Sprouting Research Articles

Quantitative profiling of supersulfides naturally occurring in dietary meats and beans

Sulfur is essential in the inception of life and crucial for maintaining human health. This mineral is primarily supplied through the intake of proteins and is used for synthesizing various sulfur-containing biomolecules. Recent research has highlighted the biological significance of endogenous supersulfides, which include reactive persulfide species and sulfur catenated residues in thiol and proteins. Ingestion of exogenous sulfur compounds is essential for endogenous supersulfide production. However, the content and composition of supersulfides in foods remain unclear. This study investigated the supersulfide profiles of protein-rich foods, including edible animal meat and beans. Quantification of the supersulfide content revealed that natto, chicken liver, and bean sprouts contained abundant supersulfides. In general, the supersulfide content in beans and their derivatives was higher than that in animal meat. The highest proportion (2.15 %) was detected in natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean dish. These results suggest that the abundance of supersulfides, especially in foods like natto and bean sprouts, may contribute to their health-promoting properties. Our findings may have significant biological implications and warrant developing novel dietary intervention for the human health-promoting effects of dietary supersulfides abundantly present in protein-rich foods such as natto and bean sprouts.

The Growth of Red Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) After Application of Bean Sprouts Extract [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] on Murashige and Skoog Medium In Vitro

Red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) is a commercially valuable vegetable known for its high nutritional content and immune-boosting properties, making it popular among the Indonesian population. However, red spinach cultivation in Indonesia is still relatively low and inconsistent, necessitating efforts to enhance its cultivation. One potential approach is through in vitro culture techniques. This study aimed to investigate the impact of applying mung bean sprout [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] extract on Murashige and Skoog medium, focusing on identifying the most effective concentration for in vitro growth of red spinach explants. The experimental design employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five concentration levels: 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Each concentration was replicated five times, with each replication consisting of five red spinach seeds in individual culture bottles. Data analysis involved Levene's test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a significance level of 5%. The findings revealed that the application of mung bean sprout extract significantly influenced the height of plantlets, leaf count, root length, fresh weight, and soluble carbohydrate content of red spinach. The most effective concentration for promoting red spinach explant growth was determined to be 5%.

Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken Fed with Mung Bean Sprouts as Feed Ration

In the Philippines, organic farming is greatly promoted by the government. Producing an organic product is safer and more secure compared to the use of synthetic materials. In this study, mung bean sprout was used as a complement on a feed ration for the growth of broilers and its effect on feed conversion ratio. The growth of the broiler chicken is a significant factor in consumers' satisfaction. The study was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). The birds were randomly distributed, into four (4) treatments and replicated three (3) times, with four (4) birds in for every replication. The different treatments were used in this study, as follows: Treatment 1 - 100% Commercial feeds + 0% fresh mung beans sprouts; Treatment 2 - 100% Commercial feeds + 5% fresh mung beans sprouts; Treatment 3 - 100% Commercial feeds + 10% fresh mung beans sprouts; and Treatment 4 - 100% Commercial feeds + 15% fresh mung beans sprouts. Overall results revealed that, Treatment 4 (100% Commercial feeds plus 15% fresh mung bean sprouts) has the highest body weight gain of 548.67 grams and the lowest feed conversion ratio of 1.74, revealing significant effects after 28 days of feeding broiler chickens with mung sprouts complimented feed ration.

Exogenous brassinolide treatment regulates phenolic accumulation in mung bean sprouts through the modulation of sugar and energy metabolism.

The effects of exogenous brassinolide (BR) treatment (3.0 μmol L-1 ) on phenolic biosynthesis in mung bean sprouts were investigated. This investigation included the analysis of sugar content, substrates within the phenylpropane pathway, energy substances, enzymatic activity within the phenylpropane pathway, sugar metabolism and energy metabolism. Results showed that BR treatment significantly increased the levels of total phenolics, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, fumalic acid and caffeic acid. This enhancement was accomplished through the elevation of l-phenylalanine levels and the activation of enzymes associated with the phenylpropane pathway in mung bean sprouts, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase and 4-coumarate CoA ligase. Furthermore, BR treatment induced alterations in sugar metabolism in mung bean sprouts as evidenced by the increased levels of glucose, fructose, sucrose and phosphoenolpyruvate. Moreover, increased activity was observed for enzymes linked to sucrose metabolism and glycolysis in the BR-treated group. Concurrently, BR treatment bolstered the levels of adenosine triphosphate and energy charge in mung bean sprouts, which was attributed to the activation of H+ -adenosine triphosphatase, Ca2+ -adenosine triphosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase. These results suggest that BR treatment can accelerate the accumulation of phenolic compounds in mung bean sprouts. This effect is achieved not only through the activation of the phenylpropane pathway, but also through the modulation of sugar and energy metabolism. The modulation provides ample energy and a substrate for the biosynthesis of phenolics. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

6-benzylaminopurine causes endothelial dysfunctions to human umbilical vein endothelial cells and exacerbates atorvastatin-induced cerebral hemorrhage in zebrafish.

6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), a multifunctional plant growth regulator, which is frequently used worldwide to improve qualities of various crops, is an important ingredient in production of "toxic bean sprouts." Although there is no direct evidence of adverse effects, its hazardous effects, as well as joint toxicity with other chemicals, have received particular attention and aroused furious debate between proponents and environmental regulators. By use of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), adverse effects of 6-BA to human-derived cells were first demonstrated in this study. A total of 25-50 mg 6-BA/L inhibited proliferation, migration, and formation of tubular-like structures by 50% in vitro. Results of Western blot analyses revealed that exposure to 6-BA differentially modulated the MAPK signal transduction pathway in HUVECs. Specifically, 6-BA decreased phosphorylation of MEK and ERK, but increased phosphorylation of JNK and P38. In addition, 6-BA exacerbated atorvastatin-induced cerebral hemorrhage via increasing hemorrhagic occurrence by 60% and areas by 4 times in zebrafish larvae. In summary, 6-BA elicited toxicity to the endothelial system of HUVECs and zebrafish. This was due, at least in part, to discoordination of MAPK signaling pathway, which should pose potential risks to the cerebral vascular system.

The Effect of Illumination Patterns during Mung Bean Seed Germination on the Metabolite Composition of the Sprouts

Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) sprouts are popular over the world because of their taste, nutritional value, well-balanced biochemical composition, and other properties beneficial for human health. Germination conditions affect the composition of metabolites in mung bean sprouts, so a detailed study into its variability is required. This article presents the results of a comparison of the metabolite composition in the leaves of mung bean sprouts germinated first in the dark (DS) and then in the light (LS). Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) made it possible to identify more than 100 compounds representing various groups of phytochemicals. Alcohols, amino acids, and saccharides predominated in the total amount of compounds. The analysis of metabolomic profiles exposed a fairly high intra- and intervarietal variability in the metabolite content. DS and LS differed in the qualitative and quantitative content of the identified compounds. The intravarietal variability was more pronounced in DS than in LS. DS demonstrated higher levels of saccharides, fatty acids, acylglycerols, and phenolic compounds, while amino acids were higher in LS. Changes were recorded in the quantitative content of metabolites participating in the response of plants to stressors—ornithine, proline, GABA, inositol derivatives, etc. The changes were probably induced by the stress experienced by the sprouts when they were transferred from shade to light. The analysis of variance and principal factor analysis showed the statistically significant effect of germination conditions on the content of individual compounds in leaves. The identified features of metabolite variability in mung bean genotypes grown under different conditions will contribute to more accurate selection of an illumination pattern to obtain sprouts with desirable biochemical compositions for use in various diets and products with high nutritional value.

Miniaturized point discharge optical emission spectrometry coupling with solid phase extraction: A robust approach for sensitive quantification of total mercury in mung bean sprout growth.

In this work, a portable chemical vapor generation point discharge optical emission spectrometry (CVG-PD-OES) system was designed for trace Hg2+ monitoring in mung bean sprout samples. The system incorporated selective solid phase extraction (SPE) to enhance the detection sensitivity. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared and utilized to extract trace amounts of Hg2+ by forming gold amalgam. Subsequently, the amalgam was desorbed using 5% HCl and introduced into a low-power PD-OES system analysis via CVG. A low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.16ngmL-1 was obtained with a linear range of 0.5-6ngmL-1. The well-designed system was successfully utilized for monitoring trace Hg2+ in the growth of mung beans. The results indicated that the Hg2+ in mung bean sprouts was continuously decreased during growth based on the metabolism. Furthermore, the risk assessment conducted implied a negligible hazard quotient, suggesting that the observed levels of exposure posed minimal risk.

Combined effects of UVC waterproof LED and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) on the reduction of bacterial pathogens risk in fresh cabbage and mung bean sprouts

This study investigated the combined effects of washing with slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW; 30 ppm) and ultraviolet-C waterproof light emitting diodes (UVC W-LED; 275 nm) on Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes numbers in fresh-cut shredded cabbage and mung bean sprouts. The risk reduction effect of washing was also evaluated by quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) using @Risk. The combined treatment when used for 5 min, effectively decreased the contamination levels of hygiene indicator microorganisms, Salmonella spp., and L. monocytogenes in shredded cabbage (1.13–1.44 log CFU/g) and mung bean sprouts (1.45–1.64 log CFU/g). Neither pathogen survived in SAEW + UVC W-LED. The contamination levels of both pathogens increased from market to home, but L. monocytogenes grew more slowly than Salmonella spp. in cabbage and mung bean sprouts. Washing lowered the average probability risk of both pathogens in cabbage (Salmonella; 1.05 × 10−1, Listeria; 3.16 x 10−5) and mung bean sprouts (Salmonella; 6.62 × 10−2, Listeria; 1.25 × 10−7). The probability risk of salmonellosis and listeriosis was higher in cabbage than in mung bean sprouts, and the probability of listeriosis risk increased 10 times for the susceptible population. Transportation time from market to home is the most influential factor in increasing the risk of both pathogens in cabbage and mung bean sprouts. The synergistic effect of UVC W-LED with SAEW for washing fresh vegetables can be expected to decrease contamination levels and prevent cross-contamination during washing processing.

Morphophysiology, biochemical, and yielding characteristics of Chinese cabbage due to formulation and concentration of nutrient solution in hydroponic culture

Hydroponic solution from agricultural organic waste can be used as an alternative to chemical solutions and strongly increases the growth and yield of Chinese cabbage plants. This study was to obtain formulations, concentrations, and their interactions that have the potential to increase the agronomic, physiological, biochemical, and yielding characteristics of Chinese cabbage in hydroponic culture. This study was conducted from September to November 2022 using a randomized block design with two factors and three replications. The first factor was the formulation of organic nutrient solutions (F1= banana peels+bean sprouts+eggshells; F2= banana humps+onion peels+bean sprouts+moringa leaves; F3= moringa leaves+onion peels+bean sprouts; F4=AB mix as a comparison). The second factor was the concentrations (600; 900; 1,200; 1,500 ppm). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and proceeded with the Duncan at P<0.05. The results showed that formulations F3 and F2 significantly increased Mg and chlorophyll b levels while formulation F1 increased nitrate and flavonoids. The concentrations ranged from 1,200 to 1,500 ppm showed the highest yield and shoot fresh weight were 2.86 kg m-2 year-1 and 30.70 g. The F3C4 interaction was highly recommended to increase the yield of Chinese cabbage by 2.68 kg m-2 year-1 compared to the other liquid organic fertilizers and it could be used as a substitute for using liquid chemical fertilizers in hydroponic culture.

Fabrication of a molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for detecting acid phosphatase in black bean sprouts

Fabrication of a molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for detecting acid phosphatase in black bean sprouts

Bacteriophages PECP14, PECP20, and their endolysins as effective biocontrol agents for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other foodborne pathogens

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a notorious foodborne pathogen known to cause severe illnesses such as hemolytic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome, with fresh produce consumption being implicated in recent outbreaks. The inappropriate use of antimicrobials to combat pathogens has led to the emergence and rapid dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms including pathogenic E. coli, presenting a significant risk to humans. Here, we isolated two E. coli O157:H7 infecting bacteriophages, PECP14 and PECP20, from irrigation water and city sewage, respectively, as alternatives to antimicrobials. Both phages were stable for at least 16 h in a broad range of pH (pH 3–11) and temperature (4–40 °C) conditions and have a double-stranded DNA chromosome. PECP14 and PECP20, classified under the Epseptimavirus and Mosigvirus genera, respectively, exhibit specificity in targeting different host receptors, BtuB protein and lipopolysaccharide. Interestingly, these phages demonstrate the ability to infect not only E. coli O157:H7 but also other foodborne enteric pathogens like Shigella sonnei and S. flexneri. Upon mixing phages with their respective host bacteria, rapid adsorption (at least 68 % adsorption within 10 min) and substantial bacterial lysis were observed. The efficacy of phage treatment was further validated through the reduction of E. coli O157:H7 on radish sprouts. Moreover, purified endolysins, LysPECP14 and LysPECP20, derived from each phage exhibited remarkable bacteriolytic activity against E. coli O157:H7 cells pretreated with EDTA. In particular, the activity of LysPECP20 was also noticeable against Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus, suggesting its potential for broader antimicrobial applications in food industry. The combined results showed that the phages PECP14, PECP20, and their endolysins could be used for biological control of E. coli O157:H7 in various circumstances, from production, harvesting, and storage stages to processing and distribution steps of agricultural products.

New Fluorophore and Its Applications in Visualizing Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Bean Sprouts and HeLa Cells.

In the domain of environmental science, pollutants of nanoscale plastic dimensions are acknowledged as subjects of intricate significance. Such entities, though minuscule, present formidable challenges to ecological systems and human health. The diminutive dimensions of these contaminants render their detection arduous, thus demanding the inception of avant-garde methodologies. The present manuscript postulates the employment of the tetraphenylethylene functional group with a fused xanthene (TPEF), a distinguished fluorophore, as an exemplary system for the discernment of nanoplastic particulates. The synthesis and characterization of TPEF have been exhaustively elucidated, revealing its paramount fluorescence attributes and inherent affinity for interaction with nanoplastics. When subjected to comparison with TPEF, nanoplastics are observed to manifest a more pronounced fluorescent luminescence than when associated with the conventional Nile Red (NR). Particularly, the TPEF has shown exceptional affinity for polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics. Further, the resilience of nanoplastics within the hypocotyl epidermis of soybeans, as well as their persistence in mung bean sprouts subsequent to rigorous rinsing protocols, has been meticulously examined. Additionally, this investigation furnishes empirical data signifying the existence of nano-dimensional plastic contaminants within HeLa cellular structures. The urgency of addressing the environmental ramifications engendered by these diminutive yet potent plastic constituents is emphatically highlighted in this manuscript. TPEF paves the way for prospective explorations, with the aspiration of devising efficacious mitigation strategies. Such strategies might encompass delineating the trajectories undertaken by nanoplastics within trophic networks or their ingress into human cellular architectures.

Effect of plasma activated water treated by LF-microwave hybrid plasma on enhancement of seed germination and plant growth

The current study intends to examine the impact of non-thermal plasma generated by a low-frequency microwave hybrid plasma (LFMHP) on the germination and growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprout seeds. Plasma activated water (PAW) was utilized as part of the experimental approach for this investigation. The chemical indicator analysis revealed that the LFMHP generated a significantly higher concentration of reactive oxygen species compared with the conventional LF plasma jet (LF-PJ). The application of LFMHP treatment on PAW led to higher germination percentages and improved germination potential in radish sprout seeds compared to both the LF-PJ and control group treatments. Additionally, the average length of radish sprouts treated with PAW using the LFMHP was longer in comparison to those treated with PAW using the LF-PJ and the control group. The findings from this study suggest that PAW treated with LFMHP enhances both the germination and plants growth. Furthermore, this study observed that shows a crucial role in influencing the growth rate of radish sprouts.

Germination of jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.] and its impact on nutrient and anti-nutrient composition

The nutrient and anti-nutrient composition of jack bean sprouts were investigated as a local alternative protein source. This study used six germination time treatments of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hrs. The morphology of the sprouts was studied using a descriptive approach, while the nutrition and anti-nutritional components were analyzed by analysis of variance. The results indicate that germination time significantly increased protein solubility and amino acid concentration, whereas HCN, phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, and tannin decreased with germination time. Sprouts germinated for 60 and 72 hrs had radicle lengths of about 8 to 9 cm, respectively, and were categorized at a safe cyanide level for consumption according to the WHO. These sprouts are rich in hydrophobic amino acids, such as phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, and valine, which are potential bioactive peptides.

A more flexible long-chain bis(salamo)-like fluorescent probe based on FRET and ICT effects for the identification of aluminum ion in the environment and plants

A more flexible long-chain bis(salamo)-like fluorescent probe DS was designed and synthesized. The unique coupling systems of FRET and ICT effects were designed for DS, which was demonstrated to be capable of detecting aluminum ion through the FRET effect, changing the fluorescence of the solution from green to bright blue (55 nm blue-shift) with good selectivity and fast response, and detecting Al3+ over a wide pH range. The recognition mechanism was determined based on spectral characterization, in the sense that the coordination of Al3+ with the probe DS molecule turned on the intramolecular FRET and ICT processes. ESP analysis and DFT calculations validated the binding sites and fluorescence recognition mechanism. Finally, good results have been achieved in practical applications. The test paper experiment confirmed that DS can be prepared into portable Al3+ test paper, the fluorescence imaging experiment of mung bean sprouts showed that DS can be used for the fluorescence imaging of Al3+ in plants, and the environmental water samples test proved that various ions in the actual water samples hardly interfere with the identification of Al3+, and it is expected to be applied in the environmental testing and other fields.

Pengaruh Perbandingan Mocaf (Modified Cassava Flour) Dan Tepung Kecambah Kacang Merah (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Terhadap Karakteristik Flakes


 
 
 This study was aiming to determine the effect comparison of mocaf and red bean sprout flour on the characteristics of flakes and find out the best comparison of mocaf and red bean sprout flour to obtain the best characteristics of the flakes. The experimental used completely randomized design with the comparison of mocaf and red bean sprout flour as a treatment which consists of 5 levels: 100%:0%, 90%:10%, 80%:20%, 70%:30%, and 60%:40%. The treatment was repeated three times, resulting in 15 experimental units. The data obtained were analyzed using an analysis of variance and if the treatment had a significant effect, it was followed by a Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that the comparison of mocaf and red bean sprout flour had a significant effect on water content, ash content, protein content, fat content, carbohydrate content, crude fiber content, endurance time crispness in milk, hedonic test of colour, aroma, texture, taste, and overall acceptance and scoring test of colour and texture. Flakes from comparison of 80% mocaf and 20% red bean sprout flour had the best characteristics, with a water content 2.35%, ash content 2.90%, protein content 8.40%, fat content 4.96%, carbohydrate content 81.38%, crude fiber content 4.38% and endurance time crispness in milk for 2.38 minutes, the color was cream and liked, the aroma liked, the texture was crispy and liked, the taste liked, and overall acceptance liked.
 
 

Natural exosomes-like nanoparticles in mung bean sprouts possesses anti-diabetic effects via activation of PI3K/Akt/GLUT4/GSK-3β signaling pathway

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Mung bean sprouts are traditionally considered a “folk” hypoglycemic food and their pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms warrant further investigation.PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of the exosomes-like nanoparticles in mung bean sprouts (MELNs) and explore the related molecular mechanisms.ResultsMELNs were isolated using a differential centrifugation-polyethylene glycol (PEG) method, and the identification of MELNs were confirmed by PAGE gel electrophoresis, agarose gel electrophoresis, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) mouse model, MELNs ameliorated the progression of T2DM by increasing oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) results, decreasing the fasting blood glucose level, and reducing the serum triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Histopathological examinations indicated MELNs diminished inflammatory infiltration of hepatocytes and amplified the area of islet B cells. In addition, MELNs decreased the oxidative stress levels in liver tissue and had good biocompatibility. In vitro experiments verified that MELNs improved the viability of glucosamine (GlcN) induced insulin-resistant hepatocytes. Furthermore, this study also revealed that MELNs upregulated GLUT4 & Nrf2 and down-regulated GSK-3β via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, promoting the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as HO-1 and SOD, to reduce oxidative stress.ConclusionMELNs mitigated the progression of type 2 diabetes in HFD/STZ mouse model. The underlying molecular mechanism is related to PI3K/Akt/GLUT4/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Photocatalytic Degradation and Toxicity Analysis of Sulfamethoxazole using TiO2/BC.

Sulfonamide antibiotics in the environment not only disrupt the ecological balance but can also enter the human or animal body in various forms and cause harm. Therefore, exploring efficient methods to degrade sulfonamide antibiotics is crucial. In this study, we prepared biochar (BC) using corn straw, and TiO2/BC was obtained by doping different proportions of TiO2 into biochar with varying carbonization temperatures using the sol-gel method. Next, we investigated the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in solution using the generated TiO2/BC under ultraviolet irradiation and studied the effects of various experimental parameters, such as the type of composite material, composite material addition, solution pH, and initial antibiotic concentration on SMX degradation. Under an initial SMX concentration of 30 mg/L, the composite with the best photocatalytic degradation performance was TiO2/BC-5-300 (i.e., 5 mL of TiO2 doping; 300 °C calcination temperature), with an addition amount of 0.02 g and a solution pH of 3. The degradation efficiency increased from 22.3% to 89%, and the most significant degradation effect occurred during the initial stage of photocatalytic degradation. In the TiO2/BC-5-300 treated SMX solution, the average rhizome length of bean sprouts was significantly higher than that of the untreated SMX solution and slightly lower than that of the deionized aqueous solution (3.05 cm < 3.85 cm < 4.05 cm). This confirmed that the photocatalytic degradation of SMX by the composite was effective and could efficiently reduce its impact on the growth of bean sprouts. This study provides essential data and theoretical support for using TiO2/BC in the treatment of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater.

Synthesis of pH-Sensitive Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots with Biological Imaging Function and Their Application in Cu2+ and Fe2+ Determination by Ratiometric Fluorescent Probes.

pH-sensitive nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were synthesized using immature seeds of elm trees as a carbon source and ethylenediamine as a coreactant through a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The N-CDs were characterized using fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime, ultraviolet-visible absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as transmission electron microscopy. The N-CDs displayed excellent fluorescence properties and responded to pH changes. The N-CDs exhibited low toxicity and good biocompatibility and had the potential to be used for the biological imaging of HeLa cells and mung bean sprouts. Utilizing the mechanism of fluorescence resonance energy transfer, ratiometric fluorescent probes were prepared by simple mixing of N-CDs and fluorexon in a Britton-Robinson buffer solution. The ratiometric fluorescent probe was used to detect Cu2+ and Fe2+. The linear equations were RCu = -0.0591[Q] + 3.505 (R2 = 0.992) and RFe = -0.0874[Q] + 3.61 (R2 = 0.999). The corresponding limits of detection were 0.5 and 0.31 μM, respectively. The good results had been obtained in the actual samples detection.

BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) Seed-Priming Enhanced Growth, Antioxidant Accumulation and Anthocyanin Metabolism in Olive Sprouts

Given the importance of olive sprouts, it is crucial to explore their potential as an innovative source of bioactive and nutritive compounds through research. Here, we aimed at investigating the potential role of benzylaminopurine (BAP) in improving the tissue chemical composition and bioactivity of olive sprouts. To this end, seeds of two olive varieties (Olea europaea L. vr. Kroniaki and Coratina) were primed with BAP at 25 µM. A substantial enhancement was observed in biomass accumulation by 35% and 30% in Kroniaki and Coratina varieties, respectively. Likewise, the photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll, α- and β-carotene, lutein and β-cryptoxanthin) in both varieties were increased, mainly in Coratina. At primary metabolic level, BAP priming improved sprout lipid composition, particularly in Coratina variety. At antioxidant level, BAP priming improved lipid antioxidants (α-, β- and γ-tocopherols) and water-soluble antioxidants (phenols, flavonoids, ascorbate, glutathione and anthocyanins) in both olive varieties. At the anthocyanins level, their precursors (phenylalanine, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid and naringenin) and key biosynthetic enzyme activity (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), coenzyme A ligase (4CL) and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H)) were improved in olive varieties, but to a greater extent in Coratina variety. Overall, the sprouts of BAP-primed olive seeds could potentially enhance their nutritional value, suggesting that the sprouts of BAP-primed olive seeds can be used as a food ingredient and additives.