Fruit Anthocyanin Research Articles

Pan-transcriptome analysis provide insights into resistance and fruit quality breeding of pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)

Pyrus pyrifolia, commonly known as sand pear, is a key economic fruit tree in temperate regions and possesses highly diverse germplasm resources for pear quality improvement. However, research on the relationship between resistance and fruit quality traits during the breeding of fruit species like pear is limited. Pan-transcriptomes effectively capture genetic information from coding regions and reflect variations in gene expression between individuals. Here, we constructed a pan-transcriptome composed of 506 samples from different tissues of sand pear, and explored the intrinsic relationships among phenotypes and the selection for disease resistance during improvement based on expression presence/absence variation (ePAVs). The pan-transcriptome contains 156,744 transcripts, among which the novel transcripts show significant enrichment in the defense response. Interestingly, disease resistance genes are highly expressed in landraces of pear but have been selected against during the improvement of this perennial tree species. We found that genetically diverse landraces can be divided into two subgroups and inferred that they have undergone different dispersal processes. Through co-expression network analysis, we confirmed that the formation of stone cells in pears, the deposition of fruit anthocyanins, and the ability to resist stress are interrelated. They are jointly regulated by several modules, and the expression of regulatory genes has a significant correlation. Moreover, we identified candidate genes such as HKL1 that may affect sugar content and are missing from the reference genome. Our study provides insights into the associations between complex fruit traits, while providing a database resource for pear disease resistance and fruit quality breeding.

Enhancing strawberry resilience to saline, alkaline, and combined stresses with light spectra: impacts on growth, enzymatic activity, nutrient uptake, and osmotic regulation

BackgroundThis study examines the effects of various complementary light spectra on the growth, development, antioxidant activity, and nutrient absorption in strawberry plants under stress conditions. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used to provide specific wavelengths, including monochromatic blue (460 nm), monochromatic red (660 nm), a dichromatic mix of blue and red (1:3 ratio), full-spectrum white light (400–700 nm), and ambient light as a control (no LED treatment). The stress treatments applied were: control (no stress), salinity (80 mM NaCl), alkalinity (40 mM NaHCO₃), and a combined salinity/alkalinity condition.ResultsOur results indicated that complementary light spectra, especially red and blue/red, helped mitigate the adverse effects of stress on plant growth and development. These spectra improved plant tolerance by enhancing the activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes and increasing starch accumulation in the leaves. Furthermore, under stress conditions, red and blue-red light significantly boosted fruit anthocyanin levels. Although stress elevated antioxidant activity, supplementary light reduced this activity by alleviating stress compared to ambient light. While stress led to increased Na and Cl ion concentrations in leaves, treatments with blue, red, and blue-red light minimized these harmful effects and promoted the absorption of beneficial ions such as K, Mg, Fe, and Cu.ConclusionsAdjusting light quality significantly influences the morphology and physiology of strawberry plants, underscoring the role of specific light spectra in promoting optimal growth under stress conditions.Clinical trial numberNot applicable

The NAC activator, MdNAC77L, regulates anthocyanin accumulation in red flesh apple

Anthocyanin is widely acknowledged as a crucial component contributing to apple fruit quality. However, research on the influence of NAC transcription factors on anthocyanin accumulation in red flesh apple is limited. In this study, a NAC transcription factor MdNAC77L was identified as highly related to the change of anthocyanin content, based on a combined anthocyanin metabolome and transcriptome analysis. Overexpression of MdNAC77L significantly increased the accumulation of anthocyanin in both apple and strawberry fruits, along with the expression of several anthocyanin-related enzymes. Molecular-level analyses demonstrated that MdNAC77L was directly combined with the promoters of three pivotal enzymes (dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, anthocyanin synthase, and UDP-flavonoid glucosyltransferase) of anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. We found that ABA strongly induced the expression of MdNAC77L, which activated the expression of three downstream target genes. In addition, MdNAC77L showed higher transcript accumulation in flesh with lower anthocyanin content than that in red peel. We revealed the new core factor, MdNAC77L, involved in anthocyanin accumulation in apple red flesh. This research provides a fresh perspective on the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-fleshed apples.

Brassinolide and gibberellin promote grape fruit development and quality

Brassinosteroid (BR) and Gibberellins (GA) are important hormones that significantly influences grapeberry development and ripening. In the present study, grape clusters were soaked separately with EBR (Epi brassinolide), GA3, and EBR+GA3 during fruit development. Results showed that anthocyanin content, soluble solids, and titratable acid content were all enhanced by EBR treatment, however fruit weight, transverse and longitudinal longitude, and hardness were not significantly changed, furthermore, GA3 treatment increased the fruit weight, longitudinal and transverse longitude, and hardness, decreased titratable acid, and increased the solid acid ratio; The EBR+GA3 significantly improved grape fruit quality, increased fruit anthocyanin content, reduced titratable acid content, improved sugar-acid ratio, and significantly improved fruit weight, transverse and longitudinal longitude, and hardness. EBR and GA3 treatment increased the contents of alcohols, esters, ketones, terpenes, and phenols in aroma substances, and glucose and fructose. They also increased the sugar, aroma, and anthocyanin metabolism-related genes, while down-regulated the expression of acid-related genes. EBR also increased the GA metabolism associated genes, but GA3 decereaed BR metabolism assocated genes. BR and GA had a crosstalk of that VvGAI could interact with VvBZR1, VvGAI could inhibit the VvBZR1 binding to the VvGA20ox2 promoter that decreased the VvGA20ox2 gene expression, but EBR and GA3 could alleviate the inhibition. In conclusion, both BR and GA alone could improve fruit quality to some extent, and the combination of them can better integrate the advantages of single-use to improve the fruit quality and enhance the commerciality of the grape fruit.

Extraction and electrochemical sensing of anthocyanins in berry fruits by use of carbon nanotube-based electrode

Extraction and electrochemical sensing of anthocyanins in berry fruits by use of carbon nanotube-based electrode

Influence of Conservation Methods on the sour cherry (Cerasus vulgaris Mill.) fruits quality

Objective: Sour cherry fruits (Cerasus vulgaris Mill.) belong to the Rosaceae family and are designed as a GRAS ingredient based on the FDA data. Animal experiments and clinical practice confirm that there are many positive pharmacological effects mainly related to anthocyanins. Development of standard regulations for this kind of medicinal plant raw materials is actual to introduce sour cherry fruits into official medical practice. In our research, we investigate macroscopic and microscopic properties and determine the content of tanning substances and anthocyanins in sour cherry fruits of various kinds of conservation. Materials and methods: Modern complex of physicochemical methods was used in pharmacognostical research. Microscopic analysis was performed on a LOMO Micmed-6 microscope with 10× eyepieces, 4×, 10×, 40× and 100× objectives, photographies were taken with a Sony Xperia Z3 compact digital camera. The content of total anthocyanins in terms of cyanidin-3-О-glucoside was determined by differential UV-spectrophotometry, total tannins content – by redox titration. Results and discussion: The anomocytic stomatal complex, fruits pulp druses, anthocyanins containing in the epidermis and fruits pulp cells, and vessels are typical signs for the sour cherry fruits anatomy structure. A conservation method has not to effect on visual representation of diagnostic signs. The contents of tanning substances are little; it is from 2.73±0.08% to 4.12±0.13% in terms of tannin. Maximal anthocyanin contents (in terms of cyanidin-3-glucoside and in absolutely dried raw material) were determined in fresh-frozen sour cherry fruits (after defrosting (with juice and without kernel) is 5.40±0.15% or in terms of moisture-containing raw materials (without kernel) – 0.690±0.019%. In the defrosted fruits without juice, the content of anthocyanins is two times lower in terms of completely dried raw material (without kernel), it is 2.77±0.12% or in terms of moisture-containing raw material (without kernel), it is 0.410±0.018%. In the juice released from cherry fruits after defrosting anthocyanin content in terms of cyanidin-3-glucoside is of 0.450±0.007% (g/100ml juice), in dried sour cherry fruits (without kernel) – 4.34±0.17%, which is lower than in fresh-frozen raw materials. It can be explained by the varietal features, as well by the conservation conditions; this matter is to be further studied. Contents of tanning substances in fresh-frozen and dried sour cherry fruits when storage during 4 months is insignificantly reduced, but it is established that contents of anthocyanin in terms of cyanidin-3-glucoside reduces 1.5 times in 4 months, if the raw material is frozen, and it reduces by 10% if the raw material is dried. Conclusion: Diagnostic signs of macroscopic and microscopic structures, contents of tanning substances and anthocyanins in terms of cyanidin 3-glycoside in sour cherry fruits were studied. The content of the main groups of biologically active substances decreases equally during storage of dried and frozen cherry fruits. When defrosting, it is necessary to carefully collect the juice, as it contains the bulk of the anthocyanins. It is promising to study various options for freezing and drying of cherry fruits with kernels in order to reduce the loss of fruits juice to a minimum. In this case, it is important to ensure that the kernels are whole (not destroyed), in order to avoid the ingress of cyanogenic glycosides into the medicinal plant material. The results will be used to develop normative documentation for sour cherry fruits.

Identification and expression profiling of SmGATA genes family involved in response to light and phytohormones in eggplant.

GATA proteins are transcription factors of zinc finger proteins, which play an important role in plant growth development and abiotic stress. However, there have been no identification or systematic studies of the GATA gene family in eggplant. In this study, 28 SmGATA genes were identified in the genome database of eggplant, which could be divided into four subgroups. Plant development, hormones, and stress-related cis-acting elements were identified in promoter regions of the SmGATA gene family. RT-qPCR indicated that 4 SmGATA genes displayed upregulated expressions during fruit developmental stage, whereas 2 SmGATA genes were down-regulated expression patterns. It was also demonstrated that SmGATA genes may be involved in light signals to regulate fruit anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, the expression patterns of SmGATA genes under ABA, GA and MeJA treatments showed that the SmGATAs were involved in the process of fruit ripening. Notably, SmGATA4 and SmGATA23 were highly correlated with the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, light-responsive genes, and genes that function in multiple hormone signaling pathways and the proteins they encoded were localized in the nucleus. All these results showed GATA genes likely play a major role in regulating fruit anthocyanin biosynthesis by integrating the light, ABA, GA and MeJA signaling pathways and provided references for further research on fruit quality in eggplant.

Identification and Characterization of the Glutathione S-Transferase Gene Family in Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and Their Potential Roles in Anthocyanin Intracellular Transportation.

The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs, EC 2.5.1.18) constitute a versatile enzyme family with pivotal roles in plant stress responses and detoxification processes. Recent discoveries attributed the additional function of facilitating anthocyanin intracellular transportation in plants to GSTs. Our study identified 178 VcGST genes from 12 distinct subfamilies in the blueberry genome. An uneven distribution was observed among these genes across blueberry's chromosomes. Members within the same subfamily displayed homogeneity in gene structure and conserved protein motifs, whereas marked divergence was noted among subfamilies. Functional annotations revealed that VcGSTs were significantly enriched in several gene ontology and KEGG pathway categories. Promoter regions of VcGST genes predominantly contain light-responsive, MYB-binding, and stress-responsive elements. The majority of VcGST genes are subject to purifying selection, with whole-genome duplication or segmental duplication serving as key processes that drive the expansion of the VcGST gene family. Notably, during the ripening of the blueberry fruit, 100 VcGST genes were highly expressed, and the expression patterns of 24 of these genes demonstrated a strong correlation with the dynamic content of fruit anthocyanins. Further analysis identified VcGSTF8, VcGSTF20, and VcGSTF22 as prime candidates of VcGST genes involved in the anthocyanin intracellular transport. This study provides a reference for the exploration of anthocyanin intracellular transport mechanisms and paves the way for investigating the spectrum of GST functions in blueberries.

Haplotype-resolved chromosomal-level genome assembly reveals regulatory variations in mulberry fruit anthocyanin content.

Understanding the intricate regulatory mechanisms underlying the anthocyanin content (AC) in fruits and vegetables is crucial for advanced biotechnological customization. In this study, we generated high-quality haplotype-resolved genome assemblies for two mulberry cultivars: the high-AC 'Zhongsang5801' (ZS5801) and the low-AC 'Zhenzhubai' (ZZB). Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of genes associated with AC production. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on 112 mulberry fruits, we identified MaVHAG3, which encodes a vacuolar-type H+-ATPase G3 subunit, as a key gene linked to purple pigmentation. To gain deeper insights into the genetic and molecular processes underlying high AC, we compared the genomes of ZS5801 and ZZB, along with fruit transcriptome data across five developmental stages, and quantified the accumulation of metabolic substances. Compared to ZZB, ZS5801 exhibited significantly more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to anthocyanin metabolism and higher levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids. Comparative analyses revealed expansions and contractions in the flavonol synthase (FLS) and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) genes, resulting in altered carbon flow. Co-expression analysis demonstrated that ZS5801 displayed more significant alterations in genes involved in late-stage AC regulation compared to ZZB, particularly during the phase stage. In summary, our findings provide valuable insights into the regulation of mulberry fruit AC, offering genetic resources to enhance cultivars with higher AC traits.

A 224-bp Indel in the Promoter of PeMYB114 Accounts for Anthocyanin Accumulation of Skin in Passion Fruit (Passiflora spp.).

Passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) is an important fruit tree in the family Passifloraceae. The color of the fruit skin, a significant agricultural trait, is determined by the content of anthocyanin in passion fruit. However, the regulatory mechanisms behind the accumulation of anthocyanin in different passion fruit skin colors remain unclear. In the study, we identified and characterized a R2R3-MYB transcription factor, PeMYB114, which functions as a transcriptional activator in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Yeast one-hybrid system and dual-luciferase analysis showed that PeMYB114 could directly activate the expression of anthocyanin structural genes (PeCHS and PeDFR). Furthermore, a natural variation in the promoter region of PeMYB114 alters its expression. PeMYB114purple accessions with the 224-bp insertion have a higher anthocyanin level than PeMYB114yellow accessions with the 224-bp deletion. The findings enhance our understanding of anthocyanin accumulation in fruits and provide genetic resources for genome design for improving passion fruit quality.

Effects of Supplemental Lighting on Flavonoid and Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Strawberry Flesh Revealed via Metabolome and Transcriptome Co-Analysis.

The spectral composition of light influences the biosynthesis of flavonoids in many plants. However, the detailed composition of flavonoids and anthocyanins and the molecular basis for their biosynthesis in strawberry fruits under two light-quality treatments, red light supplemented with blue light (RB) and ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, remain unclear. In this study, the content of flavonoids and anthocyanins was significantly increased in strawberry fruits under RB light and UVB, respectively. The content of flavonoids and anthocyanins in strawberry fruits under UVB light was dramatically higher than that in strawberry fruits irradiated with RB light, and a total of 518 metabolites were detected by means of LC-MS/MS analysis. Among them, 18 phenolic acids, 23 flavonoids, and 8 anthocyanins were differentially accumulated in the strawberry fruits irradiated with red/blue (RB) light compared to 30 phenolic acids, 46 flavonoids, and 9 anthocyanins in fruits irradiated with UVB. The major genes associated with the biosynthesis of flavonoids and anthocyanins, including structural genes and transcription factors (TFs), were differentially expressed in the strawberry fruits under RB and UVB irradiation, as determined through RNA-seq data analysis. A correlation test of transcriptome and metabolite profiling showed that the expression patterns of most genes in the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids and anthocyanins were closely correlated with the differential accumulation of flavonoids and anthocyanins. Two TFs, bZIP (FvH4_2g36400) and AP2 (FvH4_1g21210), induced by RB and UVB irradiation, respectively, exhibited similar expression patterns to most structural genes, which were closely correlated with six and eight flavonoids, respectively. These results indicated that these two TFs regulated the biosynthesis of flavonoids and anthocyanins in strawberry fruit under RB light and UVB, respectively. These results provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the accumulation of flavonoids and anthocyanins and the molecular basis for their biosynthesis in strawberry fruits under RB light and UVB.

The growth, nutrient uptake and fruit quality in four strawberry cultivars under different Spectra of LED supplemental light

An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to determine the effects of different supplemental light spectra on the growth, nutrient uptake, and fruit quality of four strawberry cultivars. The plants were grown under natural light and treated with blue (460 nm), red (660 nm), and red/blue (3:1) lights. Results showed that the “Parous” and “Camarosa” had higher fresh and dry mass of leaves, roots, and crowns compared to the “Sabrina” and “Albion”. The use of artificial LED lights improved the vegetative growth of strawberry plants. All three supplemental light spectra significantly increased the early fruit yield of cultivars except for “Parous”. The red/blue supplemental light spectrum also increased the fruit mass and length of the “Albion”. Supplemental light increased the total chlorophyll in “Camarosa” and “Albion”, as well as the total soluble solids in fruits. The “Albion” had the highest concentration of fruit anthocyanin, while the “Sabrina” had the lowest. The use of supplemental light spectra significantly increased the fruit anthocyanin concentration in all cultivars. Without supplemental light, the “Camarosa” had the lowest concentration of K and Mg, which increased to the highest concentration with the use of supplemental light spectra. All three spectra increased Fe concentration to the highest value in the “Sabrina”, while only the red/blue light spectrum was effective on the “Camarosa”. In conclusion, the use of supplemental light can increase the yield and fruit quality of strawberries by elevating nutrients, chlorophyll, and anthocyanin concentrations in plants.

Transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal the underlying mechanism of drought treatment on anthocyanin accumulation in postharvest blood orange fruit

BackgroundAnthocyanins are the most important compounds for nutritional quality and economic values of blood orange. However, there are few reports on the pre-harvest treatment accelerating the accumulation of anthocyanins in postharvest blood orange fruit. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptome and metabolomics analysis to elucidate the underlying mechanism involved in seasonal drought (SD) treatment during the fruit expansion stage on anthocyanin accumulation in postharvest ‘Tarocco’ blood orange fruit.ResultsOur results showed that SD treatment slowed down the fruit enlargement and increased the sugar accumulation during the fruit development and maturation period. Obviously, under SD treatment, the accumulation of anthocyanin in blood orange fruit during postharvest storage was significantly accelerated and markedly higher than that in CK. Meanwhile, the total flavonoids and phenols content and antioxidant activity in SD treatment fruits were also sensibly increased during postharvest storage. Based on metabolome analysis, we found that substrates required for anthocyanin biosynthesis, such as amino acids and their derivatives, and phenolic acids, had significantly accumulated and were higher in SD treated mature fruits compared with that of CK. Furthermore, according to the results of the transcriptome data and weighted gene coexpression correlation network analysis (WGCNA) analysis, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL3) was considered a key structural gene. The qRT-PCR analysis verified that the PAL3 was highly expressed in SD treated postharvest stored fruits, and was significantly positively correlated with the anthocyanin content. Moreover, we found that other structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were also upregulated under SD treatment, as evidenced by transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analysis.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that SD treatment promotes the accumulation of substrates necessary for anthocyanin biosynthesis during the fruit ripening process, and activates the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway genes during the postharvest storage period. This is especially true for PAL3, which co-contributed to the rapid accumulation of anthocyanin. The present study provides a theoretical basis for the postharvest quality control and water-saving utilization of blood orange fruit.

Anthocyanin biosynthesis in goji berry is inactivated by deletion in a bHLH transcription factor LrLAN1b promoter.

Black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum Murray) contains a rich source of health-promoting anthocyanins which are used in herbal medicine and nutraceutical foods in China. A natural variant producing white berries allowed us to identify two key genes involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in goji berries: one encoding a MYB transcription factor (LrAN2-like) and one encoding a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor (LrAN1b). We previously found that LrAN1b expression was lost in the white berry variant, but the molecular basis for this phenotype was unknown. Here, we identified the molecular mechanism for loss of anthocyanins in white goji berries. In white goji, the LrAN1b promoter region has a 229 bp deletion that removes three MYB-binding elements and one bHLH-binding element, which are key to its expression. Complementation of the white goji berry LrAN1b allele with the LrAN1b promoter restored pigmentation. Virus-induced gene silencing of LrAN1b in black goji berry reduced fruit anthocyanin biosynthesis. Molecular analyses showed that LrAN2-like and another bHLH transcription factor LrJAF13 can activate LrAN1b by binding directly to the MYB-recognizing element and bHLH-recognizing element of its promoter-deletion region. LrAN1b expression is enhanced by the interaction of LrAN2-like with LrJAF13 and the WD40 protein LrAN11. LrAN2-like and LrAN11 interact with either LrJAF13 or LrAN1b to form two MYB-bHLH-WD40 complexes, which hierarchically regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in black goji berry. This study on a natural variant builds a comprehensive anthocyanin regulatory network that may be manipulated to tailor goji berry traits.

Composition of biologically active substances of common cranberry fruits (Oxycoccus palustris Pers.) in various methods of preservation

Introduction. The study of common cranberry fruits is promising due to the wide variety of biologically active substances included in their composition, a wide range of therapeutic properties, as well as the ability of cranberry fruits for long-term storage and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Fresh fruits contain the maximum amount of biologically active substances and, accordingly, have the most pronounced pharmacological effect. To preserve the composition and content of biologically active substances, preservation is used in pharmacy. Most often they resort to drying. Freezing can be considered a new and promising method for preserving the quality of medicinal plant materials. Purpose of the study. Study of the effect of freezing and drying on the qualitative composition and quantitative content of biologically active substances in common cranberry fruits. Material and methods. The object of the study was fresh, frozen, and dried common cranberry fruits collected in the Pskov and Novgorod regions in 2022 during the fruiting period. The study of the composition of biologically active substances (BAS) and quantitative assessment of the content were carried out according to pharmacopoeial methods, using analysis using thin layer chromatography (TLC), spectrophotometry and redox titration methods. Results. Using TLC analysis, organic acids (ascorbic, malic, citric, tartaric and succinic), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), tannins (gallic acid) and anthocyanins were identified in the fruits. There were no differences in the qualitative composition of dried and frozen fruits. The content of organic acids, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins in cranberry fruits using different preservation methods was determined. It has been established that when fruits are dried, the content of all studied groups of biologically active substances decreases, on average by 40–60% of the initial content in fresh raw materials. Ascorbic acid is destroyed to a greater extent (90–92%). Exposure to low temperatures leads to a slight decrease in biologically active substances in common cranberry fruits (7–14%). Conclusion. The influence of preservation methods on the composition and content of biologically active substances in common cranberry fruits has been studied. The possibility of using frozen cranberry fruits as an alternative to fresh and dried raw materials in the manufacture of drugs in allopathy and homeopathy has been shown.

Intelligent double-layer films based on gellan gum/mica nanosheets/anthocyanin/konjac glucomannan/carrageenan for food real-time freshness monitoring

In this work, double-layer intelligent films were designed and synthesized based on Broussonetia papyrifera fruit anthocyanin (BPFA), mica nanosheets (MN), konjac glucomannan (KG), carrageenan (CA) and gellan gum (GG) using layer-by-layer casting strategy for real-time and in situ food freshness monitoring. The KG/CA/BPFA layer served as the indicator layer, while the GG/MN layer acted as the protective outer layer. It was observed that the water vapor permeability value of the GG-MN/KG-CA-BPFA double-layer film was reduced by 4.7 times, and the tensile strength was increased by 4.1 times compared with the GG film, which could be related to the reinforcing effect and proper barrier property of MN. Notably, the double-layer film blocked most of UV-light and oxygen, and its water contact angle reached 102.4° ± 1.18°. In particular, the films showed favorable visually detectable colorimetric responses to different pH buffer solutions and volatile ammonia. More importantly, visual assessment using shrimps as test specimens demonstrated distinct color alteration from red to blue-grey on spoilage. The color change of the film was also highly correlated with TVB-N (R2 = 0.964) and pH (R2 = 0.999). In conclusion, the newly designed double-layer film exhibited excellent performance, which guides an innovative approach for advanced food-packing material development.

CONTROL OF THE SELECTIVITY OF THE SEPARATION OF GRAPE ANTHOCYANIDIN 3-GLUCOSIDES AND 3,5-DIGLUCOSIDES: DETERMINATION OF ANTHOCYANINS IN GRAPE FRUIT GROWN IN THE BELGOROD REGION

For the first time, a new version of the separation of 3-glucosides and 3,5-diglucosides of the five main anthocyanidins for grape fruits - delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin and malvidin under reverse-phase HPLC conditions was proposed. It has been shown that the replacement of the traditionally used acetonitrile with environmentally more acceptable ethanol upon acidification with ortho-phosphoric rather than formic acid makes it possible to significantly change the selectivity of the separation of two types of glucosides at their joint presence. The proposed separation option allows differentiating between Vitis vinifera grapes, in the fruit peel of which only 3-glucosides of the above anthocyanidins are synthesized, and grapes of other species or hybrid grape varieties. For a complete review of the anthocyanin composition, it is necessary to use a gradient mode, since the acylation of anthocyanins with acetic and p-coumaric acids significantly changes the lipophilicity of anthocyanins. The type of anthocyanins was analyzed according to the previously proposed system, which takes into account the activity of three types of enzymes: 1) 5-О-glucosyltransferase that leads to 3,5-diglucosides synthesis; 2) 3',5'-hydroxylase responsible for ring B hydroxylation; 3) anthocyanin O-methyltransferase for converting cyanidin into peonidin derivatives as well as delphinidine into petunidin and malvidin glycosides. The method was used to determine anthocyanins in 43 grape varieties grown in Belgorod on farms and private farms. Among the studied grapes, varieties were found with grape fruits with the accumulation of only 3-glucosides, as well as 3-glucosides and 3,5-diglucosides simultaneously, with delphinidin and cyanidin types of anthocyanins, and with different degrees of methylation. The calculated parameters for all grape varieties are presented in two tables and a brief discussion of some varieties is given.

Chromosome-scale assembly and gene editing of Solanum americanum genome reveals the basis for thermotolerance and fruit anthocyanin composition.

Solanum americanum serves as a promising source of resistance genes against potato late blight and is considered as a leafy vegetable for complementary food and nutrition. The limited availability of high-quality genome assemblies and gene annotations has hindered the exploration and exploitation of stress-resistance genes in S. americanum. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of a thermotolerant S. americanum ecotype and identify a crucial heat-inducible transcription factor gene, SaHSF17, essential for heat tolerance. The CRISPR/Cas9 system-mediated knockout of SaHSF17 results in remarkably reduced thermotolerance in S. americanum, exhibiting a significant suppression of multiple HSP gene expressions under heat treatment. Furthermore, our transcriptome analysis and anthocyanin component investigation of fruits indicated that delphinidins are the major anthocyanins accumulated in the mature dark-purple fruits. The accumulation of delphinidins and other pigment components during fruit ripening in S. americanum coincides with the transcriptional regulation of key genes, particularly the F3'5'H and F3'H genes, in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. By integrating existing knowledge, the development of this high-quality reference genome for S. americanum will facilitate the identification and utilization of novel abiotic and biotic stress-resistance genes for improvement of Solanaceae and other crops.

The Beneficial Effects of Anthocyanins from Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Fruits and Their Possible Uses: A Review

Anthocyanins are pigments ubiquitous in plants that are responsible for the red to almost black color, mainly of flowers and fruits. Dark-colored fruits contain the highest amounts of anthocyanins. A potential source of anthocyanins can be cornelian cherry fruit (Cornus mas L.) from a long-lived tree growing in temperate climate zones. The aim of this review is to summarize the latest research on cornelian cherry anthocyanins and the possibility of their use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, without taking into account their use in medicine. The content of anthocyanins in cornelian cherry fruits is high and comparable to fruits considered to be the richest sources of these compounds, so they may be a good source of these natural colorants used in industry. The content of anthocyanins varies due to genetic traits, growing conditions, the ripeness of fruits, and finally, how the fruits are stored and processed. Anthocyanins can be found in various cornelian products, such as juices, jams, powders, and others, so they may be available outside the period of supply of fresh fruit on the market. The lack of experience on the influence of the method of cultivation of cornelian cherries on the anthocyanin content of fruits determines new directions for research.

Effect of Maltodextrin Concentration on Anthocyanin Content and Antioxidant Activity of Rukem Fruits Extract Powder

Rukem (Flacourtia rukam Zoll. & Mor.) is an Indonesian tropical fruit with purple peel indicating anthocyanin content; therefore, the fruit can be a potential source of natural colorant. However, anthocyanins are commonly unstable and reactive towards temperature, light, and oxygen. For this reason, encapsulation process is an attempt to improve its stability. The aim of this research was to determine the most efficient concentration of maltodextrin to coat the anthocyanins in rukem fruit, considering the total anthocyanin and antioxidant activity. The fruit was extracted with several concentrations of citric acid 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 % (b/v), and the optimal concentration was used to extract anthocyanin. The extract was then mixed with maltodextrin at following concentrations: 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% (w/v). The mixture was homogenized, then spray-dried with spray dryer Lab Plant SD-05, Keison, UK. The dried samples were analyzed for chemical (moisture, ash, pH, anthocyanin, antioxidant activity) and color (L*, a*, b*) properties. The results showed that 5% citric acid and 40% maltodextrin (w/v) gave the most efficient yield of extraction, and the best effects on anthocyanins powder, resulting in the highest antioxidant activity (74.28± 0.41%), total anthocyanins (3.96±0.08 mg/100 g), encapsulation efficiency (19.26±0.41%) and color values of L* 87.46±0.07; a* 16.21±0.09, and b* -1.60±0.02.