Opuntia Research Articles

The genus Opuntia: main uses, lines of research and perspectives

The nopal (Opuntia spp.) is an emblematic and promising crop in México due to their intrinsics characteristics. The nopal belongs to the cactaceae family and the Opuntioideae genus, of which around 180 species have been reported and approximately 80 of them are present in México. Nopales have been cultivated since the first Mesoamerican civilizations for at least 14,000 years for the purposes of human food, livestock, and to produce pigment obtained from cochineal, which is an insect that parasitizes these crops. The fruit of the nopal is recognized as “tuna” in México or “prickly pear” in the rest of the world. In México, different species or genotypes of Opuntia are cultivated, mainly to obtain fruits or tender cladodes that are consumed as vegetables (nopalitos) and for livestock feeding, among other multiple uses such as biopolymers, biogas, dyes, cosmetics, natural medicine, etc. In the last decade, important research has been carried out on the genus in order to better understand its biology, physiology and genetics. This review addressed relevant aspects of the uses and research performed on Opuntia, as well as promising perspectives.

Optimization of Ultrasonication Probe-Assisted Extraction Parameters for Bioactive Compounds from Opuntia macrorhiza Using Taguchi Design and Assessment of Antioxidant Properties

Opuntia macrorhiza, commonly referred to as red prickly pear, is a type of cactus fruit. The Opuntia macrorhiza (OM) fruit is rich in polyphenols and contains a high amount of ascorbic acid and betalains. The fruit peels have demonstrated many biological abilities, including antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial activities. Ultrasound probe-assisted extraction (UPAE) is a highly promising method for efficiently extracting valuable molecules from natural sources. The objective of this study is to optimize the parameters of UPAE, including the appropriate solvent, liquid-to-solid ratio, extraction duration, and pulsation level. The aim is to maximize the yield of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, betalains, and ascorbic acid) from OM fruits (pulps and peels) and assess their antioxidant activities using Taguchi design. The optimal extraction conditions through the partial least squares method for OM pulp were determined to be aqueous extraction for 12 min with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 60 mL/g and 48 pulses/min, while for OM peels they were determined to be aqueous extraction for 20 min with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 60 mL/g and a pulsation of 48 pulses/min. The optimum UPAE conditions were compared with the values obtained from the optimum extraction under stirring extraction (STE). Overall, UPAE exhibited higher yields than STE. The obtained total polyphenol content ranged from 10.27 to 13.07 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight, while the betalain content ranged from 974 to 1099 μg/g dry weight. Overall, these fruits demonstrated potential as new components for food and medicinal uses due to their good health effects and lack of toxicity.

Development and Application of Mucilage and Bioactive Compounds from Cactaceae to Formulate Novel and Sustainable Edible Films and Coatings to Preserve Fruits and Vegetables—A Review

The accelerated ripening and senescence of fruits and vegetables is characterized by various biochemical changes that hinder the maintenance of their postharvest quality. In this context, developing edible films and coatings formulated with natural and biodegradable materials emerges as a sustainable strategy for preserving the quality parameters of these products in replacement of conventional petroleum-based packaging. Recently, plant-based polymers, including mucilage from different cactus species and/or their bioactive compounds, have been investigated to develop edible films and coatings. As the available literature indicates, the Opuntia genus stands out as the most used for mucilage extraction, with the cladode being the most exploited part of the plant. Conventional extraction methods are widely employed to obtain mucilages, which are applied to fruits and vegetables after being combined with plasticizing and cross-linking agents. In general, these films and coatings have proven effective in prolonging the shelf life and maintaining the nutritional, physical, and sensory quality of fruits and vegetables. Given their preservation potential, combining cactus mucilages with bioactive compounds, probiotics, and prebiotics represents an emerging trend in developing functional films and coatings. However, some limitations have been identified, such as the underutilization of different species and parts of the plant, the lack of standardization in extraction methods, and the absence of studies on the effects of the physicochemical properties of mucilages in the formulation and characteristics of films and coatings. Therefore, overcoming these limitations is essential for developing edible films and coatings with enhanced techno-functional properties and greater commercial viability.

Phenotypic Diversity of Morphological Traits of Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) and Its Agronomic Potential in the Amazonas Region, Peru

Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) is an economically significant cactus fruit in Peru, renowned for its rich nutritional profile and antioxidant properties while exhibiting wide biological diversity. This study aimed to morphologically characterize seven pitahaya accessions using qualitative and quantitative descriptors related to the cladodes, flowers, and fruits. Univariate and multivariate (FAMD, PCA, MCA, and clustering) analyses were employed to identify and classify the accessions based on their morphological traits. The analyses revealed three distinct groups: one consisting solely of AC.07; another with AC.02, AC.04, and AC.06; and a third including AC.01, AC.03, and AC.05. The first group exhibited superior characteristics, particularly in fruit traits such as the stigma lobe count (23.3), number of bracts (26.5 mm), and length of apical bracts (15.75 mm). The second group recorded the highest spine count (3.21), bract length (16.95 mm), and awn thickness (5.12 mm). The third group had the highest bract count (37) and an average locule number (23.65). These findings highlight the significant morphological diversity among the accessions, indicating the potential for classification and selection in pitahaya cultivation. The potential of AC.07 stands out in terms of its agronomic qualities, such as its fruit weight (451.93 g) and pulp weight (292.5 g), surpassing the other accessions.

Effect of replacing ground corn with cactus pear Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) on feed intake and digestibility, water intake, milk production and composition in Holstein × Gyr cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and digestibility of nutrients, production and composition of milk, and water intake of lactating dairy cows fed standard diets in which ground corn (C) was replaced by up to 100% in the diet by cactus pear (CP). Eight Girolando cows (½ Gyr x ½ Holstein), 3rd calf multiparous, with 60 to 80 days of lactation and an average weight of 450.0 ± 30.0kg, were randomly distributed in a double Latin square (4 × 4). Four experimental diets were evaluated: (100% C + 0% CP), (66.6% C + 33.3% CP), (33.3% C + 66.6% CP), and (0% C + 100% CP). There was a difference (P < 0.05) in the intake of CP and EE (kg.day- 1), with a quadratic effect and a linear reduction, respectively, with substitution. The maximum CP intake of 3.05kg.day- 1 was found at 46.07% and EE intake fell by 3.81g for each percentage unit of cactus pear added to the diet. There was a quadratic difference (P < 0.05) for DM intake in %BW and g.kg BW0,75, with maximum values of 3.97%BW and 186.8g.kg BW0,75 with the substitution of 54.83 and 53.17%, respectively. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) for the intake of NDF in %BW, with the maximum intake of 1.3% at the 74.69% substitution level. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in the digestibility of DM, NDF, and TDN, and for the other nutrients there was no substitution effect (P > 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in milk production and composition. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in water intake. Cactus pear can be used in a promising way to replace ground corn up to 100% in the diet of lactating dairy cows.

Storage Potential of Cactus Mucilage Powder for Incorporation into Foods and Production of Biopolymeric Films.

The objective was to investigate the physicochemical stability of stored cactus pear mucilage and assess the technological feasibility to produce polymeric films. Mucilage of cactus pear species Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck MIU and Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw-OEM was extracted and stored for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 months in the absence of light at a temperature of 26.5 °C and relative humidity of 41.3%. At each storage time, polymeric films were produced using hydrated mucilage (4%, weight-w/volume-(v)), glycerol (60%, v/v), and calcium lactate (2%, w/v). Among the species, MIU stood out due to its higher water and oil retention, but it also presented higher levels of phenolic compounds, and more intense peaks in Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) analysis. On the other hand, OEM is richer in carbohydrates, denser, and electrically conductive. The characteristics highlighted for each species are also observed in the principal component analysis (PCA). Both species are equally soluble in water, and more than 60% of their granules have a diameter of 250 mm. The resulting films of MIU exhibited increased resistance and permeability but were less soluble and transparent. Microscopically, greater homogeneity was observed, and the films were thicker, whitish, and thermally stable. Both species have the potential for producing polymeric films with various applications in the food industry, particularly as edible coatings.

Productive, Morphological and Nutritional Indicators of Cactus Pear in a Semiarid Region

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation depths (IDs) with brackish water and levels of organic fertilizer (OF) on the morphological aspects, production, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of cactus pear grown in a semiarid region. This experiment was conducted in an area already established for 2 years with cactus pear [Opuntia stricta (Haw.)] and started 18 months after the standardization cut. This was a 5 × 4 factorial design of five irrigation depths (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% evapotranspiration—ETo) and four levels of organic fertilizer (0, 15, 30, and 45 megagram per hectare—Mg/ha), with four replications. The water used in the experiment was classified with high salinity and low sodium content (C3S1), and presented an electrical conductivity of 1.73 dS/m. There was no effect of the ID × OF interaction on the morphological and productive characteristics of cactus pear (p &gt; 0.05); however, the ID × OF interaction promoted effects on ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent insoluble protein, neutral detergent insoluble ash, total carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates (p &lt; 0.05). The ID and OF levels separately influenced the productive, morphological and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the use of organic fertilizer at a level up to 45 Mg/ha, which is associated with the use of lower brackish water levels for the cultivation of cactus pear. This study’s findings provide new insights into reducing the use of potable water in crop irrigation for dryland regions and other regions.

Structure–Function Relationships and Health-Promoting Properties of the Main Nutraceuticals of the Cactus Pear (Opuntia spp.) Cladodes: A Review

Over the past decade, several studies have established a direct link between functional foods, nutraceuticals, and a reduced risk of oxidative-stress-related diseases. Nutraceuticals, which encompass a variety of bioactive molecules, exhibit both nutritional and therapeutic properties. The cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) is a plant genus with many species recognized as functional foods, largely attributed to their high content of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, pigments, and phytosterols. These compounds of different structures and functions possess different biological activities, contributing to the health-promoting properties of cactus pear. This makes cactus pears a valuable plant for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. While extensive research has focused on the nutritional profile of cactus pear fruits, the cladodes have received comparatively limited attention. Notably, the nutritional composition of cladodes can exhibit considerable variability, influenced by species and growing conditions. Furthermore, although various bioactive compounds have been identified in cladodes, studies elucidating their mechanisms of action, health benefits, and potential therapeutic applications remain insufficient. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing the understanding and utilization of cactus pear cladodes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure–function relationships of the main nutraceuticals found in cactus pear cladodes. It synthesizes data from recent and relevant literature to elucidate the content of these compounds in relation to species and geographical origin, while also detailing the main biological activities and health-promoting benefits associated with cactus pear cladodes.

Non-senescent species are not immortal: Stress and decline in two planaria species.

Potential immortality is observed in several species (e.g. prickly pear cactus, hydra and flatworms) and is indicative of their negligible or even negative senescence rates. Unlike in senescent species, which experience reduced individual performance with age due to physiological degradation, species with negligible or negative senescence display mortality rates that remain constant or decline with age, respectively. These rates vary across taxa and are correlated with life history traits. Yet, the extent to which variable resource availability, a key driver of variation in life history traits, impacts species that show negligible or negative senescence is currently unknown. Here, we examine whether and how variation in the quantity, quality and feeding interval of resources impact population structure, population performance and life history trait trade-offs in two long-lived planaria that do not senesce: Schmidtea mediterranea and Dugesia tahitiensis. In a full factorial design, different combinations of resource quantity (reduced intake, standard intake and high intake) and quality (high and low quality) were provided in two different feeding intervals (7-day and 14-day intervals) for 19 weeks. We show that variability in resource availability, via decreases in quantity, quality and frequency of resources, does not diminish population viability in either species but does result in suboptimal conditions of stress in S. mediterranea. The high population viability we report can be attributed to two different mechanisms: increased reproduction or increased investment into maintenance at the expense of reproduction. Moreover, which mechanism was responsible for said high population viability was context-dependent and modulated by the specific life history strategy of the two planaria species. We show that suboptimal conditions can cause stress responses that have significant impacts on non-senescent species. The context-dependent response we observe suggests that species that do not senesce but are subject to suboptimal conditions of stress may ultimately exhibit declines in performance and ultimately die. A clearer understanding of the impact of suboptimal conditions of resource availability on non-senescent species is needed to determine the extent of stress experienced and ultimately whether a species can truly be immortal.

Grape and tropical fruits wines from Cuba: characterisation and identification of novel enologic products through impact aroma compounds

ABSTRACT Cuban grape and tropical fruit wines are well recognised by consumers at international events, but research on them is still scarce and necessary to improve wine quality. The work aimed to identify the aroma profile of six Cuban wines produced from grapes (Aramon and Parra grapes), papaya (Carica papaya L.), cherry (Prunus cerasus L.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), cactus fruits (Pereskia aculeate L.) and star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.). The free and glycosidically bound volatile compositions were studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was discovered, for the first time in Cuban wines produced from tropical grape varieties and fruits, the presence of alcohols, esters, acids, aldehydes, lactones, ketones, terpenes, and a variety of volatile phenols. The results obtained contribute to a better understanding of the quality of Cuban wines of locally high commercial demand.

Sodium alginate edible films incorporating cactus pear extract: antimicrobial, chemical, and mechanical properties

The potential benefits of biodegradable and functional food packaging materials have garnered increasing attention in recent years. Sodium alginate (SA), a commonly utilized polysaccharide, is particularly noteworthy for producing biodegradable films for food packaging. This study aimed to investigate SA-based edible films enriched with various proportions of cactus pear peel extract (CPPE). We assessed the films and extracts for total phenolic content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, as well as mechanical properties. Cactus pear peels powder (CPPP) exhibited higher contents of total polyphenols (1243.82 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids (18.92 mg QE/100 g), and betalains (2.28 mg/100 g). The main constituents detected were catechol, pyrogallol, catechin, and alpha-coumaric acid, with concentrations of 1013.82, 223.45, 148.21, and 101.02 ppm, respectively, contributing about 45.71%, 9.85%, 6.54%, and 4.46% of the total phenolic compounds. The thickness of the SA films increased from 0.220 mm to 0.265 mm. The tensile strength values ranged from 1.98 to 3.12, while the elongation at break values for SA-CPPE films decreased relative to the plain SA film. Moreover, the inclusion of CPPE improved the barrier characteristics (with water vapor permeability values for SA films with 1%, 2%, and 3% CPPE ranging from 0.72 × 10−5 g·h−1·m−1·Pa−1 to 1.68 × 10−5 g·h−1·m−1·Pa−1) and induced variations in flexibility and resistance. The plain SA film did not exhibit any inhibitory activity against bacteria and fungi. However, the inclusion of CPPE in alginate films showed favorable antibacterial properties, which improved progressively with increasing CPPE concentration. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating active alginate-based films in food preservation.

Society based photovoltaic application of dye sensitized solar cell of Indium doped ZnO photoanode using cactus fruit via solvothermal method

In this work, Indium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles with various molar concentrations were synthesized by solvothermal method. The prepared nanoparticles were analysis using characterization. The structural properties of X-ray diffraction (XRD) used to obtain the hexogonal structure of nanoparticles. The surface morphology of prepared nanoparticles was magnification by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), The optical bandgap and functional groups were obtained by Ultra-Violet Visible spectra and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Then the fabrication of dye sensitized solar cell based on indium doped ZnO photoanode using cactus dye. The performance of J-V characterization demonstrate a high short-circuit photocurrent density of 2.83 mA/cm2 and open circuit voltage of 0.63with relevant solar cell efficiency of 0.92 % whereas DSSCs made from pure ZnO NPs exhibited a current density of 8.02 mA/cm2 with 0.19 % efficiency. To increase the light-harvesting efficiency, both the photoanode and photons absorption could be optimized and it good response for UV-region. From this reports dye and photoanode are suitable to increase the efficiency of solar cell.

Water Management Interventions, Organic Fertilization, and Harvest Time in Dry Land in the Biosaline Production of Cactus Pear.

Brackish water can promote physicochemical changes in the soil. Aiming to mitigate the effect of excess salts in the soil, the use of organic matter promotes restructuring. The aim was to evaluate the productive and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear under different brackish water depths (ID) and levels of organic matter (OM). A factorial arrangement of 4 × 4 × 4 with four replications was utilized. Plots consisted of ID (0, 12, 20, and 28% reference evapotranspiration-ETo), and subplots were composed of OM levels (0, 15, 30, and 45 t/ha) and days after planting (DAP; 180, 270, 360, and 450 days). The growth, yield, and chemical composition of cactus pear were affected by ID and OM and/or by their interaction. The regular and increasing application of ID from 192 to 456 mm/year and a rainfall of 110 mm/year in cactus pear crops in biosaline systems improves the growth, freshness, dry matter yields, accumulation capacity per unit area, and chemical composition of cactus pear. The increase in OM up to the range from 30 to 45 Mg/ha linearly increases the agronomic performance of cactus pear. Biosaline systems with cactus pear should be adopted with the combined use of regular supplementary ID and OM, measuring at 304 mm/year and 45 Mg/ha, respectively.

Effect of the Association of Levels of Potassium and Nitrogen from Coated Urea on the Forage Potential of Cactus Pear in Brazilian Savannah Soil

ABSTRACT The development of methods that aim to increase the water use efficiency in agricultural systems should be part of the objectives of research, and the cultivation of plants of lower water requirements, such as cactus pear, can be a good option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the association of potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) levels from coated urea, in two harvest years, on the agronomic characteristics and nutritive value of Nopalea cochenillifera cv Doce. A randomized block design in a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was adopted. The factors corresponded to two levels of K (40 kg and 60 kg ha−1 year−1), four levels of N (0, 60, 120, and 240 kg ha−1 year−1) and two harvest years (Years I and II). The plants were evaluated for growth, yield, chemical, and mineral composition, and nutritive value. The levels of K affected only plant height and K content in the plant. The agronomic variables and contents of ether extract and crude protein (CP) linearly increased along with the levels of N from the coated urea. There was a significant effect of interaction between N levels and harvest year on the contents of NDF, NDFap, NFC, fraction A+B1, Ca, and Mg. The level of 40 kg K ha−1 year−1 associated with 240 kg N ha−1 year−1 from coated urea provided the best results for the characteristics of growth, yield, and nutritive value of the cactus pear.

Comparative assessment of nutritional composition, phenolic compounds, antioxidative and antidiabetic properties of pilosocereus gounellei and Cereus Jamacaru: two unexplored cactus fruits from the Brazilian semi-arid

ABSTRACT In this study, we determine the chemical composition, bioactive compounds profile, antioxidant capacity and antidiabetic potential of two cactus fruits. Pilosocereus gounellei had the highest contents of ash (6.84%), lipid (7.79%), maltose (1.02 mg g−1), soluble fiber (10.85%) and minerals such as Mg. Thirteen volatile compounds (alcohols, terpenes, aldehydes and esters) were found in the fruits. Although higher amounts of quinic acid and quercetrin were found in Cereus Jamacaru, Pilosocereus gounellei had a higher content of p-coumaric acid and rutin. Regarding the functional potential, Cereus Jamacaru had the highest content of total phenolics (65.17 GAE g−1), total flavonoids (26.06 mg EC g−1), antioxidant capacity (28.67; 49.86; 158.79 µM TE g−1 for DPPH, ABTS and ORAC, respectively) and highest inhibition for α-amylase (84.84 ± 0.41%) and protein glycation. In view of their nutritional and bioactive characteristics, these species have great potential to be used in preparations with functional claims.

High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals New Viroid Species in Opuntia in Mexico.

In the main cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)-producing region in the State of Mexico, fruit production occupies the largest cultivated area with 15,800 ha, while 900 ha are cultivated for edible young Opuntia pads ("nopalitos") which are consumed as vegetables. Two composite samples consisting of cladodes of plants for fruit production (n = 6) and another of "nopalitos" (n = 6) showing virus-like symptoms were collected. Both sample sets were subjected to high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to identify the viruses and viroids. The HTS results were verified using RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Subsequently, 86 samples including cladodes from "nopalitos", plants for fruit production, xoconostles, and some wild Opuntia were analyzed via RT-PCR with specific primers for the viruses and viroids previously detected via HTS. Three viruses were discovered [Opuntia virus 2 (OV2), cactus carlavirus 1 (CCV-1), and Opuntia potexvirus A (OPV-A)], along with a previously reported viroid [Opuntia viroid 1 (OVd-1)]. Additionally, two new viroids were identified, provisionally named the Mexican opuntia viroid (MOVd, genus Pospiviroid) and Opuntia viroid 2 (OVd-2, genus Apscaviroid). A phylogenetic analysis, pairwise identity comparison, and conserved structural elements analysis confirmed the classification of these two viroids as new species within the Pospiviroidae family. This is the first report of a pospiviroid and two apscaviroids infecting cactus pears in the world. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the virome associated with cactus pears in Mexico.

Meat quality of Santa Inês sheep fed forage palm (Opuntia ficus-indica, Mill) and water restriction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical composition, fatty acids, and sensory properties of meat from Santa Inês sheep fed forage palm in the diet and with water restriction. They used 42 non-castrated male Santa Inês lambs, with about 180 days of age and an average weight of 21.6 ± 2.2 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and six repetitions, and the data were submitted to regression analysis, factorial (level × water), and contrast between the control treatment and others. The treatments consisted of the inclusion of spineless cactus (0, 30, 50, and 70%). In treatments containing cactus pear (36 animals), half of the animals were placed under voluntary water consumption restriction. According to the physicochemical characteristics analyzed, lipids suffered an increasing linear effect (p&lt;0.05) as they included spineless cactus in the diet of sheep. The control diet had the lowest percentage of lipids (2.44%). The inclusion of 50% cactus pear promoted a higher content of lipids (3.41), and restricting water intake resulted in higher lipid content (3.09). The inclusion of cactus pear and water restriction did not affect the profile of fatty acids in meat. In the studied sensory attributes (hardness, juiciness, flavor, color, aroma, and overall acceptability), only meat color suffered an increasing linear effect (p &lt; 0.05). With the inclusion of spineless cactus in the diet, the meat from the lambs received good grades from the panelists, showing good acceptability. This demonstrates that the cactus pear provides sufficient water and nutrients for animals, resulting in the deposition of intramuscular fat, thus becoming a good-quality meat.

The Use of a Natural Polysaccharide Extracted from the Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) as an Additive for Textile Dyeing.

The art of dyeing fabrics is one of the oldest human activities. In order to improve the fastness properties of dyeing products, various additives are added to optimize the uniformity of fibers and surfaces and improve dye distribution. Unfortunately, these additives can be harmful and very often are not biodegradable. This article reports on the possibility of using a natural additive for dyeing textiles: a polysaccharide extracted from the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica). One type of fabric was tested, silk, with different colors. Several samples were prepared and dyed for each color, adding the same additives but also a commercial chemical aid for one of them and the mucilage of Opuntia for another. The fastness of the applied dyes was evaluated by washing at different temperatures with a common liquid detergent. All samples were analyzed before and after washing with a colorimeter to evaluate the color changes. The results of the analyses reported and compared indicate the potential of prickly pear mucilage as an additive for dyeing silk, which is easily accessible, safe, and sustainable compared to other commonly used additives.

Integrating Local Knowledge on Cactus Pear from Brazilian Northeastern Communities for Culturally Responsive Chemistry Teaching

Integrating Local Knowledge on Cactus Pear from Brazilian Northeastern Communities for Culturally Responsive Chemistry Teaching

Cactus Pear Mucilage (Opuntia spp.) as a Novel Functional Biopolymer: Mucilage Extraction, Rheology and Biofilm Development.

The investigation of novel, natural polymers has gained considerably more exposure for their desirable, often specific, functional properties. Multiple researchers have explored these biopolymers to determine their potential to address many food processing, packaging and environmental concerns. Mucilage from the cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is one such biopolymer that has been identified as possessing a functional potential that can be used in an attempt to enhance food properties and reduce the usage of non-biodegradable, petroleum-based packaging in the food industry. However, variations in the structural composition of mucilage and the different extraction methods that have been reported by researchers have considerably impacted mucilage's functional potential. Although not comparable, these factors have been investigated, with a specific focus on mucilage applications. The natural ability of mucilage to bind water, alter the rheology of a food system and develop biofilms are considered the major applications of mucilage's functional properties. Due to the variations that have been reported in mucilage's chemical composition, specifically concerning the proportions of uronic acids, mucilage's rheological and biofilm properties are influenced differently by changes in pH and a cross-linker. Exploring the factors influencing mucilage's chemical composition, while co-currently discussing mucilage functional applications, will prove valuable when evaluating mucilage's potential to be considered for future commercial applications. This review article, therefore, discusses and highlights the key factors responsible for mucilage's specific functional potential, while exploring important potential food processing and packaging applications.