High Pigment Content Research Articles

Preparation, chemical composition, glycolipid-lowering activity and functional property of high-purity polysaccharide from Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf: A novel plant-based functional hydrophilic colloid

Natural functional hydrophilic colloids with glycolipid-lowering activities have remarkable application prospects but scarce. Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf (MOL) is a good candidate for novel plant-based functional hydrophilic colloid, but the development of high-purity MOL polysaccharide (MOLP) is limited due to high protein and pigment contents in MOL and bottleneck of green preparation. In this study, a green preparation strategy for high-purity MOLP as a functional hydrophilic colloid was established through comparative evaluation of different enzyme-assisted extraction and conventional/non-conventional purification methods on purity and function of MOLP. Liquid nitrogen pulverization coupled with cellulase enzymolysis, high-temperature treatment and yeast fermentation was optimal to extract MOLP. Dual protease enzymolysis in combination of dual resins absorption was screened out as the most efficient purification method for MOLP in comparison with TCA, sevage, enzymolysis, and chromatography methods. High-purity MOLP with high molecular weight exceeding 1000 kDa and high proportions of Ara and Gal showed strong glycolipid absorption inhibitory activity, prebiotic effect on human gut probiotics related to glycolipid metabolism, and good function property e.g. light color, viscoelasticity, emulsibility and water/oil holding capacity, which exceeded commercial pectin in bioactivity and resembled commercial pectin in functionality. The positive correlation between purity of MOLP and function was clarified in terms of correlation coefficients of total sugar content/molecular weight distribution and bioactivity/functionality. It offered theoretical direction for the development of high-purity polysaccharide as functional hydrophilic colloid from leaf-derived raw materials.

Investigation of nutritional profile, protein solubility and in vitro digestibility of various algae species as an alternative protein source for poultry feed

Alternative protein sources, particularly seaweed and microalgae, have long been considered a potential source of protein for poultry feed. Currently, several species of algae are a special focus of animal nutrition in order to replace soybean meal (SBM) due to its high protein content and abundance of vitamins, minerals and pigments. Determining nutrient and digestibility of a new ingredient is the first step in evaluating its suitability for use in poultry feeds. This study aimed to evaluate nutritional composition and digestibility of five algae including Caulerpa lentillifera J. Agardh, Ulva rigida C. Agardh, Spirulina sp., Coelastrella sp. (KKUP1) and Scenedesmus sp. (KKUP2). We evaluated nutritive value, amino acid profiles and physical characteristics microscopically. Protein solubility and in vitro digestibility, i.e., dilute pepsin digestibility (DPD) and two-phase gastric pancreatic digestibility (GPD), were performed by incubating algae samples in porcine pepsin and porcine pancreatin with a protease, lipase and amylase enzyme solution to determine suitability of algae as a protein ingredient in poultry feed. Results showed that Spirulina sp. had the highest protein content (44.44 % of dry matter basis; P < 0.0001) and was rich in amino acids (Lys, Thr and Trp). Moreover, protein solubility, digestibility (DPD and GPDProtein) and digestible protein of Spirulina sp. were significantly higher than those of other species (52.35 %, 49–67 % and 20.70 %, respectively). On the other hand, energy digestibility (GPDEnergy) and digestible energy were highest in Ulva rigida (99.40 % and 15.29 MJ kg−1, respectively; P < 0.0001). These results imply that Spirulina sp. was more suitable for utilization as an alternative protein source for SBM substitution in poultry feed formulation. This characterization of biochemical composition and in vitro digestibility of algae represents the preliminary methodology used to initially select algae for use as a protein source in animal feed and additional in vivo tests are warranted.

Assessment of batch culture conditions for cyanobacterial propagation for a bioreactor in space

One important point in human space exploration is the reliable air, water and food production for the space crew, less dependent from cargo supply. Bioregenerative life support systems aim to overcome this challenge. The life support program MELiSSA of the European Space Agency uses the cyanobacterium Limnospira indica for air revitalization and food production. In the Space flight experiments ArtEMISS-B and -C, L. indica is tested on the International Space Station. In this study we elucidate which conditions are most favorable for cell propagation from inoculum to a full culture in space to enable a high final biomass concentration, with high pigment composition for an efficient bioprocess. We found that lower light intensities (36–75 µmol photons m-2 s-1) show higher maximum biomass densities and higher pigment contents than cultures grown above 100 µmol photons m-2 s-1. 36 μmol photons m-2 s-1 resulted in maximum biomass concentrations of 3.36 ± 0.15 g L-1 (23 °C), while cultures grown at 140 µmol photons m-2 s-1 only achieved concentrations of 0.82 ± 0.10 g L-1 (25°C) (−75.8%). Colder temperatures (21°C–25°C) showed a negative effect on the pigment content. At 36 µmol photons m-2 s-1, a temperature of 30°C gave a phycocyanin concentration of 0.122 ± 0.014 g g DW-1 and 23°C resulted in 0.030 ± 0.003 g g DW-1 (−75.4%). In conclusion, a low light intensity (36–80 µmol photons m-2 s-1) in combination with warm temperature (30°C–34°C) is optimal to obtain cultures with high pigment contents and high biomass concentrations in a batch culture.

Light absorption by Volvocaceae colonies consisting of equidistant optically soft photosynthetic cells in a transparent spherical extracellular matrix

This study aims to develop a methodology to predict the absorption cross-section of colonial microalgae such as those of the Volvocaceae family including Eudorina, Pleodorina, and Volvox consisting of an ordered assembly of large and optically soft absorbing cells embedded within a non-absorbing spherical extracellular matrix (ECM). The absorption cross-section of spherical colonies, such as Eudorina, containing 16, 32, and 64 equidistant photosynthetic cells distributed on the surface of a sphere within a concentric spherical ECM was predicted by the superposition T-matrix method for ECM size parameters as large as 500 and by the Monte Carlo ray-tracing (MCRT) method for ECM size parameters as large as 900. The predicted absorption cross-sections given by the two methods were in excellent agreement despite the fact that the conditions for geometric optics were not rigorously satisfied. The absorption cross-section of the microalgae colonies considered was found to increase with increasing cell radius, absorption index or cell pigment concentration, and/or number of cells. Shading among cells decreased the mass absorption cross-section and was increasingly important for colonies with strongly absorbing cells, large cell radius, and/or large number of cells. These results demonstrate that accounting for shading effects is necessary to accurately predict the absorption cross-section of microalgae colonies. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the MCRT method is an accurate and efficient method for modeling light absorption by an ensemble of many large, ordered, and optically soft particles. Finally, the impact of colony formation as well as pigment and biomass concentrations on the local (LRPA) and mean (MRPA) rates of photon absorption within a microalgae culture was also assessed. At low biomass concentrations, the LRPA and MRPA decreased in the presence of colonies. This effect was more pronounced at higher pigment concentrations.

Bread Wheat Biofortification for Grain Carotenoid Content by Inter-Specific Breeding

Bread wheat has traditionally been selected for whitish derived flours. As a consequence, the current varieties carry carotenogenic alleles associated with low grain carotenoid. In contrast, high grain yellow pigment content (YPC) has been a major target in durum wheat programs since yellow colour is an important aesthetic factor for pasta production. Phytoene synthase 1 (Psy1) genes have an important role in the determination of the carotenoid content in wheat. In this work, we have transferred the genes Psy1-A1 and Psy1-B1 from durum to bread wheat by inter-specific hybridization in order to evaluate the combined effect of these genes for the improvement of grain carotenoid content, as well as the development of carotenoid-enriched bread wheat lines. Inter-specific breeding coupled with a MAS approach based on Psy1-A1 and Psy1-B1 alleles has allowed the development of bread wheat pre-breeding lines with enhanced grain carotenoid content (16-23% mean). These biofortified lines have the potential to become new varieties or to be used as recurrent parents in bread wheat breeding programs.

Physical and Biogeochemical Properties of Rotten East Antarctic Summer Sea Ice

AbstractSea ice forms a barrier to the exchange of energy, gases, moisture and particles between the ocean and atmosphere around Antarctica. Ice temperature, salinity and the composition of ice crystals determine whether a particular slab of sea ice is habitable for microorganisms and permeable to exchanges between the ocean and atmosphere, allowing, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere to be absorbed or outgassed by the ocean. Spring sea ice can have high concentrations of algae and absorb atmospheric CO2. In the summer of 2016–2017 off East Antarctica, we found decayed and porous granular ice layers in the interior of the ice column, which showed high algal pigment concentrations. The maximum chlorophyll a observed in the interior of the ice column was 67.7 μg/L in a 24% porous granular ice layer between 0.8 and 0.9 m depth in 1.7 m thick ice, compared to an overall mean sea‐ice chlorophyll a (± one standard deviation) of 13.5 ± 21.8 μg/L. We also found extensive surface melting, with instances of snow meltwater apparently percolating through the ice, as well as impermeable superimposed ice layers that had refrozen along with melt ponds on top of the ice. With future warming, the structures we describe here could occur earlier and/or become more persistent, meaning that sea ice would be more often characterized by patchy permeability and interior ice algal accumulations.

Assessment of the Nutritional Value of the Green Algae Biomass Cultivated in Phytobioreactor

The paper deals with comparative assessment of the biochemical composition of biomass of &lt;i&gt;Ankistrodesmus braunii&lt;/i&gt; (Nageli) Lemmerm. and &lt;i&gt;Scenedesmus rubescens&lt;/i&gt; P.J.L. Dang cultivated in closed photobioreactor. Complete edible biomass was obtained of both algal species with high content of protein, photosynthetic pigments, sulpholipid and acylcarnitines. In &lt;i&gt;A. braunii&lt;/i&gt; biomass content of proteins was 8.0 times higher than in &lt;i&gt;S. rubescens&lt;/i&gt;, content of essential amino acids 1.3 times, chlorophylls 2.9 times, carotenoids 2.0 times, sulfolipid 4.7 times, and acylcarnitines 2.0 times.

Prodigiosin Pigmentinin Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae) Üzerindeki İnsektisidal Aktivitesi

Microorganisms and their metabolites have the potential to provide a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides. Serratia marcescens is an entomopathogenic bacterium that produces hydrolytic enzymes and toxins. It also produces a red pigment called prodigiosin, which has a variety of biological properties. In this study, the prodigiosin pigment was extracted from S. marcescens Se9 isolate with acidified ethanol and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The insecticidal potential on larval and adult stages of Tenebrio molitor was then investigated. It was found that the mortality rate of larvae exposed to the lowest concentration (125 ppm) of crude pigment was 5%, while the mortality rate of larvae exposed to the highest concentration (2000 ppm) was 68%. The LC50 value of the crude pigment for the larval stage was determined to be 924 ppm. On the other hand, even at the highest pigment concentration (2000 ppm), only 30% mortality was observed in adults. The LC50 value of the crude pigment for the adult stage was determined to be 4570 ppm. It was determined that the pigment had a toxic effect on the pest, but the larval stage was more sensitive than the adult stage. The study showed that prodigiosin pigment appears to be a promising biocontrol agent for use against T. molitor.

Key parameters and mechanism of blistering of coil-coatings in humid-hot laboratory environments

Blistering of organic coatings on hot dip galvanized (HDG) steel is of high practical relevance, especially in warm-humid environments. The aim of this work was to study the key parameters of blister formation and growth by accelerated laboratory testing at 60 and 70 °C. Following a statistical design of Taguchi, the components of a polyurethane (PU) primer formulation were varied and applied to hot-deep galvanized (HDG) steel. The presence of a topcoat was found to be a precondition for blistering. Degradation started at microcracks within the primer and was significantly influenced by the adhesion between primer and topcoat. A high content of anticorrosive pigments resulted in enhanced blister formation, while blister growth is mainly controlled by mass transport processes and shows a strong temperature dependence. This study focuses on one specific blistering mechanism, osmotic blistering, which is indicated by blister kinetics and leachate analysis, estimated pressure values inside the blister are in reasonable agreement by using two different calculation approaches.

Lighting time analysis of water-based flexographic inks containing phosphorescent pigments

The research investigates the illumination time of four luminescent pigments (green, blue, violet, and orange) dedicated to security printing and other special effect covers. It involves printout preparation on paper bases with and without optical brighteners with nine k-bar applicators and flexographic water-based inks with three different pigment concentrations (5, 15, and 30%). The printouts assessment is in the range of wild ink film thickness concerning the time of illumination. Achieved results led to the modelling of these properties. The Zeiss SEM microscope presents the images of the pigments tested.The innovation in this research is to show the nature of luminescent pigments and inks and to demonstrate its application possibility. The mathematical models presented in this article can help to adjust the appropriate ink layer's thickness and pigment concentration to achieve the desired glow time.The article shows that the green pigment glows the longest, successively blue and violet. The changes in the glow time from the thickness of the layer look similar for green and blue, for violet only at the highest pigment concentration. In contrast, the orange differs significantly from the others and shines approx. 20 times as short as the green one. The article explains how the size of the pigment can affect its glow time and why the samples obtained on a substrate containing optical brighteners glow longer. The optical brighteners intensify the shining time for the longer light wavelengths of pigments, such as green and orange, than for the shorter ones – blue and violet. The influence of the substrate on the glow effect is less visible for higher pigment concentration or greater print layer thickness. Applying a luminescent pigment on a dark-coloured substrate diminishes the lighting effect and eliminates it on a black one.

Photosynthetic pigments and color of wild Undaria pinnatifida for wakame production (Chubut, Patagonia Argentina)

The invasive brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida was first recorded in the Southwest Atlantic in 1992 in Golfo Nuevo, northern Patagonia, Argentina. Since then, it has spread over most of the Argentine coast developing dense seasonal kelp beds. This seasonal biomass could be used for wakame production, for which the color is an important quality variable. The aim of this study was to determine the temporal and ontogenetic variations of pigments content and color of Undaria from Golfo Nuevo, and its relation to water temperature, irradiance, and nutrient concentration. Sporophytes present in five 1m2 quadrats were collected from a 2 m-depth hard bottom in five occasions between September and November 2018. Morphometric variables were measured in all the sporophytes collected (N = 200). Color (CIE Lab) and pigments (Chlorophyll a and c, and fucoxanthin) were measured on each juvenile and adult sporophyte. Color was also measured after boiling. Water temperature and irradiance were measured 70 cm above the bottom with a 10-minute frequency. Nitrate+nitrite, ammonium, and phosphate concentrations (μM) were measured from surface seawater samples taken on each sampling date. Higher pigment content and better color parameters (lower L* and b*) were observed in adult sporophytes with thicker blades. In juvenile sporophytes with thin blades, L*and b* color parameters were strongly affected by pigment content. Temporal fluctuations of color parameters and pigment content were smooth and not significant. GLMs showed that variations in color parameters and pigments were mostly related to development and blade thickness, and at a lower extent, by nutrients and irradiance. We conclude that adult sporophytes have better color than juveniles for wakame production during the austral spring in the study area. However, further research would be necessary to analyze other quality parameters (e.g. hairs, wrinkles, and hardness) and their geographical variations.

Nanoscale polymer encapsulated pigment hybrid latexes with high pigment content for binder-free pigment printing of cotton/polyester blend fabrics

Pigment printing of cotton/polyester (C/P) blend fabrics is an environment-friendly technology for achieving cleaner fabric coloration. However, the application of conventional pigment-printing technology is restricted owing to the stiff feeling and low crocking fastness of the printed goods. In this study, a novel polymer-encapsulated pigment hybrid latex with nanoparticle morphology and high pigment content was synthesized for binder-free pigment printing of C/P fabrics via sulfur-free reversible addition-fragmentation transfer (SF-RAFT) emulsion polymerization using allyloxy polyoxyethylene (10) nonyl ammonium sulfate (DNS-86) as the reactive surfactant. The pigment content of the hybrid latex was as high as 83.8%, with an average particle size of 251 nm. The surface of single C/P fibers was uniformly wrapped by the hybrid latex film, where the highly encapsulated pigment accelerated pigment fixation on the fibers, improving the color depth, color fastness, air-permeability, and hand-feel of the binder-free printed C/P fabrics in comparison with those of the control system with low pigment content (traditional free radical polymerization). More importantly, the highly encapsulated pigment hybrid latex particles promoted the formation of a new discontinuous film coating on the surface of single fibers, which opens up a promising avenue for replacing conventional fabric printing techniques.

The Effect of Extraction Method on the Extract Yield in the Carotenoid Pigment Encapsulation for Halal Natural Pigment

The Soxhlet and maceration methods were used to determine the extract yield in the carotenoid pigment encapsulation for halal natural pigment production. This study aims to obtain halal natural pigment by determining the highest extract yield from the encapsulation of β-carotene in carrots. The carrot was extracted using Soxhlet and maceration method and then continued by oven drying. The n-hexane was selected because of its better volatility than ethanol and provided less solvent residue after extraction. UV-Vis spectroscopy and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) were used to characterize the n-hexane yield extract. Encapsulation of the pigment was investigated by adding five grams of maltodextrin to extract n-hexane weights of 0.05, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 grams. The maceration method yielded a much higher yield than the Soxhlet extraction method, with 2.24% (w/w) and 0.88% (w/w), respectively. The n-hexane extract absorbed a maximum wavelength of 450 nm with a retention factor (Rf) of 0.62. These values are confirmed by comparing the band's Rf values and absorption spectra with the standard’s. Light absorption spectra at wavelengths 350-500 nm confirmed an intense color expression for encapsulation containing the highest pigment concentration.

Development, Validation, and Use of 1H-NMR Spectroscopy for Evaluating the Quality of Acerola-Based Food Supplements and Quantifying Ascorbic Acid.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) is an exotic fruit with high agro-industrial potential due to its high content of ascorbic acid (AA), phenolic compounds, and carotenoid pigments. Acerola fruit is processed into concentrated juice or powder to be incorporated into food supplements. The ascorbic acid content of concentrated juice or powders must be controlled and well assessed. Therefore, the development of optimal methods and procedures for the rapid and accurate determination of the ascorbic acid content in juice concentrate and juice powder remains of considerable commercial interest. NMR spectroscopy is currently a powerful spectroscopic tool for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of molecules of all types and sizes. Firstly, this article presents the NMR-based metabolomic profiling of acerola juice and concentrate powder to describe and compare their composition. Thirty-six metabolites were identified. The AA over choline ratio and the NMR metabolomic profiles could be used for authentication in the future. Secondly, a rapid (8 min), reliable, and non-destructive method for the quantification of ascorbic acid by 1D 1H-NMR spectroscopy was developed and validated. The LOD and LOQ were 0.05 and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. These two approaches could be combined to better characterize ingredients derived from acerola and incorporated into food supplements.

Production of Antioxidants and High Value Biomass from Nannochloropsis oculata: Effects of pH, Temperature and Light Period in Batch Photobioreactors

Nannochloropsis oculata is a marine microalgal species with a great potential as food or feed due to its high pigment, protein and eicosapentaenoic acid contents. However, for such an application to be realized on a large scale, a biorefinery approach is necessary due to the high cost of microalgal biomass production. For example, techno economic analyses have suggested the co-production of food or feed with antioxidants, which can be extracted and supplied separately to the market. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cultivation conditions on the antioxidant capacity of Nannochlosopsis oculata extracts, derived with ultrasound-assisted extraction at room temperature, as well as the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the biomass. A fractional factorial approach was applied to examine the effects of temperature (20–35 °C), pH (6.5–9.5) and light period (24:0, 12:12). At the end of each run, biomass was collected, washed with 0.5M ammonium bicarbonate and freeze-dried. Antioxidant capacity as gallic acid equivalents as well as pigment content were measured in the ethanolic extracts. Optimal conditions were different for productivity and biomass composition. Interesting results regarding the effect of light period (LP) and pH require further investigation, whereas the effect of moisture on the extraction process was confounded with biomass composition. Finally, further data is provided regarding the relation between chlorophyll content and apparent phenolic content using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, in agreement with our previous work.

Pigment and oil content estimation in seeds of Bixa orellana L.

Bixa orellana L. is an economic tree native to the Neotropics. It is perennial in nature growing up to a height ranging from 2 to 8 m. Bixa orellana L. shows phenotypic variation in flower color, pod color, pod shape, height as well as girth. The tree gives a natural colorant called ‘Annatto’ that is second most demanded dye in the world. Selection of trees based on high pigment content becomes a must for this economic tree. Identification of phenotypic character for selection of trees with desirable pigment content was the aim of the study. It was found that cordate pods with green pericarp and maroon bristles gave the highest bixin content, although norbixin content was found to be similar in all pod shapes, cordate pods with maroon pericarp and bristles were advantageous. For selection for oil content conical pods with maroon pericarp and bristles were the most appropriate amongst all.

Physiological and molecular features predispose native and invasive populations of sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa L.) to colonization and restoration of drought degraded environments

The aim of this study was to determine physiological and molecular grounds for high adaptation potential of invasive populations of Rosa rubiginosa to soil drought. We assume that the invasive populations possess specific and effective adaptive mechanisms making them capable pioneer and nurse plants in dry environments. By colonizing the land, they limit its degradation and initiate revitalization of areas damaged by soil droughts. We analyzed plant water status, the photosynthetic apparatus activity, carbohydrate and phenolic content, the level of non-enzymatic antioxidants and RbcL protein associated with fixation of CO2. The research involved native (Northern Hemisphere: Poland, Spain) and invasive (Southern Hemisphere: Argentine, New Zealand) populations. Contrary to the native population, the invasive one demonstrated soil drought induced specific responses aimed at maintaining high water potential in the leaves, greater content of soluble carbohydrates, and higher osmotic potential. In the invasive population, the accumulation of soluble carbohydrates prevailed over their consumption for the synthesis of phenolic compounds. The invasive plants also maintained high content of assimilation pigments and showed greater level of non-enzymatic antioxidants. Reduced activity of the photosynthetic apparatus was associated both with increased energy amount dissipated from PSII and the efficiency with which an electron can move from the reduced intersystem electron acceptors to the PSI end electron acceptors. The study results pave the path for further research on the genetic basis of sweet briar response to soil drought in the context of progressive steppe formation and desertification.

Evaluation and selection of hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) genotypes for enhanced pigment content

An experiment was conducted at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India with the objectives to evaluate different hibiscus accessions for high pigment content. In this experiment, 14 hibiscus genotypes were collected from different places of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and these genotypes were evaluated continuously from June, 2014 to Sep, 2019. Among the different accessions, Acc.6 (CHR 6) was identified with highest anthocyanin yield from flower petals. The anthocyanin extract from the flowers can be used as a food colourant.

Variation in the Main Health-Promoting Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Different Edible Parts of Purple Flowering Stalks (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria) and Green Flowering Stalks (Brassica campestris var. campestris).

Purple flowering stalks and green flowering stalks of Brassica campestris are widely cultivated in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Here, concentrations of the main health-promoting compounds and antioxidant capacity levels were characterized in different parts (leaves, peel, flesh, and inflorescences) of purple and green flowering stalks. There were significant differences in the concentrations of health-promoting compounds between the two variants; the concentrations of pigments, especially anthocyanidins, and gluconapin, were significantly higher in purple flowering stalks than in green flowering stalks, and the progoitrin content was significantly higher in green flowering stalks than in purple flowering stalks. The leaves were judged to be the most nutritional edible part because they had the highest concentrations of pigments, ascorbic acid, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and total phenolics. Antioxidant capacity was also highest in the leaves, and it was positively correlated with the concentration of health-promoting compounds. Purple flowering stalks and green flowering stalks were found to be rich in health-promoting compounds, especially glucosinolates. Overall, our findings indicate that consumption of the leaves and peel would provide the most health benefits. Some suggestions are provided regarding the processing and utilization of these edible components.

Effect of Supplemental UV-A Intensity on Growth and Quality of Kale under Red and Blue Light.

Different intensities of UV-A (6, 12, 18 μmol·m−2s−1) were applied in a plant factory to evaluate the combined influences of supplemental UV-A and red and blue light (Red:Blue = 1:1 at PPFD of 250 μmol·m−2 s−1) on the biomass, antioxidant activity and phytochemical accumulation of kale. Supplemental UV-A treatments (T1: 6 μmol·m−2 s−1, T2: 12 μmol·m−2 s−1 and T3: 18 μmol·m−2 s−1) resulted in higher moisture content, higher pigment content, and greater leaf area of kale while T2 reached its highest point. T2 treatment positively enhanced the antioxidant capacity, increased the contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar and reduced the nitrate content. T1 treatment markedly increased the content of aliphatic glucosinolate (GSL), whereas T2 treatment highly increased the contents of indolic GSL and total GSL. Genes related to GSL biosynthesis were down-regulated in CK and T3 treatments, while a majority of them were greatly up-regulated by T1 and T2. Hence, supplemental 12 μmol·m−2 s−1 UV-A might be a promising strategy to enhance the growth and quality of kale in a plant factory.