Β-carotene Degradation Research Articles

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant, Antiulcer, Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Angelica archangelica

The objective of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of Angelica archangelica L., a medicinal plant of the traditional pharmacopoeia of Algeria. The aqueous extract showed a large amount of total polyphenols, tannins, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and a small amount of flavonoids with values of 80.16±14.3 mg EAG/g of extract, 3.12±2.01 mg EQ/g of extract, 226.10±4.50 mg EAT/g of extract, 6.10±50.62, 12.00±31.53 and 1.78±0.40 μg/mL respectively. In addition, the aqueous extract of A. archangelica showed a high ability to trap DPPH radical in with IC50 at 16.9±2.03μg/mL. However, the aqueous extract has a great protective effect against β-carotene degradation at 91.98±0.64% after 24 hours and significant ferrous ion chelation activity at46.2 ±1.53µg/mL. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity was studied according to the protein denaturation inhibition method and, according to the results obtained, the extract of A. archangelica at concentrations of 250, 500 μg/mL and 1 mg/mL have ahigh antiinflammatory activity whose inhibition percentages are 78.85±5.31%, 86.65±2.70% and 89.89±0.58% respectively. The analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of A. archangelica, showed that the concentration 400 mg/mL has a greet abdominal cramps inhibitory effect in comparison with the concentration 200 mg/mL with a percentage of 98.28%. The antiulcer effect of the aqueous extract of A. archangelica was evaluated by the 70% ethanol-induced ulcer test. The results obtained reveal that the aqueous extract 200 and 400 mg/mL exerted a considerable effect of protecting the stomach at 86.55±3.51% and 82.82±2.18% respectively.

Easy access to powerful ruthenium phthalocyanine high-oxidized species

Ruthenium(III) phthalocyanine was synthesized using the solvent assisted approach from RuCl3·nH2O first compound with chlorinated solvents was observed to result in generation of stable π-cation radical RuIIPc+•, which was capable of oxidizing β-carotene. The spectral properties UV–visible, IR, EPR as well as electrochemical properties of the complexes were examined. The structure of the compound was supported by MALDI TOF and DFT calculations. The reaction of the one-oxidized species with tBuOOH and H2O2, afforded chemical generation of doubly oxidized species RuIIPc2+ and RuIIIPc+•, respectively, which were stable for several hours and were detected spectrally. All the high-charge compounds under study were found to be catalytically active in the oxidative degradation of β-carotene. The reaction was examined in dichloromethane at ambient temperature under visible light. The results showed that the dication species RuIIPc2+ is the most powerful oxidant and facilitates the immediate β-carotene oxidation followed by destruction of the intermediate products. The RuIIPc+• species turned out to be more durable, recoverable and stable under the reaction conditions. After complete β-carotene decay, the active species could readily be regenerated under the conditions of the reaction medium allowing catalytic cycle upon substrate addition. The experimentally assessed characteristics were also correlated with the electronic structure predicted by DFT analyses. As viable candidate species for catalytic systems based on ruthenium phthalocyanines, these highly charged species hold great promise for oxidation via activating oxidant, which could ensure their effective using.

Transgene-free genome editing supports CCD4 role as a negative regulator of β-carotene in banana.

This study aims to understand the regulatory mechanism of the β-carotene homeostasis by establishing transgene-free genome editing in banana. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) belong to a miniature gene family having an imperative role in the intricated carotenoid metabolism in plants. Here, the expression pattern of multiple CCDs was correlated with the levels of carotenoid accumulation in two contrasting cultivars, viz., Nendran (high β-carotene) and Rasthali (low β-carotene). The higher expression of the RAS-CCD4 inversely correlated with β-carotene accumulation in fruit-pulp of the Rasthali. The docking analysis followed enzyme assay of purified RAS-CCD4 suggested β-carotene and 10-apo-β-carotenal as its preferred substrates. Bacterial complementation assay affirmed RAS-CCD4 role in β-carotene degradation and then overexpression of the RAS-CCD4 in the Arabidopsis thaliana further validated results in-vivo by the significant reduction in β-carotene. Subsequently, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated editing of CCD4 was demonstrated in the protoplasts and embryogenic cell lines of Rasthali. The carotenoid profiling in stable mutant lines revealed higher fold β-carotene accumulation in non-green tissue (roots) than in green tissue (leaf) compared with the unedited control plants. The differential expression of carotenoid pathway genes was correlated with the metabolites in the edited lines. The study suggests that carotenoid catabolism is regulated by the CCD4 in tissue and cultivar specific manners, and also demonstrated the use of the genome editing tool in developing transgene-free biofortified banana.

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

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

Kinetic Study of Encapsulated β-Carotene Degradation in Aqueous Environments: A Review.

The provitamin A activity of β-carotene is of primary interest to address one of the world’s major malnutrition concerns. β carotene is a fat-soluble compound and its bioavailability from natural sources is very poor. Hence, studies have been focused on the development of specific core/shell micro- or nano-structures that encapsulate β-carotene in order to allow its dispersion in liquid systems and improve its bioavailability. One key objective when developing these structures is also to accomplish β-carotene stability. The aim of this review is to collect kinetic data (rate constants, activation energy) on the degradation of encapsulated β-carotene in order to derive knowledge on the possibility for these systems to be scaled-up to the industrial production of functional foods. Results showed that most of the nano- and micro-structures designed for β-carotene encapsulation and dispersion in the water phase provide better protection with respect to a natural matrix, such as carrot juice, increasing the β-carotene half-life from about 30 d to more than 100 d at room temperature. One promising approach to increase β-carotene stability was found to be the use of wall material, surfactants, or co-encapsulated compounds with antioxidant activity. Moreover, a successful approach was the design of structures, where the core is partially or fully solidified; alternatively, either the core or the interface or the outer phase are gelled. The data collected could serve as a basis for the rational design of structures for β-carotene encapsulation, where new ingredients, especially the extraordinary natural array of hydrocolloids, are applied.

Microencapsulated Vitamin A Palmitate Degradation Mechanism Study To Improve the Product Stability.

By using a high-resolution mass spectrometer, four vitamin A palmitate (VAP) degradants were identified from microencapsulated VAP degradation samples. Based on the degradants, VAP first breaks down into anhydroretinol (ANHR) and palmitic acid (PA) through ester thermal elimination (ETE). Sequentially, the formed ANHR reacts with remaining VAP to ANHR-VAP and with a second ANHR to ANHR-ANHR. The migration of H+ in the transition state predicts that the H+ concentration in media will affect the ETE. Based on the degradation mechanism discovered from this study, a new product was developed and its media pH changed from 4.2 to 6.2. The new microencapsulated VAP degraded from 22.3% to 4.8% on an annualized basis. In the VAP degradation, no oxidized apo-carotenoids were found. The oxidized apo-carotenoids were detected in the degradation of β-carotene, a pro-vitamin A, through natural oxidation by oxygen in air. This indicated that, in ambient and dry conditions on its own, VAP decay was unlike that of β-carotene through natural oxidation.

Ultrasound-assisted gelation of β-carotene enriched oleogels based on candelilla wax-nut oils: Physical properties and in-vitro digestion analysis

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU, 95 W, 10 s) on the physical properties, stability and in vitro digestion of β-carotene enriched oleogels. Candelilla wax (3 wt%) and nut oils (peanut, pine nut and walnut oil) with or without β-carotene were used to form oleogels. HIU improved the storage modules (G’) of peanut, pine nut and walnut oleogels without β-carotene from 11048.43 ± 728.85 Pa, 38111.67 ± 11663.98 Pa and 21921.13 ± 1011.55 Pa to 13502.40 ± 646.54 Pa, 75322.47 ± 9715.25 Pa and 48480.97 ± 4109.64 Pa, respectively. Moreover, HIU reduced oil loss of peanut, pine nut and walnut oleogels without β-carotene from 23.98 ± 2.58%, 17.14 ± 0.69% and 24.66 ± 1.57% to 17.60 ± 1.10%, 13.84 ± 0.74% and 18.72 ± 3.47%, respectively. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that HIU did not change the form of the crystal (β-polymorphic and β’-polymorphic) but increased the crystal intensity. Polarized light microscope images indicated that all oleogels showed more visible crystals after HIU. After 120 d of storage, HIU decreased the degradation of β-carotene for peanut oil and walnut oil samples (the contents of β-carotene in peanut and walnut oleogels without HIU after 120 d of storage were 897 ± 2 μg/g and 780 ± 1 μg/g, respectively, and those of sonicated samples were 1070 ± 4 μg/g and 932 ± 1 μg/g, respectively). Furthermore, HIU reduced the release of β-carotene in intestinal digestion. In conclusion, HIU could improve the functional properties of wax-nut oils oleogels and their β-carotene enriched oleogels.

Facile synthesis of zein-based emulsion gels with adjustable texture, rheology and stability by adding β-carotene in different phases

The current study focused on the application of an agricultural byproduct, zein, to the formation of a novel type of emulsion gels. Zein based oil-in-glycerol emulsion gels (O/G ZEGs) were prepared by a facile one-step approach, and β-carotene was incorporated within the dispersed and continuous phases. β-Carotene could be interacted with zein, and thus the location of β-carotene significantly influenced the structures of O/G ZEGs. β-Carotene in the glycerol phase reduced the hardness of systems, but enhanced the viscosity, oil holding capacity and solvent binding capacity of the gels. Small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) rheological analysis revealed that β-carotene in the oil phase enhanced the elastic properties of ZEGs and strengthened gel stability upon deformation. The gels with stronger mechanical properties were more capable to protect β-carotene when subjected to UV-light, and simultaneous loading of β-carotene in the oil phase and glycerol phase resulted in much lower degradation rate. However, the degradation of β-carotene also led to the weakening of gel networks. Microstructural observation suggested that β-carotene in oil phase facilitated the formation of much denser gels networks and more uniform distribution of oil droplets. FTIR tests verified that there were hydrophobic interactions between β-carotene and zein, which modified the stacking of zein molecules. This study first reported the roles of β-carotene in modulating the structures of zein based emulsion gels, and also provided information to expand the application of prolamins as efficient delivery systems for bioactives.

Influence of interfacial characteristics and antioxidant polarity on the chemical stability of β-carotene in emulsions prepared using non-ionic surfactant blends

To evaluate the effects of characteristics of the interfacial region and physical location of antioxidants on the chemical stability of β-carotene in emulsions, β-carotene-loaded emulsions were prepared with the blends of surfactants with different hydrophilic head sizes (ethylene oxide (EO) unit number). In addition, antioxidants having the different solubilities, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and lauryl gallate as lipophilic and amphiphilic antioxidants, respectively, were incorporated into emulsions. Decrease in the average EO unit number at interfacial region by surfactant blending did not affect the stability of β-carotene in emulsions at neutral pH but it had a positive effect on the β-carotene stability at acidic pH. Decrease in the average EO unit number at interfacial region reduced the ability of antioxidants, regardless of their polarity, to protect β-carotene in emulsions at neutral and acidic pH. TBHQ was more effective in retarding β-carotene degradation than lauryl gallate, independent of the interfacial composition and surfactant concentration.

Bioaccessibility of microencapsulated carotenoids, recovered from tomato processing industrial by-products, using in vitro digestion model

Carotenoids have well documented health-promoting functions through their antioxidant properties, and numerous research topics are related to their integration in functional food products or beverages. Due to their firm hydrophobic nature, some difficulties are encountered while incorporating them in high water content matrices. In the present study recovered carotenoids from tomato processing industrial by-products were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and microencapsulated via spray drying technology. Oil in water (o/w) emulsion delivery system was used for encapsulating carotenoids with linseed oil as carrier, and a binary blend of gum Arabic and maltodextrin (1:1 w/w) as wall materials. The microcapsules were subjected to physical-chemical analysis, and to simulated gastrointestinal digestion process to evaluate the carotenoids bioaccessibility. Individual carotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene, and lutein) were observed during gastric and intestinal phases of the in vitro digestion and analyzed by HPLC/DAD. The results showed considerable degradation of lycopene during spray drying process and consistent degradation of β-carotene throughout the gastric phase of the simulated digestion. To gain an insight into the compounds responsible for the efficient delivery system of the carotenoids through the gastrointestinal tract, further investigations are required regarding the lipid phase used in the spray drying process.

In silico Characterization of the Structure of Genes and Proteins related to β-carotene Degradation in Musa acuminata ‘DH-Pahang’ and Musa balbisiana ‘Pisang Klutuk Wulung’

β-carotene is an important nutritious content in banana. However, its lifetime depends on the enzymes controlling its conversion into strigolactone. To understand the involved enzymes’ activity, which are β-carotene isomerase (D27), carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 7 (CCD7), and CCD8, would be the key to manipulate the rate of β-carotene degradation. In this research, we characterized the structure of genes and proteins of the D27, CCD7, and CCD8 from Musa acuminata ‘DH-Pahang’ and Musa balbisiana ‘Pisang Klutuk Wulung’ (PKW). We aligned the corresponding sequence of genes from both species to determine similarity and intron/exon positions. We also identified domains and motifs in the sequences of putative proteins of D27, CCD7, and CCD8. We found that D27, CCD7, and CCD8 genes in DH-Pahang and PKW comprise of various nucleotide sequence length, putative proteins, and numbers and length of exons and introns. However, the putative proteins possess the same domains: DUF4033 (domain of unknown function) in D27 and RPE65 (retinal pigment epithelium) in CCD7 and CCD8. Phylogenetic trees showed that D27, CCD7, and CCD8 proteins from DH-Pahang and PKW are conserved and clustered in the same clades with the same proteins of monocot plants. Hence, the results could be useful for future research in optimizing β-carotene content in banana.

Food-Grade Nanoemulsions for the Effective Delivery of β-Carotene.

Utilization of β-carotene in functional food products is limited due to chemical instability, lower water-solubility, and higher melting point. The present research was designed to formulate a nanoemulsion system for the effective delivery of β-carotene. β-Carotene was successfully incorporated into nanoemulsions using the ultrasonication method. During 60 days of storage, the droplet size of β-carotene-containing nanoemulsions varied from 112.36 to 133.9 nm at 4 °C and from 112.36 to 147.1 nm at 25 °C. The oxidation stability of olive oil was remarkably increased when incorporated into nanoemulsions. β-Carotene nanoemulsions remained stable under varying ionic strengths (50-400 mM), pH values (2-8), and freeze-thaw cycles (four). The values of turbidity and total color difference increased over time and at a higher temperature. Degradation of β-carotene was substantially slower in nanoemulsions, and the addition of antioxidants significantly increased the retention of β-carotene in nanoemulsions. These findings suggest that the ultrasonic homogenization method has potential for the preparation of β-carotene nanoemulsions with desirable properties. These nanoemulsions can be effectively used for the incorporation of β-carotene in the food and beverage industry.

In vitro Anti-hemolytic Effect, in vivo Anti-inflammatory and in vitro Anti-oxidant Activity of Anchusa azurea Mill.

Anchusa azurea Mill. (AA) is a medicinal plant largely used traditionally in folk medicine in Algeria; it is locally named hamham. It is effective in the treatment of various diseases. The aim of the present study is to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti- hemolytic effects of phenolic fractions from Anchusa azurea Mill. In this study, various extracts from Anchusa azurea Mill. (AA) using solvents with increasing polarity were prepared. The quantification of polyphenols and flavonoids was determined. The anti-radical activity of the different extracts was evaluated using DPPH and by measuring the inhibition of the oxidative degradation of β-carotene. The In-vitro antihemolytic effect of the plant extracts is determined (CrE, ChE, AcE, and AqE). For each extract, four concentrations were tested: 10.59, 21.18, 42.37, 84.74 μg/ml. Vitamin C is used as a standard. The free-radical attack was measured by measuring the HT50 (Half-Hemolysis Time). The anti-inflammatory effect using PMA on mice of the methanolic extract (CrE) was evaluated. The quantification of polyphenols and flavonoids showed that ethyl acetate extract (AcE) contains a higher amount of polyphenols. However, chloroform extract (ChE) presents a higher amount of flavonoids. AcE showed an important scavenging activity using the DPPH radical (IC50= 68.35 μg/ml). The results showed that AcE also exhibited a significant inhibition effect on the oxidation of β-carotene/linoleic acid (84.33 %). All extracts increased the HT50 values (Half-Hemolysis Time) in a dose-dependent manner. The three highest concentrations (21.18, 42.37, and 84.74 μg / ml) of ChE caused a very significant delay (p ≤ 0.001) of hemolysis compared to the negative control and the positive control "VIT C". The anti-inflammatory effect of using PMA on mice showed that the methanolic extract (CrE) of AA reduced the weight of the ear edema. This plant has a strong pharmacological power, which supports its traditional medicinal use.

<p><strong>Time course evaluation of provitamin A carotenoids stored under different storage regimens in maize</strong></p>

Yellow maize is natural source of provitamin A components. However, the provitamin A carotenoids are known to degrade fast as a result of oxidation and isomerization due to exposure to heat and oxygen during storage. Keeping this in view, here, we evaluated the provitamin A carotenoids in maize stored under different storage conditions. For this purpose, F 2 grains of six hybrids consisting of two provitamin A rich, two QPM and two normal maize were stored in earthen pot, aluminium box, cotton cloth and jute bag for a period of 6 months under ambient temperature and carotenoid components were estimated at monthly interval. Provitamin A components are found to reduce significantly within two to six months under various storage conditions. However, the samples stored in aluminium box exhibited least degradation of β-carotene (73%) and β-cryptoxanthin (81%), whereas those stored in earthen pot exhibited highest degradation of β-carotene (86%) and β-cryptoxanthin (90%), after six months of storage. The provitamin A rich hybrids especially APH27 retained highest concentration of provitamin A carotenoids after six months of storage. The least losses observed in the samples stored in aluminium box may be attributed to reduced oxidation and least light penetration.

Higher Oxidative Stability of Alpha-linolenic Acid Than Linoleic Acid in Nanoemulsions: a Comparison Between Bulk Flaxseed Oil and its O/W Nanoemulsions

In this study, the effects of different dispersed phase volume fractions (Φ 0.025 and 0.1) and storage temperature (4 and 25 °C) were determined on lipid oxidation, fatty acids profile, β-carotene degradation, and other physicochemical properties of flaxseed oil-in-water nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions containing small anionic droplets (≈ 100 nm) were fabricated using high-pressure homogenization. Although an increase in the viscosity and physical stability of nanoemulsions was observed with increasing Φ, but mean droplet diameter and chemical stability decreased. β-carotene degradation, free fatty acids formation, as well as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances production, were all faster in the more concentrated emulsions. As the storage temperature raised, physical and chemical stability both decreased. Interestingly, while the ratio of α-linolenic acid to linoleic acid in bulk oil decreased over time, an opposite trend was observed in the nanoemulsions. This effect was due to differences in the location of different unsaturated fatty acids inside the oil nanodroplets.

Selection of optimal ripening stage of papaya fruit (Carica papaya L.) and vacuum frying conditions for chips making

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical characteristics of papaya fruits from Costa Rica (Carica papaya L. cv Pococí) and vacuum-fried chips obtained from these fruits at three different postharvest ripening stages (RS3, RS4, and RS5) and select the optimal stage for vacuum frying. In addition, response surface methodology was used to optimize vacuum frying conditions (temperature and time) to obtain papaya chips with desirable characteristics. RS4 was found the most adequate ripening stage for processing papaya fruits to obtain vacuum-fried chips with suitable physicochemical characteristics and good sensory acceptance. The optimal vacuum frying conditions at 25 kPa were: 120 °C and 13.1 min. Vacuum frying caused 40 and 60% degradation of β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin, respectively, and a 1.5-fold increase in the extractability of lycopene. The total carotenoid content of the vacuum-fried papaya chips was 381 mg/kg chips fresh weight.

Plant apocarotenoid metabolism utilizes defense mechanisms against reactive carbonyl species and xenobiotics.

Carotenoid levels in plant tissues depend on the relative rates of synthesis and degradation of the molecules in the pathway. While plant carotenoid biosynthesis has been extensively characterized, research on carotenoid degradation and catabolism into apocarotenoids is a relatively novel field. To identify apocarotenoid metabolic processes, we characterized the transcriptome of transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots accumulating high levels of β-carotene and, consequently, β-apocarotenoids. Transcriptome analysis revealed feedback regulation on carotenogenic gene transcripts suitable for reducing β-carotene levels, suggesting involvement of specific apocarotenoid signaling molecules originating directly from β-carotene degradation or after secondary enzymatic derivatizations. Enzymes implicated in apocarotenoid modification reactions overlapped with detoxification enzymes of xenobiotics and reactive carbonyl species (RCS), while metabolite analysis excluded lipid stress response, a potential secondary effect of carotenoid accumulation. In agreement with structural similarities between RCS and β-apocarotenoids, RCS detoxification enzymes also converted apocarotenoids derived from β-carotene and from xanthophylls into apocarotenols and apocarotenoic acids in vitro. Moreover, glycosylation and glutathionylation-related processes and translocators were induced. In view of similarities to mechanisms found in crocin biosynthesis and cellular deposition in saffron (Crocus sativus), our data suggest apocarotenoid metabolization, derivatization and compartmentalization as key processes in (apo)carotenoid metabolism in plants.

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (CCD4) cleaves β-carotene and interacts with IbOr in sweetpotato

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) is one of the most important food crops, as it ensures food and nutrition security in the face of climate change, given its high carbohydrate, antioxidant (carotenoid), dietary fiber, and mineral contents. The Orange protein of sweetpotato (IbOr) shows high molecular chaperone activity. Previously, we showed that transgenic sweetpotato plants overexpressing the IbOr gene exhibited strong tolerance to abiotic stresses such as high temperature (47 °C) and drought, owing to the increased contents of carotenoids including β-carotene. Interestingly, the expression of the sweetpotato carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (IbCCD4) gene was also significantly up-regulated in IbOr-overexpressing sweetpotato plants. In this study, we confirmed that the IbCCD4 gene is highly expressed in carotenoid-rich leaves and storage roots of three types of sweetpotato cultivars, each with a different storage root color (pale yellow, orange, and purple). The IbCCD4 protein showed interaction with IbOr in yeast two-hybrid and pull-down assays. Additionally, in vitro, carotenoid cleavage assays indicated that β-carotene is the major substrate of IbCCD4. Interestingly, the interaction between IbCCD4 and IbOr did not affect β-carotene degradation. Further characterization of the IbCCD4 gene in transgenic sweetpotato plants will provide new insights into carotenoid homeostasis under severe stress conditions.

Role of antioxidants on physicochemical properties and in vitro bioaccessibility of β-carotene loaded nanoemulsion under thermal and cold plasma discharge accelerated tests

The effects of water soluble antioxidant (ascorbic acid and EDTA), fat soluble antioxidant (α-tocopherol) and amphiphilic antioxidant (ascorbyl palmitate; AP) on the chemical physics and bioaccessibility of β-carotene loaded nanoemulsions (CNE) were investigated. During accelerated storage at 45 °C for 15 days, AP showed the highest protective actions against particle size growth, color fading, lipid oxidation, and β-carotene degradation in CNE (p < 0.05). CNE with AP was then subjected to treat with cold plasma (CP) induced reactive species system under various powers and contact times compared to control. AP was able to protect physical and oxidative stabilities of CNE as well as β-carotene integrity. The highest in vitro lipid digestibility, bioaccessibility and β-carotene stability were found in CNE with AP (p < 0.05). However, those properties were lowered after CP exposure. The results indicated that AP was a promising antioxidant in improving physical stability, oxidative stability, β-carotene retention, and β-carotene bioaccessibility of CNE.

The effect of Pediococcus acidilactici J17 with high-antioxidant activity on antioxidant, α‑tocopherol, β‑carotene, fatty acids, and fermentation profiles of alfalfa silage ensiled at two different dry matter contents

The effects of inoculation of strain Pediococcus acidilactici J17 with high antioxidant activity and a widely used commercial inoculum of Lactobacillus plantarum MTD-1, on antioxidant status, concentrations of α‑tocopherol and β‑carotene, fatty acid composition and fermentation profiles of ensiled alfalfa prepared at two dry matter (DM) contents were investigated. Chopped fresh alfalfa was ensiled at two DM contents of approximately 300 (low DM) and 400 (high DM) g/kg fresh weight, and treated with distilled water (control), L. plantarumMTD-1 and P. acidilactici J17, respectively. Forages were ensiled in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags containing 500 g wilted forage for 60 d, with 4 replicates for each treatment. All inoculants effectively improved fermentation profiles of silages and the silage with a high DM exhibited better effects on inhibiting proteolysis and lipid oxidation; however, the antioxidant strain P. acidilactici J17 had little influence on the fatty acid composition of alfalfa silage. Silages with a low DM had higher proportions of saturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid, and lower proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acid compared with the silages with a high DM. Extensive degradation of α-tocopherol and β-carotene in alfalfa occurred after ensiling. The concentration of α-tocopherol in control silage declined to almost half of its original concentration in fresh alfalfa. Concentrations of β-carotene in the control silages with the low and high DM were accounted for 1/3 and 1/2 of their original concentrations in fresh alfalfa, respectively. In comparison with control silage and silage treated with L. plantarum MTD-1, inoculation of P. acidilactici J17 with high-antioxidant activity markedly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT) activity and concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene of alfalfa silage ensiled at both DM contents. On average, higher T-AOC was observed in silage with a high DM than silage with a low DM. However, both inoculants decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of ensiled alfalfa. These results indicated that the P. acidilactici J17 strain could be used as a candidate antioxidant inoculum to improve the antioxidant status of alfalfa silage.