Lutein Content Research Articles

Feeding broccoli stems and leaves meal to 94‐ to 100‐week‐old layers increases carotenoid content in eggs

AbstractBackgroundByproducts of broccoli floret production, stems and leaves meal (BSLM), could be fed to older layers, likely increasing production and egg quality. However, BSLM contains glucosinolates, possibly unpalatable and harmful to layers at high concentrations.ResultsA corn‐soy control diet (n = 55) and an experimental diet (n = 55) containing 15 g kg−1 BSLM and 2.37 g kg−1 excess protein compared with the control were fed to non‐molted 94‐ to 100‐week‐old layers, genetically bred for high livability and production. Significance was assessed at p ≤ 0.05. Egg production was lower (p < 0.01) for the control compared with the experimental diet. For weeks 4–6, the experimental diet produced a lower (p ≤ 0.05) ADFI and FCR compared with itself and the control at weeks 0–2. FCR was lower (p ≤ 0.05) for the experimental diet. ADFI, egg weight, Haugh unit, and shell beak force were statistically similar. Yolks from the experimental diet had greater xanthophyll content (p ≤ 0.001) and color (p ≤ 0.01) but not greater ascorbic acid. Zeaxanthin in eggs from the experimental diet was temporally reduced.ConclusionsVariations of N in BSLM or other byproducts collected over large acreage should be considered when formulating diets. A follow‐up study across layer age and breeds should ascertain the effect of quantities of various dietary constituent (protein, BSLM, and fiber alone and in combinations) on production and carotenoids in eggs at 2‐week intervals. Studies involving heating methods and consumption of BSLM eggs and subsequent uptake of xanthophylls and carotenes by humans may help determine the value of these eggs for human health. Assessment of physiological conditions for layers fed broccoli at 15.00 g kg−1 in the diet will ensure lack of harmful effects for younger and older layers.

GhLCYε-3 characterized as a lycopene cyclase gene responding to drought stress in cotton

Drought stress significantly affects crop productivity. Carotenoids are essential photosynthetic pigment for plants, bacteria, and algae, with signaling and antioxidant functions. Lutein is a crucial branch product in the carotenoid synthesis pathway, which effectively improves the stress tolerance of higher plants. lycopene cyclase, a central enzyme for lutein synthesis, holds great significance in regulating lutein production. This research establishes a correlation between lutein content and stress resistance by measuring the drought resistance and lutein content of various cotton materials. To identify which crucial genes are associated with lutein, the lycopene cyclase family (LCYs) was analyzed. The research found that LCYs form a highly conserved family divided into two subfamilies, LCY-ε (lycopene ε-cyclase) and LCY-β (lycopene β-cyclase). Most members of the LCY family contain photoresponsive elements and abscisic acid elements. qRT-PCR demonstrates showed that most genes responded positively to drought stress, and GhLCYε-3 was expressed significantly differently under drought stress. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assay showed that the content of GhLCYε-3 was significantly increased with MDA and PRO, and the contents of chlorophyll and lutein were significantly decreased in pYL156 plants. The decrease in GhLCYε-3 expression is speculated to lead to reduced lutein content in vivo, resulting in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased drought tolerance. This research enriched the understanding of LCY gene family and lutein function, and provided a new reference for cotton planting in arid areas. SynopsisLycopene cyclase plays an important role in enhancing the ability of scavenging ROS and drought resistance of plants.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF NUTRITIONAL BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN IRRIGATED AND NON-IRRIGATED SAFFLOWER (CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L.) CULTIVAR CW 4440 ACHENES

Safflower cultivar CW 4440 was grown on two different water regimes: non-irrigated, and full-dose irrigated. Achenes were harvested and taken for biochemical analyses.They were found to contain low amounts of carotenoids, 2.38-4.38 mg/kg, with notable amounts of lutein and minor concentrations of xanthins. All carotenoids, except for cryptoxanthin, reached their highest values in irrigated plants, while β-carotene was found in detectable amounts only in irrigated plants. Phenolic inventory, on the other hands, was high compared to known data in literature: 40,627-44,574 mg/kg. Of these, hydroxycinnamic acids were dominant, with 26,023-28,233 mg/kg (63-64%). Flavonoids reached 11,854-13,201 mg/kg (29-30%), including a major fraction of flavanols (1,469-1,595 mg/kg). Stilbenes were another major component, with 2,516-2,750 mg/kg. All the highest values were found in irrigated plants.Oil content ranged from 6.1% in non-irrigated plants to over 11.7% in irrigated ones. Ascorbic acid content was low (349-756 mg/kg), while soluble sugars were 1,731-2,508 mg/kg.The concentrations of all these compounds, except for cryptoxanthin, were positively correlated to water dosage. The most affected by irrigation regime were carotenoids, ascorbic acids and oil. The least influenced were phenolic compounds.

Enhanced lutein and protein production with improved organoleptic properties in a novel yellow strain of Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa mutant through atmospheric and room temperature plasma mutagenesis and norflurazon-based screening

To achieve the triple purpose of enhancing lutein and protein contents as well as improving organoleptic properties in biomass of Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa mutant as raw material of future food, a novel yellow mutant, CX41 strain, was successfully selected through atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis and norflurazon-based screening. CX41 strain exhibited a significantly increased lutein (0.86 mg/g) and protein (49.00 % DW) contents simultaneously, while higher levels of total (33.47 % DW) and essential amino acids (14.78 % DW) were achieved with higher amino acid score (86.49) than that of the original A4-1 strain, a yellow and high protein mutant bred previously. Sensory evaluation showed that CX41 biomass has more comparable to A4-1, while in comparison to the wild type (WT), it has a more inclination towards roasted, with a fainter grassy, woody, rancid and fishy odor, and a significant improvement in taste is reflected by a decrease of 8.40 % in sweetness, a reduction of 14.86 % in bitterness, and an increase of 5.93 % in umami intensity. Metabolome analysis revealed that the superior sensory profile was due to the significantly reduced relative odor activity of β-ionone (herbaceous odor) and substances such as 1-octene, hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and heptanal (fishy and rancid odors). The extensive enhancements demonstrated CX41 biomass as a highly promising raw material with high nutrients of lutein and protein as well as excellent taste and flavor for future food application.

Effect of different drying temperature settings on the color characteristics of Tencha

Color is critical factor in the commercialization of Matcha. In this study, sensory evaluation, color difference analysis, as well as targeted and non-targeted analyses were employed to investigate the impact of different drying temperature settings on the color characteristics of Tencha. The findings revealed that compared to a single drying temperature setting, a two-stage or multi-stage drying process more effectively preserved the color quality of Tencha. Specifically, a setting involving an initial period of high-temperature drying followed by low-temperature drying (samples T_6, T_7, T_10, and T_13) resulted in superior tea color quality, characterized by higher chlorophyll content and lower levels of lutein and β-carotene. Chemometric analysis identified chlorophylls and their derivatives (chlorophyll a/b, pheophytin a/b, pyropheophytin a/b) as the key factors influencing Tencha's color. These results can provide valuable insights for optimizing tea processing methods to enhance quality.

Trade-Off Between Growth Regimes in Chlorella vulgaris: Impact on Carotenoid Production

With the increasing awareness of socio-environmental issues, a global trend has emerged emphasizing the valorization of natural ingredients that promote health and well-being within sustainable production systems, such as microalgae-based carotenoids. Currently, little is understood about the correlation between biomass productivity and carotenoid content, which is a fundamental parameter for facilitating the immediate expansion of microalgae bioprocesses and ensuring the availability and industrial viability of these compounds. In this context, this study aims to investigate the carotenoid profile of Chlorella vulgaris through growth curve experiments conducted under photoautotrophic and heterotrophic regimes. Additionally, a trade-off analysis was performed for the production of carotenoids from microalgae. Carotenoids were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS). The performance of kinetic phases and energy demands across growth regimes was assessed to provide insights into production trade-offs. The results indicated that a total of 22 different carotenoids were identified in all the extracts. The all-trans-lutein and all-trans-β-carotene were the majority compounds. The total carotenoid content of Chlorella vulgaris revealed significant differences in the kinetic phases of carotenoid production, indicating that carotenoid volumetric production is only viable if the cultures are conducted until the log and stationary phases, based on the function of the biomass volumetric production (weight.volume−1). Therefore, the best trade-off for the process was to provide photoautotrophic growth until the exponential phase (log). Under this condition, the maximum carotenoid and lutein content was 2921.70 µg.L−1, reaching a maximum cell biomass of 1.46 g.L−1. From an environmental/economic point of view, the energy demand was 7.74 kWh.L−1. Finally, the scientific advances achieved in this study provide a holistic view of the influence of the main cultivation methods on the production of microalgae carotenoids, suggesting a viable initial direction for different industrial applications.

Lutein Emulsion Stabilized by a Food-Grade Biopolymer Enhanced Lutein Bioavailability and Improved Retinal Vessel Morphology in Neonatal Rats with Retinopathy of Prematurity

BackgroundRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in infants, affecting 32% of hospitalized preterm babies. Oxidative stress, a primary pathogenic factor in ROP, triggers abnormal neovascularization of retinal vessels. Lutein, an antioxidant and the main component of macular pigment, is found in low levels in preterm infants and may help ameliorate ROP. However, its low bioavailability limits its application as a nutritional intervention. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of a lutein emulsion stabilized by a food-grade biopolymer on lutein bioavailability in neonatal rats with ROP and examine the effects of both unemulsified lutein and lutein emulsion on the disease. MethodsNeonatal rats were subcutaneously administered KRN 633 (10 mg/kg BW) on postnatal days 7 and 8 (P7 and P8) to induce ROP. Neonatal rats that did not receive the treatment served as the control. From P9 to P21, both ROP and non-ROP rats were divided into three groups and given daily doses of olive oil, unemulsified lutein (2 mg/kg BW lutein), or lutein emulsion (2 mg/kg BW lutein). On P22, serum and tissues were collected. Lutein concentrations were measured using UPLC, and retinal morphology was assessed using immunohistochemistry. ResultsRats treated with lutein emulsion had significantly higher serum and tissue lutein concentrations than those receiving unemulsified lutein. Morphological assessments showed that ROP rats had more tortuous arteries, increased capillary density, enlarged vessels, reduced astrocyte density, and decreased neuronal cells. Both unemulsified lutein and lutein emulsion alleviated these abnormalities, with lutein emulsion showing superior efficacy in restoring neuronal cell levels to normal in the peripheral retina. ConclusionsLutein, in both unemulsified and emulsified forms, effectively inhibited ROP progression in neonatal rats. The biopolymer-based lutein emulsion showed promise as a delivery system to enhance lutein bioavailability and mitigate ROP in preterm infants.

A reflection-spectroscopy measured skin carotenoid score strongly correlates with plasma concentrations of all major dietary carotenoid species except for lycopene

Skin carotenoids can be measured non-invasively using spectroscopy methods to provide a biomarker of total dietary carotenoid and carotenoid-rich fruit and vegetable intake. However, the degree to which skin carotenoid biomarkers reflect intakes of specific carotenoids must be determined for specific devices. Previously, findings were mixed regarding the correlation between reflection spectroscopy (RS)-assessed skin carotenoids and individual plasma carotenoid concentrations. The current study expands on prior analyses to examine the cross-sectional associations between adult RS-assessed skin carotenoids and individual carotenoid species intakes and plasma concentrations, controlling for potential covariates. We hypothesized that RS-assessed skin carotenoid scores would strongly correlate with all major plasma carotenoid species other than lycopene. Cross-sectional data from two prior studies (n = 213 and n = 162) examining the validity and sensitivity of RS-assessed skin carotenoids as a biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake were used. Skin carotenoids were assessed using the Veggie Meter ®, which quantifies combined skin carotenoid concentrations. Plasma concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein and zeaxanthin were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Self-reported carotenoid intake was estimated from validated food frequency questionnaires. Skin carotenoid scores correlated moderately to strongly with individual plasma carotenoid species (Pearson's r=0.52 – r=0.78) except for lycopene (r=0.04 to r=0.07). Low correlations between skin carotenoid score and lycopene plasma concentrations and intake could be due to differential deposition, preferential oxidation/degradation, and/or device measurement bias. Validating skin carotenoid measurement techniques relative to other concentration biomarkers informs the interpretation of skin carotenoid biomarkers.

Carotenoid and Phenolic Compositions and Antioxidant Activity of 23 Cultivars of Corn Grain and Corn Husk Extract.

As a byproduct of corn processing, corn husk is usually burned or disposed of. To make a better use of corn husk, its bioactive components need to be further explored. In this work, the carotenoids and phenolics of the extracts from the corn grain and corn husk of 15 different yellow corn and 8 different waxy corn were identified and quantified, and their antioxidant activities were assessed. The results showed many considerable variations in carotenoid contents. Four types of carotenoids were observed only in both yellow corn and black waxy corn. The highest lutein and zeaxanthin contents were both observed in yellow corn husks. Lutein dominates in yellow corn, ranging from 494.5 μg/g dw to 2870.8 μg/g dw, which is followed by zeaxanthin, ranging from 63.0 μg/g dw to 360.2 μg/g dw, and finally β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. The total content of polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) of the husk from 13 yellow corn cultivars, as well as the TPC of husk from 8 waxy corn cultivars, were all higher than those of their corn grain, with the highest TPC found in waxy corn husk. Additionally, a total of 20 phenolic compounds were identified, and ferulic acid showed the highest content and reached 1101.9 µg/g dw in a waxy corn husk. The average antioxidant activity of a waxy corn husk was 25-65% higher than that of a yellow corn husk, and the highest values were observed in the husk of the waxy corn cultivar Huhong 1. These results suggested that corn husk is a rich source of lutein and phenolics and provided excellent cultivars as a reference for functional food products in agriculture and the food industry.

Impact of pasture feeding cows and seasonality on the concentration of selected fat-soluble compounds in milk and their ability to be used as biomarkers of “Grass-Fed” dairy

This study investigated the impact of proportion of pasture in the cow diet on the concentration of selected fat-soluble compounds in milk including β-carotene, lutein, retinol (vitamin A), α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and zeaxanthin. Bulk tank milk samples (n = 102) were collected weekly (n = 34) across an entire lactation from three herds operating either a high (GRS), medium (PMR) or no pasture allowance (TMR) feeding system. Concentrations of β-carotene and lutein increased significantly with increasing pasture allowance, with a > 2 fold increase of β-carotene in milk, between high and no pasture allowance treatments. GRS feeding system resulted in milks with higher concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, and zeaxanthin, compared to both PMR and TMR systems. A biomarker model based on the fat-soluble compounds concentration in milk, demonstrated excellent differentiation of high pasture allowance derived milks from that of medium and no pasture milks, with area under the curve scores of 0.955 and 0.971 respectively. Strong correlations were observed between the concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in milk and the milks corresponding yellow colour, while a significant correlation was exhibited between β-carotene and b*-value. Such correlations with milk colour may have a significant impact on the consumer preference of milk and dairy products produced therefrom.

Effect of supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids on macular pigment and visual function in young adults with long-term use of digital devices: study protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Growing evidence emphasizes the importance of xanthophyll carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids in eye health. However, the beneficial effects of such supplementation have not been thoroughly discussed among adults with high screen exposure. Current trial evidence on lutein bioavailability is contradictory, and the interactions of dietary intervention with host-related factors remain elusive. This study aims to investigate the comparative effectiveness of supplementation with macular xanthophylls and omega-3 fatty acids on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual function, access the bioavailability of free lutein and lutein ester, and explore the complex interplay between genetic variations, intestinal microbiota, and the dietary intervention in Chinese adults with long-term exposure to digital devices. The Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Omega-3 (LZO) clinical trial is a 24-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 600 participants recruited from research centers, universities, and communities. Individuals are eligible to participate if they are aged over 18 years and use digital devices for over 8 h daily in the last 2 years, and will be randomized to six arms. A total of three visits will be scheduled at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in MPOD over the 24-week intervention. The secondary outcomes are changes in visual function (visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, contrast and glare sensitivity, critical flicker fusion, reaction time, visuognosis persistence, symptoms and signs of dry eye, retinal thickness, and optical quality), and changes in serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations, and erythrocyte membrane omega-3 fatty acids. Genetic variations will be determined using genome-wide genotyping at baseline. 16S rRNA gene sequencing will be utilized to assess microbiome compositional changes before and after intervention. The trial is anticipated to establish early interventions to prevent photochemical ocular damage and delay the onset of vision impairment in young adults with long-term repeated exposure to screen-based electronic devices, and provide valuable insights for the development of precision nutrition strategies for maintaining eye health. www.clinicaltrials.in.th, Identifier, TCTR20220904002.

Impact of Zinc Application on Growth, Yield, and Quality of African Marigold in Semi-Arid Conditions

Marigold is a widely cultivated, hardy flower crop known for its adaptability. Among the various intercultural practices in marigold cultivation, foliar application of zinc plays a critical role in enhancing yield and quality, however, standardization of this practice is necessary to optimize commercial production. Hence, the investigation aimed to standardize foliar zinc application for improving productivity in African marigold (Pusa Narangi Gainda) at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur, during 2020-21, and 2021-22. Two concentrations of zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄), Z1 (0.2%), and Z2 (0.5%), were applied at 35 and 65 days after transplanting (DAT) in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that Z1 (ZnSO₄ 0.2%) was most effective in increasing plant height, and promoting early bud initiation, and flower opening, while Z2 (ZnSO₄ 0.5%) significantly enhanced plant spread, primary branching, leaf dimensions, plant biomass, root-to-shoot ratio, flower diameter, and yield parameters such as flower mass and number. Z2 also improved quality traits like chlorophyll and xanthophyll content. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among treatments, suggesting that the application of ZnSO₄ at 0.5% may be recommended for optimizing growth, yield, and quality in commercial marigold cultivation, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability.

Effect of Pinching on Growth, Yield, and Quality of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda

Marigold is a very common and a hardy flower crop cultivated throughout the world. Pinching is an important intercultural practice commonly followed in cultivation of marigold however, this needs to be standardized for getting higher yields in commercial cultivation. Hence, the present investigation was conducted at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur, Division of Horticulture, during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to standardize the commercial pinching practice for getting higher productivity. Three levels of pinching (no pinching, single at 20 days and double at 20 and 40 days after transplanting) were used in the course of the research arranged using a factorial randomized block layout with three replications applied to African marigold variety Pusa Narangi Gainda. The results revealed that treatment P0 (No pinching) was discovered to be the finest in increment in height of plant, early flower bud initiation flower opening and treatment P2 (Double pinching) in boosting spread of plant, primary branches, length of leaf, leaf width, leaf area, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, total biomass, root- shoot ratio, 50% flowering, flower diameter, stalk and ray floret length, fresh and dry flower weight, mass and number of flower per plant, flower yield additionally improved quality characteristics like chlorophyll and xanthophyll content in marigold. Hence, it might be concluded that application of double pinching can be helpful and recommended in improving yield as well as quality characteristics in commercial cultivation of marigold.

Advances in microalgae-based lutein production and extraction: enhancing bioavailability and applications in health and industry

BackgroundNatural lutein, a bioactive xanthophyll, is widely used in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, aquaculture, and cosmetics due to its broad health benefits, especially in protecting ocular health and chronic and acute syndromes. Microalgae have become a preferred sustainable platform for high-value lutein production, surpassing marigold petals in content (∼2 mg g−1) and consistency. MethodsThis review highlights advancements in upstream lutein production and downstream extraction techniques, focusing on scalable and sustainable bioprocesses. Under optimal conditions, microalgae cultivation in open and closed reactors for 2–4 weeks is examined. Comparative yields among studies are analyzed, detailing which technologies and their combinations offer superior yields for commercial production. Significant FindingsMicroalgae demonstrate high lutein content (∼10–17 mg g−1) and productivity (2–7 mg L−1 d−1). The review identifies key advancements in smart delivery systems and bioavailability enhancement strategies, which are novel aspects of lutein research. The review aims to expand lutein distribution and its health benefits by addressing production challenges, market potential, and commercial opportunities. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the review promotes good health (SDG 3), economic growth (SDG 8), industry innovation (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13).

Pistachio Consumption Increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPistachios are a bioavailable source of the xanthophyll lutein. Along with zeaxanthin, these plant pigments are major components of macular pigment (MP) in the human retina. MP can be non-invasively measured and is referred to as MP optical density (MPOD). MPOD is modifiable with dietary interventions that include lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z). Higher MPOD protects the eye from light damage and is positively associated with eye health. ObjectivesThis dietary intervention study aimed to evaluate the effect of pistachio consumption on MPOD. MethodsThis single-blinded, randomized controlled trial compared a 12-week pistachio intervention (2 oz/d) with usual diet (UD) on MPOD and serum L/Z in middle-aged to older healthy adults (n = 36) in a 1:1 randomization scheme. Participants were selected for habitually low L/Z intake and low baseline MPOD. MPOD was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry at 4 retinal eccentricities during baseline, week 6, and week 12 study visits. Serum L/Z was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Primary statistical analysis was conducted on an intent-to-treat basis using repeated-measure analysis of variance. ResultsCompared with UD, MPOD of the participants in the pistachio intervention group (PIS) had significantly increased (P < 0.001) at all eccentricities over the initial 6-wk period. This increase was maintained at week 12. MPOD in the UD participants did not change during the 12-week period. Serum lutein concentration followed a similar pattern to MPOD; serum cis-lutein and zeaxanthin did not change in either group over the 12-wk intervention. ConclusionsThe results of our study demonstrate that a dietary intervention with pistachios is efficacious in increasing MPOD in healthy adults selected for habitually low intake of L/Z and low baseline MPOD. This suggests that pistachio consumption could be an effective dietary strategy for preserving eye health. Future studies need to evaluate the generalizability of our findings to other populations.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05283941.

Cloning and Functional Analysis of a Zeaxanthin Epoxidase Gene in Ulva prolifera.

The xanthophyll cycle is a photoprotective mechanism in plants and algae, which protects the photosynthetic system from excess light damage under abiotic stress. Zeaxanthin is considered to play a pivotal role in this process. In this study, the relative content of xanthophylls was determined using HPLC-MS/MS in Ulva prolifera exposed to different salinities. The results showed that high-salt stress significantly increased the relative content of xanthophylls and led to the accumulation of zeaxanthin. It was speculated that the accumulated zeaxanthin may contribute to the response of U. prolifera to high-salt stress. Zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) is a key enzyme in the xanthophyll cycle and is also involved in the synthesis of abscisic acid and carotenoids. In order to explore the biological function of ZEP, a ZEP gene was cloned and identified from U. prolifera. The CDS of UpZEP is 1122 bp and encodes 373 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis showed that UpZEP clusters within a clade of green algae. The results of qRT-PCR showed that high-salt stress induced the expression of UpZEP. In addition, heterologous overexpression of the UpZEP gene in yeast and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii improved the salt tolerance of transgenic organisms. In conclusion, the UpZEP gene may be involved in the response of U. prolifera to high-salt stress and can improve the high-salt tolerance of transgenic organisms.

Development and evaluation of a lutein-fortified yoghurt: Stability assessment, sensory properties and human bioavailability study

Lutein is a carotenoid that humans obtain primarily from green-leafy vegetables. However, due to generally low consumption of these foods, this bioactive is not sufficiently consumed. Therefore, there is growing interest in developing lutein-fortified foods to provide an additional source of lutein supplementation. In this study, we developed a lutein-fortified yoghurt and conducted a 72-hour single-dose bioavailability study in human subjects. Lutein remained stable in the yoghurt over shelf life at 14.6 mg of lutein per 100 g of yoghurt. Sensory evaluation yielded results similar to a lutein-free yoghurt. In the bioavailability study, consuming 100 g of lutein-fortified yoghurt significantly increased the average serum concentration of lutein by 1946.86 ± 1514.72 h μg·L−1 in human subjects, following a typical pharmacokinetic curve of absorption and decline. These findings confirm that our lutein-fortified yoghurt is suitable for commercial use and effectively enhances people’s serum lutein levels.

Optimizing Chlorella vulgaris Cultivation to Enhance Biomass and Lutein Production.

Lutein is widely used in medicine, health care, and food processing due to its antioxidant effects; however, it is difficult for the traditional extraction of lutein using marigolds to meet the increasing market demand for lutein. To achieve high-efficiency lutein production, we investigated the effects of different conditions on the biomass accumulation and lutein yield of Chlorella vulgaris. The optimized cultivation conditions include mixotrophic cultivation using sodium nitrate as a nitrogen source, maintaining a total-organic-carbon-to-total-nitrogen ratio of 12:1, a total-nitrogen-to-total-phosphorus ratio of 10:1, and lighting duration of 24 h. The results of the study indicated that under these specific conditions, Chlorella vulgaris attained a final biomass concentration, biomass productivity, and growth yield of 6.08 g·L-1, 1.00 g·L-1·d-1, and 1.67 g biomass/g TOC, respectively. Additionally, the concentrations of total chlorophyll, carotenoid, lutein, and protein reached 139.20 mg·L-1, 31.87 mg·L-1, 15.02 mg·L-1, and 2.17 g·L-1, respectively, and the content of lutein reached 2.47 mg·g-1. This study supplies a theoretical basis for the industrial application of lutein production using Chlorella vulgaris.

Long-term stability of extra virgin olive oil: effects of filtration and refrigeration storage on the Kolovi variety.

The composition of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) defines its sensory, nutritional, and human health benefits, and distinguishes it as a key component of the Mediterranean diet. Nevertheless, EVOO constituents are susceptible to degradation during processing and storage, which reduces the olive oil's quality and limits its shelf life. The present study investigated the effect of molecular filtration before storage and the effect of cool storage at 4 °C on the stability of 'Kolovi' EVOO, a variety originating from the Greek island of Lesvos, over a 24 month period. Storing EVOO at 4 °C positively affected free acidity, peroxide value, K268, fruity qualities, and concentrations of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, ligstroside aglycone, lutein, and squalene, in comparison with the control sample stored at room temperature, particularly after 1 year. Molecular filtration significantly affected the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (UFAs/SFAs). Optimal preservation of parameters such as acidity value and lutein content was achieved by combining molecular filtration with refrigeration. The present study recommends storing EVOO in the refrigerator for up to 18 months. Based on the regulatory limits of the quality characteristics of acidity, peroxide value, K232 value and fruity sensory attributes, the shelf-life of the protected geographical indication (PGI) 'Kolovi' EVOO can reach 2 years under cool storage (4 °C) and with molecular filtration before storage. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Determination of xanthophylls in egg yolk using a combination of spectrophotometric and diol phase high-performance liquid chromatography methods.

Normal-phase (NP) liquid chromatography is one of the most effective methods for separating isomers with sensitive structural features, including xanthophyll isomers. In this work, reverse-phase (RP) and NP liquid chromatography (LC), with silica gel and diol phase, respectively, were evaluated for the separation of xanthophyll isomers. The results showed that RP LC with monomeric C18 phase not only poorly separate all xanthophyll isomers in egg yolk but also requires additional sample preparation to eliminate triacylglycerols in egg yolk. The diol phase of NP-LC provided the highest efficiency for separating lutein, zeaxanthin, and their cis-isomers with isocratic separation using mobile phases consisting of n-hexane and polar modifiers (such as acetone, methyl tert-butyl ether, or ethyl acetate). To determine the xanthophyll content, peak areas from LC and total absorbance from spectrophotometry measurements were used. The approach was applied to analyze the xanthophylls of nine commercial egg samples. The results revealed that five out of nine analyzed samples contained a high level of canthaxanthin, which contributes to color enhancement but not to prevent age-related macular degeneration. Together, it shows that NP LC with diol phase combined with spectrophotometry is a powerful tool to monitor xanthophylls in eggs.