Bioavailability Of Β-carotene Research Articles

Bioavailability of encapsulated rosmarinic acid and β-Carotene in beef Sausages: A Caco-2 cell study

In this study, we examined the bioavailability and functionality of rosmarinic acid and β-carotene in beef sausages using Caco-2 cell models. Digesta from enriched sausages showed high antioxidant activity, with 89.2% DPPH and 87.65% ABTS inhibition. Micrographs revealed the impact of co-delivery during digestion, with significantly higher levels of rosmarinic acid in sample B (80% rice starch & 20% rice protein) and β-carotene in sample C (60% rice starch & 40% rice protein) compared to the control digesta, attributed to the rice-starch network ensuring targeted release. During the total absorption of sample C, rosmarinic acid was more bioavailable than β-carotene. The carrier material structure plays a crucial role in the release of bioactive compounds into the mixed micellar phase. Encapsulation and incorporation into suitable food matrices such as meat can enhance the bioavailability of rosmarinic acid and β-carotene, potentially leading to the production of healthier meat products. Caco-2 cells, which resemble human intestinal cells, were used to study the absorption and transport of bioactive compounds post-gastrointestinal digestion. In-depth knowledge of the digestibility of specific dietary matrices is required to understand the metabolic dynamics of these substrates, which ultimately affect their bioavailability. The creation of functional meat products using rosmarinic acid and β-carotene ensures their complete utilisation.

Preparation of high internal phase emulsions based on high-temperature glycation-modified egg white protein: Structural characteristics, stability, and β-carotene bioavailability under multi-parameter regulation

In recent years, freeze-thaw stability of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) has gained increasing attention. High-temperature glycosylation-modified proteins have shown to produce stable HIPEs. This study examines the effects of high-temperature glycosylation on egg white protein (EWP) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FO), focusing on how pH and EWP/FO ratios affect the structure of glycosylated EWPs (GEWPs) and HIPEs stability. Specifically, strong alkaline conditions promoted the glycosylation reaction, with the highest DG value at pH 11.0. At pH 5.0, close to the isoelectric point of EWP, GEWPs could not successfully stabilize HIPEs. However, they stabilized HIPEs under other pH conditions, with the best freeze-thaw stability and flocculation resistance when EWP ≥ FO. At pH 3.0, HIPEs had high viscosity and storage modulus, but phase transitions occurred after freeze-thaw when EWP ≤ FO. GEWPs-stabilized HIPEs formed gel structures with elastic properties upon thermal induction. Encapsulation experiments with β-carotene demonstrated that HIPEs prepared from GEWPs showed potential in DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging, improving β-carotene stability and bioavailability. Our findings show that GEWPs-stabilized HIPEs offer excellent stability, rheological properties, and carrier performance, with enhanced applications through optimized emulsifiers and preparation processes.

Low β-carotene bioaccessibility and bioavailability from high fat, dairy-based meal

PurposeThe original aim of the study was to determine, in a double-blind 3-arm crossover human trial (n = 7), the effect of supplemental levels of iron (25 mg) and zinc (30 mg) on β-carotene (synthetic) bioavailability (10 h postprandial). However, despite the high dose of supplemental β-carotene (15 mg) consumed with the high fat (18 g), dairy-based breakfast test meal, there was a negligible postprandial response in plasma and triglyceride rich fraction β-carotene concentrations. We then systematically investigated the possible reasons for this low bioavailability of β-carotene.MethodsWe determined (1) if the supplemental β-carotene could be micellised and absorbed by epithelial cells, using a Caco-2 cell model, (2) if the fat from the test meal was sufficiently bioavailable to facilitate β-carotene bioavailability, (3) the extent to which the β-carotene could have been metabolised and converted to retinoic acid/retinol and (4) the effect of the test meal matrix on the β-carotene bioaccessibility (in vitro digestion) and Caco-2 cellular uptake.ResultsWe found that (1) The supplemental β-carotene could be micellised and absorbed by epithelial cells, (2) the postprandial plasma triacylglycerol response was substantial (approximately 75–100 mg dL−1 over 10 h), indicating sufficient lipid bioavailability to ensure β-carotene absorption, (3) the high fat content of the meal (approximately 18 g) could have resulted in increased β-carotene metabolism, (4) β-carotene bioaccessibility from the dairy-based test meal was sixfold lower (p < 0.05) than when digested with olive oil.ConclusionThe low β-carotene bioavailability is probably due to a combination of the metabolism of β-carotene to retinol by BCMO1 and interactions of β-carotene with the food matrix, decreasing the bioaccessibility.Trail registrationThe human trail was retrospectively registered (ClinicalTrail.gov ID: NCT05840848).

Formulation and evaluation of red fruit (Pandanus conoideus) oil-based nanoemulsion loaded thermosensitive gel combined with solid microneedle for topical delivery

Red fruit (Pandanus conoideus) is a fruit that has been well-known for its ability to treat various diseases because of its abundant active ingredients. One of them is β-carotene, an antioxidant compound that could maintain the skin's health with many benefits. In this study, we developed a thermosensitive nanoemulgel formulation from red fruit extract that delivers β-carotene topically in combination with solid microneedles (SMN) to increase the bioavailability of β-carotene in the skin. The preparation of thermosensitive nanoemulgel was carried out using red fruit oil nanoemulsion and thermosensitive gel based on Pluronic® F127 and F68. The best nanoemulsion formulation droplet size was 103.43 ± 9.74 nm, with a PDI value of 0.204 ± 0.02. The characterization results showed that this thermosensitive nanoemulgel prepared has a bright reddish-orange color. Moreover, it is a liquid at room temperature and turns into a gel at body temperature to allow longer contact time with the skin. The dermatokinetic profile of the combination of red fruit oil-based thermosensitive nanoemulgel with 1 mm SMN showed a significant increase in the concentration of β-carotene up to 5-fold in skin layers for ex vivo (129.98 ± 13.39 μg/cm2) and up to 3-fold in skin layers for in vivo (51.24 ± 5.53 μg/cm2). Importantly, no hemolytic activity or irritation in vivo was found in the skin tissue, proving the primary safety of this preparation. For the first time, developing red fruit extract into a thermosensitive nanoemulgel form has provided promising approaches with safety for improving the bioavailability of β-carotene in the skin.

Encapsulation and protection of β-carotene in Pickering emulsions stabilized by chitosan-phytic acid-cyclodextrin nanoparticles

β-Carotene is a hydrophobic molecule that can be isolated from plants that acts as a natural pigmen and nutraceutical. However, the limited water-solubility, oxidative-stability, and bioavailability limit its utilization in functional food, supplement, and pharmaceutical products. Pickering emulsions stabilized by chitosan-phytic acid-cyclodextrin (CS-PA-CD) nanoparticles were prepared to improve the delivery, stability, and bioavailability of β-carotene. The impact of nanoparticle concentration (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% w/v) and oil phase fraction (30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% v/v) on the stability of β-carotene-loaded Pickering emulsions was investigated. The Pickering emulsions that were most stable to phase separation were formed at intermediate oil concentrations (50%-60% v/v). The encapsulated β-carotene exhibited improved resistance to heating (70 °C) and UV light exposure. Moreover, the bioaccessibility of β-carotene was also improved using a simulated gastrointestinal model. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of CS-PA-CD nanoparticles for forming and stabilizing Pickering emulsion-based delivery carrier for hydrophobic bioactive substances.

Improved bioavailability and antioxidation of β-carotene-loaded biopolymeric nanoparticles stabilized by glycosylated oat protein isolate

The limited bioavailability of β-carotene hinders its potential application in functional foods, despite its excellent antioxidant properties. Protein-based nanoparticles have been widely used for the delivery of β-carotene to overcome this limitation. However, these nanoparticles are susceptible to environmental stress. In this study, we utilized glycosylated oat protein isolate to prepare nanoparticles loaded with β-carotene through the emulsification-evaporation method, aiming to address this challenge. The results showed that β-carotene was embedded into the spherical nanoparticles, exhibiting relatively high encapsulation efficiency (86.21 %) and loading capacity (5.43 %). The stability of the nanoparticles loaded with β-carotene was enhanced in acidic environments and under high ionic strength. The nanoparticles offered protection to β-carotene against gastric digestion and facilitated its controlled release (95.76 % within 6 h) in the small intestine, thereby leading to an improved in vitro bioavailability (65.06 %) of β-carotene. This improvement conferred the benefits on β-carotene nanoparticles to alleviate tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress through the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 expression, as well as the promotion of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2. Our study suggests the potential for the industry application of nanoparticles based on glycosylated proteins to effectively deliver hydrophobic nutrients and enhance their application.

Co-delivery of vitamin C and β-carotene in W/O/W emulsions stabilized by modified aggregated insoluble soybean protein hydrolysate-xanthan gum complexes

Environmentally friendly emulsifiers safe for human consumption are urgently needed to stabilize emulsions for applications in the food industry. In this study, we prepared complexes combining modified aggregated insoluble soybean protein hydrolysate (AISPH) mixed with xanthan gum (XG) (0.05–0.3 %, w/v), and further to construct water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions to deliver vitamin C and β-carotene. We observed a decrease in the AISPH α-helix and β-sheet content, surface hydrophobicity, and fluorescence intensity all decreased after binding. In contrast, the particle size and absolute ξ-potential significantly increased, indicating that molecular non-covalent interactions occurred in the solution. The emulsification property of AISPH was also improved by adding XG, and the AISPH-XG-stabilized emulsion showed improved stability, encapsulation efficiency, and rheological properties. Among them, AISPH-XG-0.25-stabilized emulsion exhibited a smaller particle size (8.41 ± 0.49 μm) and the highest encapsulation efficiency for vitamin C (90.03 ± 0.23 %) and β-carotene (70.56 ± 0.06 %). Additionally, simulated gastric digestion indicated that vitamin C and β-carotene bioavailability increased by 3.6 and 5.8 times, respectively. Finally, the emulsion exhibited good pH, ionic, and thermal stability. In general, AISPH-XG-stabilized W/O/W emulsions showed good stability and carrying capacity, providing a theoretical basis for improving their application.

Oat protein isolate-Pleurotus ostreatus β-glucan conjugate nanoparticles bound to β-carotene effectively alleviate immunosuppression by regulating gut microbiota.

Individuals with immune disorders cannot establish an adequate defense to pathogens, leading to gut microbiota dysbiosis. β-Carotene can regulate immune response, but its bioavailability in vivo is very low. Herein, we developed a glycosylated oat protein-based nanoparticle to improve the application of β-carotene for mitigating cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and gut microbiota imbalance in mice. The results showed that the nanoparticles facilitated a conversion of β-carotene to retinol or retinyl palmitate into the systemic circulation, leading to an increased bioavailability of β-carotene. The encapsulated β-carotene bolstered humoral immunity by elevating immunoglobulin levels, augmenting splenic T lymphocyte subpopulations, and increasing splenic cytokine concentrations in immunosuppressed mice. This effect was accompanied by the alleviation of pathological features observed in the spleen. In addition, the encapsulated β-carotene restored the abnormal gut microbiota associated with immunosuppression, including Erysipelotrichaceae, Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium and Roseburia. This study suggested that nanoparticles loaded with β-carotene have great potential for therapeutic intervention in human immune disorders by specifically targeting the gut microbiota.

Impact of hypromellose acetate succinate and Soluplus® on the performance of β-carotene solid dispersions with the aid of sorbitan monolaurate: In vitro-in vivo comparative assessment

Solid dispersions (SDs) possess the potential to enhance the bioavailability of insoluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by effectively converting them into amorphous state. However, SDs have a tendency to recrystallize unless appropriate excipients are employed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of hypromellose acetate succinate HF (HPMCAS-HF) and Soluplus® to inhibit the recrystallization of β-carotene and improve its in vivo bioavailability through the fabrication of ternary β-carotene solid dispersions (SDs) with the aid of specific surfactant. Due to rapid micellization, the dissolution profiles of β-carotene SDs based on HPMCAS-HF/Span 20 (5:5, w/w) or Soluplus®/Span 20 (6:4, w/w) combinations exhibited significant improvement, which were almost 7–10 times higher than β-carotene bulk powder. DSC and PXRD analysis indicated a notable reduction in the crystallinity degree of β-carotene within the SDs. The stability study demonstrated a half-life of β-carotene in the SDs exceeding 30 days. Additionally, the in vivo pharmacokinetics analysis confirmed that the cellulose derivatives/surfactant combinations significantly enhanced the bioavailability of β-carotene by 1.37-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively. Notably, the HPMCAS-HF/Span 20 combination exhibited superior performance. Consequently, the HPMCAS-HF/Span 20 combination held potential for the advancement of an effective drug delivery system for β-carotene.

Effect of protein oxidation on the emulsion carrier prepared by rice bran protein for improving stability and bioavailability of β-carotene

The emulsion carriers which prepared by rice bran protein (RBP) with different oxidation extents were utilized to deliver β-carotene (BC). The effects of RBP oxidation extent on stability and bioaccessibility of BC in rice bran protein emulsion (RBPE) were investigated by measuring the droplet size, microstructure, digestive stability, cellular antioxidant, and delivery property of BC-RBPE. The results showed that BC-RBPE prepared by moderately oxidized RBP (extracted from rice bran with a storage time of 5 d) presented excellent digestive stability and delivery property during gastrointestinal digestion. The particle size of initial BC-RBPE, BC-RBPE after gastric digestion, and BC-RBPE after intestinal digestion were 509.73, 2149.33, and 997.82 nm, respectively. Compared with free BC suspension, the BC retention after gastric digestion and the BC bioavailability of BC-RBPE prepared by moderately oxidized RBP increased by 23.50% and 27.54%, respectively. In addition, the BC cellular antioxidant activity and BC cellular uptake of BC-RBPE prepared by moderately oxidized RBP were significantly higher than that of free BC-suspension, which increased by 29.63% and 13.84%, respectively. In summary, the study showed that oil-in-water emulsion prepared by moderately oxidized protein is a potential delivery system of BC, which can provide a theoretical basis for improving the utilization of protein by adjusting the extent of protein oxidation.

Dry Nutrition Delivery System Based on Defatted Soybean Particles and Its Application with β-Carotene.

Many nutrition delivery systems (NDSs) have been developed for the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of bioactive compounds, such as β-carotene. Most of those systems were prepared in solution, which is inconvenient for transportation and storage in the food industry. In the present work, we constructed an environmentally friendly dry NDS based on defatted soybean particles (DSPs) by milling a β-carotene-DSP mixture. The loading efficiency of the NDS reached 89.0%, and the cumulative release rate decreased from 15.1% (free β-carotene) to 6.0% within 8 h. The stability of β-carotene in the dry NDS was found to have increased in a thermogravimetric analysis. Stored for 14 days at 55 °C or under UV irradiation, the retaining rates of β-carotene in the NDS increased to 50.7% and 63.6%, respectively, while they were 24.2% and 54.6% for the free samples. The bioavailability of β-carotene was improved by the NDS too. The apparent permeability coefficient of the NDS reached 1.37 × 10-6 cm/s, which is 12 times that of free β-carotene (0.11 × 10-6 cm/s). Besides being environmentally friendly, the dry NDS can facilitate carriage, transportation, or storage in the food industry, and similar to other NDSs, it improves the stability and bioavailability of nutrients.

Improved stability and in vitro bioavailability of β-carotene in filled hydrogel prepared from starch blends with different granule sizes

The effects of starch blends used as a filled hydrogels (FH) on improving the stability and bioavailability of β-carotene. The starch blends were prepared from rice (R), potato (P), and quinoa (Q) starches with different granule sizes and physical properties. P, which forms very weak gels, was blended with R or Q to form a rigid gel with a fibrous network showing low tan δ values. Among the FH prepared with starch blends, PQ-FH showed a non-additive effect, resulting higher gel-forming ability and freeze–thaw stability than those of P-FH or Q-FH. In addition, the relatively high protective effect of PQ-FH for β-carotene in the FH can be explained by the action of P-FH, which was significantly stable at high temperature, and by the action of Q-FH, which was stable against pH changes. The retention rate of β-carotene after in vitro digestion was highest in Q-FH and lowest in P-FH. The low retention rate in P-FH was improved by starch blending, especially in PQ-FH. Although there were no significant differences in the apparent permeability of β-carotene in Caco-2 cells among FH samples, they all showed significant improvement in bioavailability compared to the β-carotene loaded emulsion (EM) used as a control. Starch blend-based FH can be an effective delivery system for functional materials with various industrial applications.

Study on the interaction between β-carotene and gut microflora using an in vitro fermentation model

β-Carotene, a typical non-oxygenated carotenoid, is the most efficient source of retinol (VA). The low bio-availability of β-carotene lead to large accumulation in colon; however, the relationship between β-carotene and gut microflora remains unclear. This study intends to explore the interaction between β-carotene and gut microflora using an in vitro fermentation model. After 24 h fermentation, the degradation rate of β-carotene was (64.28 ± 6.23)%, which was 1.46 times that of the group without gut microflora. Meanwhile, the production of VA was nearly 2 times that of the group without gut microflora, indicating that the gut microflora can metabolize β-carotene into VA. β-Carotene also influences the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the production of total SCFAs in 0.5 mg/mL β-carotene (BCM) group was (44.00 ± 1.16) mmol/L, which was 2.26 times that of the blank control (BLK) group. Among them, the production of acetic acid in BCM group was (19.06 ± 0.82) mmol/L, which was 2.64 time that of the BLK group. Furthermore, β-carotene significantly affected the structure and composition of gut microflora, increasing the abundance of Roseburia, Parasutterella and Lachnospiraceae, and decreasing the abundance of Dialister, Collinsella and Enterobacter (P < 0.05). This study provides a new way to understand how β-carotene works in human body with gut microflora.

Vitamin A deficiency during the perinatal period induces changes in vitamin A metabolism in the offspring. The regulation of intestinal vitamin A metabolism via ISX occurs only in male rats severely vitamin A-deficient.

1) To test the hypothesis of the existence of a perinatal vitamin A (VA) programming of VA metabolism and to better understand the intestinal regulation of VA metabolism. Offspring from rats reared on a control (C) or a VA-deficient (D) diet from 6weeks before mating until offspring weaning, i.e., 7weeks after mating, were themselves reared on a C or D diet for 19weeks, resulting in the following groups: C-C (parents fed C-offspring fed C), D-C, C-D and D-D. VA concentrations were measured in plasma and liver. β-Carotene bioavailability and its intestinal conversion rate to VA, as well as vitamin D and E bioavailability, were assessed after gavages with these vitamins. Expression of genes involved in VA metabolism and transport was measured in intestine and liver. C-D and D-D had no detectable retinyl esters in their liver. Retinolemia, hepatic retinol concentrations and postprandial plasma retinol response to β-carotene gavage were higher in D-C than in C-C. Intestinal expression of Isx was abolished in C-D and D-D and this was concomitant with a higher expression of Bco1, Scarb1, Cd36 and Lrat in males receiving a D diet as compared to those receiving a C diet. β-Carotene, vitamin D and E bio-availabilities were lower in offspring receiving a D diet as compared to those receiving a C diet. A VA-deficient diet during the perinatal period modifies the metabolism of this vitamin in the offspring. Isx-mediated regulation of Bco1 and Scarb1 expression exists only in males severely deficient in this vitamin. Severe VA deficiency impairs β-carotene and vitamin D and E bioavailability.

Increasing β-carotene bioavailability and bioactivity in spinach demonstrated using excipient nanoemulsions—especially those of long-chain triglycerides

This study sought to improve the biological fate of β-carotene obtained from spinach, using in vitro digestion, in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion, and in vivo approaches, to investigate the effects of excipient emulsions with medium- (MCT) and long-chain triglyceride (LCT) as a vehicle for improved health benefits of β-carotene. Results showed that the bioavailability and bioactivity of β-carotene were both significantly higher in the excipient emulsions relative to those without the emulsions. This was especially true when LCT was used as the vehicle. These results were confirmed by bioaccessibility, duodenal absorption, and in vivo absorption and metabolism. Furthermore, animal feeding studies revealed that LCT may have the potential to promote triglyceride and apo-B48 reconstitution and secretion. This suggested that LCT may facilitate the entry of carotenoids into circulation via the lymphatic pathway. These results highlight the importance of the optimization of excipient foods to improve the efficacy of lipophilic carotenoid.

Encapsulation of β-Carotene in Oil-in-Water Emulsions Containing Nanocellulose: Impact on Emulsion Properties, In Vitro Digestion, and Bioaccessibility.

The objective of this study was to explore the influence of nanocellulose type (nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)) and concentrations (0.05–0.20%, w/w) on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, and in vitro digestion of β-carotene loaded emulsions and β-carotene bioaccessibility. The optimum conditions for the formation of stable β-carotene loaded emulsions were found when NCC was used as a stabilizer at a concentration of 0.2% w/w. This was due to the rod-shaped structure of NCC, which led to more stable emulsions with smaller droplet size and reduced flocculation. During the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, NFC emulsions at increased concentrations were found to retard free fatty acid (FFA) release from the emulsions and reduce the bioaccessibility of β-carotene. On the other hand, NCC emulsions at concentrations of 0.2% w/w promoted lipolysis and demonstrated highest β-carotene bioavailability. Hence, these emulsions could be used for the delivery of β-carotene with potential applications in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Kinetic Study of Encapsulated β-Carotene Degradation in Dried Systems: A Review.

β-Carotene serves as a precursor of vitamin A and provides relevant health benefits. To overcome the low bioavailability of β-carotene from natural sources, technologies have been designed for its encapsulation in micro- and nano-structures followed by freeze-drying, spray-drying, supercritical fluid-enhanced dispersion and electrospraying. A technological challenge is also to increase β-carotene stability, since due to its multiple conjugated double bonds, it is particularly prone to oxidation. This review analyzes the stability of β-carotene encapsulated in different dried micro- and nano-structures by comparing rate constants and activation energies of degradation. The complex effect of water activity and glass transition temperature on degradation kinetics is also addressed, since the oxidation process is remarkably dependent on the glassy or collapsed state of the matrix. The approaches to improve β-carotene stability, such as the development of inclusion complexes, the improvement of the performance of the interface between air and oil phase in which β-carotene was dissolved by application of biopolymer combinations or functionalization of natural biopolymers, the addition of hydrophilic small molecular weight molecules that reduce air entrapped in the powder and the co-encapsulation of antioxidants of various polarities are discussed and compared, in order to provide a rational basis for further development of the encapsulation technologies.

β-Carotene Bioavailability and Conversion Efficiency Are Significantly Affected by Sex in Rats: First Observation Suggesting a Possible Hormetic Regulation of Vitamin A Metabolism in Female Rats.

To study the effect of variation in dietary vitamin A (VA) content on its hepatic and intestinal metabolism. Adult female and male rats are fed with diets containing 400, 2300, or 9858IU kg-1 VA for 31-33 weeks. VA concentrations are measured in plasma and liver. Bioavailability and intestinal conversion efficiency of β-carotene to VA are assessed by measuring postprandial plasma β-carotene and retinyl palmitate concentrations after force-feeding rats with β-carotene. Expression of genes involved in VA metabolism, together with concentrations of RBP4, BCO1, and SR-BI proteins, are measured in the intestine and liver of female rats. Plasma retinol concentrations are lower and hepatic free retinol concentrations are higher in females than in males. There is no effect of dietary VA content on β-carotene bioavailability and its conversion efficiency, but bioavailability is higher and conversion efficiency is lower in females than in males. The expression of most genes exhibited a U-shaped dose response curve depending on VA intake. β-Carotene bioavailability and conversion efficiency to VA are affected by the sex of rats. Results of gene expression suggest a hormetic regulation of VA metabolism in female rats.

Productive and Morphometric Traits, Mineral Composition and Secondary Metabolome Components of Borage and Purslane as Underutilized Species for Microgreens Production

Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) offer largely unexplored opportunities for providing nutritious plant food, while making agro-ecosystems more diverse and resilient to climate change. The aim of this work was to explore the potential of two typical Mediterranean underutilized species, purslane and borage, as novel vegetable product (microgreens). Micro-scale production of edible plants is spreading due to the simplicity of their management, rapid cycle, harvest index, and phytochemical value of the edible product. Microgreens, therefore, represent an opportunity to link NUS, nutrition, and agricultural and dietary diversification. By analyzing yield, antioxidants activities, mineral composition, and main phenolic acids and flavonoids, our work indicated that the two species provide interesting results when compared with those reported for crops and horticultural species. Specifically, purslane should be considered highly nutritional due to the amount of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, and to potential good β-carotene bioavailability. Borage microgreens have a very high fresh yield and a more composite and balanced phenolic profile. In conclusion, our work provided evidence for implementing new ways to expand the NUS market-chains and for developing added-value food products.

Effects of Microwave Intensity on Carotenoid Bioavailability in Carrot and Pumpkin during Microwave Vacuum Drying

In order to understand the effect of microwave intensity on the bioavailability of carotenoids in carrot and pumpkin during microwave vacuum drying (MVD), the changes of carotenoid bioavailability were evaluated by static in vitro simulated digestion model, and the changes of cell wall microstructure were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and optical microscope. The results showed that the cell walls of carrot and pumpkin were broken and the chromosomal structure was damaged seriously after MVD. After simulated digestion in vitro, the cell structure of the digestive juice of carrot and pumpkin was destroyed obviously, and the cell wall was broken seriously. The content of carotenoids released from the cells into the digestive juice was significantly higher than that of fresh samples. The bioavailability of carotenoids first increased and then decreased with the increase of microwave intensity. When the microwave intensity was 9 W/g, carotenoids in carrot and pumpkin had higher bioavailability, and the bioavailability of β-carotene significantly increased by 12.02 and 24.2 times compared with fresh samples(P<0.05). Therefore, the appropriate microwave intensity is helpful to improve the bioavailability of carotenoids in vegetables.