High Levels Of Carotenoids Research Articles

Sequential high-pressure extraction using green solvents to recover bioactive compounds from sesame cake

Sesame cake was submitted to pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) for process optimization. Then, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), followed by optimized PLE were applied to recover the oily fraction and the polar extract, respectively. PLE samples, at optimized condition and from SFE deffated cake, showed high levels of TPC (33.15 and 31.86 mg GAE/g), DPPH (97.64 and 94.38 µmol TE/g), FRAP (46.12 and 46.69 mg TE\\g), flavonoids (2.26 and 2.31mgQE/g extract), yield (13.76 and 16.25 %) and protein (56.52 and 54.08 mg BSA/g), respectively. The oily fraction presented high levels of carotenoids and essential fatty acids, while PLE extracts presented higher concentration of ferulic acid, 4-aminobenzoic acid, and quercetin compared to Soxhlet extract. Total Reduced Sugar (TRS) content suggests sesame cake as good biomass for bioethanol production. The sequential process (SFE + PLE) was efficient to recover two bioactive fractions from sesame cake, contributing to improve the value of this co-product.

Aurantiochytrium mutant strains exhibiting different colony colors altered the contents of squalene.

Aurantiochytrium sp. 18W-13a, a marine heterotrophic protist belonging to the genus thraustochytrid, is known to accumulate high levels of squalene and carotenoids. Nowadays, the mutagenesis breeding of microorganisms is still widely practiced because the induced mutations of DNA do not involve the permanent integration of heterologous DNA sequences. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the improvement of squalene yield by mutagenesis breeding using Aurantiochytrium sp. 18W-13a. To bypass the massively laborious screening, we propose to use colony colors as the first criterion to screen mutants with high squalene accumulation, since the carotenoid and squalene synthetic pathways share an intermediate. We selected pale (white)-colored mutants after carbon ion irradiation. The white mutants exhibited larger squalene yields than twice as much of the original strain. The results clearly indicate that the present screening method with colony colors promises to obtain productive strains of squalene.

The Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Chlorella vulgaris in Laying Hen Diets on Performance and Physical Characteristics of Eggs.

Chlorella vulgaris (CV) is a microalga with considerable nutritional value, containing high levels of protein, carotenoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have the potential to positively influence the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens. CV emerges as a more sustainable ingredient than soybean meal (SBM) as it can be produced locally and with fewer inputs. In this regard, a study was conducted with 48 H&N Brown Nick strain laying hens, at 19 weeks of age, over a period of 16 weeks. The hens were divided into four treatments, with 12 replicates each. The treatments consisted of providing four different diets: a control diet based on corn and SBM without the inclusion of CV, and three other diets with partial substitution of SBM by 2.5, 5, and 10% of CV. The results showed that the inclusion of CV in the diets did not significantly affect feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or egg production (p > 0.05). In addition, moderate CV levels increased egg weight, while higher levels reduced it. Haugh units, yolk index, albumen index, egg surface area, specific density, and translucency were not affected (p > 0.05), while shell index and shell thickness were lower in the groups that received the CV (p < 0.0001). Yolk color improved significantly with increasing CV levels (p < 0.0001), with darker, more intensely colored yolks at higher CV concentrations. The results of this study suggest that the incorporation of CV in the diet of laying hens had a limited impact on performance parameters. In addition, CV supplementation can positively influence egg quality and yolk color, although careful consideration of optimal levels is necessary to avoid negative effects on other parameters.

Unveiling the oxidative stability, phytochemical richness, and nutritional integrity of cold-pressed Linum usitatissimum oil under UV exposure

This study examines the effect of UV irradiation on the oxidation stability of Linum usitatissimum oil, presenting possible changes in the phytochemical profile due to photo-oxidation. GC–MS analysis of the oils identified 11 fatty acid compounds with a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, the most important of which is α-linolenic acid (ALA), known as omega-3 (48.88 %), also significant profiles of phytosterol and tcocopherol isomers rich in β-Sitosterol and γ-tocopherols respectively. As well as physicochemical properties such as free fatty acids (FFA %), peroxide value (PV) and iodine value (IV), and nutritional indexes that determine the significant changes observed during the oxidation process, the most important of which is the progressive increase in acidity, peroxide, conjugated dienes and trienes and degrees of unsaturation over 8 h of UV exposure. High levels of carotenoids and phenolic compounds (TPC) protect and enhance oil quality in the face of irradiation, so a significantly small difference is observed between irradiated and non-irradiated oil during photo-oxidation.

Comparison effects of PEF and SC-CO2 treatments on lycopene, β-carotene, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, total polyphenols values, and antioxidant activity of tomato fruits.

Since the recycling of composites from plant tissues is difficult, extraction of bioactive compounds from plant sources requires pre-treatment by new technology such as pulsed electric fields (PEF). Due to the reduced consumption of organic solvents, the extractive techniques such as using supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) are of interest to researchers. This work aimed to investigating the influences of different parameters of SC-CO2 (pressure, modifier volume, temperature, and dynamic time) and PEF (frequency and field strength) treatments on the amount extraction of β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, total phenol content (TPC), and also antioxidant activity percentage of tomato to obtain the optimum circumstances extraction via PEF and SC-CO2 methods. PEF data showed that treatments with moderate intensity (1 Hz and 0. 25 kV/cm) enhanced the extractability of lycopene (88%), β-carotene (69%), and β-cryptoxanthin (24%). The maximum recovery in total polyphenols was achieved at a 1 Hz and 1.75 kV/cm, leading to a 41.68% growth. The SC-CO2 results showed that extraction at 55°C and 35 MPa, and in a short time of 20 min (without any modifier: methanol) resulted in the highest levels of carotenoids (100% recovery), especially lycopene, and antioxidant activity. Largest value of total polyphenols was obtained at 35 MPa, 35°C, during 30 min, and 250 μL methanol as a modifier (58.79% recovery). Results showed that the extraction of polyphenols, unlike carotenoids, required a modifier. Organic solvents, often called modifiers, are sometimes added to the supercritical fluid to increase the polarity range of the extraction process and to help overcome analyte retention in the matrix. In this study, methanol was used as a modifier in different volumes. Therefore, the SC-CO2 gentle processing conditions, compared with PEF, improved the recovery of tomato bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to optimize such treatments.

Comparative analysis of carotenoids, fatty acids, minerals, tastes, and odor in the skin of wild versus farmed large yellow croaker: Superior nutritional benefits with elevated heavy metal risks

People commonly consume large yellow croaker with skin, yet comprehensive studies on the skin's nutritional value, flavor, and health risks are lacking. The skin from wild fish and those from five main farming areas, nearly representing all fish in the market, were analyzed. The study revealed that the skin of all tested fish exhibited high levels of carotenoids, EPA, DHA, Σn-3/Σn-6 PUFA, Fe, Se, Cu, Zn, and various flavor compounds including free amino acids, 5′-nucleotides, and odor substances, and low levels of atherosclerotic and thrombogenic indices, suggesting health benefits. Notably, the wild fish skin was yellower with high carotenoid accumulation and nutritionally superior in fatty acids but showed a high heavy metal risk. Additionally, this research has, for the first time, elucidated that carotenoid storage in the skin of large yellow croaker depends on lutein esterification with oleic, palmitic, and decanoic acids. In summary, the current study indicates that the skin of farmed fish offers significant nutritional value and favorable flavor profiles, making it safe for consumption. However, while the skin of wild large yellow croaker is more nutritionally advantageous, it also presents a non-negligible risk of heavy metal contamination.

Carotenoid biosynthesis profiling unveils the variance of flower coloration in Tagetes erecta and enhances fruit pigmentation in tomato

Carotenoids play a pivotal role in plant. Tagetes erecta, commonly called marigold, has increasing nutritional and economic value due to its high level of carotenoids in flower. However, the functional genes in the carotenoid biosynthesis of T. erecta have not been studied. In this work, three T. erecta varieties with flowers of yellow, yellow-orange and orange color, respectively, were examined for carotenoids composition and corresponding expression profiling of biosynthetic genes at four developmental stages. The results indicated that the varieties with higher lutein content, orange-flower ‘Juwang’ and yellow-orange ‘Taishan’, exhibited significant upregulation of genes in the upstream biosynthesis pathway, especially PDS (phytoene desaturase), PSY (phytoene synthase) and ZDS (zeta-carotene desaturase), whereas downstream carotenoid cleavage genes CCD (carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase) were markedly downregulated throughout flower development in the highest lutein containing variety ‘Juwang’. Furthermore, marigold TePDS, TePSYS3 and TeZDS were isolated and transformed into tomato. Overexpression of TePDS or TeZDS resulted in the promotion of fruit ripening and accumulation of carotenoids in the transgenic lines. On the other hand, marigold TePSYS3 showed multiple effects, not only on fruit carotenogenesis but also on pigmentation patterns in vegetative tissues and plant growth. Taken together, the variations in expression profiles of the biosynthetic genes contribute to dynamic change in carotenoid levels and diversity of flower coloration in T. erecta. These functional genes of T. erecta were verified in tomato and provide targets for genetic improvement of fruit carotenoids accumulation.

Evaluation of the Impact of the Ripening Stage on the Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Fruits from Organically Grown Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Spanish Varieties.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated horticultural crop. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is known for its high concentration of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. The Mediterranean countries, including Italy, Spain, and Greece, have a diverse range of tomato landraces. Assessing the nutritional and bioactive composition of different tomato varieties and their ripening stages is crucial to determine their suitability for the market. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ripening on nutritional composition (including carotenoids and polyphenols content) and antioxidant activities of fruits of three specific tomato varieties grown in Spain: Josefina and Karelya, which are cherry-like tomatoes, and Muchamiel, a type of salad tomato. In addition to evaluating their characteristics and composition (including carotenoids and polyphenol content), the antioxidant activities of these varieties at three different ripening stages were quantified. As expected, the results reveal that, as the tomatoes matured, their antioxidant capacity increased along with higher levels of carotenoids and polyphenols. Interestingly, cherry-like tomatoes showed a higher antioxidant activity than the salad tomatoes. This investigation emphasizes the role of fruit ripening in increasing carotenoid levels, which contribute to the antioxidant activity of three tomato varieties.

Skin Carotenoid Levels Are Associated with Demographic Factors, Body Size, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in the Japanese Population.

This study aimed to determine the association between demographic factors, body size, and fruit and vegetable intake in the general population, focusing on individuals with both low and high skin carotenoid levels. This cross-sectional study was conducted during the 14th National Convention on the Promotion of Food and Nutrition Education (2019) in Yamanashi, Japan (a rural area) and the Open House 2019 at the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition in Tokyo, Japan (an urban area). Skin carotenoid measurements were conducted, and the participants were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire. The study population consisted of 492 Japanese individuals aged ≥16 years. The odds ratios (ORs) for low skin carotenoid levels were elevated in males, those who were overweight, and those who almost never consumed or consumed only one vegetable dish/day. Conversely, the ORs were lower in those living in Yamanashi, aged 30-39 and ≥70 years, and those who consumed fruit ≥1 time/week. For high skin carotenoid levels, the ORs were higher among those aged ≥70 years, living in Yamanashi, and those who consumed fruit ≥1 time/day or ≥5 vegetable dishes/day. Demographic factors, body size, and habitual fruit and vegetable intake may serve as indicators of skin carotenoid levels.

Changes in Carotenoids and Polyphenols during the Growth Stages of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)

The storage roots of orange-fleshed sweet potato contain high levels of polyphenols and carotenoids. Little information is available on changes in the content and composition of these secondary metabolites during the growth stages of the root system. We investigated changes in carotenoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins in the root system of the orange-fleshed sweet potato ‘Tamaakane’ from the post-planting stage. Carotenoids and polyphenols accumulated immediately after root-system formation at 15 days after transplanting (DAT). The levels of carotenoids increased by 45 DAT and decreased once the storage root enlargement began, but increased rapidly thereafter. After 90 DAT, β-carotene accounted for &gt;90% of the total carotenoids, and the frequency remained stable until maturity. Total polyphenol content increased significantly towards 45 DAT and then gradually decreased as the storage roots began to thicken. No anthocyanin was detected in the root systems of ‘Tamaakane’ at any stage. The content and composition of these secondary metabolites are discussed in terms of agronomic aspects, as they might contribute to a strategy to protect storage roots while engaging with each other against biotic or abiotic stresses at the growth stage of the root system.

Comparative study on the quality of wild and ecologically farmed large yellow croaker through on-site synchronous sampling from the Nanji Archipelago in the East China Sea

With consumers demanding higher quality in fish products, ecologically farmed fish are increasingly favored due to their quality being close to that of wild fish. However, the differences between the ecologically farmed and wild fish remain largely unclear. In the present study, the wild and ecologically farmed large yellow croakers of the same size were captured simultaneously from the same marine area around Nanji islands (27.479°E, 121.052°N). Then, synchronous tests were conducted to evaluate quality to clarify the key quality parameters that differentiate between the wild and farmed fish. We obtained 49 quality parameters after orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) with variable importance in projection (VIP) scores >1 and p < 0.05 using 307 indicators related to 121 length ratios, 4 body color indicators, 5 muscle fiber characteristic indicators, 87 nutrition quality parameters, 40 taste parameters, and 50 volatile compounds. Compared to the farmed fish, the wild fish exhibited a more yellow skin color, higher levels of carotenoids, and a more streamlined conical shape. Changes in histology and ultrastructure of muscle fibers were noted, including increased muscle fiber density and the ratio of fiber area to gap, as well as reduced I band width, observed in the wild fish. The wild fish had high nutritional value of fatty acids and minerals and low nutritional value of amino acids, as reflected by higher levels of C22: 6n3 (DHA), Σn-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids), Σn-3/Σn-6 PUFA, Na (sodium), K (potassium), Fe (iron), and Se (selenium), and lower values of ΣMUFA (monosaturated fatty acids), Σn-6 PUFA, TI (thrombogenic index), amino acid and chemistry scores of isoleucine, ΣEAA/ΣTAA (essential amino acid/ total amino acid), and ΣTAA/ΣNEAA (total amino acid/non-essential amino acid) in the muscles of the wild fish. The wild fish muscle showed high levels of hydrolyzed glycine and proline and free methionine, and low levels of free glycine and proline, indicating a propensity for collagen synthesis. Despite significant differences in the contents of fourteen flavor substances of free amino acids, 5′-nucleotides, and volatile compounds, their concentrations were notably below the corresponding threshold and contributed minimally to flavor, suggesting that the wild and farmed fish shared similar flavor characteristics. In summary, this study reveals the quality differences between ecologically farmed and wild large yellow croaker based on on-site synchronous sampling, providing a theoretical foundation for further enhancing the quality of this species.

Momordica cochinchinensis (Gac) Aril Suppresses Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Gac aril contains high level of carotenoids. This carotenoid possesses several pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities. To investigate the anti-cancer activity of Gac aril extract on human colorectal cancer cells and its related mechanisms. Colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29 were treated with Gac aril extract and its effects on cytotoxicity and anti-proliferation were analyzed using the MTT/MTS and colony formation assay, respectively. Then, further related mechanisms responsible for anti-proliferation were investigated by cell death detection ELISA and Flow cytometry. The results showed that treated cells became rounded up and there was a loss of contact with neighboring cells, leading to a reduction of cell viability. The cytotoxic effects were evaluated IC50 for HCT116 and HT29 cells were 2.16 mg/mL and 1.29 mg/mL, respectively but it not toxic to normal HEK293 at the same dose. Moreover, Gac aril extract significantly inhibits proliferative ability with increasing concentrations having a greater effect. Subsequently, the cellular mechanism responsible for suppressive proliferation was validated. It shows apoptosis induction and arrest of cell cycle. Our findings demonstrated that Gac aril extract can induce apoptosis and arrest of cell cycle at S and G2/M phases in both HCT116 and HT29 colorectal cancer cells.

An Insight into the Hormonal Interplay Regulating Pigment Changes and Colour Development in the Peel of ‘Granny Smith’, ‘OPAL®’ and ‘Royal Gala’ Apples

AbstractThree apple cultivars with different peel colour and known ripening dynamics were examined throughout development and on-tree ripening to unravel how the hormonal crosstalk may influence colour changes. Our results indicate that the colour of ripe apples in ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Opal®’ cultivars was primarily influenced by chlorophyll levels masking the contribution of other pigments, whilst the development of red colour in the ‘Royal Gala’ was not only due to an important loss of chlorophyll during ripening but also to anthocyanins accumulation. The interplay amongst indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA) seemed to control pigment content during the later stages of development, indicating that variations in the hormonal profile contribute to colour differences in ripe apples. In ‘Granny Smith’ apples, basal levels of IAA, ethylene and ABA were associated with the inhibition of chlorophyll loss, which was responsible for its green colour, despite the presence of high carotenoid levels. In contrast, the peel of ‘Opal®’ and ‘Royal Gala’ apples underwent a degreening process facilitated by the IAA-mediated activation of ethylene metabolism, in a crosstalk facilitated by MdARF5. The accumulation of anthocyanins in the peel of ‘Royal Gala’ apples seemed to be regulated in an ethylene-dependent manner, with MdMYB1 acting as the mediator between ethylene signalling and the anthocyanins biosynthesis and vacuolar transport pathways. On the other hand, the decline in carotenoid content during fruit development in the three cultivars appeared to be regulated at the catabolic level through ABA and its derivatives and possibly also facilitated by ethylene-mediated mechanisms. Notably, chlorophyll levels, crucial for the observed colour changes, were likely controlled by MdGLK1, a transcription factor involved in chloroplast biogenesis, working in coordination with ethylene-dependent catabolic enzymes. Overall, understanding the cultivar-specific hormonal regulation of apple colour provides valuable insights for developing preharvest and postharvest strategies to ensure an optimal fruit colour aligned with consumer preferences.

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND PHARMACOGNOSTIC POTENTIAL OF Tetragonia tetragonioides

In the recent years, due to the increasing resistance of pathogens to synthetic antimicrobial drugs, the use of highly active compounds from plants, which have proven their effectiveness in traditional medicine practices, is increased. Extracts of medicinal plants often contain a unique species ‒ specific combination of active ingredients that have a synergistic therapeutic effect. Therefore, the analysis of the biochemical composition of cultivated plants and the range of their potential biotechnological application is an urgent task. Aim. To summarize the information on the potential of the xerophytic plant Tetragonia tetragonioides as a source of functional food ingredients and biologically active substances that increase nonspecific organism resistance and contribute to the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Results. T. tetragonioides is a salt-tolerant and heat-resistant plant containing valuable nutrients and biologically active substances, a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. The high level of antioxidant compounds, especially flavonoids and carotenoids, helps to reduce the risk of degenerative pathologies developing associated with excessive oxidative stress. The unique complex of biologically active substances in T. tetragonioides, which includes 6-methoxyflavonols, predominantly derivatives of 6-methoxykaempferol, as well as megastigmanes and their glucosides, lignanamide, provides significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial activity and may be beneficial for the prevention of chronic diseases and age-related health problems. The effectiveness of T. tetragonioides has been demonstrated in animal models in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Conclusions. T. tetragonioides, containing a specific complex of biologically active compounds, primarily 6-methoxyflavonols, may be a promising raw material for obtaining effective medications for the treatment and prevention of various chronic diseases and metabolic disorders.

Assessment of Yellow and White Fleshed Cassava Tuberous Root Cultivars Reveals Different Responses to Post-harvest Physiological Deterioration

Identification of post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD) tolerance in cassava is crucial, as PPD significantly hampers the cassava tuberous root industry by shortening storage periods post-harvest and diminishing product quality. Characteristics linked to PPD tolerance encompass high carotenoid levels and low dry matter content (DMC). This study aimed to evaluate the PPD responses of six yellow fleshed and ten white-fleshed cassava tuberous roots and determine the source of PPD tolerance. PPD and DMC assessments were conducted using standard methods at three storage periods: 2, 5, and 10 days after harvest (DAH). The k-means clustering analysis revealed six clusters, each corresponding to distinct PPD symptom patterns and tolerance statuses. Cluster 1, comprising three yellow-fleshed and three white-fleshed cassava cultivars, demonstrated PPD tolerance with minimal symptoms up to 5 DAH. Clusters 2 and 3 exhibited a moderate PPD response with elevated symptoms at 5 DAH, comprising three yellow-fleshed and three white-fleshed cassava cultivars. Clusters 4 to 6 displayed a sensitive response to PPD, showcasing a significant increase in symptoms at 5 and 10 DAH, with four white-fleshed cassava cultivars identified within this cluster. These findings underscored the presence of PPD tolerance in both yellow-fleshed and white-fleshed cassava tuberous roots. The correlation between PPD and DMC was significant only at 2 DAH, displaying a moderate positive correlation. Consequently, this study identified three cultivars, “Carvita-25”, “Manggu”, and ““Ubi Kuning””, with high DMC and low PPD incidence at 5 DAH, suggesting their suitability for further breeding programs.

Sweet potato yield and quality characteristics affected by different late-season irrigation levels.

Seasonal late-season water deficits negatively affect the yield and quality of sweet potatoes in northern China. However, the amount of late-season irrigation to achieve high yield and consistent quality storage root remains undetermined. We assessed the yield and some qualitative traits of sweet potatoes such as size, shape, skin/flesh colour and nutritional content, as influenced by five irrigation levels (T0: unirrigated control; T1: 33% ETc; T2: 75% ETc; T3: 100% ETc; and T4: 125% ETc). Late-season irrigation significantly increased yield and marketable yield. Yields for T2 and T3 were significantly higher than other treatments, whereas T2 had the highest Grade A rating in a 2-year test. The vertical length of storage roots gradually increased with an increase in irrigation level, whereas the maximum width remained unchanged. The proportion of long elliptic and elliptic storage roots also increased, whereas the proportion of ovate, obovate and round storage roots gradually decreased. The skin and flesh colours became more vivid as the level of irrigation increased, with the skin colour becoming redder and the flesh colour becoming more orange-yellow. The levels of carotenoids, vitamin C and soluble sugar were significantly higher in irrigated crops, with the highest vitamin C and soluble sugar levels in T2 and the highest carotenoid levels in T3 treatment. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential of moderate irrigation in the late-season to improve both yield production and quality potential. The results are of great importance for improving the market value of sweet potatoes and increasing grower profits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Unveiling the sweetness: evaluating yield and quality attributes of early generation sweet corn (Zea mays subsp. sachharata) inbred lines through morphological, biochemical and marker-based approaches.

Sweet corn is gaining tremendous demand worldwide due to urbanization and changing consumer preferences. However, genetic improvement in this crop is being limited by narrow genetic base and other undesirable agronomic traits that hinder the development of superior cultivars. The main requirement in this direction is the development of potentially promising parental lines. One of the most important strategies in this direction is to develop such lines from hybrid-oriented source germplasm which may provide diverse base material with desirable biochemical and agro-morphological attributes. The study was undertaken to carry out morphological and biochemical evaluation of 80 early generation inbred lines (S2) of sweet corn that were developed from a cross between two single cross sweet corn hybrids (Mithas and Sugar-75). Moreover, validation of favourable recessive alleles for sugar content was carried out using SSR markers. The 80 sweet corn inbreds evaluated for phenotypic characterization showed wide range of variability with respect to different traits studied. The highest content of total carotenoids was found in the inbred S27 (34μgg-1) followed by the inbred S65 (31.1μgg-1). The highest content for total sugars was found in S60 (8.54%) followed by S14 (8.34%). Molecular characterization of 80 inbred lines led to the identification of seven inbreds viz., S21, S28, S47, S48, S49, S53, and S54, carrying the alleles specific to the sugary gene (su1) with respect to the markers umc2061 and bnlg1937. Comparing the results of scatter plot for biochemical and morphological traits, it was revealed that inbreds S9, S23, S27 and S36 contain high levels of total sugars and total carotenoids along with moderate values for amylose and yield attributing traits. The inbred lines identified with desirable biochemical and agro-morphological attributes in the study could be utilized as source of favourable alleles in sweet corn breeding programmes after further validation for disease resistance and other agronomic traits. Consequently, the study will not only enhance the genetic base of sweet corn germplasm but also has the potential to develop high-yielding hybrids with improved quality. The inbreds possessing su1 gene on the basis of umc2061 and bnlg1937 markers were also found to possess high sugar content. This indicates the potential of these lines as desirable candidates for breeding programs aimed at improving sweet corn yield and quality. These findings also demonstrate the effectiveness of the molecular markers in facilitating marker-assisted selection for important traits in sweet corn breeding.

Protective effect of tomato pomace extract encapsulated in combination with probiotics against indomethacin induced enterocolitis

Tomato pomace (TP), an antioxidant-rich byproduct, may be suitable for noble applications. The regulation of ROS generation and the anti-inflammatory response can help to prevent ulceration. The purpose of this study was to examine TP for antioxidants, in silico anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential to protect against ulceration and erosion triggered by indomethacin. Tomato pomace extract (TPE) was encapsulated either alone or with probiotics to maximize its potential effect. These microcapsules were investigated in indomethacin-treated rats. TPE demonstrated antioxidant activity as well as high levels of carotenoids (15 mg/g extract) and polyphenols. Because of their binding affinity as well as hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions with the active sites of TNF-α and IL-1β inflammatory cytokines, ellagic acid and rutin may be implicated in the anti-inflammatory effect of TPE, according to the docking study. TPE microcapsules, either alone or in combination with probiotics, demonstrated a protective effect against enterocolitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, as evidenced by the decrease in stomach and intestinal MDA, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and the increase in CAT, SOD, and GSH activities. The produced microcapsules are suggested to be promising candidates for protection against gastric ulcers and erosion.

Characterization of indigenous Durio species from Sarawak, Borneo: relationships between chemical composition and sensory attributes.

Sarawak, Borneo, harbours 16 unique Durio species, half of which are edible, with only Durio zibethinus widely cultivated. Despite their nutritional and economic significance to the rural communities in Sarawak, the lesser-known indigenous durians remain underrepresented in the scientific literature while facing the risk of extinction in the wild. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct comprehensive chemical analyses of these wild edible durians, offering insights into their nutritional and sensory taste attributes. The edible part was separated at optimal ripeness, and the samples were subjected to further analysis. Wild edible durian genotypes exhibit varied characteristics, even within the same species. The majority of wild durians are characterized by a sugar composition consisting predominantly of sucrose, constituting 67.38-96.96%, except for the red-fleshed Durio graveolens renowned for its low total sugar content (0.49 ± 0.17 g per 100 g). Despite its bland taste, this species possessed significantly greater fat (14.50 ± 0.16%) and fibre (12.30 ± 0.14%) content. Durio dulcis exhibited a significantly greater carbohydrate content (29.37-30.60%), and its intense smell was attributed to its low protein content (2.03-2.04%). Indigenous durians offer substantial percentages of daily mineral intake, with 100 g servings providing approximately 15.71-26.80% of potassium, 71.72-86.52% of phosphorus, 9.33-27.31% of magnesium, and sufficient trace minerals. The vibrant flesh colours of yellow-, orange- and red-fleshed Durio graveolens and Durio kutejensis show high levels of ascorbic acid (31.41-61.56 mg 100 g-1), carotenoids (976.36-2627.18 µg 100 g-1) and antioxidant properties, while Durio dulcis and Durio oxleyanus, despite their dull flesh, contained high phenolic (67.95-74.77 mg GAE 100 g-1) and flavonoid (8.71-13.81 QE mg 100 g-1) levels. These endeavours provide a deeper understanding of the nutritional richness of wild edible durians, thereby supporting commercialization and conservation efforts.

Introgression of a dominant phototropin1 mutant enhances carotenoids and boosts flavour-related volatiles in genome-edited tomato RIN mutants.

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) ripening inhibitor (rin) mutation is known to completely repress fruit ripening. The heterozygous (RIN/rin) fruits have extended shelf life, ripen normally, but have inferior taste/flavour. To address this, we used genome editing to generate newer alleles of RIN (rinCR ) by targeting the K-domain. Unlike previously reported CRISPR alleles, the rinCR alleles displayed delayed onset of ripening, suggesting that the mutated K-domain represses the onset of ripening. The rinCR fruits had extended shelf life and accumulated carotenoids at an intermediate level between rin and progenitor line. Besides, the metabolites and hormonal levels in rinCR fruits were more akin to rin. To overcome the negative attributes of rin, we crossed the rinCR alleles with Nps1, a dominant-negative phototropin1 mutant, which enhances carotenoid levels in tomato fruits. The resulting Nps1/rinCR hybrids had extended shelf life and 4.4-7.1-fold higher carotenoid levels than the wild-type parent. The metabolome of Nps1/rinCR fruits revealed higher sucrose, malate, and volatiles associated with tomato taste and flavour. Notably, the boosted volatiles in Nps1/rinCR were only observed in fruits bearing the homozygous Nps1 mutation. The Nps1 introgression into tomato provides a promising strategy for developing cultivars with extended shelf life, improved taste, and flavour.