Analysis Of Fatty Acid Composition Research Articles

A Comprehensive Assessment of Nutritional Value, Antioxidant Potential, and Genetic Diversity in Metapenaeus ensis from Three Different Populations.

Due to its high tolerance to salinity and temperature, as well as its strong adaptability, Metapenaeus ensis holds an important position in the Chinese aquaculture industry. However, studies on the evaluation of its germplasm resources remain insufficient. This research conducted an in-depth comparative evaluation of M. ensis from three representative farming regions in China: Sanya, Zhuhai, and Raoping. The nutritional analysis of muscle tissue showed no statistically significant differences in crude ash, moisture, and crude protein content among the populations (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in crude fat and total sugar content (p < 0.05). The MeSY and MeRP populations had higher crude fat content than the MeZH population (p < 0.05), while the MeZH population exhibited the highest total sugar content. In terms of amino acid composition, the MeSY population had relatively higher total essential amino acid content and proportion, as well as higher total amino acid content, both of which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). A fatty acid composition analysis further highlighted the advantages of the MeRP population in several key fatty acids (p < 0.05). Physiological and biochemical analyses showed no significant differences among the three populations in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, or catalase activity (p > 0.05). A genetic diversity analysis indicated that M. ensis has relatively low diversity, with the MeSY population showing higher SNP density and nucleotide diversity. A genetic differentiation analysis revealed significant genetic differentiation between the MeSY and MeZH populations, while differentiation between the MeZH and MeRP populations was relatively smaller. This comprehensive assessment of nutritional components, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidant capacity, and genetic diversity highlights the advantages of germplasm resources from different regions. These findings provide valuable insights for future research on the genetic characteristics and breeding potential of M. ensis.

Semi-continuous cultivation of microalgae to treat coal mine effluent in pilot scale: Nutrient removal, biodesalination and fatty acid composition analysis

Coal excavation is associated with discharge of an enormous amount of mine water rich in salt and trace metal ions, which require efficient treatment before use. Considering the potentiality of microalgae for high salt tolerance, salt removal and metallic pollutant removal from aqueous system, present study focuses semi-continuous cultivation of candidate microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa (NCIM 2738) in bubble column reactor (BCR) and open raceway pond (ORP) for nutrient supplemented coal mine effluent (NSCME) treatment. In between different hydraulic retention times (HRTs), HRT 6 d provide maximum average biomass productivity of 950 mg L−1 d−1 in BCR and 728.4 mg L−1 d−1 in ORP. HRT 9 d facilitates a maximum lipid content of 1.8 g L ̶ 1 in BCR and 1.4 g L ̶ 1 in ORP. Further, HRT 9 d had the maximum COD removal efficiency (96.5 % in BCR and 94.2 % in ORP) and maximum salinity removal efficiency (93 % in BCR and 92 % in ORP). Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) characterization highlighted potential biodiesel applicability with cetane number (CN) of 53.94. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed an excess amount of salt and metal ions deposition on the surface of harvested microalgae samples. Outdoor large-scale C. pyrenoidosa cultivation can be integrated with coal mine closure plans to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs) 6, 7 and 13.

Fatty Acid Composition Analysis of Some Apiaceae Plants Using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID)

Background/aim: The Apiaceae family, also referred to as the parsley or carrot family, comprises a diverse group of plants with significant ecological and economic importance. The fundamental building blocks of plant lipids, fatty acids are involved in a number of critical biological functions. Flame ionization detection in gas chromatography (GC-FID) is a potent analytical method widely used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of fatty acid composition in plant samples. Materials and methods: In this study, we investigated the fatty acid profiles of several Apiaceae plants using GC-FID to elucidate their lipid composition and potential applications. Results: A wide spectrum of fatty acids was confirmed, ranging from C6:0 to C22:6. Astrodaucus orientalis leaf and fruit were found rich in palmitic acid (C16:0; 35.96% and 37.65%, respectively). Ferulago asparagifolia was determined as the richest sample in terms of poly-unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid (C18:2 cis, 25.65%), alpha linoleic acid (C18:3n3, 7.42%) and eicosadienoic acid (C20:2, 32.66%). Ferulago syriaca ethanol and hexane extracts contained considerable amount of oleic acid (C 18:1 n9, 40. 37% and 49.19%, respectively). Conclusion: Our review of the literature revealed that no prior reports have been made about the fatty acid compositions of Astrodaucus orientalis, Ferulago asparagifolia and Ferulago syriaca. As a result, the information provided here may be the first to describe the fatty acid contents of these species. Exploring the lipid profiles of these plants can enhance their potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

An emulsion extraction system composed of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent and water for synchronous extraction of oil and phenolic compounds from U.S. pecans [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch]

U.S. pecans nuts are rich in oils and phenolic compounds with important biological functions. At present, the reports about simultaneous extraction of oil and phenolic compounds are limited, and the traditional procedure is complicated and the yield is low. In this study, a new emulsion formed by hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (DES) and water was used as extractant for synchronous extraction of oil and phenolic components from U.S. pecans, and subsequently the two were recovered from the upper and lower phases based on the incompatibility of DES and water, respectively. The oil and phenolic compounds obtained by the optimization of extraction conditions were 615.29 mg/g and 82.11 mg/g, respectively, which were higher than those obtained by conventional methods. At the same time, the extraction mechanism is discussed through the extraction kinetics and thermodynamics. The extraction process conformed to the Fick’s second law, and it was an endothermic process. After directional recovery by macroporous resin and back-extraction, the effectiveness of the method was proved by the analysis of fatty acid composition of oil, spectral characterization of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities.

From Traditional to Exceptional: Impact of the Use of Dried Chicken Meat Powder on Sensory and Nutritional Quality of Tarhana

Tarhana is a popular Turkish fermented food, made of a mixture of cereal and yoghurt, generally consumed as soup. Both lactic acid bacteria and yeasts are responsible for the fermentation. The selection and proportions of ingredients integrated along with the production process specify the nutritional value and sensory properties of the final product. Therefore, the first objective of the present study was to process a dried “chicken meat powder (CMP)” that could be used in food formulations. The second objective was to determine the impact of CMP addition on the nutritional and sensorial properties of Uşak tarhana recipe with geographical indication. In order to fulfill these challenges dried chicken meat powder (CMP) at levels of 20, 25, 30, and 35% were included in tarhana recipes for the very first time. Within the scope of the study, organoleptic properties of tarhana soups (control and CMP added) were determined, and the formulation with 30% CMP (TCMP30) achieved the highest sensory evaluation scores. This sample was analyzed further, and its physicochemical properties were compared to a control sample strictly following the traditional Uşak tarhana recipe. In the tarhana samples, the moisture, protein, and total fat content increased with higher CMP additions, while the ash, crude cellulose, carbohydrates, energy, salt, and dietary fiber decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05). The calcium and sodium contents decreased, however, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc contents increased. The fatty acid composition analysis revealed that Uşak tarhana contained more saturated fatty acids than either CMP or TCMP30; adding 30% CMP reduced the total saturated fatty acids while increasing the monounsaturated fatty acids. The main fatty acids in traditional samples were linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids, comprising 83.82% of the total fat. In TCMP30, the order changed to oleic &gt; linoleic &gt; palmitic with 83.89% of total fat. Over time, the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity decreased in the control sample but increased in TCMP30. These results suggest that a formulation including 30% CMP effectively enhances the sensory, functional, and nutritional aspects in tarhana.

Development of a rapid and fruit-saving method for fatty acid composition analysis in olive: a comparative study on 27 cultivars.

Fatty acid composition is an essential aspect of the qualitative assessment of olive oil. A method for evaluating and trending fatty acid composition of olive varieties directly from a limited amount of drupes, has been proven reliable in comparison with traditional oil analysis. No significant difference was detected between the two methods for the 27 cultivars tested, despite presenting decidedly different acid compositions. The results obtained, crossed with those of oil yield, can represent a useful resource to set the harvest calendars by choosing the most suitable time for the production of superior quality oils and for reducing the risk of pathogen infections or pest attack. For three cultivars, the acid composition was evaluated during three ripening phases (green, veraisoned and veraisoned to black). The different behaviors suggest it is the genotype that determines this -still little known- physiological trait in olive. An interesting finding was that the oils from drupes harvested in August showed linolenic acid values higher than the limit (1.00%) set in the international standards for the classification of olive oils, requesting further investigation.

Responses of Dunaliella sp. AL-1 to chromium and copper: Biochemical and physiological studies

Microalgae have gained recognition as versatile candidates for the remediation of heavy metals (HMs). This study investigated the biosorption potential of Dunaliella sp. AL1 for copper (Cu(II)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in aqueous solutions. The marine microalga Dunaliella sp. AL1 was exposed to half-sublethal concentrations of both metals in single and bimetallic systems, and responses in algal growth, oxidative stress, photosynthetic pigment production, and photosynthetic performance were evaluated. Cu and/or Cr exposure increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in microalgae cells but did not impact algal growth. In terms of photosynthesis, there was a decrease in chlorophylls and carotenoids production in the microalgae culture treated with Cr, either alone or in combination with Cu. The study recorded promising metal removal efficiencies: 26.67%–20.11% for Cu and 94.99%–95.51% for Cr, in single and bimetallic systems, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed an affinity of Cu and Cr ions towards aliphatic/aldehyde C–H, N–H bending, and phosphate groups, suggesting the formation of complex bonds. Biochemical analysis of microalgae biomass collected after the removal of Cr alone or in combination with Cu showed a significant decrease in total carbohydrate content and soluble protein levels. Meanwhile, higher lipid accumulation was recorded and evidenced by BODIPY 505/515 staining. Fatty acid composition analysis by GC revealed a modulation in lipid composition, with a decrease in the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) to saturated fatty acids (SFA), in response to Cu, Cr, and Cu–Cr exposure, indicating the suitability of the biomass for sustainable biofuel production.

Enhancement of Docosahexaenoic Acid and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Biosynthesis in Isochrysis galbana by Bacillus jeotgali.

Isochrysis galbana is valuable in aquaculture due to its production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, achieving high yields of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) presents challenges, leading to exploration of innovative approaches. This study investigated the influence of Bacillus jeotgali on the growth of I. galbana and its fatty acid composition. Co-culturing I. galbana with B. jeotgali significantly increased chlorophyll a content and cell abundance, particularly at higher bacterial population densities (algae-to-bacteria ratio of 1:10). Physiological and biochemical analyses found elevated soluble protein content in microalgae co-cultured with B. jeotgali, accompanied by decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Fatty acid composition analysis demonstrated a distinctive profile in co-cultured I. galbana, characterized by increased PUFAs, especially EPA and DHA. Gene expression analysis indicated an upregulation of desaturase genes (d4FAD, d5FAD, d6FAD, and d8FAD) associated with PUFA synthesis pathway in I. galbana during co-culturing with B. jeotgali. This study advances our understanding of bacteria-microalgae interactions and presents a promising strategy for enhancing the production of DHA and EPA.

Determination of fatty acid, cholesterol, alpha-tocopherol, and aroma components of traditionally and commercially produced Trabzon butters

This study investigated 29 butter samples from Trabzon, Turkey. Cholesterol contents ranged from 134.13 to 325 mg/100 g, α-tocopherol contents ranged from 1.62 to 3.37 mg/100 g, and β-carotene contents ranged from 4.46 to 15.60 μg/g. Fatty acid composition analysis showed variations, with palmitic acid ranging from 26.11 % to 44.25 %, oleic acid from 19.55 % to 29.80 %, and linoleic acid from 1.63 % to 3.04 %. A total of 44 aroma components were identified. Traditional butter samples exhibited differences in aroma components and fatty acid composition compared to commercial butter. Notably, traditional butter had higher concentrations of octanoic and n-decanoic acids than commercial butter. Moreover, some aroma components such as N-butanoic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester, decanoic acid, and pentadecane were found exclusively in traditional butters. Traditional butter showed higher α-tocopherol and β-carotene contents. These findings underscore the distinct chemical profiles of traditional and commercial butter samples, influenced by production methods and possibly geographical origin.

The Biosynthesis Pattern and Transcriptome Analysis of Sapindus saponaria Oil.

The Sapindus saponaria (soapberry) kernel is rich in oil that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, promotes cell proliferation, cell migration, and stimulates skin wound-healing effects. S. saponaria oil has excellent lubricating properties and is a high-quality raw material for biodiesel and premium lubricants, showing great potential in industrial and medical applications. Metabolite and transcriptome analysis revealed patterns of oil accumulation and composition and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during seed development. Morphological observations of soapberry fruits at different developmental stages were conducted, and the oil content and fatty acid composition of the kernels were determined. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on kernels at 70, 100, and 130 days after flowering (DAF). The oil content of soapberry kernels was lowest at 60 DAF (5%) and peaked at 130 DAF (31%). Following soapberry fruit-ripening, the primary fatty acids in the kernels were C18:1 (oleic acid) and C18:3 (linolenic acid), accounting for an average proportion of 62% and 18%, respectively. The average contents of unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids in the kernel were 86% and 14%, respectively. Through the dynamic changes in fatty acid composition and DEGs analysis of soapberry kernels, FATA, KCR1, ECR, FAD2 and FAD3 were identified as candidate genes contributing to a high proportion of C18:1 and C18:3, while DGAT3 emerged as a key candidate gene for TAG biosynthesis. The combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolism unveiled the molecular mechanism of oil accumulation, leading to the creation of a metabolic pathway pattern diagram for oil biosynthesis in S. saponaria kernels. The study of soapberry fruit development, kernel oil accumulation, and the molecular mechanism of oil biosynthesis holds great significance in increasing oil yield and improving oil quality.

Growth, Lipid, and Pigment Properties of Locally Isolated (Kastamonu, Türkiye) Chlorella sp.

Chlorella has become one of the most studied and produced microalgae, with Spirulina among the hundreds of species since the beginning of microalgal biotechnology. The growth performance of microalgae and the biochemical composition of the biomass may also vary significantly by strain. Therefore, it is thought that searching for new strains from aquatic environments is important in providing the most suitable microalgae for production. An isolated strain from Daday Stream was cultured in the laboratory at Kastamonu University. BG-11 was used as a medium, and CO2 from the air was used as a carbon source in the experiments. The initial cell number was arranged to 1.0×106 cells mL-1, and the highest cell number was found on the 17th day as 40.52×106 cells mL-1. Chlorophyll a and carotenoids were determined at the end of the experiment and were found as 3.48±0.08 µg mL-1 and 1.16±0.02 µg mL-1, respectively. Total lipid amount and fatty acid composition analysis were also conducted at the end of the study. According to the analyses, the lipid content of Chlorella sp. was found to be 15.37±0.00% (w/w). ∑SFA (saturated fatty acid), ∑MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acid), and ∑PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) ratios were calculated to be 31.30±1.21%, 4.99±0.34% and 63.71±2.65%, respectively.

Analysis of Fatty Acid Composition and Volatile Profile of Powder from Edible Crickets (Acheta domesticus) Reared on Apple By-Products.

Edible crickets have recently been used as a new alternative protein source with high nutritional value. The nutritional and flavor-related value of edible crickets varies greatly depending on the species, growth conditions and processing conditions. However, few studies have investigated the effects of the diet fed to crickets during their growth phase on flavor. Therefore, in this study, we characterized the flavor-related factors of powder from crickets reared on apple by-products (ACP) by comparing them with those of powder from crickets reared on a control diet (CCP). The fatty acid composition and volatile compounds of each powder were determined using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, followed by sensory analysis and color measurement. A decrease in unsaturated fatty acids, specifically γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, was observed in ACP. A total of 50 volatile compounds were identified, of which 11 were present in only ACP, while 39 were found in both powders. The sensory analysis showed that the overall balance score of ACP was higher than that of CCP, and according to the color measurements, ACP was darker than CCP. These differences between CCP and ACP might have been due to the differences in the chemical composition of the diets fed to the crickets during their growth phase. The results of this study suggest that one of the factors determining the food value of edible crickets, especially in terms of flavor, is the diet they are fed during their growth phase.

Nutritional value of meat from selected neotropical reptiles

This is the second part of a two-part review. The first part focused on the nutritive value of meat and meat products of selected neo-tropical mammals with the potential for domestication. The objective of this current review was to investigate the nutritional qualities and carcass traits of selected neotropical reptiles compared to domestic species, focusing on the spectacled caiman, iguana, tegu, and yellow anaconda. Carcass weight analysis revealed that the spectacled caiman and male iguana were efficient converters of live weight to edible carcass weight, with higher yields than other reptiles. Among domestic species, pigs and chickens showed higher carcass yields compared to cattle and lamb. Moisture content in reptile meat was generally higher than in domestic animals, impacting texture and juiciness. Protein content was lower in reptiles but still contributed to daily requirements, while fat content, though generally lower in reptiles, could impact flavor and tenderness. Cholesterol levels were lower in reptiles, particularly the yellow anaconda, making them potentially healthier options for those with cardiovascular concerns. Fatty acid composition analysis indicated varying levels of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with potential cardiovascular health benefits in reptile meats. Amino acid content, though lower in reptiles compared to domestic species, provided essential building blocks for various physiological functions. Overall, the study highlighted the nutritional value and potential health benefits of including neotropical reptile meat in the human diet, especially as alternative protein sources.

HIF3A gene disruption causes abnormal alveoli structure and early neonatal death.

Transcriptional response to changes in oxygen concentration is mainly controlled by hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs). Besides regulation of hypoxia-responsible gene expression, HIF-3α has recently been shown to be involved in lung development and in the metabolic process of fat tissue. However, the precise mechanism for such properties of HIF-3α is still largely unknown. To this end, we generated HIF3A gene-disrupted mice by means of genome editing technology to explore the pleiotropic role of HIF-3α in development and physiology. We obtained adult mice carrying homozygous HIF3A gene mutations with comparable body weight and height to wild-type mice. However, the number of litters and ratio of homozygous mutation carriers born from the mating between homozygous mutant mice was lower than expected due to sporadic deaths on postnatal day 1. HIF3A gene-disrupted mice exhibited abnormal configuration of the lung such as a reduced number of alveoli and thickened alveolar walls. Transcriptome analysis showed, as well as genes associated with lung development, an upregulation of stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1, a pivotal enzyme for fatty acid metabolism. Analysis of fatty acid composition in the lung employing gas chromatography indicated an elevation in palmitoleic acid and a reduction in oleic acid, suggesting an imbalance in distribution of fatty acid, a constituent of lung surfactant. Accordingly, administration of glucocorticoid injections during pregnancy resulted in a restoration of normal alveolar counts and a decrease in neonatal mortality. In conclusion, these observations provide novel insights into a pivotal role of HIF-3α in the preservation of critically important structure and function of alveoli beyond the regulation of hypoxia-mediated gene expression.

Investigating the concomitant production of carotenoids and lipids by the yeast Rhodosporidium babjevae using sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate or corn steep liquor

The yeast Rhodosporidium babjevae was used to produce carotenoids, lipids, and fatty acids using sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates or glucose. Investigating the impact of glucose concentrations (10–150 g/L), the yeast showed the capability to yield 16.9 g/L biomass and 10.5 g/L lipids at 60 g glucose/L, while the highest pigments concentration (312 μg/g) was observed at 10 g glucose/L. Pre-treatment methods, including organosolv (ethanol 60 %(w/w)), alkali (NaOH 2 %(w/v)) and alkaline-organosolv (ethanol 60 %(w/w) and NaOH 2 %(w/v)) were used on the sugarcane bagasse following enzymatic hydrolysis. Among these, alkaline organosolv pre-treatment exhibited the most effective lignin removal of 81.9 %, releasing 46.7 g/L sugars by hydrolysis. Yeast cultivation on the enzymatic hydrolysates of alkaline organosolv pre-treatment resulted in the highest biomass (9.6 g/L) and lipids (5.0 g/L) yields. However, the highest content of pigments (280 μg/g) was achieved when the yeast was cultivated on the enzymatic hydrolysates of organosolv pre-treatment. Production of 11.3 g/L biomass, 204 μg/g pigments, and 6.7 g/L lipids established that corn steep liquor holds potential as a cheap and viable alternative to yeast extract as nitrogen source. The analysis of fatty acid composition revealed the prevalence of oleic acid and linoleic acid as dominant components.

Comprehensive untargeted lipidomics study of black morel (Morchella sextelata) at different growth stages

The black morel (Morchella sextelata) is a valuable edible and medicinal mushroom appreciated worldwide. Here, lipidomic profiles and lipid dynamic changes during the growth of M. sexletata were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. 203 lipid molecules, including four categories and fourteen subclasses, were identified in mature fruiting bodies, with triacylglycerol being the most abundant (37.00 %). Fatty acid composition analysis revealed that linoleic acid was the major fatty acid among the free fatty acids, glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids. The relative concentration of lipids in M. sextelata changed significantly during its growth, from which 12 and 29 differential lipid molecules were screened out, respectively. Pathway analysis based on these differential lipids showed that glycerophospholipid metabolism was the major pathway involved in the growth of M. sextelata. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the lipids in M. sextelata and will facilitate the development and utilization of M. sextelata.

GD23132-PISTACIA TEREBINTHUS L. PISTACIA TEREBINTHUS L. OIL EXTRACTION BY LIQUID and SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE MODIFIED WITH A CO-SOLVENT AND EVALUATION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS, FATTY ACIDS PROFILE AND TOCOPHEROLSEXTRACTION BY SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE MODIFIED WITH A CO-SOLVENT AND EVALUATION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS, FATTY ACIDS PROFILE AND TOCOPHEROLS

The Pistacia terebinthus L was extracted using liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide together with a co-solvent (ethanol). The effect of different temperatures (30 and 50°C), pressure (250, 300, and 350 bar), extraction time (60 and 120 min), and different percentages of co-solvent (0, 5, and 10%) was investigated. The amount of phenolic compounds, tocopherols, and fatty acid composition was determined. HPLC, UHPLC and GC were used for analysis of phenolic compounds, tocopherols, and fatty acid composition respectively. Quercetin was the main phenolic compound. The oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acids which were between 69.68 – 75.47%. Oleic acid was the predominant unsaturated fatty acid, and the main saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid. Total tocopherol content of the oil was between 13.07-245.3 ppm and the main tocopherol was β-tocopherol. The study showed that the amount of phenolic compounds, fatty acid composition, and tocopherol content were changed according to the parameters.

Monitoring Changes to Alkenone Biosynthesis in Commercial Tisochrysis lutea Microalgae.

Alkenones are unique lipids produced by certain species of microalgae, well-known for use in paleoclimatology, and more recently pursued to advance sustainability across multiple industries. Beginning in 2018, the biosynthesis of alkenones by commercially grown Tisochrysis lutea (T-Iso) microalgae from one of the world's most established producers, Necton S.A., changed dramatically from structures containing 37 and 38 carbons, to unusual shorter-chain C35 and C36 diunsaturated alkenones (C35:2 and C36:2 alkenones). While the exact reasons for this change remain unknown, analysis of alkenones isolated from T-Iso grown in 2021 and 2023 revealed that this change has persisted. The structure of these rare shorter-chain alkenones, including double bond position, produced by Necton T-Iso remained the same over the last five years, which was determined using a new and optimized cross-metathesis derivatization approach with analysis by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and NMR. However, noticeable differences in the alkenone profiles among the different batches were observed. Combined with fatty acid compositional analysis, the data suggest a connection between these lipid classes (e.g., increased DHA corresponds to lower amounts of shorter-chain alkenones) and the ability to manipulate their biosynthesis in T-Iso with changes to cultivation conditions.

Rheological behaviour, fatty acid composition and pigment content of Moroccan Picholine virgin olive oil during three harvest periods

The physicochemical, rheological, and fatty acid composition of six virgin olive oils extracted from the Picholine variety in the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region (Morocco) were studied and compared over three harvest years: 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021. These results show that all samples are rich in oleic acid, with the lowest amount observed for samples harvested in 2018-2019, followed by samples from 2019-2020 and finally those from the 2020-2021 harvest. It was also shown that all virgin olive oil samples exhibited Newtonian behaviors at shear rates between 60 and 120 s-1 and that the average dynamic viscosity of the 2018-2019 samples was 0.045 ± 1.14.10-4 Pa.s, below that observed for the 2019-2020 period (0.063 ± 4.92.10-4 Pa.s). The latter was in turn lower than the viscosity recorded for the 2020-2021 harvest (0.071 ± 1.90.10-4 Pa.s). Analysis of fatty acid composition shows that olive oils with a high oleic acid content have a higher viscosity than those with a low content. Finally, multivariate statistical analyses (Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis) showed good classification between samples according to their physicochemical properties and year of harvest. The olive oils produced in 2018 were significantly different from those harvested in 2020, probably due to their viscosities and fatty acid profiles.

Evaluation of seed yield, essential oil compositions, and fatty acid profiles in advanced fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) breeding populations

Metabolites derived from bitter fennel serve as flavoring and healing agents in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic sectors. Previously, we developed three fennel breeding populations (Early, Medium, and Late Maturity Synthetic Cultivars) with the potential to produce higher seed yield. This investigation aimed to assess the quality and quantity of the important metabolites in these three cultivars alongside their elite parental populations. Our results showed that the highest amounts of essential oil yield and seed yield were produced by, two breeding populations, Medium and Late Maturity Synthetic Cultivars. These cultivars showed positive seed yield heterosis rates of 28% and 20%, respectively, above the averages of their parental populations. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil samples identified 24 components in total. The major compounds in all genotypes were trans-anethole (34.09–77.84%), limonene (4.99–12.66%), methyl chavicol (1.35–38.69%), and fenchone (6–13.07%). The highest amount of trans-anethole belonged to Fasa and the Medium Maturity Synthetic with 77.84 % and 73.10%, respectively. The analysis of fatty acid compositions in the genotypes was conducted using GC-FID, which revealed the presence of 19 unique fatty acids, of which ten were saturated, and nine were unsaturated fatty acids. Petroselinic acid (67.11–78.44%), and linoleic acid (9.14–11.60%) were the major unsaturated fatty acids in fennel seeds. The Early Maturity Synthetic exhibited the least saturated fatty acid content (7.24%), while the highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids were found in both the Early Maturity Synthetic (89%) and Hashtgerd (88.55%). The genotypes were categorized into four groups using a heat map analysis with hierarchical clustering. Overall, the results showed that the three synthetic cultivars of fennel have outperformed the elite parental populations for seed and essential oil yields, concentration of the major industrial secondary metabolites such as trans-anethole, and higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. These cultivars show potential for usage in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.