Carotenoids Research Articles

The optimization of spray-drying process for the development of apricot powder using response surface methodology

PurposeApricots are not only nutritionally-rich but also possess pharmacological significance owing to their high antioxidant activity, and they are rich in vitamins, fibers, bioactive phytochemicals and minerals. Because of its immense organoleptic characteristics, apricot juice (AJ) is well accepted; however, it has a limited shelf-life, thereby demanding it to be converted into other shelf-stable form. One of the approaches is converting this juice into dehydrated powder. Amongst the various dehydration techniques available, spray drying is usually preferred; however, it involves the use of several independent variables, which need to be optimized, thus prompting to optimize the process to obtain spray dried apricot powder (SDAP) with improved quality.Design/methodology/approachThe spray-drying process of apricot juice was done using the response surface approach. The process variables included the inlet air temperature of 135–220°C, gum arabic concentration of 4–25%, feed flow rate of 124–730 mL/h, feed total soluble solids (TSS) of 10-30°Brix and atomization speed of 11,400–28,000 rpm. The dependent responses were powder yield, hygroscopicity, solubility, moisture content, carotenoids (CT), ascorbic acid (AA), radical scavenging activity (RSA), lightness, wettability, bulk density, particle density and porosity.FindingsAmongst all independent variables, inlet air temperature had most predominant impact on all the investigated responses. The optimum processing conditions for development of apricot powder with optimum quality were 190°C inlet air temperature, 18.99% gum arabic, 300.05 mL/h feed flow rate, 24°Brix feed TSS and 17433.41 rpm atomization speed. The experimental values were found to be in agreement with the predicted values, indicating the suitability of models in predicting optimizing responses of apricot powder. Flowability as Carr's index (CI) (22.36 ± 1.01%) suggests fair flow of powder. Glass transition temperature of powder was 57.85 ± 2.03°C, which is much higher than that of ambient, suggesting its better shelf stability.Originality/valueTo the best of author's knowledge, very limited or very few studies have been carried out on the spray-drying process for the manufacture of SDAP. The results of this investigation will open up new horizons in the field of food industry in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India or elsewhere in the apricot-growing areas of India.

Laser flash photolytic generation of radical ions of carotenoids in organic solvents. Studies of their subsequent fates, including formation of stable carotenoid sigma dimer radical anion (CAR)2[rad

In this study, time-resolved laser flash photolysis technique (LFP) was used to generate and study extraordinary stable transients formed following the decay of radical anions of canthaxanthin (CAN) and astaxanthin (ASTA). The radical anions were obtained via one-electron reduction of CAN and ASTA by acetone ketyl radical (AC−) in various solvents. At room temperature, the decay of CAN− (λmax = 870 nm) and ASTA− (λmax = 1000 nm), in acetonitrile (ACN), led to the formation of indefinitely stable colored transients (blue-green for CAN and navy blue for ASTA) absorbing at shorter wavelengths (λmax = 690 nm and 720 nm, respectively) relative to their corresponding radical anions. Rapid quenching by oxygen was observed indicating the radical nature of these transients, which was further confirmed by EPR spectroscopy. By employing EPR spectroscopy, LFP technique, and UV–visible absorption measurements, these extraordinary stable transients were identified as sigma-dimer radical anions ((CAR)2−) formed via the dimerization of the parent carotenoid (CAR) with its radical anion (CAR−). The suggested structures of these dimers were postulated using DFT calculations, which indicated that the unpaired electron is delocalized over the entire molecule. This result is extremely important because of the paucity of reports on dimer radical anions in solution.

Yellow Tainting of Flesh in Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus): Origin of the Color and Procedures for Removal

Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is a commonly farmed fish in ponds in Bangladesh but its yellow flesh color creates a barrier for export. Here, we investigated if feed ingredients and environmental parameters might impact yellow tainting of the flesh. In experimental feeds, maize (a typical ingredient in commercial feeds) was replaced by soybean meal, and frequent exchange of pond water was introduced. Chemical analyses showed that the commercial feed was high in carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene; 18.8 mg/kg) as compared to the experimental feeds (≤1 mg carotenoids/kg). After feeding the fish commercial and experimental feeds for 9 months, the content of total carotenoids in the flesh was reduced by 48% to 64% and visual yellowness by up to 47% by the experimental feeds. Weekly or biweekly water exchange in combination with the experimental feeds further reduced the yellow coloration to 22% relative to fish given commercial feed and without water exchange. Our study demonstrates that pangasius with white flesh can be produced in Bangladesh by combining feeds low in pigments with frequent water exchange. 

Smartphone-assisted real-time estimation of chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations and ratio using the inverse of red and green digital color features

Chlorophyll (Chl) concentration is a reliable indicator of leaf nitrogen content and plant health status. Currently available methods for image-based Chl estimation require complex mathematical derivations and high-throughput imaging set-up along with multiplex image-preprocessing steps. Further, the influence of carotenoid (CAR)concentration has been largely ignored in the process. The present study describes a smartphone-based leaf image analysis method for real-time estimation of Chl concentration and Chl/CAR ratio. Color features were obtained from RGB (red, green, blue) images of spinach leaves using a smartphone, and inverse R and G values were calculated. Correlation analysis of color indices and photosynthetic pigment (PP) concentrations was performed, followed by principal component analysis (PCA). Linear mathematical modeling was performed for describing regression equations for predicting PP concentration. 1/R and 1/G indices showed strong positive linear correlation (0.93 < r2 < 0.96) with Chl and CAR concentrations, respectively. Furthermore, 1/R + 1/G and [1/R]/[1/G] presented strong positive linear correlation with Chl + CAR (r2 = 0.95) and Chl/CAR (r2 = 0.88), respectively. PCA confirmed the association of color indices with the respective PP features, which were subsequently estimated using the correlation models. A smartphone-based companion application was developed using the linear models for non-invasive, real-time estimation of Chl concentration and Chl/CAR ratio. 1/R and 1/G indices indicate the concentrations of Chl and CAR, respectively, via linear models. The smartphone application developed using the linear models enables real-time estimation of Chl concentration and Chl/CAR ratio without complicated image preprocessing steps or mathematical derivations.

Myna birds need more than carotenoid to keep spectacles yellow

Myna birds need more than carotenoid to keep spectacles yellow

Optimization and application of high-throughput supported liquid extraction for simultaneous determination of carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins in serum

The demand for analysis of carotenoids (CAR) and fat-soluble vitamins (FSV) is continuously expanding, but currently used sample preparation methods either require complicated extraction procedure or large sample volume, let alone the reliability of the results. This study aimed to develop a fast, high-efficient, and high-throughput method based on supported liquid extraction (SLE) for the simultaneous extraction of FSV and CAR from human serum before using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis. The optimization of SLE parameters was achieved through response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design (BBD) and included serum-water-extraction solvent ratio and eluent volume. Under optimal conditions, the proposed method gives acceptable limits of detection (LOD) (0.005–0.3 μg/mL), good recovery (89.6–110.9%) as well as relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 10.1% by consuming lower serum sample (100 μL) and less sample preparation time (2 min per sample). Compared with liquid-phase extraction (LLE), the SLE delivers rapid extraction with higher recovery, better reproducibility, and lower matrix effect for CAR and FSV analysis. The method has been successfully applied to quantify CAR and FSV levels in serum of healthy individuals and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed method for epidemiology and routine applications.

Effect of Hydrolysis on Tannin and Carotenoid Contents, and Antioxidant Activity of Pouteria campechiana

The medicinal properties of Pouteria campechiana fruit in Vietnam currently have not been studied much. This study was conducted to evaluate hydrolysis's effect on the carotenoid, tannin, and antioxidant activity through the correlation between IC50 and TPC values of Pouteria campechiana extract. This study examined hydrolysis conditions, such as enzyme type, enzyme concentration, temperature, and hydrolysis time. Experimental results showed that at pectinase enzyme concentration of 0.6 wt%, cellulase enzyme concentration of 0.6 wt%, at hydrolysis temperature of 600C, and 65 minutes for hydrolysis, the study found carotenoid of 115.14±4.14 (µg/g) and tannin of 45.88±2.37 (mgTAE/g)in the extract. IC50 value (7.82±0.21 mg/mL) and TPC content were highly correlated (R2=0.98). This study's results contributed to the provision of valuable scientific data on Pouteria campechiana fruit, especially for the food industry

Estimation of SPAD value in waterlogged winter wheat based on characteristic indices of hyperspectral and digital image.

To explore the optimal monitoring method for soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) of winter wheat under waterlogging stress based on hyperspectral and digital image techno-logy, the correlations between SPAD of the waterlogged winter wheat and fifteen indices of hyperspectral characteristic and fourteen indices of digital image feature were analyzed under a micro-plot which could be irrigated and drainage separately. Then, the BP neural network models for SPAD estimation were constructed based on the optimal monitoring feature indices. Compared with the normal winter wheat, SPAD and the value of hyperspectral reflectance did not change under short-term waterlogging (less than 7 d), whereas the SPAD was significantly decreased after more than 12 d waterlogging treatment with the value being close to zero at the late stage of growth. The estimation accuracy based on the digital image characteristics of green minus red, excess red index, norma-lized redness index and excess green index showed similar results compared to that using the BP network model based on the characteristics of the corresponding hyperspectral band. The highest R2 between the measured value and the predicted value was 0.86, while the root mean square error (RMSE) was 3.98. Compared with the BP network models built with the digital image feathers, the accuracy of the models based on the four hyperspectral characteristic indices (carotenoid reflex index, yellow edge amplitude, normalized difference vegetation index and structure insensitive pigment index) for SPAD was significantly improved, with the highest R2 of 0.97 and the lowest RMSE of 1.95. Our results suggest that both hyperspectral and digital image technology could be used to estimate SPAD value of waterlogged winter wheat and that the BP network model based on hyperspectral characteristic indices performed better in the estimation accuracy.

Armazenamento de pão doce enriquecido com frutos do cerrado

O Cerrado Brasileiro destaca-se pela biodiversidade de espécies frutíferas com grande potencial de uso alimentar. Dentre essas espécies, destaca-se o marolo (Annona crassiflora Mart.) e o pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), frutos que podem ser utilizados na alimentação, enriquecendo, por exemplo, produtos de panificação. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo visou estudar o efeito da substituição parcial da farinha de trigo por farinha de polpa de marolo (16 %) e farinha da casca (mesocarpo externo + exocarpo) de pequi (2 %) e da água pela polpa de marolo (30 %) sobre a qualidade de pães doces, ao longo de 5 dias de armazenamento. Dois tipos de pães foram elaborados, controle e enriquecido, embalados em sacos plásticos e armazenados, por cinco dias, em local seco e arejado. Para comparar as duas formulações foram realizadas as seguintes análises diárias: coloração, atividade de água, perfil de textura, perfil de fenólicos, atividade antioxidante, vitamina C, carotenoides e sensorial, sendo realizada análise centesimal apenas no tempo zero. O pão enriquecido com frutos do cerrado apresentou os maiores níveis de fibra alimentar, carotenoides, compostos fenólicos e antioxidantes e foi bem aceito sensorialmente. Houve efeito do tempo de armazenamento nas análises diárias. Pode-se concluir, que a substituição de farinha de trigo por farinhas de polpa de marolo e casca de pequi e de água por polpa de marolo foram efetivas no enriquecimento nutricional de pães doces, agregando-lhes apelo funcional e sensorial. O pão obtido pela nova formulação pode ser considerado uma alternativa saudável para alimentação escolar e sustentável.

Response of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with a bioactive olive pomace extract from Olea europaea to an experimental coccidial vaccine challenge

This study aimed to investigate an experimental procedure of coccidial challenge in battery cages and the anticoccidial effect of a bioactive olive pomace extract from Olea europaea (OE) in broiler chickens. To this end, four hundred 1-day-old male chicks were randomly assigned to 5 experimental treatments (10 cages/treatment; 8 birds/cage). One group was fed the control diet without any additives and not challenged (NCU). The other 4 groups were challenged and fed the control diet with no additives (NCC) or supplemented with 500 ppm of coccidiostat or with 500 or 1,500 ppm of OE. At 0, 7, and 14 d, all challenged birds, except the NCC group, were orally gavaged with a live Eimeria spp. oocyst vaccine at 1x, 4x, and 16x of the manufacturer's recommended dose, respectively. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at 7, 14, 20, and 28 d. At 20 d of age, 1 bird per cage was euthanized to analyze duodenum and jejunum morphology, ileal mucosa gene expression, and plasma cytokine, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and carotenoid (CAR) concentrations. Coccidial vaccine challenge lowered BW (P < 0.05) throughout the trial, and reduced FI and BWG, except from 20 to 28d, and increased FCR from 0 to 7, 0 to 14, and 0 to 20 d. Birds in the NCC group had higher (P < 0.05) oocyst counts and lower (P < 0.05) CAR and villus height to crypt depth ratios compared with NCU birds. Overall, coccidia challenge caused the expected reductions in growth performance and gut integrity. While the coccidiostat reduced oocysts excretion, dietary OE or coccidiostat had no effects on performance or gut integrity. The attenuated inflammatory response observed for all the treatments following the third infection can be attributed to the adaptation or immunization to the repetitive exposure to Eimeria spp.

CHARACTERIZATION OF LIPID SUBSTANCES OF ROSE HIP SEEDS AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS: A REVIEW

Functional foods receive the greatest attention for nutritional needs of specific consumers. The rose hip fruit, besides carotenoids and polyphenols, are also good sources of lipid substances (fatty acids, sterols and tocopherols), which can be used as functional foods instead of being discarded as waste. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the lipid characterization of rosehip seeds as affected also by the oil extraction procedure. The rosehip seeds oil is proven to be rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), sterols and tocopherols, which provide specific biological activities (anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antioxidant, anti-diabetic activity). In particular, the oil content of rose hip seeds ranges from 5 to 18 % and is composed of unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid (36-55 %) which is the most abundant one, linolenic (17-27 %) and oleic acid (15-22 %) respectively. As for the sterols, its content ranges around 5 g/kg constituting predominantly B-Sitosterol, whereas, the tocopherols amount to around 1 g/kg with Y-tocopherol being the most abundant.

Obtaining an extract rich in carotenoids with antioxidant capacity on a bank scale from agro-industrial residues of tree tomato (Solanum betaceum)

Los carotenoides son los compuestos químicos con mayor presencia en las cáscaras del tomate, son pigmentos naturales con capacidad antioxidante, estos se extraen utilizando solventes orgánicos como el etanol. En esta investigación se realizó una extracción de carotenoides utilizando etanol con una relación material vegetal/volumen de disolvente de 1/70 en los volúmenes de 0,5 L, 3 L y 5 L. Los extractos se caracterizaron físico químicamente y se compararon las medias obtenidas de cada ensayo para un nivel de significancia del 95% obteniendo para la escala de banco un extracto con un índice de refracción de 1,36, viscosidad cinemática de 2,09 cSt.s-1, concentración de licopenos de 0,51 mg.L-1 y una eficiencia del proceso de extracción de 34,34 mg.k-1, no presentando diferencias significativas con las escalas de laboratorio (0,5 L y 3 L). Los valores de porcentaje de humedad y pH a la escala de banco fueron de 99,90% y 5,69 respectivamente, presentando diferencias significativas ente las tres escalas. Se microencapsuló mediante secado por aspersión el extracto obtenido a escala de banco con los polímeros maltodextrina y goma arábiga obteniendo un 99,39% de eficiencia de microencapsulación, mediante espectroscopía infrarrojo fue corroborado la presencia de carotenoides dentro de las microcápsulas. Se obtuvieron microcápsulas con un porcentaje de inhibición de DPPH del 21,72% equivalente a una concentración de Trolox de 142,72 µmol.L-1.

Review of the antioxidant properties of wild edible plants in Ethiopia

This work aims to study the potential and importance of wild edible plants (WEPs) as antioxidants in treating different diseases caused by free radicals. A total of 67 species belonging to 50 genera under 36 families and naturally growing in Ethiopia were recorded after assessing all available documents. About 16.2% of the total (413) WEPs were recorded in the country. The plant families with more number of species known to have antioxidants are Amaranthaceae and Moraceae 7 species each. Fruits are the dominant edible parts followed by leaves. Compounds such as tannins, oxalates and phenolic acids are the major contributors to the antioxidant activity of vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants. Plants also have many phytochemicals which are a potential source of natural antioxidants such as phenolic diterpenes, flavonoids, flavonols, alkaloids, iridoids and saponins, High consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lowered occurrence of cancer, heart disease, inflammation, arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. Antioxidant components including vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoid, and plant polyphenols appeared to play a key role in reducing the development of such diseases. This review gives a general overview of the antioxidant properties of different parts of WEPs in a single volume and ease selection of the best species for further research. The chemical composition, antioxidant contents and energy values of wild plants consumed by Ethiopians indicated that they provide key nutrients such as carbohydrates minerals and vitamins. The plants will be lost along with their valuable nutrients and indigenous knowledge without proper management and conservation in the right places and habitats. Keywords: antioxidant, Ethiopia, health benefit, phytochemicals, wild edible plants.

Influência do tempo de infusão nas características físico-químicas e no conteúdo de compostos bioativos nutracêuticos de folha de mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes)

A folhas da mangabeira são popularmente utilizadas no preparo de chás e infusões com fins medicinais. Infusões de ervas apresentam propriedades benéficas devido as substâncias bioativas que atuam como antioxidantes. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as características físico-químicas e o conteúdo de compostos bioativos nutracêuticos e, verificar a influência do tempo em infusões de folhas de mangaba. As infusões foram preparadas em triplicada a 5 e 10 (I5 e I10) minutos, adicionando 1 g de material vegetal in natura em 50 mL de água fervente. Foram efetuadas análises para caracterização físico-química das folhas in natura, infusões e resíduos: cor e índice de escurecimento (I.E.); sólidos solúveis totais em ºBrix e; pH. As análises dos compostos bioativos foram: clorofilas, carotenóides e fenóis totais. Nas análises físico-químicas, o teor de sólidos solúveis totais não variou significativamente, indicando que os tempos analisados extraíram conteúdos similares. O I.E. permaneceu constante, indicando que o tratamento térmico não foi associado com a ativação enzimática e escurecimento. Entretanto, o tempo de infusão afetou significativamente os fitoquímicos. Os valores de clorofila total e suas frações variaram com diminuição progressiva em comparação da folha in natura em diferentes tempos de infusão, bem como os carotenóides totais, β-caroteno e fenóis, o que sugere influência do tempo na quantidade desses compostos presentes nas infusões, sendo que, a I5 proporcionou menor perda dos compostos comparado à I10, podendo correlacionar-se positivamente com a concentração de flavonóides e com a atividade antioxidante.

Relations between fruit chemical components of biquinho pepper cultivars in different crop seasons

The species Capsicum chinense, variety biquinho, has been gaining space in cooking, but little is known about its cultivars, mainly related to the chemical composition of fruits. The objective of this study was to characterize the nutritional composition of two biquinho pepper cultivars in different growing seasons and to define the relationships between the variables and their direct and indirect effects. An experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with two cultivars of biquinho pepper, two growing seasons. The variables were plastochron (PLAS), fruit mass (MASS), pH, total soluble solids (Brix), acidity, total phenolic compounds (PHE), carotenoids (CAR), antioxidant potential (ANT), capsaicin (CAP), and dihydrocapsaicin (DIH). The cultivar BRS Moema showed higher levels for chemical compounds, while the cultivar Airetama was the most productive. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to determine relationships among variables, and path analysis was used to determine direct and indirect effects between variables. The chemical composition of biquinho pepper is modified according to cultivar and growing season. Important relationships between pH and CAR, ANT, PHE, CAP, and pH. CAR and PHE have an indirect effect and the MASS and PLAS have a direct effect on the ANT.

Zinc and Paclobutrazol Mediated Regulation of Growth, Upregulating Antioxidant Aptitude and Plant Productivity of Pea Plants under Salinity.

Soil salinity is the main obstacle to worldwide sustainable productivity and food security. Zinc sulfate (Zn) and paclobutrazol (PBZ) as a cost-effective agent, has multiple biochemical functions in plant productivity. Meanwhile, their synergistic effects on inducing salt tolerance are indecisive and not often reported. A pot experiment was done for evaluating the defensive function of Zn (100 mg/L) or PBZ (200 mg/L) on salt (0, 50, 100 mM NaCl) affected pea plant growth, photosynthetic pigment, ions, antioxidant capacity, and yield. Salinity stress significantly reduces all growth and yield attributes of pea plants relative to nonsalinized treatment. This reduction was accompanied by a decline in chlorophyll, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (K+), the ratio between K+ and sodium (Na+), as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione reductase (GR). Alternatively, salinity increased Na+, carotenoid (CAR), proline (PRO), ascorbic acid (AsA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) over nonsalinized treatment. Foliar spraying with Zn and PBZ under normal condition increased plant growth, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, K+/Na+ ratio, CAR, PRO, AsA, GSH, APX, GR, and yield and its quality, meanwhile decreased Na+ over nonsprayed plants. Application of Zn and PBZ counteracted the harmful effects of salinity on pea plants, by upregulating the antioxidant system, ion homeostasis, and improving chlorophyll biosynthesis that induced plant growth and yield components. In conclusion, Zn plus PBZ application at 30 and 45 days from sowing offset the injuries of salinity on pea plant growth and yield by upregulating the antioxidant capacity and increasing photosynthetic pigments.

Pengaruh Perbedaan Pre-Treatment terhadap Stabilitas Karotenoid dan Fenol pada Ekstrak Sargassum duplicatum selama Penyimpanan

Karotenoid, fukosantin dan fenol merupakan senyawa yang terkandung pada rumput laut Sargassum duplicatum. Senyawa-senyawa ini berperan dalam menghambat radikal bebas. Namun, kemampuan penghambatan radikal bebas senyawa ini mempunyai kestabilan yang rendah, terutama terhadap perlakuan suhu. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan pengaruh pre-treatment suhu tinggi (blanching) dan suhu rendah (pembekuan) serta perlakuan terbaik yang dapat mempertahankan stabilitas senyawa aktif pada ekstrak metanol rumput laut selama penyimpanan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah experimental laboratories menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) faktorial 2x5 yaitu pola terbagi menjadi faktor suhu pengolahan (suhu tinggi dan suhu rendah) dan lama penyimpanan (0, 2, 4, 6, dan 8 hari). Blanching dilakukan pada suhu 95 oC sedangkan pembekuan pada suhu -27 oC. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan karotenoid, fukosantin, dan senyawa fenol dengan perlakuan blanching lebih stabil dibandingkan perlakuan pembekuan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa adanya interaksi antara pre-treatments dan lama penyimpanan yang berpengaruh nyata terhadap nilai total karotenoid, kandungan fukosantin, total kandungan fenol, dan nilai perubahan warna (ΔE).

Enhanced carotenoid production by Rhodopseudomonas palustris ATCC 17001 under low light conditions

Carotenoids (CD) are biological pigments produced for commercial purposes. Therefore, it is necessary to study and determine the optimal conditions for increased CD production. There is no consensus in the literature about the conditions that increase CD production. Some authors stated that CD will be preferentially produced at low light intensities, at this adverse condition, microorganism will increase CD production as a survival response mechanism to get more energy. Other authors have mentioned that CD concentrations increase as the light intensity supplied increases, to avoid the overexposure of light and in turn photo-inhibition. Additionally, to increase the specific CD production is also necessary to increase the amount of biomass. In this work, the ammonium concentration (high (HAC) and low (LAC)) and the low light (LL) intensity effect on the CD production was evaluated. Data showed that a high CD-specific concentration of 8.8 mg/gcell was obtained by using R. palustris ATCC 17001 under HAC and LL intensity. CD production was similar at HAC and LAC, suggesting that the light intensity has a greater effect on the specific CD concentration than the nitrogen concentration. In general, the results showed a low biomass production compared to the literature, with high CD synthesis.

Biometria do fruto e avaliações físico-química e antioxidante da farinha de calabura

A Muntingia calabura é uma espécie arbórea frutífera exótica introduzida no Brasil onde se adaptou muito bem os tipos de solos e clima tropical. O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a biometria do fruto e constituintes físico-químicos, carotenoides, compostos fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante da farinha do fruto inteiro de calabura. Os frutos apresentaram comprimento de 1,45 mm, diâmetro de 1,54 mm, massa fresca de 1,97 g e massa seca de 0,41 g. A farinha do fruto apresentou, umidade 6,61%, cinzas 3,72%, lipídeos 3,48%, °Brix 3,5, pH 6,67, cumarinas (+), para cor L* 29,35, a* 11,15, b* 19,98, C* 22,88, h° 60,82, vitamina A 7,74 µg de retinol, vitamina C 15,26 mg 100 g-1, vitamina E em tocoferol 0,11 m/m, carboidratos 85,76%, proteína total 0,43%, β-caroteno 92,94 µg 100 mL-1, licopeno 47,98 µg 100 g-1, compostos fenólicos 10,32 mg EAG 100 g-1, DPPH não foi detectado na amostra, e índice de oxidação igual a 20,5 segundos. A análise biométrica dos frutos apresentou resultados que constituirão novos dados para ecologia e genética desta espécie vegetal. A farinha do fruto inteiro apresentou teores de compostos importantes que podem ser utilizados pela indústria de alimentos para a produção de produtos funcionais, com características bioativas e farmacêuticas no estudo, elaboração e desenvolvimento na linha tópica como soluções fotoprotetoras devido aos teores de vitaminas, carotenoides e compostos fenólicos.

Analysis of physiological traits and expression of NHX and SOS3 genes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under salinity stress

A hydroponic experiment was conducted in a phytotron to study the effect of salinity on physiological traits and qRT_PCR analysis for gene expression was also done in bread wheat. Wheat genotype HD-2687, was grown in hydroponic under different salt concentrations of 100 mM NaCl, 200 mM NaCl & 250 mM NaCl along with control treatment. Various parameters were recorded during the experiment, viz., chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, relative water content, root area and root diameter. Based on the experiment, it can be concluded that salinity stress negatively impacted various physiological traits such as relative water content, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and root traits in bread wheat. The decline in various traits was exacerbated as the stress level was increased. Expression of genes involved in sodium ion homeostasis (NHX, SOS3) were up-regulated in root tissues of wheat subjected to salinity stress.