Natural Carotenoid Research Articles

Extraction and functional properties of pigment from pumpkin peels by a novel green deep eutectic alcohol two-phase system

Pumpkin peel pigments contain a variety of natural antioxidants carotenoids including α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoflavin, and xanthine, etc.. Conventional extraction methods generally have low yields and high energy consumption. To explore a green and efficient extraction process, firstly, different kinds and proportions of deep eutectic solvent (DES) alcohol two-aqueous phase system were prepared, and then ultrasound-assisted cellulase was used to optimize the parameters by Box-Behnken design (BBD) on the basis of single factor experiment. The results showed that the extraction solvent was determined as DES (choline chloride: triethylene glycol = 1 : 3) and ethanol = 6 : 4, the yield of the pigments was 2.460% ± 0.037% at cellulase dosage of 2.10%, solid-liquid ratio of 1 : 40 g/mL, ultrasonic power of 300 W for 40 min. The inhibition rate of the pigments to α-amylase and sucrase was 82.20% ± 0.90% and 75.63% ± 1.19%, respectively, at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. They could significantly prolong the survival rate of Caenorhabditis elegans under hydrogen peroxide stress (p < 0.05), and the mean lifespans of C. elegans reach 9.047 ± 0.296 h, which was significantly higher than that of the negative control (2.717 ± 0.125 h) and the positive control group (5.067 ± 0.327 h). They also significantly enhanced the activities of T-SOD (>77.17%) and CAT (>112.09%) and reduced the level of MDA (p < 0.05), indicating that the pigments played an important role in alleviating oxidative stress damage, and with great development value as a recyclable resource.

Integrated metabolic and transcriptional analysis reveals the role of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (IbCCD4) in carotenoid accumulation in sweetpotato tuberous roots

BackgroundPlant carotenoids are essential for human health, having wide uses in dietary supplements, food colorants, animal feed additives, and cosmetics. With the increasing demand for natural carotenoids, plant carotenoids have gained great interest in both academic and industry research worldwide. Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) enriched with carotenoids is an ideal feedstock for producing natural carotenoids. However, limited information is available regarding the molecular mechanism responsible for carotenoid metabolism in sweetpotato tuberous roots.ResultsIn this study, metabolic profiling of carotenoids and gene expression analysis were conducted at six tuberous root developmental stages of three sweetpotato varieties with different flesh colors. The correlations between the expression of carotenoid metabolic genes and carotenoid levels suggested that the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (IbCCD4) and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid cleavage dioxygenases 3 (IbNCED3) play important roles in the regulation of carotenoid contents in sweetpotato. Transgenic experiments confirmed that the total carotenoid content decreased in the tuberous roots of IbCCD4-overexpressing sweetpotato. In addition, IbCCD4 may be regulated by two stress-related transcription factors, IbWRKY20 and IbCBF2, implying that the carotenoid accumulation in sweeetpotato is possibly fine-tuned in responses to stress signals.ConclusionsA set of key genes were revealed to be responsible for carotenoid accumulation in sweetpotato, with IbCCD4 acts as a crucial player. Our findings provided new insights into carotenoid metabolism in sweetpotato tuberous roots and insinuated IbCCD4 to be a target gene in the development of new sweetpotato varieties with high carotenoid production.

Lycopene suppresses gastric cancer cell growth without affecting normal gastric epithelial cells

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Lycopene, a natural carotenoid, has potent antioxidant activity and anti-cancer effects against several types of cancers. However, the mechanism for the anti-gastric cancer effects of lycopene remains to be fully clarified. Normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 and gastric cancer cell line AGS, SGC-7901, Hs746T cells were treated with different concentrations of lycopene and the effects of lycopene were compared. Lycopene specifically suppressed cell growth monitored by Real-Time Cell Analyzer, induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis detected by flow cytometry, and lowered mitochondrial membrane potentials assessed by JC-1 staining of AGS and SGC-7901 cells, while did not affect those of GES-1 cells. Lycopene did not affect the cell growth of Hs746T cells harboring TP53 mutation. Further bioinformatics analysis predicted 57 genes with up-regulated expression levels in gastric cancer and decreased function in cells after lycopene treatment. Quantitative PCR and Western Blot were used to check the critical factors in the cell cycle and apoptosis signaling pathway. Lycopene decreased the high expression levels of CCNE1 and increased the levels of TP53 in AGS and SGC-7901 cells without affecting those in GES-1 cells. In summary, lycopene could effectively suppress gastric cancer cells with CCNE1-amplification, which could be a promising target therapy reagent for gastric cancer.

Astaxanthin treatment ameliorates ER stress in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: a randomized clinical trial

Astaxanthin (ASX), as a natural carotenoid compound, exists in various types of seafood and microorganisms. It has several possible beneficial therapeutic effects for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Patients with PCOS also suffer from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In the present work, it was hypothesized that ER stress could be improved by ASX in PCOS patients. Granulosa cells (GCs) were obtained from 58 PCOS patients. The patients were classified into ASX treatment (receiving 12 mg/day for 60 days) and placebo groups. The expression levels of ER stress pathway genes and proteins were explored using Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To assess oxidative stress markers, follicular fluid (FF) was gained from all patients. The Student’s t test was used to perform statistical analysis. After the intervention, ASX led to a considerable reduction in the expression levels of 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and X-box-binding protein 1 compared to the placebo group, though the reduction in the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level of activating transcription factor 6 was not statistically significant. However, ASX significantly increased the ATF4 expression level. GRP78 and CHOP protein levels represented a considerable decrease in the treatment group after the intervention. In addition, a statistically significant increase was found in the FF level of total antioxidant capacity in the treatment group. Based on clinical outcomes, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the oocyte number, fertilization rate, and fertility rate, but the ASX group had higher rates of high-quality oocytes, high-quality embryo, and oocyte maturity compared to the placebo group. Our findings demonstrated that ER stress in the GCs of PCOS patients could be modulated by ASX by changing the expression of genes and proteins included in the unfolding protein response.Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website (www.irct.ir; IRCT-ID: IRCT20201029049183N, 2020-11-27).

Evaluation of growth development and pigmentation of Heros severus cultured in a biofloc system with enriched pigment diets

This study aimed to evaluate the development and the increase in the skin pigmentation of the organism Heros severus cultured in a biofloc system with diets enriched with carotenoid pigments. The culture was made in 80 L water tanks with 20 juvenile organisms of H. severus; each treatment was made by duplicate. Four experimental diets were used: a) trout feed, El Pedregal®; b) TetraColor®; c) carrot and d) beetroot. The diet that obtained the highest values regarding the growth of the fish was the control diet. Regarding the coloration of the fish, the beetroot diet was the diet that presented the highest values with 9.55 μg of total carotenoids in tissue, presenting significant differences (P = 0.001) concerning the other diets, proving that a diet based on beetroot can be a good option for the culture of ornamental fish. Because it allows the organisms to have a survival rate above 90%, have similar growth to the control group, and a significant improvement in coloration, being a natural carotenoid low-cost source to improve the commercialization of organisms. Nevertheless, it did not present significant differences (P = 0.005) regarding beetroot and TetraColor® diets, while it presented significant differences with the carrot diet.

Lycopene prevents Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced mitophagy and oxidative stress in mice heart via modulating mitochondrial homeostasis

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer that is easily found in the environment. Excessive daily exposure of it may lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lycopene (LYC), as a natural carotenoid, has been shown to have the potential to prevent CVD. However, the mechanism of LYC on cardiotoxicity caused by DEHP exposure is unknown. The research was aimed to investigate the chemoprotection of LYC on the cardiotoxicity caused by DEHP exposure. Mice were treated with DEHP (500 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg) and/or LYC (5 mg/kg) for 28 d by intragastric administration, and the heart was subjected to histopathology and biochemistry analysis. The results indicated that DEHP caused cardiac histological alterations and enhanced the activity of cardiac injury indicators, and interfered with mitochondrial function and activating mitophagy. Notably, LYC supplementation could inhibit DEHP-induced oxidative stress. The mitochondrial dysfunction and emotional disorder caused by DEHP exposure were significantly improved through the protective effect of LYC. We concluded that LYC enhances mitochondrial function by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics to antagonize DEHP-induced cardiac mitophagy and oxidative stress.

Astaxanthin Promotes the Survival of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells by Alleviating Oxidative Stress via Activating the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway.

The survival of free fat grafts is dependent primarily on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs); however, ADSCs are susceptible to oxidative stress in the recipient area. Astaxanthin (Axt) is a natural xanthophyll carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties and numerous clinical applications. To date, the therapeutic potential of Axt in fat grafting has not been explored. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Axt on oxidatively stressed ADSCs. An oxidative model of ADSCs was developed to simulate the host's microenvironment. Oxidative insult decreased the protein levels of Cyclin D1, type I collagen alpha 1 (COL1A1), and type II collagen alpha 1 (COL2A1), while increasing the expression of cleaved Caspase 3 and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in ADSCs. Axt pre-treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress, increased the synthesis of an adipose extracellular matrix, alleviated inflammation, and restored the impaired adipogenic potential in the present model. Furthermore, Axt immensely activated the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, and ML385, an inhibitor of Nrf2, could negate Axt's protective effects. Additionally, Axt alleviated apoptosis by inhibiting bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX)/Caspase 3 signaling and improving the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which could also be abolished by ML385. Our results suggest that Axt may exert its cytoprotective effect on ADSCs through the Nrf2 signaling pathway and could be therapeutic in fat grafting.

Crocetin regulates Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balances, nitric oxide production, and nuclear localization of NF-κB in Th2-provoked and normal situations in human-isolated lymphocytes.

Crocetin is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid derived from Crocus sativus. It has been utilized as natural biomedicine with healing effects. The immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties may cause the biological activities of crocetin. Nevertheless, it is not still clear how this compound acts and causes an immune-modulatory impact on human lymphocytes. The effects of three concentrations (5, 10, and 20 μM) of crocetin or dexamethasone (0.1 mM) were assessed on gene expression and secretion of cytokines, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) level, and nitric oxide (NO) production in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated and non-stimulated lymphocytes. By incubation with PHA, gene expression and cytokine concentration comprising interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-10, and IL-4 were increased, along with NF-κB concentration and NO production (all, p< 0.001). In comparison with the controls, an alteration occurred in the T-helper (Th)2/Th1 and Th17/Treg balance in the stimulated lymphocyte toward a Th2 and Th17 response. In stimulated cells, crocetin and dexamethasone decreased pro-inflammatory significantly and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines and related gene expression, respectively. Moreover, Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 balance was changed toward Treg and Th1 significantly reducing NF-κB and NO levels (p< 0.05 to p< 0.001). Promoting effects were represented by crocetin on T-cell subsets to Treg and Th1. Hence, it can have therapeutic value for treating predominant diseases of Th2 or Th17 cells.

Diversity and Distribution of Carotenogenic Algae in Europe: A Review.

Microalgae are the richest source of natural carotenoids, which are valuable pigments with a high share of benefits. Often, carotenoid-producing algae inhabit specific biotopes with unfavorable or even extremal conditions. Such biotopes, including alpine snow fields and hypersaline ponds, are widely distributed in Europe. They can serve as a source of new strains for biotechnology. The number of algal species used for obtaining these compounds on an industrial scale is limited. The data on them are poor. Moreover, some of them have been reported in non-English local scientific articles and theses. This review aims to summarize existing data on microalgal species, which are known as potential carotenoid producers in biotechnology. These include Haematococcus and Dunaliella, both well-known to the scientific community, as well as less-elucidated representatives. Their distribution will be covered throughout Europe: from the Greek Mediterranean coast in the south to the snow valleys in Norway in the north, and from the ponds in Amieiro (Portugal) in the west to the saline lakes and mountains in Crimea (Ukraine) in the east. A wide spectrum of algal secondary carotenoids is reviewed: β-carotene, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, echinenone, adonixanthin, and adonirubin. For convenience, the main concepts of biology of carotenoid-producing algae are briefly explained.

Recent progress in practical applications of a potential carotenoid astaxanthin in aquaculture industry: a review.

Astaxanthin is the main natural C40 carotenoid used worldwide in the aquaculture industry. It normally occurs in red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma and green alga Haematococcus pluvialis and a variety of aquatic sea creatures, such as trout, salmon, and shrimp. Numerous biological functions reported its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities since astaxanthin possesses the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and is considered to be over 500 more times effective than vitamin E and other carotenoids such as lutein and lycopene. Thus, synthetic and natural sources of astaxanthin have a commanding influence on industry trends, causing a wave in the world nutraceutical market of the encapsulated product. In vitro and in vivo studies have associated astaxanthin's unique molecular features with various health benefits, including immunomodulatory, photoprotective, and antioxidant properties, providing its chemotherapeutic potential for improving stress tolerance, disease resistance, growth performance, survival, and improved egg quality in farmed fish and crustaceans without exhibiting any cytotoxic effects. Moreover, the most evident effect is the pigmentation merit, where astaxanthin is supplemented in formulated diets to ameliorate the variegation of aquatic species and eventually product quality. Hence, carotenoid astaxanthin could be used as a curative supplement for farmed fish, since it is regarded as an ecologically friendly functional feed additive in the aquaculture industry. In this review, the currently available scientific literature regarding the most significant benefits of astaxanthin is discussed, with a particular focus on potential mechanisms of action responsible for its biological activities.

Lycopene ameliorates DEHP exposure-induced renal pyroptosis through the Nrf2/Keap-1/NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is commonly used as a plasticizer in plastic products, and due to its unique chemical composition, it frequently dissolves and enters the environment. Lycopene as a natural carotenoid has been shown to have powerful antioxidant capacity and strong kidney protection. This study aimed to investigate the role of the interplay between oxidative stress and the classical pyroptosis pathway in LYC alleviating DEHP-induced renal injury. ICR mice were given DEHP (500 mg/kg/d or 1000 mg/kg/d) and/or LYC (5 mg/kg/d) for 28 days to explore the underlying mechanisms of this hypothesis. Our results indicated that DEHP caused the shedding of renal tubular epithelial cells, increased the content of kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the tissue, the decrease of antioxidant activity markers and the increase of oxidative stress indexes. It is gratifying that LYC alleviates DEHP-induced renal injury. The expression of nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target genes is improved in DEHP induced renal injury through LYC mediated protection. Meanwhile, LYC supplementation can inhibit DEHP-induced Caspase-1/NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis and inflammatory responses. Taken together, DEHP administration resulted in nephrotoxicity, but these changes ameliorated by LYC may through crosstalk between the Nrf2/Keap-1/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. Our study provides new evidence that LYC protects against kidney injury caused by DEHP.

The effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin (Lute-genreg;) supplementation, with and without natural mixed carotenoids on Central Foveal Thickness and its relationship with Macular Pigment Optical Density in healthy adult subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

The fovea is a specialised part of the retina which accumulates macular carotenoids. Isomeric carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin with antioxidant properties are the principal components of macular pigment (MP) accounting for the yellowish colour of the macular area of the retina. MP blocks short wavelength (blue) light that would otherwise damage photoreceptors and pigment epithelial cells causing irreversible changes to the eye architecture. The concentration of MP peaks at the fovea and is visible on the inner and outer plexiform layers of the parafoveal area, thereby protecting retinal damage, which is measured through the relationship between CFT (central foveal thickness) and MPOD (macular pigment optical density). The objective of this clinical study was to assess the effect of Lutein and Zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) supplementation, with and without natural mixed carotenoids on central foveal thickness, and its relationship with macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in healthy adult subjects. A total of 93 subjects were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, three-arm study which was followed up for 180 days. Data obtained post the study period was subjected to advanced statistical analysis to determine the efficacy of Lutein and Zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) with and without natural mixed carotenoids on central foveal thickness (CFT) and its relationship with MPOD to determine the physiological status of the eye health. Lutein and Zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) supplementation, with natural mixed carotenoids (P=0.003) and without natural mixed carotenoids (P=0.012) showed statistically significant improvements in the CFT levels when compared to baseline. On the other hand, the placebo arm (P=0.11) did not show any significant change in CFT levels when CFT measurements were performed on both the eyes. Our study showed a significant positive correlation between MPOD and CFT suggesting MPOD is strongly correlated with CFT. These studies on the relationship between MPOD and CFT can contribute to a stronger understanding on the relationship between scavenging radicals and antioxidant activities of lutein, zeaxanthin and other mixed carotenoids on eye health.

Тетраметилбензолы в нефтях как новые геохимические индикаторы по установлению аноксидных условий осадконакопления

This article discusses in detail tetrasubstituted benzenes of composition C10 and their use in solving geochemical problems.Their genetic relationship with natural aromatic carotenoids inhabiting the anoxic zone was established. On the basisof their thermodynamic state a conditional division of oils by degree of maturity has been offered.

Biofortificatin of hen eggs with natural and synthetic apo-ester and canthanxanthin and its physiochemical evaluation for quality parameters

This study was planned to bio-fortify hen eggs with natural and synthetic apo-ester and canthanxanthin and evaluate physio-chemical quality parameters. Seventy-two laying hens were allocated into two main groups for eighteen natural and synthetic carotenoids fortified different diets. They were weighed and placed into cages to feed diet fortified with apo-ester and canthanxanthin for 44 days. The results showed a significant effect of natural canthaxanthin and apo-ester on egg breadth, albumin height, yolk color, yolk diameter, yolk index, and haugh units. The effect of natural apo-ester on egg length, yolk color, yolk diameter, yolk index and haugh units is also significant. Combination of natural-canthanxanthin and apo-ester significantly affects yolk color, yolk height, yolk diameter, shape index, yolk index and haugh units. A significant effect of synthetic canthaxanthin on egg breadth, shell thickness, albumin height, yolk color, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, and haugh units was noted. The effect of synthetic apo-ester pigments on yolk color, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index and haugh unite were also significant. Synthetic canthanxanthin and apo-ester significantly affect shell thickness, yolk color, yolk height, yolk diameter, shape index, and haugh units. Thus, carotenoid feeding can significantly improve the quality parameters of eggs

Astaxanthin alleviates fine particulate matter (PM2.5)-induced lung injury in rats by suppressing ferroptosis and apoptosis.

Objectives: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a small molecule particulate pollutant, can reach the lungs via respiration and cause lung damage. Currently, effective strategies and measures are lacking to prevent and treat the pulmonary toxicity of PM2.5. Astaxanthin (ASX), a natural xanthophyll carotenoid, has attracted attention due to its unique biological activity. Our research aims to probe into the prevention and treatment of ASX on PM2.5-induced lung injury and clarify its potential mechanism. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given olive oil and different concentrations of ASX orally daily for 21 days. PM2.5 suspension was instilled into the trachea of rats every two days for one week to successfully develop the PM2.5 exposure model in the PM2.5-exposed and ASX-treated groups of rats. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected, and the content of lung injury-related markers was detected. Histomorphological changes and expression of markers associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, iron death, and apoptosis were detected in lung tissue. Results: PM2.5 exposure can cause changes in lung histochemistry and increase the expression levels of TP, AKP, ALB, and LDH in the BALF. Simultaneously, inflammatory responses and oxidative stress were promoted in rat lung tissue after exposure to particulate matter. Additionally, ASX preconditioning can alleviate histomorphological changes, oxidative stress, and inflammation caused by PM2.5 and reduce PM2.5-related ferroptosis and apoptosis. Conclusion: ASX preconditioning can alleviate lung injury after PM2.5 exposure by inhibiting ferroptosis and apoptosis.

Fucoxanthin alleviated myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury through inhibition of ferroptosis via the NRF2 signaling pathway.

Background: Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a severe complication of revascularization therapy in patients with myocardial infarction. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to find more therapeutic solutions for MIRI. Recently, ferroptosis, which is characterized by lipid peroxidation, was considered a critical contributor to MIRI. Fucoxanthin (FX), a natural antioxidant carotenoid, which is abundant in brown seaweed, exerts protective effects under various pathological conditions. However, whether FX alleviates MIRI is unclear. This study aims to clarify the effects of FX on MIRI. Methods: Mice with left anterior descending artery ligation and reperfusion were used as in vivo models. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs) induced with hypoxia and reperfusion were used as in vitro models. TTC-Evans blue staining was performed to validate the infarction size. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to detect mitochondrial injury in cardiomyocytes. In addition, 4 weeks after MIRI, echocardiography was performed to measure cardiac function; fluorescent probes and western blots were used to detect ferroptosis. Results: TTC-Evans blue staining showed that FX reduced the infarction size induced by MIRI. Transmission electron microscopy showed that FX ameliorated the MIRI-induced myofibril loss and mitochondrion shrinkage. Furthermore, FX improved LVEF and LVFS and inhibited myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis after 4 weeks in mice with MIRI. In the in vitro study, calcein AM/PI staining and TUNEL staining showed that FX reduced cell death caused by hypoxia and reperfusion treatment. DCFH-DA and MitoSOX probes indicated that FX inhibited cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, C11-BODIPY 581/591 staining, ferro-orange staining, MDA assay, Fe2+ assay, 4-hydroxynonenal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot were performed and the results revealed that FX ameliorated ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo, as indicated by inhibiting lipid ROS and Fe2+ release, as well as by modulating ferroptosis hallmark FTH, TFRC, and GPX4 expression. Additionally, the protective effects of FX were eliminated by the NRF2 inhibitor brusatol, as observed from western blotting, C11-BODIPY 581/591 staining, and calcein AM/PI staining, indicating that FX exerted cardio-protective effects on MIRI through the NRF2 pathway. Conclusion: Our study showed that FX alleviated MIRI through the inhibition of ferroptosis via the NRF2 signaling pathway.

Lipid extract derived from newly isolated Rhodotorula toruloides LAB-07 for cosmetic applications

Rhodotorula toruloides is a non-conventional yeast with a natural carotenoid pathway. In particular, R. toruloides is an oleaginous yeast that can accumulate lipids in high content, thereby gaining interest as a promising industrial host. In this study, we isolated and taxonomically identified a new R. toruloides LAB-07 strain. De novo genome assembly using PacBio and Illumina hybrid platforms yielded 27 contigs with a 20.78 Mb genome size. Subsequent genome annotation analysis based on RNA-seq predicted 5296 protein-coding genes, including the fatty acid production pathway. We compared lipid production under different media; it was highest in the yeast extract salt medium with glycerol as a carbon source. Polyunsaturated α-linolenic acid was detected among the fatty acids, and docking phosphatidylcholine as a substrate to modeled Fad2, which annotated as Δ12-fatty acid desaturase showed bifunctional Δ12, 15-desaturation is structurally possible in that the distances between the diiron center and the carbon-carbon bond in which desaturation occurs were similar to those of structurally identified mouse stearoyl-CoA desaturase. Finally, the applicability of the extracted total lipid fraction of R. toruloides was investigated, demonstrating an increase in filaggrin expression and suppression of heat-induced MMP-1 expression when applied to keratinocytes, along with the additional antioxidant activity. This work presents a new R. toruloides LAB-07 strain with genomic and lipidomic data, which would help understand the physiology of R. toruloides. Also, the various skin-related effect of R. toruloides lipid extract indicates its potential usage as a promising cosmetic ingredient.

A phyco-nanobionics biohybrid system for increased carotenoid accumulation in C. sorokiniana UUIND6.

Recent advancements in "phyco-nanobionics" have sparked considerable interest in the ability of microalgae to synthesize high-value natural bioactive compounds such as carotenoid pigments, which have been highlighted as an emergent and vital bioactive compound from both industrial and scientific perspectives. Such bioactive compounds are often synthesized by either altering the biogenetic processes existing in living microorganisms or using synthetic techniques derived from petroleum-based chemical sources. A bio-hybrid light-driven cell factory system was established herein by using harmful macroalgal bloom extract (HMBE) and efficient light-harvesting silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to synthesize HMBE-AgNPs and integrating the synthesized HMBE-AgNPs in various concentrations (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 ppm) into the microalgae C. sorokiniana UUIND6 to improve the overall solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency in carotenoid pigment synthesis in microalgae. The current study findings found high biocompatibility of 5 ppm HMBE-AgNP concentration that can serve as a built-in photo-sensitizer and significantly improve ROS levels in microalgae (6.75 ± 0.25 μmol H2O2 g-1), thus elevating total photosynthesis resulting in a two-fold increase in carotenoids (457.5 ± 2.5 μg mL-1) over the native microalgae without compromising biomass yield. NMR spectroscopy was additionally applied to acquire a better understanding of pure carotenoids derived from microalgae, which indicated similar peaks in both spectra when compared to β-carotene. Thus, this well-planned bio-hybrid system offers a potential option for the cost-effective and long-term supply of these natural carotenoid bio-products.

Microbial Carotenoids Production: Strains, Conditions, and Yield Affecting Factors

Abstract The research and development of carotenoid production has a long history, and interest in this group of pigments has not decreased to this day. Six existing carotenoids are considered industrially important: astaxanthin, β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and lycopene. These carotenoids have a wide range of applications and are used as additives in food and beverages, feed, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics products due to their bioactive and pigmentation properties. Currently, the global pigment market is dominated by chemically synthesized carotenoids. Carotenoids derived from natural sources such as plants and microorganisms are not as popular or widespread. Currently, the market of natural carotenoids is mainly represented by microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, Dunaliella salina, Botryococcus braunii, fungus Blakeslea trispora, yeast Phaffia rhodozyma and bacteria Paracoccus carotinifaciens. These microorganisms produce astaxanthin, β-carotene, canthaxanthin, and lycopene. Several yeast and bacteria species from Rhodotorula, Sporobolomyces, Sporidiobolus, Gordonia, and Dietzia genus can potentially become sources of carotenoids on an industrial scale, but available technologies still need improving. This paper reviews strategies for increasing the competitiveness of fungal and bacterial carotenoid production. Strategies such as selecting carotenogenic strains, using low-cost substrates, stimulating the synthesis of carotenoids by adding trace elements, TCA intermediates, NaCl, H2O2, light irradiation, and optimization of fermentation conditions such as pH, temperature and aeration are considered.

Total carotenoid content of Padina sp. seaweed-infused oil with virgin coconut oil

Padina sp. seaweed is a species of brown seaweed that grows naturally in Indonesian waters and it is not been optimally utilized. Padina sp. contains bioactive natural carotenoids that can apply as additive ingredients in functional foods and cosmetics field. This study aimed to determine the total carotenoid content in Padina sp. seaweed-infused oil. Seaweed oily extract or Padina sp. seaweed-infused oil was obtained from the filtered maceration of Padina sp. powder using virgin coconut oil as a solvent. Furthermore, the total carotenoid content in Padina sp. seaweed-infused oil, Padina sp. powder and virgin coconut oil as solvent for maceration of Padina sp. were analyzed using the spectrophotometry method. Padina sp. powder and virgin coconut oil without Padina sp. (as control) contained total carotenoid content 2.42±0.32 µg/g and 0.71±0.66 µg/g respectively. Padina sp. seaweed-infused oil had total carotenoid content by maceration process with virgin coconut oil as solvent at a temperature of 65 °C for 1 hour, 3 hours, and 5 hours were 2.73±0.36, 2.18±1.01, and 1.74±1.24 µg/g respectively. Therefore, the total carotenoid content increased in Padina sp. seaweed-infused oil. It could be an opportunity for functional food products and cosmetic ingredients.