High Carotenoid Content Research Articles

Coupled Ultrasound and Microwave‐Assisted Extraction of Carotenoids From Citrus clementina Peels and In Vitro Evaluation of Their Biological Activities

ABSTRACTThis research investigates the optimization of carotenoid extraction from Citrus clementina peels using Ultrasonic‐Microwave‐assisted extraction (U‐MAE) and evaluates their biological activities. The study employs Response surface methodology (RSM) to determine optimal extraction parameters (hexane percentage in hexane/acetone mixture, sonication time, and irradiation time) that yielded the highest total carotenoid content (TCC) with high total antioxidant activity (TAA) and to assess the impact of each parameter on the responses. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities were analyzed using in vitro spectrophotometric methods. The results demonstrate a significant positive correlation between hexane percentage and both TCC and TAA. Furthermore, the results revealed that shorter sonication and irradiation times led to important increases in TCC and TAA. Additionally, the study assessed the effect of particle size on TCC and TAA, showing that finer particle sizes resulted in higher carotenoid content and antioxidant activity. The carotenoid‐rich extract exhibited robust antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities, as well as notable antibacterial and antifungal properties, suggesting its potential application as a substitute for synthetic counterparts in various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the extraction and bioactivity of carotenoids from C. clementina peels.

Differential expression of CCD4(4B) drives natural variation in fruit carotenoid content in strawberry (Fragaria spp.).

Carotenoids are a diverse group of pigments imparting red, orange, and yellow hues to many horticultural plants, also enhancing their nutritional properties and health benefits. In strawberry, the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating the natural variation of fruit carotenoid composition remain largely unexplored. In this study, we use a population segregating in yellow/white flesh to detect a major quantitative trait locus (QTL), qYellow Flesh-4B, located on chromosome 4B and accounting for 82% of total phenotypic variation. In the QTL interval, specific polymorphisms on the promoter of the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase CCD4(4B) were associated with yellow flesh, down-regulation of CCD4(4B) during ripening, and increased carotenoid content. The role of CCD4(4B) in carotenoid turnover was further confirmed through transient overexpression in strawberry fruits, which resulted in decreased concentrations of the xanthophylls violaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Notably, a -35 C>T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CCD4(4B) promoter was predictive of both CCD4(4B) expression and carotenoid content across a diverse collection of octoploid Fragaria species. These findings provide valuable genetic insights into the natural variation of carotenoid composition and accumulation in strawberry. A high-resolution melting (HRM) DNA test developed in this study offers a rapid and reliable method for predicting high carotenoid content in strawberry fruits, representing a valuable tool for breeding projects aimed at enhancing the nutritional value of this crop.

Bioactive compounds and composition of Elaeis oleifera mesocarp oil extracted by hydraulic pressing

Elaeis oleifera oil has stood out for its high contents of carotenoids, tocochromanols, oleic and linoleic acids and low content of saturated fatty acids. The content of these bioactive compounds depends on the oil extraction process and the data available is related to solvent extraction. Pressing is the current industrial oil extraction process for palm fruits. E. oleifera bunches were harvested on two different days at an interval of two months. They were then sterilized and the fruits were submitted to hydraulic pressing and the oil from the mesocarp was evaluated. The main fatty acids of two samples were C18:1 (54.72 – 55.69%), C16:0 (23.72 – 24.23%) and C18:2 (15.47 – 16.95%). The alpha- and beta-carotene contents were 620-725 μg/g and 1,358– 1,403 μg/g, respectively. Gamma-tocotrienol accounted for 799 and 1,066 μg/g. The oil is a concentrate of pro-vitamin A and rich in gamma-tocotrienol and its low oil acidity allows for the consumption of the crude oil.

Evaluation of Some Quality Parameters of Pumpkin Seeds and Oil After Roasting with Marjoram.

Consumers include pumpkin seeds in their diet as a snack in raw form or minimally processed by roasting. This process enables the seeds to develop a characteristic aroma and color. Herbs and spices are also distinguished by a pleasant and delicate aroma. Among them, marjoram is particularly suited to drying, retaining its flavor better than other dried herbs. Marjoram can be used to impart flavor and aroma to food products and extend their shelf life because it can prevent lipid autoxidation. In this study, pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo) were roasted with and without dried marjoram at 110 and 160 °C for 10 and 30 min, after which the oils were extracted. The results showed that with increasing temperature and roasting time, the moisture content and water activity of pumpkin seeds decreased. Furthermore, roasting pumpkin seeds with marjoram, particularly at 110 °C, enriched their aroma profile with terpenes characteristic of the marjoram aroma. Whether pumpkin seeds were roasted with or without marjoram, the fatty acid composition of the oils obtained was dominated by palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. However, the presence of marjoram during pumpkin seeds roasting resulted in lower peroxide values and specific extinction coefficients K232 and K270 in the oils obtained compared to their counterparts roasted without this spice. In addition, all the oils showed the ability to scavenge DPPH· radicals and were characterized by a higher proportion of yellow (positive value of the b* parameter) and green (negative value of the a* parameter) color. In comparison with the oil extracted from unroasted pumpkin seeds, the oil obtained after roasting exhibited a lower chlorophyll and a higher carotenoid content. Thus, roasting pumpkin seeds with spices may enrich their aroma profile with additional components, and the oils obtained may be characterized by better quality parameters.

Qualidade físico-química e compostos bioativos em batata-doce de polpa alaranjada

ABSTRACT Sweet potato is a vital food root, rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Genotypes that meet these nutritional demands are essential to combat nutrient deficiencies and promote human health. Thus, it presupposes the hypothesis that sweet potato genotypes differ in physicochemical quality and bioactive compounds when evaluated under the same environmental conditions. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the physicochemical quality and bioactive compounds in genotypes of orange-fleshed sweet potato. The experiment was conducted from April 2022 to August 2022 in the experimental area of Agronomic Engineering, located at the Academic Unit Specialized in Agricultural Sciences (UAECA) - UFRN, in Macaíba, RN, Brazil. The treatments were composed of eight genotypes, being two cultivars (BRS Amélia and Beauregard) and six accessions (Macaíba I, Macaíba II, Macaíba III, Macaíba IV, Ceará-Mirim, and Natal I) of orange-fleshed sweet potato from the UAECA teaching collection. After harvest, the following characteristics were evaluated: firmness, elasticity, hydrogen potential (pH), titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids (SS), ratio (SS/TA), Vitamin C, and the bioactive compounds: anthocyanins, flavonoids, and total carotenoids. The orange-fleshed sweet potato genotypes showed distinct characteristics for the physicochemical variables and the bioactive compounds. Due to increased pulp pH, anthocyanins were reduced in the Ceará-Mirim, Macaíba III, and Macaíba IV genotypes. The Macaíba II and Natal I genotypes stood out regarding the SS/TA ratio, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. In contrast, the Macaíba III genotype had the highest carotenoid content and great bioactive potential.

Spirulina platensis: Unveiling Phenotypic Plasticity impact on its Metabolic Profile and Bioactivity Via Chemometric Analysis

Spirulina platensis, a blue-green microalgae, is commonly cultivated for its nutritional benefits. it exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity. This study investigated the impact of environmental factors on the morphological features, phytochemical constituents, and bioactivity of two spirulina strains, SP1 and SPM2, cultivated under different climates in Egypt: Bilbeis (Nile Delta) and Alexandria (North Coast), respectively. Despite sharing 95% similarity in genetic profile using ISSR-PCR, these strains manifested distinct microscopic variations. Their phytochemical profiles, analysed using HPLC-PDA, revealed high amino acids and carotenoid content. Moreover, comprehensive metabolic profiling for both strains via UPLC-ESI-MS/MS exhibited substantial similarities and differences in their chemical profiles. The in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities characterized this functional biochemical variation, where SP1 was superior to SPM2. Further, a positive correlation exists between the detected bioactive metabolites and the observed biological activities. Such findings underscore the substantial impact of environmental determinants on spirulina bioactivity, regardless of its genotype. Also, it highlights the selection strategies to optimize the health-promoting potential of spirulina for functional food applications. Notably, it is the first approach to compare metabolic profiling for both strains cultivated in different climates correlated to their biological activity via chemometric analysis.

Chilean Papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens): A Native Fruit with a High Health-Promoting Functional Potential.

Papaya fruit is commonly known for its nutritional and medicinal value. It is a perennial, herbaceous, and trioecious cross-pollinated species with male, female, and hermaphrodite plants. The Chilean papaya, originating from South America, has been extensively spread throughout the Andean nations, cultivated primarily in the Coquimbo and Valparaíso valleys in Chile, between 34°41' and 36°33' latitude south. Its intense aroma, yellow color, and oblong shape characterize this fruit. It also stands out for its high content of carotenoids, vitamins, proteins, and polysaccharides, which make it a great functional food. Also, papaya contains bioactive compounds with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. For years, the fruit has been used to produce canned fruit, juice, and candies to satisfy the local market. Chilean papaya has significant economic importance, supplying both local and international markets. This review aims to consolidate the evidence-based information on the native Chilean papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens) as a food matrix. The fruit's ripening process, nutritional composition, industrial applications, and health-promoting properties, including its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects, are thoroughly examined. Additionally, the extraction of papaya oil, encapsulation of bioactive compounds, industrial and artisanal processing techniques, and patents are explored, highlighting the diverse applications and potential benefits of this fruit.

Effect of osmotic dehydration with binary/ternary sugar solutes on macro-& micro-structure, chromaticity and thermal stability of dehydrated peach slices prepared by heat pump drying.

The binary solution (sucrose/erythritol solution) and ternary solution (compound sucrose/erythritol with maltitol/fructooligosaccharide) were prepared as osmotic dehydration (OD) pretreatment before hot-pump-dried (HPD). Based on the analysis of OD solutions, the analysis of quality of dehydrated yellow peach slices (DYPS) were emphasized on the soluble sugar content, macro-&micro-structure and thermal stability. Following with sucrose and maltitol (SM)-OD pretreatment, DYPS showed the decreased free sugar content and improved cohesiveness (0.85±0.01) and springiness (97.92±1.47mm). Moreover, the highest L* value (71.35±4.39) observed in Erythritol group was related to the sugar layer on the DYPS surface. The biggest b* (44.41±3.63) value was observed in EM group, which was in line with the high content of carotenoids (24.52±1.84μg/mL). However, no significant differences were observed in total phenol content of DYPS with various pretreatments. The penetration of sucrose compounded with maltitol into DYPS tissue supported the homogeneous and regular cellular arrangement, which improved thermal stability of cell wall polysaccharides. As a whole, SM was expected to be the promising ternary osmotic solution for DYPS.

Determination of Carotenoid Bioavailability from Palm Oil Microencapsulation

Indonesia is the largest palm oil supplier in the world with a total production value of 20.97 million tons. Palm oil has a high content of carotenoids that act as antioxidants in the body. However, carotenoids and their derivatives have a conjugated structure that is unstable to oxidation and easily damaged. One of the optimal efforts to maintain the stability of carotenoids is by microencapsulation. This study aims to determine the efficiency of the palm oil microencapsulation method in maintaining the carotenoid components in it. The method used in this research is Systematic Literature Review based on Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Springer databases with predetermined inclusion criteria. The results showed that all palm oil microencapsulation methods produced good efficiency values and stable physicochemical characteristics of carotenoids even including other micronutrients such as vitamin E, moisture content, fatty acids, etc. which were also classified as stable. Overall, the supercritical carbon dioxide (SEDS) method produced the best quality while the spray drying method is a good choice for commercial microencapsulation. The conclusion of this study is that microencapsulation is able to protect the bioavailability of carotenoids in palm oil in a stable condition with values that are still within the standard range so as to produce better palm oil products as food ingredients for further use in a food product

Development of a Rapid UPLC Method for Analysis of Carotenoids in Goji Berry Extract and Evaluation of Their Transformation Affected by Saponification.

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.), also known as wolfberry, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb widely utilized as a functional food ingredient throughout East Asia. In this study, we developed a rapid high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method for the simultaneous separation of carotenoids in goji berries. This method successfully separates 17 carotenoids and their esters within 21 min using a Sunrise C30 column, with detection at 450 nm, a flow rate of 1.3 mL/min, and a column temperature of 25 °C. Method validation showed intra-day precision ranging from 0.97% to 6.21% and inter-day precision from 0.99% to 7.01%, demonstrating this method effectively minimizes analysis time while providing high separation efficiency and sensitivity. Goji berries extracted with a mixture of n-hexane/ethanol/acetone (1:1:1, v/v/v) and then saponified with a 40% potassium hydroxide methanol solution can completely convert carotenoid esters into free monomer forms. The highest carotenoid content in goji berry was all-trans-zeaxanthin (1721.94 ± 81.01 μg/g), followed by 9- or 9'-cis-zeaxanthin (79.53 ± 3.92 μg/g), 15- or 15'-cis-zeaxanthin (43.71 ± 2.17 μg/g), 9- or 9'-cis-zeaxanthin (36.51 ± 1.81 μg/g), all-trans-β-cryptoxanthin (25.76 ± 1.55 μg/g), all-trans-β-carotene (5.71 ± 0.83 μg/g), and 13- or 13'-cis-β-carotene (0.86 ± 0.13 μg/g).

Physicochemical characteristics of sawo belanda (Pouteria Campechiana) flour with blanching process and drying techniques

Introduction: Sawo belanda fruit (Pouteria campechiana), a tropical fruit abundantly found in Southeast Asia, is highly productive and particularly thrives in the warm climates of Malaysia and Indonesia. However, the high fruit output of sawo belanda contrasts with its limited consumption in Indonesia. The process of converting sawo belanda into flour can significantly enhance its lifetime. The application of blanching methods and proper drying techniques can be a solution to avoid damage to the characteristics of the flour. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of sawo belanda flour that has been treated with blanching and drying techniques. Methods: The parameters observed were moisture content (%), hygroscopicity (%), colour, antioxidant content (ppm), and carotenoid content (µg/g) with blanching and various drying techniques. Results: Microwave blanching and food dehydrator technique (C1) produced the best characteristics: moisture content of 7.82%, hygroscopicity of 8.04%, colour values of L* 84.0, a* 8.22, and b* 50.5, as well as functional characteristics including antioxidant content of 142 ppm and carotenoid content of 92.4 µg/g. Conclusion: Sawo belanda with C1 treatment had a significant impact on the water content, hygroscopicity, colour, antioxidant and total carotenoid contents of sawo belanda flour. The antioxidant content and incredibly high carotenoid content grant the sawo belanda flour an additional functional value when added to food ingredients.

Stability of anthocyanin, carotenoid and root yield of 10 sweet potato genotypes

ABSTRACT Sweet potato roots are rich in phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of number of storage roots, storage root dry weight, harvest index and anthocyanin and carotenoid contents of 10 sweet potato genotypes. Ten sweet potato genotypes were evaluated in a randomised complete block design with three replications at three locations in Surin province, including Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI), Chomphra district and Sanom district during November 2022 to March 2023. Results indicated that the environment significantly influenced most traits, except for carotenoid content. Genotypes and genotype–environment interactions were significant for all traits. Number of storage roots was highest in genotypes found in RMUTI. Storage root yield and anthocyanin content was highest in genotypes found in Chomphra district, while harvest index and carotenoid content were highest in genotypes found in Sanom district. SR 2022/03 had the highest storage root yield across locations and in Chomphra district. KS 2022/07 had the highest harvest index and anthocyanin content across locations. SR 2022/10 had the highest anthocyanin content at RMUTI and also had the highest carotenoid content across locations. KS 2022/07 had the most stable storage root yield. SR 2022/01 had the most stable anthocyanin and carotenoid contents. Information on the levels and variability of phytochemicals in sweet potato enables breeders to select sweet potato genotypes with high and stable phytochemicals for sweet potato breeding.

Bioactive Composition of Tropical Flowers and Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties.

This study evaluated tropical flower petals' bioactive compounds and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The physicochemical characteristics, carotenoids, phenolics, anthocyanins, organic acids, and antioxidant activity of 67 flowers were analyzed. In addition, the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis of 35 species was determined. A 2 × 3 experimental design was used for the extraction of carotenoids and phenolics, including solvents and ultrasonic agitation times. The mixture of methanol-acetone-dichloromethane (1:1:2) and acetone-methanol (2:1) resulted in the highest concentration of carotenoids, while acidified 80% methanol favoured phenolic extraction. Renealmia alpinia was extremely rich in carotenoids (292.5 mg β-carotene/g DW), Pleroma heteromallum in anthocyanins (7.35 mg C-3-gl/g DW), while a high content of citric acid was found in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (17,819 mg/100 g DW). On the other hand, Thibaudia floribunda showed the highest antioxidant activity (7.8 mmol Trolox equivalent/g DW). The main phenolics were m-coumaric acid in Acalypha poiretii (12,044 mg/100 g DW), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid in Brugmansia arborea (10,729 mg/100 g DW), and kaempferol in Dahlia pinnata (8236 mg/100 g DW). The extract of Acalypha poiretii, Brownea macrophylla, and Cavendishia nobilis showed antibacterial activity, while the extract of Pleroma heteromallum was the only one active against Candida albicans. These findings highlight the potential health benefits from certain tropical flowers.

Exploration of underutilized chayote fractions following drying and extraction

Valorizing neglected crop byproducts through eco-friendly techniques has gained attention as underutilized crops offer new sources of bioactive components. This study examined the chemical composition, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities in six fractions of the underutilized chayote (Sechium edule). Each fraction was microwave-dried and extracted with ultrasound assistance. Shoots were high in ash and fiber, while pulp had high moisture and carbohydrates, and seeds were rich in fat and protein. Shoots, leaves, roots, and peels had high mineral levels, particularly Ca, K, Mg, P, Fe, and Zn. Shoots were also high in phenolics, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid, while leaves had a high carotenoid content. Polyphenol compounds such as myricetin and catechin were abundant in shoots, which exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Chayote shoots, roots, and leaves are abundant in bioactive compounds that can be utilized in food and, therefore, offers an opportunity for utilization of a currently neglected plant byproduct.

Study of Morphology, Nutrition and Bioactive Compounds at Two Accessions Marigold (Tagetes Erecta) in Kepahiang Regency

Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is an ornamental herbaceous and medicinal plant that is easily cultivated, so many are found at various heights, such as in Kepahiang Bengkulu regency, Indonesia. In addition, marigolds contain nutrients and bioactive compounds that have yet to be fully utilized. This study aims to identify the morphology, nutrients and bioactive compounds of marigold flowers in Kepahiang district of Bengkulu, Indonesia. The study was conducted using a purposive sampling survey method by conducting non-experimental descriptive observations. Sampling locations were conducted around Kepahiang regency. The variables observed were morphological identification, nutrient content and bioactive compounds. Two accessions are found: marigold flowers with small petals of orange and marigold flowers with small petals of yellow. Orange marigold flowers with small petals-shaped protein (10.51%) are higher than the small yellow marigold (9.49%), while the protein content of leaves (5.96%) is lower than the protein marigold flowers. Small-sized orange Petals marigold flowers have a higher carotenoid content (166.41 mg/kg) than small-sized yellow petals flowers (85.89 mg/kg). But compared to flowers, marigold leaves have a higher chlorophyll content (246.93 mg/kg). Marigold flower with orange petals in a small shape has the best nutritional and bioactive compounds content for poultry feed

Comparative morphoanatomy and phycochemical screening of three selected Gracilaria (Rhodophyta) species from Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT Gracilaria is the largest genus of the red algal family Gracilariaceae. A comparative morphoanatomical study was undertaken of three selected Gracilaria species: G. hikkaduwensis (endemic to Sri Lanka); G. corticata; and G. canaliculata with investigation of phycochemicals and pigments. Samples were collected from Koggala, Sri Lanka. Following the morphoanatomical study, crude extracts were prepared by macerating the thalli in methanol: dichloromethane, followed by rota-evaporation. Phycochemicals were tested using standard methodologies. Ethyl acetate extraction was performed to obtain chlorophyll a and carotenoids. Phycobiliproteins were extracted and quantified by ultraviolet–visible spectrometry. G. hikkaduwensis had toothed apices which distinguish this from G. corticata and G. canaliculata with rounded apices in vegetative thalli. G. corticata had markedly compressed axes distinguishing it from G. canaliculata with cylindrical axes further confirmed species level identity. Phycochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, amino acids, phenols, tannins, steroids and flavonoids. However, terpenoids were only present in G. hikkaduwensis. The highest phenolic content (2.02 ± 0.11 mg GAE g‒1) is present in G. corticata and lowest (1.36 ± 0.08 mg GAE g‒1) in G. hikkaduwensis. The highest flavonoids content (1.52 ± 0.01 mg QUE g‒1) was in G. hikkaduwensis and the lowest (1.02 ± 0.01 mg QUE g‒1) in G. corticata, respectively. Pigment analysis revealed the highest chlorophyll a (6.2 μg g‒1) in G. canaliculata while the lowest (1.9 μg g‒1) in G. hikkaduwensis. The highest carotenoids content (0.8 μmol g‒1) was reported in G. corticata, while the lowest (0.3 μmol g‒1) was in G. canaliculata. Individual phycobiliproteins (phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin) were recorded spectrophotometrically as 0.25 mg g‒1, 0.14 mg g‒1 and 0.18 mg g‒1, respectively. This study provides the first report on phycochemical screening of the endemic algae G. hikkaduwensis. These results together with those of G. corticata and G. canaliculata can be used as baseline data in further research on these species.

Bioactive compounds (LC-PDA-Qtof-ESI-MS and UPLC-PDA-FL) and in vitro inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase in leaves and fruit from different varieties of Ficus carica L.

The aim of the study was to analyze the potential health-promoting and nutritional components of leaves and figs from several Spanish varieties of Ficus carica L. The study focused to identify (by LC-PDA-QTof/MS) and quantify (by UPLC-PDA-FL) various components including carotenoids, chlorophylls, tocols, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins. Besides, the sugar profile, the antioxidant capacity (ORAC, FRAP and ABTS) and the in vitro hypoglycaemic potential via inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were evaluated. The leaves were found to have significant antioxidant properties. This is attributed to their high content of carotenoids (3170.77-6763.77 mg/ 100 g dm), chlorophylls (405.58–744.23 mg/ 100 g dm), tocols (59.35–115.61 mg/ 100 g dm), and polyphenols (1150.34 mg/100 g dm). Additionally, figs presented greater sources of amino acids (725.07 mg/100 g dm) and exhibited higher anti-diabetic activity than leaves. Figs of “Cuello Dama Negra” variety presented the highest content of anthocyanins (108.22 mg/100 g dm). The study suggests that incorporating these vegetal materials into another food matrix could have potential health benefits, especially in terms of antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects.

Climatic Influence on the Carotenoids Concentration in a Mediterranean Coastal Lagoon Through Remote Sensing

The Albufera of Valencia, a Mediterranean coastal lagoon, has experienced a shift to hypertrophic conditions over the past 40 years due to agricultural and urban-industrial pollution. From August 2023 to early 2024, the water of the lagoon turned reddish-brown. This change has been observed in the past, but never with this intensity or duration, which typically occurs during periods of drought. In this study, carotenoid concentrations were analyzed in relation to precipitation and temperature using field and remote sensing data from February 2016 to December 2023. In November 2023, samples showed unusually high concentrations of carotenoids. The study confirmed the effectiveness of a new algorithm for estimating carotenoids using Sentinel-2 imagery to complement chlorophyll-a data. Results showed that temperature and precipitation significantly influenced carotenoid/chlorophyll-a ratio, highlighting a climatic control of phytoplankton community structure. These results highlight the importance of long-term monitoring and conservation efforts to address climate change and human impacts. This research is a first step in using optical properties of lakes as an indicator of phytoplankton dynamics under environmental stress and warns of the potential for increased occurrence or persistence of such phenomena with future climate trends.

Functional, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activity of Edible Flowers.

Edible flowers have been used since ancient times, but their potential for improving human health has not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of bioactive compounds (organic acids, phenolics, and carotenoids) and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of nine flower varieties with high concentrations of carotenoids or total phenolic compounds. Ninety-three edible flowers were analysed for physicochemical characteristics, total phenolic and carotenoid concentrations, and antioxidant activity (ABTS). Bioactive profiles were determined by rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC), and antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Chrysanthemum x hybrid orange, Helianthus annuus yellow, Tagetes patula orange, Canna indica red, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (orange1 and yellow) showed significant concentrations of total carotenoids. In contrast, Pelargonium hortorum orange2, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1, and Rosa x hybrid variety medium yellow showed high levels of total phenolics. The predominant compounds in these species were citric acid (991.4 mg/g DW in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (936.2 mg/100 g DW in P. hortorum orange2), kaempferol (971. 9 mg/100 g DW in T. patula orange), quercetin glucoside (958.8 in C. x hybrid), quercetin (919.3 mg/100 g DW in T. patula), α-carotene, and β-carotene in T. patula orange (989.5 and 601.2 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. patula orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited bacterial growth, while C. x hybrid orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited Candida albicans, and the latter inhibited Candida tropicalis. These results indicate the potential of edible flowers as a natural source of bioactive compounds and as a tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Supercritical CO2 as a green technology for carotenoids-rich virgin palm oil production: Process optimization, kinetics and thermodynamics modeling

The experimental conditions of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction of virgin palm oil (VPO) from oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) were optimized using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Results showed that a maximum of 28.68 % of VPO extraction was obtained at the optimal experimental conditions of scCO2 extraction: pressure of 31 MPa, temperature of 340 K, and extraction time of 80 min. The second-order rate equation, Arrhenius equation and Eyring theory were employed to assess the kinetics behaviour, activation energy and thermodynamics behaviour of scCO2 extraction of VPO from oil palm mesocarp fiber. The lower activation energy value (12.17 kJ/mol) of scCO2 for the extraction of VPO from OPMF indicates that the scCO2 extraction technology is less dependent on temperature during the extraction of VPO from OPMF. The physicochemical properties and fatty acids compositions analyses reveal that the scCO2 extracted VPO contains high carotenoids content (982 μg/g), low free fatty acids content (0.31 wt%), higher oxidative stability and higher unsaturated fatty acids content.