally, analysis of carbohydrate contents highlighted their important role in the responses to cold stress of these two genotypes. Importantly, exogenous AsA and sucrose, either alone or in combination, enhanced the values of maximum fluorescence quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and effective quantum yield (YII) as well as decreased H2O2 and MDA levels to improve cold tolerance in both genotypes compared with plants treated with H2O. These findings highlight the potential significance of AsA in mitigating the effects of cold stress on rice seedling plants.

Exploring the correlation between environmental pesticide exposure and antioxidant level in recently diagnosed cancer patients

Aim: Within biological systems thiol and ascorbic acid are important antioxidant that play roles in the antioxidant defense systems. In this study, we investigated the correlation between environmental pesticide exposure and antioxidant level in recently diagnosed cancer patients. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 87 participants (48 male and 39 female) including control, gallbladder, blood, and oral cancer patients. Serum total thiol content and antioxidant ascorbic acid levels were measured by biochemical method. We also examined whether there is any correlation between the plasma thiol content and ascorbic acid content in cancer prevention. Results: Analysis indicated that most of the cancer patients belonged to middle age and were mostly non-vegetarian. In the present study, it was found that the total thiol content of cancer pateints was high, while the ascorbic acid content was low in cancer patients as compared to control indicating the role of oxidative stress in cancer development. Interpretation: The present study suggests that pesticide exposure may increase the total thiol content and negatively impact ascorbic acid content in cancer patients. Key words: Antioxidant, Blood cancer, Epidemiology, Gallbladder cancer, Oral cancer, Pesticide

Effect of indoor dehydration on the chemical composition of Marselan grapes in Heyang of China.

Marselan is a red wine grape variety with great brewing prospects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of postharvest indoor dehydration on the quality of Marselan grapes. For two consecutive years, the harvested grapes were dehydrated naturally indoors (24-28°C). Fresh grapes were used as a control, and dehydrated samples were taken every 7 days during the period of dehydration until ending at day 28. Dehydration treatment increased degrees Brix, reducing sugars, glycerol, and malic acid. On day 7, there was an increase in protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, and total tannin of 26.00%-27.73%, 11.43%-52.52%, and 39.74%-70.45%, respectively. With increasing dehydration time, total phenols, total flavonoids and total flavanols in the skins were decreased by 17.05%-38.13%, 24.32%-57.38%, and 17.05%-59.48%, respectively, with an increase in pH, citric acid, and ascorbic acid contents of grape juice by 7.66%-21.43%, 100%-137.50%, and 61.29%-258.82%, respectively. On day 21, the esters were increased by 1.10-1.75 factors. Partial least square-discriminant analysis result of volatile compounds showed that ethyl acetate, 1-propanol, 1-propanol, 2-methyl-, 1-hexanol, and 1-butanol, 3-methyl- were the predominant characteristic flavor compounds during dehydration of Marselan grapes. The effect of indoor dehydration on Marselan grape quality offered application value for China's later dehydration wine production.

Bioactive compounds of fresh tea shoots plucked in different seasons: optimization of extraction of polyphenols

AbstractIn this study, the effects of harvest year and period on the total polyphenol (TP), radical scavenging activity (RSA), total flavonoid (TF) and ascorbic acid (AA) contents of fresh tea leaves were investigated. Extraction of polyphenols from the tea leaf was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of the independent variables ((solvent concentration, extraction time and solid to solvent (S/S) ratio)) on TP and RSA was studied using Box-Behnken design (BBD). The results showed that extraction parameters selected were significant in the extraction procedure regarding TP and RSA (p &lt; 0.05). The optimum extraction conditions were obtained as 1/60.86 of S/S ratio, 84.65% of ethanol concentration and the extraction time of 50 min. As a result of the extraction of tea leaves under optimum conditions, the TP, RSA and TF contents of the leaves harvested in September in 2020 were found to be higher. In addition, the individual phenolic compounds of these leaves were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was detected the most (57.52 mg/g DM). After in-vitro digestion of the same samples, TP and RSA values ​​were significantly decreased, mostly at intestinal stage (p &lt; 0.05), and the bioaccessibility of the polyphenols was determined as 48.98%. As a result of AA analysis by HPLC of the, the highest contents for 2019 and 2020 were observed in the leaves harvested in May (41.92 mg/100 g DM) and those in July (38.55 mg/100 g DM), respectively.

Effects of selected biostimulants on qualitative and quantitative parameters of nine cultivars of the genus Capsicum spp.

Abstract Despite the growing popularity of biostimulants among farmers, a major problem remains with their variable effects on individual species and varieties of cultivated crops. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose a suitable product for the given growing conditions while simultaneously considering species and varietal variability in crop cultivation. The goal of this study is to highlight different reactions of plants to the applied preparations within the monitored representatives of the Capsicum genus, with an emphasis on intervarietal variability. The experiments with two monitored and one control variants occurred during the growing seasons of 2020 and 2022 in Slovakia’s southwest region, characterized by a European continental climate with warm and dry summers. Seven varieties of Capsicum annuum and two varieties of Capsicum chinense were chosen based on actual growers’ preferences: “Žitava,” “Szegedi 80,” “Karkulka,” “Hodoníska sladká,” “Habanero Orange,” “Habanero Chocolate,” “Kristián,” “Damián” and “Kurtovska kápia.” In the present study, we observed the effects of selected commercial biostimulants – the combination of Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus in the first variant and the biostimulant Humix® Universal in the second variant – on bell pepper fruits. We evaluated three productivity parameters: fresh fruit weight per variety, weight of one fruit and number of bell pepper fruits per plant. From the qualitative parameters, we evaluated the content of ascorbic acid, capsaicin, carotenoids, and the American Spice Trade Association color value. The monitored biostimulants had variable effects in all pepper varieties, while some of them statistically significantly increased and others significantly decreased the monitored parameters. In conclusion, we state that the application of verified biostimulants did not have a uniform effect on the observed varieties of the Capsicum genus. Therefore, based on our results, we cannot generalize the effect of a specific biostimulant on a specific crop genus or species.

Variation in Nutritional Components and Antioxidant Capacity of Different Cultivars and Organs of Basella alba

Basella alba is a frequently consumed leafy vegetable. However, research on its nutritional components is limited. This study aimed to explore the variation in the nutritional components and antioxidant capacity of different cultivars and organs of Basella alba. Here, we primarily chose classical spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to characterize the variation in nutritional components and antioxidant capacity among different organs (inflorescences, green fruits, black fruits, leaves, and stems) of eight typical cultivars of Basella alba. The determination indices (and methods) included the total soluble sugar (anthrone colorimetry), total soluble protein (the Bradford method), total chlorophyll (the ethanol-extracting method), total carotenoids (the ethanol-extracting method), total ascorbic acid (the HPLC method), total proanthocyanidins (the p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde method), total flavonoids (AlCl3 colorimetry), total phenolics (the Folin method), and antioxidant capacity (the FRAP and ABTS methods). The results indicated that M5 and M6 exhibited advantages in their nutrient contents and antioxidant capacities. Additionally, the inflorescences demonstrated the highest total ascorbic acid and total phenolic contents, while the green and black fruits exhibited relatively high levels of total proanthocyanidins and antioxidant capacity. In a comparison between the green and black fruits, the green fruits showed higher levels of total chlorophyll (0.77–1.85 mg g−1 DW), total proanthocyanidins (0.62–2.34 mg g−1 DW), total phenolics (15.28–27.35 mg g−1 DW), and ABTS (43.39–59.16%), while the black fruits exhibited higher levels of total soluble protein (65.45–89.48 mg g−1 DW) and total soluble sugar (56.40–207.62 mg g−1 DW) in most cultivars. Chlorophyll, carotenoids, and flavonoids were predominantly found in the leaves of most cultivars, whereas the total soluble sugar contents were highest in the stems of most cultivars. Overall, our findings underscore the significant influence of the cultivars on the nutritional composition of Basella alba. Moreover, we observed notable variations in the nutrient contents among the different organs of the eight cultivars, and proanthocyanidins may contribute significantly to the antioxidant activity of the fruits. On the whole, this study provides a theoretical basis for the genetic breeding of Basella alba and dietary nutrition and serves as a reference for the comprehensive utilization of this vegetable.

Analytical study to measure the variability in quality factors attenuating the export of Kinnow/Mandarin fruit

The Kinnow (a King–Willow leaf mandarin hybrid) fruit is highly cultivated and produced in Pakistan. The Kinnow fruits collected from different orchard categories in three Tehsils, i.e., Sargodha, Kot Momin and Bhalwal of Sargodha District, from three plant elevations (top, center and bottom), were analyzed for physical (weight, size, uniformity in color, shape, citrus canker, rind blemishes, firmness, peel thickness, peel percentage and seed rate), chemical (total soluble solids, ascorbic acid contents and juice recovery) and sensory characteristics, as well as phytochemical evaluations. The weight of Kinnow fruit collected from the top of the plant in the orchard of Bhalwal ranged from 148.22 to 160.31 gs, whereas in Kot Momin it ranged from 149.62 to 170.96 gs. The highest percentage of fruits having orange color was present in Kot Momin (55–71 %), followed by Bhalwal (54–63 %) and Sargodha (51–54 %) areas. The fruits collected from Kot Momin showed the highest total soluble solids, i.e. 13.64–14.21 °Brix. Kinnow fruits collected from the orchards of Kot Momin Tehsil at the top level presented the highest ascorbic acid contents (38.43–48.25 mg/100 mL), followed by Bhalwal (29.73–40.38 mg/100 mL) and the least were found in Sargodha (21.63–28.58 mg/100 mL). In addition, the radical scavenging activity of fruit juices collected from the orchards of Kot Momin and Bhalwal was high. The results of all the attributes of each evaluation confirmed the wide range of differences between orchard location areas as well as fruit location on the plant. Such kind of conditions may lead to the attenuation of the exportable quality of Kinnow fruits. Due to these conditions, most of the fruits collected from the orchards of Sargodha were not considered as of export quality compared to fruits collected from Kot Momin and Bhalwal.

Magnetic composite – Based dual nanozymes derived from coffee ground waste: A sustainable approach for colorimetric assay and prolonged reuse

Nanozymes serve as an excellent substitute for traditional enzymes across various scientific domains, particularly in the colorimetric sensor array. Nonetheless, their tendency to aggregate into larger clusters and the challenges associated with recovery and reuse have limited their applicability, especially in the context of sustainable development. Based on the 3R principle “Reduce-Recycle-Reuse”, this study introduces a magnetic composite in which two typical nanozymes composed of silver nanoparticles and magnetite nanoparticles are immobilized on the activated carbon derived from spent coffee grounds using one-pot in-situ synthetic approach for easy recovery and long-term reuse. The successful synthesis of the targeted composite was verified through its characterization analysis techniques, including XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS, element mapping, HR-TEM, VMS, BET, and TGA. The experimental results revealed that the coexistence of these nanoparticles not only guarantees the magnetic property of the composite but also enhances its peroxide-mimicking activity in the catalytic oxidation of a reliable colorimetric substrate (3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine) through the predominant of •OH radical. The conditions for optimizing the catalytic efficiency of the composite were also presented. Under this condition, the targeted composite showed high accuracy, selectivity, and anti-interference ability in colorimetrically quantifying the ascorbic acid concentration, as confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography measurement. Notably, the catalytic activity, magnetic property, and fundamental characteristics of the proposed composite remained almost unchanged even after a series of at least 6 consecutive assays. This observation substantiates its remarkable capacity for prolonged reuse, a unique attribute not present in recently developed nanozymes.

Modes and methods of treatment of blackcurrant pomace with an enzyme preparation to increase juice yield

Blackcurrant is a multivitamin crop with high dietary and medicinal properties and is a source of exceptionally valuable raw materials for juice production, but its extraction is complicated by its chemical composition. The endocarp of blackcurrant fruit (the actual pulp) is formed by the slimy arylus surrounding the seeds, which prevents juice extraction. The purpose of this study was to scientifically substantiate the modes and methods of effective extraction of blackcurrant juice with preliminary enzymatic treatment of the pomace while preserving its natural chemical composition and biologically active substances. The study was conducted with blackcurrant fruits of the varieties Mynai Shmyrev, Belarus sweet, Novyna Prykarpattia in the laboratory of the Department of Technology of Storage and Processing of Plant Production and the Training and Production Department of the Uman National University of Horticulture. Research methods (physical, chemical, physical-chemical) and statistical processing of results (analysis of variance) are generally accepted. Blackcurrant fruit usually yields an unsatisfactory juice yield of 18-24%, which lacks its inherent colour. According to Harrington’s desirability assessment, enzymatic treatment with pectofoetidine increases the juice yield from crushed fruit to satisfactory (37-44%) and very good (57-60%) for crushed fruit (pomace), which is 2-3 times higher. During the fermentation of pomace, three stages are distinguished: the first is the destabilisation of the colloidal system of the pomace (up to 1 hour); the second is the degradation of the pomace structure (up to 2 hours); and the third is the stabilisation of the process (after 3 hours). Optimum conditions for pomace fermentation are ensured by using 0.03% by weight of the preparation suspension, a temperature of 42-45 °C, and a process duration of 2 h. This results in up to 60% juice extraction, 96-102% acid conversion and up to 97% ascorbic acid content. The increase in juice yield by 6-15% correlates with the characteristics of the variety. In juices with sugar, the content of ascorbic acid is 1.7 times lower, but its preservation reaches 98-99%. Sugar and hot bottling are the factors that stabilise ascorbic acid in juices. Increasing juice yield and improving its quality is economically and technologically feasible

Effects of three exogenous phytohormones on the growth, selenium absorption, and metabolism of the microalga Parachlorella kessleri under sodium selenite stress

Treatment of selenium (Se)-laden wastewater using microalgae has gained attention as it is environmentally friendly and cost effective; however, most microalgae are intolerant to Se. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of alleviating Se stress in Parachlorella kessleri exposed to 8 mg/L Na2SeO3 using indoleacetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA3), and melatonin (MT) and to explore the effects of their concentrations (5–80 μM) on the growth adaptability and Se biotransformation efficiency of P. kessleri. The results showed that the alleviation of Se4+ stress depended on the type and concentration of phytohormone used; MT conferred the best protection against Se4+ stress, followed by GA3 and IAA. The 20-μM MT treatment produced the highest algal biomass and chlorophyll a content, i.e., the algal biomass and chlorophyll a content increased by 102.68 % and 232.68 %, respectively, compared with that in the negative control (Se4+ stress). This increase was attributed to the enhancement of MT-induced antioxidant capacity of P. kessleri, which increased the endogenous ascorbic acid and glutathione content and decreased the superoxide anion content, thereby reducing the damage caused by membrane peroxidation. Most importantly, MT effectively promoted the absorption of Se4+ by P. kessleri while enhancing Se volatilization metabolism, alleviating Se toxicity by reducing the excessive accumulation of Se in cells, and increasing the removal efficiency of Se in the medium up to 84.63 %. Although MT reduced Se accumulation in biomass, the organic Se proportion remained >97 % and predominantly in the form of selenomethionine. These results demonstrated that MT has immense potential to alleviate Se4+-induced stress in P. kessleri and can be used as an effective regulatory strategy to promote microalgae-based resourceful treatment of Se-laden wastewater and gain insights into the mechanisms underlying the alleviation of Se toxicity.

Impact of ripening stages on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa) fruit

The Monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa) fruit is a tropical and subtropical African indigenous tree and its name is derived from the fact that monkeys eat the fruits. This study investigated the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Monkey orange fruit (MOF) at different ripening stages (unripe – green colour, semi-ripe - light yellow colour and fully ripe – yellow colour). Physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of MOF were determined. The results showed that the physical characteristics of MOF such as fruit weight and size, seed weight and pulp weight significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) with the ripening stages. However, the ripening stages did not affect the seed diameter of the MOF. A significant difference was observed in the L*, a*, b* and Chroma colour properties of MOF at different ripening stages. The Hue angle of semi and fully ripe MOF was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05). Chemical characteristics of MOF such as moisture content, pH, total soluble solids and sugar to acid ratio significantly increased with the ripening stages. However, extractable solids and total titratable acid decreased. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents significantly decreased with the ripening stages varying from 0.844 to 0.356 mg GAE/g and 0.714 to 0.031 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, ascorbic acid content decreased ranging from 128.67 to 73.01 mg/100 g. The antioxidant activity of MOF significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) during the ripening stages.

Physical, Chemical and Enzymatic Changes in Amla (Emblica officinalis) Fruit during Growth and Maturation.

Amla (Emblica officinalis) is one of the most prominent fruits in terms of nutritional and medicinal properties and is utilized for the preparation of many traditional processed foods and in Ayurvedic formulations. This study aims to investigate the enzyme activity and physical and chemical quality parameters during the growth and development stages of amla fruit for the determination of proper harvesting time to get optimum nutrient contents of fruit. The amla fruits of the chakaiya variety were harvested at 135 to 270 days after fruit set (DAFS) in 2021 and 2022 to study the various physical, chemical and enzymatic changes during growth and maturation. The geometrical and gravimetric attributes of the fruit, viz. diameter, height, weight, volume, surface area, sphericity, aspect ratio, and radius of curvature increased. However, density decreased with the growth and maturation of the fruit. Furthermore, the rolling resistance, yellowness index and firmness of the fruit increased during the entire harvesting period of 135 to 270 DAFS. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity of the fruits increased only up to 195 DAFS and after that, continuously decreased. In contrast, ascorbic acid concentration grew in the entire growth and development period. Tannic, phenolic compounds and naringin content of the fruit steadily dropped until the final stage of harvest. Pectin Methyl Esterase (PME) activity was detected very low, 0.009 unit/ml at 135 DAFS, but as the fruit grew and matured, activity increased to 0.307 unit/ml at 270 DAFS. Polygalactouronase (PG) activity was not detected until 210 DAFS and, thereforesignificantly increased with maturity. Considering the optimal value of all studied physical, chemical and enzymatic attributes of the fruit during the entire harvesting period of 135 to 270 DAFS, the optimal harvesting time of the fruit was 210 DAFS.

Assessing the Influence of Different Edible Coating Methods on the Shelf Life and Biochemical Characteristic of Tomato

The study investigated the " Assessing the influence of different edible coating methods on the shelf life and biochemical characteristic of Tomato" during storage. The experiment was laid out in the CRD with three replications. Each replication was comprised of ten treatments consisting of post-harvest edible coating materials viz., Aloe vera gel (10%, 20% and 30%), Bee wax (3%, 6% and 9 %), Guar gum (1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%) and control (without coating) were used for tomato fruits and various parameters were analyzed over a storage period of 15 days. The results indicated significant influences of the coatings on pH, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid content, TSS: acid ratio and sugar content. Overall, Aloe vera gel coatings, particularly at higher concentrations, showed the most promising effects in maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of tomato fruits. This research underscores the potential of edible coatings as a sustainable approach to postharvest management, contributing to reduced food loss and enhanced food security.

Seeking Optimal Extraction Method for Augmenting Hibiscus sabdariffa Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity

The dried flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS), available worldwide, have various applications in both non-medicinal and medicinal fields. The growing global interest in the health benefits of HS is linked to its potential prevention or management of non-communicable diseases. The aim of this research was to find the optimal extraction method that ensures the maximum yield of multiple beneficial bioactive components, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, vitamin C, β-carotene, antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging activity DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). To this end, stirring, pulsed electric field, and ultrasound-assisted extraction were evaluated, either alone or in combination. Under optimized extraction conditions, the obtained extract exhibited an elevated total polyphenol content (37.82 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight (dw)), total anthocyanin content (610.42 μg of cyanidin equivalents/g dw), total carotenoids content (921.84 μg of β-carotene equivalents/g dw), and ascorbic acid content (507.44 mg/100 g dw). Remarkably, the extracts exhibited strong antioxidant properties (487.51 μmol of ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g dw and 243.42 μmol AAE/g dw as evidenced by FRAP and DPPH assays, respectively). This research advances the parameters that should be employed to produce the optimal and nutritionally enhanced HS flower extracts, that can be used in the commercial sector.

Microwave promoted graft copolymerization of poly(ethylacrylate) onto k-carrageenan for removal of Cd and Ni from aqueous solution

Microwave promoted graft copolymerization of poly (ethyl acrylate) onto kappa-carrageenan in presence of a redox pair (ascorbic acid and potassium persulfate) led to the formation of a novel copolymer hydrogel, kappa-carrageenan-graft-poly (ethylacrylate). By varying the reaction conditions such as the microwave power, reaction time, concentration of kappa-carrageenan, ascorbic acid and persulfate, copolymers of highest percentage grafting was obtained and characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TGA and XRD. The copolymer was evaluated as an adsorbent for the adsorption of Ni(II) and Cd(II). Various adsorption parameters such as contact time, pH, initial metal ion concentration, temperature, electrolyte strength and adsorbent dosage were varied to obtain the optimum conditions for the adsorption. The adsorption data for Cd(II), fitted better for Langmuir and Ni(II), fitted much better for Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. Maximum adsorption obtained for cadmium ions and nickel ions was 308.6 mg/g-1 and 305.8 mg/g-1 respectively. The adsorption of both metal ions followed pseudo second order kinetic model. The positive ΔH values endorsed the adsorption process to be endothermic in nature. The negative values of ΔG indicate the spontaneity of the adsorption process while the positive ΔS values showed that the adsorption of metal ions proceeded with increased randomness at the surface of the copolymer. High recovery percentage of the metal ions from the adsorbent indicates that the copolymer can be used for more adsorption cycles.

Electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid using palladium supported on N-doped graphene quantum dot modified electrode

To precise screening concentration of ascorbic acid (AA), a novel electrochemical sensor was prepared using palladium nanoparticles decorated on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot modified glassy carbon electrode (PdNPs@N-GQD/GCE). For this purpose, nitrogen doped GQD nanoparticles (N-GQD) were synthesized from a citric acid condensation reaction in the presence of ethylenediamine and subsequently modified by palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs). The electrochemical behavior of AA was investigated, in which the oxidation peak appeared at 0 V related to the AA oxidation. Considering the synergistic effect of Pd nanoparticles as an active electrocatalyst, and N-GQD as an electron transfer accelerator and electrocatalytic activity improving agent, PdNPs@N-GQD hybrid materials showed excellent activity in the direct oxidation of AA. In the optimal conditions, the voltammetric response was linear in the range from 30 to 700 nM and the detection limit was calculated to be 23 nM. The validity and the efficiency of the proposed sensor were successfully tested and confirmed by measuring AA in real samples of chewing tablets, and fruit juice.