Extraction Of Carotenoids Research Articles

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

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

Design and Fabrication of DSSC and Monitoring Using Embedded System

Fossil fuel shortages, increasing prices of crude oil, and the shunning of conventional energy sources (such as coal or nuclear power plants) are some of the factors that have made sustainable forms of traditional energy gain more attention. Some examples include hydropower, wind power, geothermal power, and biomass processing. Solar power is also a very important source of alternative energy. To comprehend such improving progress in achieving higher solar-to-electricity efficiency and improved long-term operating stability, the development process and basic principles for DSSCs should be understood. An FTO electrode with titanium dioxide (Tio2) is being used here, as part of which we grow dye tuned to give the required color and conductivity. It is called an anode. A pencil was used to graphite the other FTO glass, which would then serve as the cathode. We are presently working on using an iodide electrolyte. Also, current density and voltage were monitored by the ESP8266 kit. Key Words: Dye-sensitized solar cell; Carotenoid Extract; Electrolyte; ESP8266.

Conversion of N-doped biochar from carotenoid-extracted Tetraselmis suecica and its application to produce supercapacitors

Microalgae are one of the promising feedstocks for biorefinery, contributing significantly to net-zero emissions through carbon capture and utilization. However, the disposal of microalgal byproducts from the manufacturing process causes additional environmental pollution, thus, a new application strategy is required. In this study, the Tetraselmis suecica byproduct from the carotenoid extraction process was carbonized and converted into biochar. The converted biochar was proved to be nitrogen-doped biochar (NDB), up to 4.69%, with a specific surface area of 206.59 m2/g and was used as an electrode for a supercapacitor. The NDB electrode (NDB-E) in half-cell showed a maximum specific capacitance of 191 F/g. In a full-cell test, the NDB-E exhibited a high energy density of 7.396 Wh/kg and a high-power density of 18,100 W/kg, and maintained specific capacity of 95.5% after charge and discharge of 10,000 cycles. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the carotenoid-extracted microalgal byproducts are a useful resource for the supercapacitor production. This approach is the first to convert T. suecica into active materials for supercapacitors.

Carotenoids production by Rhodosporidium paludigenum yeasts: Characterization of chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

The high market potential imposed by natural carotenoids has turned the scientific interest in search for new strains, capable of synthesizing a wide spectrum of these pigments. In this study, Rhodosporidium paludigenum NCYC 2663 and 2664 were investigated for carotenoids production and lipid accumulation utilizing different carbon sources (glucose, fructose, sucrose, mixture of glucose: galactose). Strain R. paludigenum 2663 produced the highest total carotenoids titer (2.21 mg/L) when cultivated on sucrose, together with 4 g/L lipids (30% w/w content) and 7 g/L exopolysaccharides. In the case of R. paludigenum 2664, glucose favored the production of 2.93 mg/L total carotenoids and 1.57 g/L lipids (31.8% w/w content). Analysis of the chemical profile during fermentation revealed that β-carotene was the prominent carotenoid. Strain 2663 co-produced γ-carotene, torulene and torularhodin in lower amounts, whereas 2664 synthesized almost exclusively β-carotene. The produced lipids from strain 2663 were rich in oleic acid, while the presence of linoleic acid was also detected in the lipoic fraction from strain 2664. The obtained carotenoid extracts exhibited antioxidant (IC50 0.14 mg/mL) and high antimicrobial activity, against common bacterial and fungal pathogenic strains. The results of this study are promising for the utilization of biotechnologically produced carotenoids in food applications.

Eco-Friendly Extraction: A green approach to maximizing bioactive extraction from pumpkin (Curcubita moschata L.)

The research focused on optimizing the accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) of carotenoids and polyphenols from pumpkin powder. The study optimized accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) of carotenoids and polyphenols from pumpkin powder. Using a mix of standard score (SS) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods, the extraction process was fine-tuned. The ANN model assessed extraction parameters' significance, achieving high predictability for total carotenoid content (TCC), total phenolic content (TPC), and free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH and ABTS methods). The analysis highlighted the most effective extraction at 50 % concentration, 120 °C temperature, 5 min duration, and 2 cycles, yielding high carotenoid and phenolic content (TCC 571.49 µg/g, TPC 7.85 mg GAE/g). HPLC-DAD profiles of the optimized ASE extract confirmed major carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Strong correlations were found between bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, emphasizing potential health benefits.

Elements of the C-terminal tail of a C-terminal domain homolog of the Orange Carotenoid Protein determining xanthophyll uptake from liposomes

Carotenoids perform multifaceted roles in life ranging from coloration over light harvesting to photoprotection. The Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP), a light-driven photoswitch involved in cyanobacterial photoprotection, accommodates a ketocarotenoid vital for its function. OCP extracts its ketocarotenoid directly from membranes, or accepts it from homologs of its C-terminal domain (CTDH). The CTDH from Anabaena (AnaCTDH) was shown to be important for carotenoid transfer and delivery from/to membranes. The C-terminal tail of AnaCTDH is a critical structural element likely serving as a gatekeeper and facilitator of carotenoid uptake from membranes. We investigated the impact of amino acid substitutions within the AnaCTDH-CTT on echinenone and canthaxanthin uptake from DOPC and DMPG liposomes. The transfer rate was uniformly reduced for substitutions of Arg-137 and Arg-138 to Gln or Ala, and depended on the lipid type, indicating a weaker interaction particularly with the lipid head group. Our results further suggest that Glu-132 has a membrane-anchoring effect on the PC lipids, specifically at the choline motif as inferred from the strongly different effects of the CTT variants on the extraction from the two liposome types. The substitution of Pro-130 by Gly suggests that the CTT is perpendicular to both the membrane and the main AnaCTDH protein during carotenoid extraction. Finally, the simultaneous mutation of Leu-133, Leu-134 and Leu-136 for alanines showed that the hydrophobicity of the CTT is crucial for carotenoid uptake. Since some substitutions accelerated carotenoid transfer into AnaCTDH while others slowed it down, carotenoprotein properties can be engineered toward the requirements of applications.

Pulsed electric field-assisted extraction of carotenoids from Chlorella zofingiensis

The present work aimed to evaluate the use of PEF as a pretreatment to carotenoid and chlorophyll extraction from two different C. zofingiensis biomasses, green (non-stressed) and orange (stressed). PEF treatment was performed by varying the electric field strength (15, 20, 25 kV/cm) and the treatment time (30, 75, 150 μs). The effect of incubation in a pH 7 buffer for 24 h after PEF and before extraction was also evaluated. The application of an intermediate intensity combined with higher number of pulses (20 kV/cm with 50 pulses) was sufficient to promote the extraction, yielding the highest contents of carotenoids and chlorophylls. The incubation promoted higher extraction yields for treatments performed with shorter treatment times and with mild electric field strengths. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the application of PEF combined with ethanol could represent a suitable approach for the extraction of carotenoids and chlorophylls from Chlorella zofingiensis biomass.

Carotenoids production and extraction from Yarrowia lipolytica cells: A biocompatible approach using biosolvents

The use of carotenoids, pigments with significant importance in the food and pharmaceutical industries, has been widely recognized because of their functions as colorants and antioxidants. The production of carotenoids from oleaginous yeasts is an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to that of synthetic carotenoids. Yarrowia lipolytica, due to its ability to synthesize high-value-added compounds, including carotenoids and lipids, has emerged as a promising biotechnological platform for this purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of biosolvents for carotenoid extraction with the goal of replacing toxic organic solvents that pose risks to both human health and the environment. The Solid-Liquid Extraction (SLE) technique was employed to disrupt the rigid cell wall and extract intracellular pigments. Subsequent extractions were conducted using a 2:3:1 (w/w/w) ratio of ethanol:ethyl acetate:water, resulting in a total β-carotene concentration of approximately 5 mg β-carotene equivalent/g dry biomass. The COSMO-SAC model was utilized to elucidate the solute–solvent affinity, and the results obtained were consistent with the experimental findings. To improve the process, various ratios of biosolvents were investigated, and a subsequent Solid-Liquid-Liquid Extraction (SLLE) was introduced. Process integration and adjustments to the mixed biosolvent composition achieved yields ranging from 50 to 100 % in just four consecutive extractions. The proposed integrative platform not only enhances the efficiency of the extraction process but also enables the fractionation and purification of bioproducts from Y. lipolytica cells, thereby maximizing their biotechnological potential.

Supercritical CO2 extraction of carotenoids from high Andean forest bee pollen

An oily bee pollen extract was obtained using the supercritical fluid technique (SFE) using CO2 as a solvent and conditions of pressure: 28 MPa, temperature: 60°C, gas flow: 5 L/min, and duration: 6 h. Initially, pollen samples were collected from different municipalities of Colombia, selected, and analyzed according to the content of total carotenoids (CCT) and yield of the extraction process. The results show CCT between 119 and 2140 µg β-carotene/g of sample, with yield percentages in obtaining oily extracts between 3 – 5%. For CCT in the oily extract, 385–6942 µg β-carotene/g of extract were obtained, where Guatavita pollen was the one with the highest content. According to the investigation, the authors derived that the technique of SFE positively affected the exine layer, shown in the observations by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

High-Pressure Processing of Fruit Smoothies Enriched with Dietary Fiber from Carrot Discards: Effects on the Contents and Bioaccessibilities of Carotenoids and Vitamin E.

The effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) (450 MPa/600 MPa/3 min) on the carotenoid and vitamin E contents of smoothies made from strawberry, orange juice, banana and apple, and the same smoothies enriched with dietary fiber from discarded carrots were compared. The contents and bioaccessibilities of these compounds were also evaluated over the course of 28 days at 4 °C. The application of HPP in the formulations significantly increased the contents of β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene and β-carotene and retained the contents of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E compared to untreated samples. A decreasing trend in the content of each compound was observed with an increase in storage time. The application of HPP initially led to reductions in the bioaccessibility of individual compounds. However, overall, during storage, there was an increase in bioaccessibility. This suggests that HPP influences cell structure, favoring compound release and micelle formation. HPP is a sustainable method that preserves or enhances carotenoid extractability in ready-to-drink fruit beverages. Furthermore, the incorporation of dietary fiber from carrot processing discards supports circular economy practices and enhances the health potential of the product.

Citrus Carotenoid Extracts Promote ROS Accumulation and Induce Oxidative Stress to Exert Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects in MDA-MB-231 Cells.

Citrus fruits are economically significant crops worldwide, as they contain various bioactive compounds that possess health-promoting properties. Carotenoids, as the most important component in citrus, exhibit notable pharmacological activities, such as antioxidation and anticancer, which make carotenoids valuable in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. In this study, after treatment with carotenoid extracts from XiYou (XY) and ZaoHongQiCheng (ZH), we evaluated the cytotoxicity, apoptosis, antioxidant system, and oxidative stress induced by ROS overproduction and MMP damage in MDA-MB-231 cells. The analysis confirmed that cell proliferation was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by G0/G1 arrest and cell apoptosis. XY and ZH promoted the accumulation of ROS, decreased MMP, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, consumed glutathione (GSH), and reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). Meanwhile, XY and ZH induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway by significantly upregulated P53, BAX, caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9 gene expression levels and downregulated Bcl-2. Carotenoid-rich extracts were found to cause oxidative stress by enhancing ROS production through their pro-oxidative potential, and the aggravation of oxidative processes promotes apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. These results indicate that citrus carotenoids can be used as potential pro-oxidants and have the potential to be developed into products for the prevention or treatment of breast cancer.

A New Method for Selective Extraction of Torularhodin from Red Yeast Using CO2-SFE Technique.

Torularhodin is a dark pink colored carotenoid belonging to the xanthophylls group that can be biologically synthesized by red yeasts, especially by Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces genera. The growing interest in this molecule is due to its biological activities such as antioxidant, anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer. To satisfy potential commercial markets, numerous methods have been proposed to develop a cost-effective and environmentally friendly downstream process for the purification of torularhodin. However, obtaining high purity products without resorting to the use of toxic solvents, which can leave residues in the final preparations, remains a major challenge. In this context, the present study aimed to develop a new efficient method for the isolation of torularhodin from the red yeast Rhodotorula strain ELP2022 by applying the extraction technique with supercritical CO2 (CO2-SFE) in two sequential steps. In particular, in the first step, the dried lysed biomass of yeast was subjected to the action of CO2 in supercritical conditions (CO2SC) as sole solvent for extraction of apolar carotenoids. In the second step, the residual biomass was subjected to the action of CO2SC using ethanol as a polar co-solvent for the extraction of torularhodin. Both steps were carried out at different operating parameters of temperature (40 and 60 °C) and pressure (from 300 to 500 bar) with a constant CO2 flow of 6 L min-1. Regardless of the operating conditions used, this method allowed to obtain an orange-colored oily extract and a red-colored extract after the first and second step, respectively. In all trials, torularhodin represented no less than 95.2% ± 0.70 of the total carotenoids in the red extracts obtained from the second step. In particular, the best results were obtained by performing both steps at 40 °C and 300 bar, and the maximum percentage of torularhodin achieved was 97.9% ± 0.88. Since there are no data on the selective recovery of torularhodin from red yeast using the SFE technique, this study may be a good starting point to optimize and support the development of industrial production of torularhodin by microbial synthesis. This new method can significantly reduce the environmental impact of torularhodin recovery and can be considered an innovation for which an Italian patent application has been filed. In a circular bioeconomy approach, this method will be validated up to a pilot scale, culturing the strain Rhodotorula spp. ELP2022 on low-cost media derived from agri-food wastes.

The Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Cell-Protective Properties of Bioactive Compounds Extracted from Rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) Fruits In Vitro.

Considering that Sorbus aucuparia fruits have been underutilized despite their tremendous potential, this study aimed to correlate the in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and cell-protective abilities of fruit extracts derived from Sorbus aucuparia Romanian cultivars with their phytochemical composition. Therefore, following the preparation of ethanolic and carotenoid extracts, phytochemical screening was performed using UV-Vis and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS methods. The antioxidant activity was analyzed using DPPH and FRAP tests. As the results revealed high contents of bioactive compounds (polyphenols 1.11 mg GAE/g DM, flavonoids 430.06 µg QE/g DM and carotenoids 95.68 µg/g DM) and an important antiradical action (DPPH 24.51 mg/mL and FRAP 0.016 µM TE/mL), we chose to further examine the fruits' biological properties. The antibacterial capacity was assessed employing agar well diffusion and broth microdilution techniques, with fruits displaying an intense activity against MSSA, MRSA and Enterococcus faecalis, but also E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cell-protective activity was analyzed on gentamicin-stressed renal cells, through MTT and Annexin V-FITC assays. Importantly, a significant increase in viability was registered on stressed cells following extract administration in low doses; nevertheless, viability was noticed to decline when exposed to elevated concentrations, potentially due to the cumulative actions of the extract and gentamicin. These findings offer novel light on the antibacterial activity of Sorbus aucuparia Romanian cultivars, as well as their cell-protective ability in renal cell injury.

Sustainable Green Extraction of Carotenoid Pigments: Innovative Technologies and Bio-Based Solvents.

Carotenoids are ubiquitous and versatile isoprenoid compounds. The intake of foods rich in these pigments is often associated with health benefits, attributable to the provitamin A activity of some of them and different mechanisms. The importance of carotenoids and their derivatives for the production of foods and health-promotion through the diet is beyond doubt. In the new circular economy paradigm, the recovery of carotenoids in the biorefinery process is highly desirable, for which greener processes and solvents are being advocated for, considering the many studies being conducted at the laboratory scale. This review summarizes information on different extraction technologies (ultrasound, microwaves, pulsed electric fields, pressurized liquid extraction, sub- and supercritical fluid extraction, and enzyme-assisted extraction) and green solvents (ethyl lactate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, natural deep eutectic solvents, and ionic liquids), which are potential substitutes for more toxic and less environmentally friendly solvents. Additionally, it discusses the results of the latest studies on the sustainable green extraction of carotenoids. The conclusions drawn from the review indicate that while laboratory results are often promising, the scalability to real industrial scenarios poses a significant challenge. Furthermore, incorporating life cycle assessment analyses is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of the sustainability of innovative extraction processes compared to industry-standard methods.

Benefits of isochoric freezing for carrot juice preservation.

Isochoric freezing (IF) at -5°C/77 and -10°C/100MPa was used to preserve carrot juice for 12 weeks. The juice qualities were compared to those using heat treatment (HT) at 95°C for 15s followed by cold storage at 4°C. The native population of total aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and molds in isochoric frozen juice remained below the detection limit for 12 weeks. In comparison, microbes started to grow in heat-treated juices after 3 weeks of refrigeration. The color of isochoric frozen juice appeared more deep orange than the fresh juice due to an increase in carotenoid extractability. IF was not effective in reducing the activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and pectin methyl esterase compared with HT. However, the isochoric samples showed higher carotenoid content, polyphenol content, and antioxidant capacity compared to the fresh and heat-treated juices. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Isochoric freezing was used to produce carrot juice with extended shelf life. Isochoric freezing could be a beneficial alternative to conventional heat treatment for carrot juice processing as the applied pressures reached total inactivation levels of spoilage microorganisms. Moreover, the low processing temperatures better retained desirable compounds and quality attributes of fresh juice throughout its shelf life.

Simultaneous determination of sulfonylurea herbicides in tomatoes using the QuEChERS method coupled with HPLC

The simultaneous determination of trace pesticides in complex matrices containing high concentrations of natural pigments remains challenging. In this study, quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation together with high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC–UV) was applied for the multi-residue analysis of seven sulfonylurea herbicides (SUHs) in tomatoes. SUH residue was extracted using the QuEChERS procedure, followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and dispersive SPE (d-SPE). To reduce the amount of carotenoids in tomato extracts, several d-SPE clean-up procedures were compared, and octadecylsilane (C18) provided the best color removal rate (%) of tomato extracts and recoveries (%) for all the tested SUHs. The validation results indicate good linearity (R2 > 0.9970), accuracy, and precision. Recoveries of 70–120% and relative standard deviations < 20% were achieved for all analytes at three spiked concentrations. The limits of detection and quantification for the 7 SUHs were 0.003 mg kg−1 and 0.008–0.009 mg kg−1, respectively. The developed method was subsequently used to quantify multi-residue SUHs during real sample analysis. None of the tested samples had SUH residue levels higher than the maximum residue limits established by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The results suggest that QuEChERS sample preparation employing a combination of C18 is a high-throughput and rapid clean-up procedure for the multi-residue analysis of SUHs in tomatoes.

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

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

Emerging Role of Eruca sativa Mill. in Male Reproductive Health.

A growing interest has been drawn to the use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of human diseases and, in particular, infertility and reproductive toxicity associated with environmental factors. The Mediterranean basin area is a recognized source of plant species with therapeutic interest. In this frame, Eruca sativa (ES) is an annual edible plant and a member of the Brassicaceae family. A relatively large number of studies, focusing on the biological effects of the extract from the leaves of ES on in vitro and in vivo models of disease, have been published in recent years. The present narrative review aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, possible pharmacological activities, and recognized effects of ES on male reproductive outcomes. Available investigations have revealed the presence of a number of compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols, glucosinolates, flavonoids, and carotenoids in extracts from ES. Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of the aforementioned compounds, we show that ES has possible preventive properties and therapeutic uses, especially in the functional derangements of the male reproductive system.

Optimization of bacterioruberin production from Halorubrum ruber and assessment of its antioxidant potential

Haloarchaea produce bacterioruberin, a major C50 carotenoid with antioxidant properties that allow for its potential application in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This study aimed to optimize culture conditions for total carotenoid, predominantly comprising bacterioruberin, production using Halorubrum ruber MBLA0099. A one-factor-at-a-time and statistically-based experimental design were applied to optimize the culture conditions. Culture in the optimized medium caused an increase in total carotenoid production from 0.496 to 1.966 mg L− 1 Maximal carotenoid productivity was achieved in a 7-L laboratory-scale fermentation and represented a 6.05-fold increase (0.492 mg L–1 d–1). The carotenoid extracts from strain MBLA0099 exhibited a 1.8–10.3-fold higher antioxidant activity in vitro, and allowed for a higher survival rate of Caenorhabditis elegans under oxidative stress conditions. These results demonstrated that Hrr. ruber MBLA0099 has significant potential as a haloarchaon for the commercial production of bacterioruberin.

Food waste as potential bioresources for extraction of carotenoid of nutraceutical importance: Current research and future challenges

Carotenoids are lipid soluble natural pigments found in various plants, animals, and microbes giving them their yellow, orange, or red hue. Carotenoids have been linked to a variety of health benefits as bioactive compound including antioxidant properties, reduced risk of certain cancers, improved ocular and cardiovascular health, and improved immune function and skin health to name a few. The global volume of wastage of edible part of food is accounts as 1.3 billion tons and a sizeable portion of this wastage have significant amount of carotenoid content which can be utilized for industrial purpose and economical values. However, most of these wastes are used as animal feed, composting and land filling. Although, chemical synthesis of carotenoids is possible, it has several disadvantages including complex extraction process, high cost, and low yield of final product and environmental impacts and safety concerns. The present review focuses on advances in extraction of carotenoid using non-thermal technologies, such as ultrasound assisted extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, and microwave assisted extraction, from various food wastes to utilize the waste. The green extraction of carotenoids from food waste materials is an area that has a lot of potential for future development. Using environmentally friendly extraction methods and utilizing food waste as a source of carotenoids, we can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food production system.