Total Carotenoid Content Research Articles

Enhanced Carotenoid Production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by Overexpression of Endogenousand Exogenous Beta-Carotene Ketolase (BKT) Genes.

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a unicellular green alga that can grow heterotrophically by using acetate as a carbon source. Carotenoids are natural pigments with biological activity and color, which have functions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vision protection, etc., and have high commercial value and prospects. We transformed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with the BKT genes from Phaffia rhodozyma (PrBKT) and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrBKT) via plasmid vector, and screened out the stable transformed algal strains C18 and P1. Under the condition that the cell density of growth was not affected, the total carotenoid content of C18 and P1 was 2.13-fold and 2.20-fold higher than that of the WT, respectively. CrBKT increased the levels of β-carotene and astaxanthin by 1.84-fold and 1.21-fold, respectively, while PrBKT increased them by 1.11-fold and 1.27-fold, respectively. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis of C18 and P1 showed that the overexpression of CrBKT only up-regulated the transcription level of BKT and LCYE (the gene of lycopene e-cyclase). However, in P1, overexpression of PrBKT also led to the up-regulation of ZDS (the gene of ζ-carotene desaturase) and CHYB (the gene of β-carotene hydroxylase). Metabolome results showed that the relative content of canthaxanthin, an intermediate metabolite of astaxanthin synthesis in C18 and P1, decreased. The overall results indicate that there is a structural difference between CrBKT and PrBKT, and overexpression of PrBKT in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii seems to cause more genes in carotenoid pathway metabolism to be up-regulated.

Yield and Antioxidant Quality of Habanero Chili Pepper by Supplementing Potassium with Organic Products

Habanero chili pepper has great economic importance in Mexico, but its production is limited due to different factors that affect quality. Given the high demand and prices of the fruit, the production of this crop is spreading to other regions in search of new production systems. The aim of this research work was to assess the yield and antioxidant components of the fruit by supplementing potassium from organic sources. The “Campeche”, “Palenque”, and “Jaguar” varieties were studied in five NPK treatments; replacing the % of potassium with humus and compost: (T1) 240-200-120+50% of K from liquid earthworm humus; (T2) 240-200-180+25% of K from liquid earthworm humus; (T3) 240-200-120+50% of K from vermicompost; (T4) 240-200-180+25% of K from vermicompost; and (T5) 240-200-240 (control, 100% chemical nutrition). For yield components, there were significant differences, highlighting the importance of the nutrition source for the yield and weight of fruits per plant. The control (T5) presented a value of 39 t·ha−1 and was similar to treatments T2 and T3 with a supplement of 25 and 50% organic K. For the polar and equatorial diameter of fruit, as well as for plant height and leaf area, treatments supplemented with 50% organic K (T1 and T3) were more effective. For the varieties evaluated, no differences in yield and fruit weight were found; however, Campeche produced more fruits per plant with a greater equatorial diameter, while Palenque obtained fruits with a greater polar diameter and taller plants. The results of antioxidant compounds show that organic K supplementation improves the quality of total carotenoids, β-carotenes, and xanthophylls compared to 100% chemical fertilization, since total carotenoid content is improved by 54.2%, β-carotenes by 46.4%, and xanthophylls by 37.8%, respectively. The Campeche variety was the one that presented the best fruits with the highest antioxidant quality. These results indicate a positive effect of the combined application of chemical fertilizer with worm humus on yield and its components in pepper and other crops and show an economic, ecological, and sustainable alternative to the production of habanero chili pepper.

Predicting iron deficiency and oxidative stress in Glycine max through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in a time-course experiment

AimsThe excessive use of fertilizers is a problem in current agricultural systems, and sustainable farming practices, including precision agriculture, demand the use of new technologies to manage plant stress at an early stage. To sustainably manage iron (Fe) fertilization in agricultural fields, it is urgent to develop early detection methods for Fe deficiency, and linked oxidative stress, in plant leaves. Herein, the potential of using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for Fe deficiency and oxidative stress detection in soybean plants was evaluated.MethodsAfter a period of two weeks of hydroponic growth under optimum conditions, soybean plants were grown under Fe-sufficient (Fe+) and Fe-deficient (Fe–) hydroponic conditions for four weeks. Sampling occurred every week, infrared (IR) spectra were acquired and biological parameters (total chlorophyll, anthocyanins and carotenoids concentration, and ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging ability), mineral concentrations, and the Fe-related genes’ expression - FRO2- and IRT1-like - were evaluated.ResultsTwo weeks after imposing Fe deficiency, plants displayed decreased antioxidant activity, and increased expression levels of FRO2- and IRT1-like genes. Regarding the PLS models developed to estimate the biological parameters and mineral concentrations, satisfactory calibration models were globally obtained with R2C from 0.93 to 0.99. FTIR spectroscopy was also able to discriminate between Fe + and Fe– plants from an early stage of stress induction with 96.3% of correct assignments.ConclusionHigh reproducibility was observed among the different spectra of each sample and FTIR spectroscopy may be an early, non-invasive, cheap, and environmentally friendly technique for IDC management.

Rapid Screening of Microalgae as Potential Sources of Natural Antioxidants.

In order to rapidly screen microalgae species as feedstocks for antioxidants, extracts were obtained from 16 microalgae strains (under 11 genera, 7 classes) using two methods: a one-step extraction with ethanol/water and a three-step fractionating procedure using hexane, ethylacetate, and water successively. Measuring the total phenol content (TPC), total carotenoid content (TCC), and antioxidant activity of the extracts, indicating TPC and TCC, played an important role in determining the antioxidant activity of the microalgae. A weighted scoring system was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity, and the scores of microalgal samples from two extraction methods were calculated using the same system. Among the investigated microalgae, Euglena gracilis SCSIO-46781 had the highest antioxidant score, contributing to high TPC and TCC, followed by Arthrospira platensis SCSIO-44012, Nannochloropsis sp. SCSIO-45224, Phaeodactylum tricornutum SCSIO-45120, and Nannochloropsis sp. SCSIO-45006, respectively. Additionally, the above-mentioned five strains are currently being applied in commercial production, indicating this system could be effective not only for screening microalgal antioxidants, but also for screening microalgal species/strains with strong adaptation to environmental stress, which is a critical trait for their commercial cultivation.

Influence of cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of Spirulina platensis slurry over biomass characteristics

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) technique is an innovative non-thermal approach for food preservation and decontamination. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CAPP power density on microorganism inactivation and quality of Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) slurry. 91.31 ± 1.61% of microorganism were inactivated within 2.02 ± 0.11 min by 26.67 W/g CAPP treatment under 50 ℃. Total phenolic, Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and carotenoids contents were increased by 20.51%, 63.55%, and 70.04% after 20.00 W/g CAPP treatment. Phycobiliproteins (PBPs), protein, intracellular polysaccharide, and moisture content of S. platensis was decreased, while vividness, lightness, color of yellow and green, antioxidant activity, Essential Amino Acid Index were enhanced after CAPP treatment. The nutrient release and filaments breakage of CAPP-treated S. platensis improved its bio-accessibility. The findings provided a deep understanding and insight into the influence of CAPP treatment on S. platensis, which were meaningful for optimizing its sterilization and drying processing condition.

Evaluation of Nutrient Dependent Growth of Spirulina platensis for Pigment-proteins Production

Background: Spirulina is a multicellular, filamentous cyanobacterium, belonging to the Phormidiaceae family which appears as blue-green filaments composed of cylindrical cells arranged in unbranched helicoidal trichomes. It contains a wide spectrum of nutrients that include proteins with all essential amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, pigments, carotenoids and super antioxidants apart from trace elements. Methods: The aim of the present study is to optimize the growth of cyanobacterium i.e., Spirulina platensis in selected media such as Zarrouk’s modified medium, Zarrouk’s medium, BG11 medium and F-2 medium. The growth analyses were recognized after 30 days. The temperature was maintained at 30±2°C under 12:12 hour light-dark cycles, light illuminated (4500 lux). Result: The maximum biomass of 0.641 gm/ml was achieved in Zarrouk’s modified medium. The inoculation of S. platensis in the F-2 medium showed the least growth of alga. The maximum concentration of phycocyanin content (0.19 mg/ml) and total carotenoid contents (5.99 µg/ml) were observed in Zarrouk’s modified medium followed by Zarrouk’s medium (0.12 mg/ml and 5.51 µg/ml) and minimum amounts were observed in F-2 medium (0.08 mg/ml and 3.08 µg/ml). According to the results, this study concluded that the growth and biomass of Spirulina with significant cell count and higher pigment proteins can be enhanced by using the naturally modified medium.

Effect of different fermentation conditions on bioactive properties, phenolic component and sensory properties of caper (Capparis ovata desf. var. ovata) buds

In this study, the antioxidant activities of caper buds, total phenolic acid content, carotenoid, flavonoid, phenolic components and total phenolic acid content of caper buds after fermentation of caper flower buds in separately 10% brine (NaCl2) containing 5% flower honey, 5% pine honey, 5% granulated sugar and 5% glucose syrup and to reveal their sensory properties were investigated. The difference of this study from other studies is the use of honey, glucose and saccharide (sugar) in addition to the use of salt in lactic acid fermentation, the main difference being the use of caper buds and the innovation. Total carotenoid contents of raw (control) and fermented caper buds were determined between 0.27 µg/g (Glucose supplemented) and 9.40 µg/g (control (raw)). In addition, the total phenolic content of raw and fermented caper buds was measured between 106.45 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g (raw) and 231.07 mg GAE/100 g (with added sugar), while the total flavonoid values of raw and fermented caper buds are determined between 242.26 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g (raw) to 453.48 mg QE/100 g (sugar added). In addition, antioxidant activity values of raw and fermented caper buds were measured between 6.04 mmol trolox equivalent (TE)/kg (with added salt) and 7.75 mmol TE/kg (with added sugar). Gallic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and catechin were the dominant phenolic components of raw and fermented caper buds. Caper buds fermented in brine with added sugar and glucose were the most appreciated.

İskenderun Körfezi'ndeki (Kuzeydoğu Akdeniz) Kahverengi ve Kırmızı Makroalglerin Temel Besin Maddesi ve Biyoaktif Bileşiklerindeki Mevsimsel Değişimler

Proximate and bioactive compounds (total phenolic, flavonoid, chlorophyll-a and total carotenoid contents) of three brown seaweeds (Dictyota dichotoma, Padina pavonica, Stypopodium schimperi) and a red seaweed (Jania rubens) from the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea (İskenderun Bay) were investigated seasonally at three sampling sites. Seasonal variations were found for all of the parameters studied. The highest ash content was in J. rubens (77.7%) in the spring. The results showed that J. rubens is a rich source with respect to mineral content. D. dichotoma had the highest crude protein content, whereas S. schimperi contained the most lipids. Phenolics ranged between 34.6 - 107.0 mg GAE/g dw. The highest total phenolics were found in S. schimperi in the summer, and the lowest in P. pavonica in the spring. The flavonoid contents (9.05-10.6 mg QE/g dw) were higher in brown seaweeds than that in the red seaweed. Moreover, chlorophyll-a and carotenoids levels were highest in D. dichotoma (4.53 and 2.83 mg/g, respectively) during the autumn. The results revealed that the biochemical composition of the examined seaweeds showed significant changes depending on the species, location and seasons.

Investigation of oxidative characteristics, fatty acid composition and bioactive compounds content in cold pressed oils of sunflower grown in Serbia and Argentina

BackgroundIn this work, the chemical composition analysis was performed for cold pressed oils obtained from the 15 sunflower hybrids grown in Serbia and Argentina, as well as the determination of their oxidative quality. The fatty acid composition and bioactive compounds including total tocopherols, phenols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll contents were investigated. The oxidation products were monitored through the peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AnV), conjugated dienes (CD) and conjugated trienes (CT) content, and total oxidation index (TOTOX) under accelerated oxidation conditions by the oven method. ResultsLinoleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in investigated oil samples, followed by oleic and palmitic acids. The mean contents of total tocopherols, phenols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll were 518.24, 9.42, 7.54 and 0.99 mg/kg, respectively. In order to obtain an overview of sample variations according to the tested parameters Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied. ConclusionPCA indicated that phenols, chlorophyll, linoleic and oleic acid were the most effective variables for the differentiation of sunflower hybrids grown in Serbia and Argentina. Furthermore, based on the fatty acid composition and bioactive compounds content in the oils, a new Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed to predict the oxidative stability parameters of cold pressed sunflower oil.

Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the high ability to synthesize fatty acids in “yellow oil” mud crab (Scylla paramamosain)

Yellow oil mud crab (YOC) is a new variant of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain), which was attracted much attention in recent years due to its high level of nutrition. However, the nutritive values and the physiological changes in YOC have not been clearly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify the nutrient compositions (including total carotenoid content (TCC), total lipid content (TLC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and fatty acids) and differences in genes related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids using transcriptome analysis in YOC in comparison with those of normal mud crabs. As a result, observations on the morphological characteristics showed that the YOC exhibits a difference in the color of the muscle, gills (orange-yellow), and hemolymph (yellow) compared with the normal female crabs (NFC) (blue or nattier blue). The TCC and TLC (84.96 ± 9.65 μg/g in muscle and 1.39 ± 0.10 μg/mL in hemolymph) or TAC (1.52 ± 0.17 mM in hemolymph) of YOC were higher than that of NFC and normal male crab (NMC). YOC had lower saturated fatty acids, but higher unsaturated fatty acids, as well as the ratio of n-3/n-6 of fatty acids in muscle and hemolymph, compared with those of NFC and NMC. Furthermore, the transcriptome profile revealed that the unigenes in YOC were enriched in the synthesis of n-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, more unigenes related to ‘Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids’ were identified in muscle and hemocytes, while fewer were in the gonads of YOC. Additionally, the positive (in muscle and hemocytes) and a negative correlation (in gonads) between expressions of unigenes and contents of TLC, TCC, and UFA were found, indicating a better synthesis ability of fatty acids in the muscle and hemocytes of YOC. Overall, compared to NFC and NMC, YOC has higher nutrients and is a better food nutrient source for humans.

A Study Investigating the Effects of Postharvest Treatments of Sodium Nitroprusside and Potato Starch on the Quality and Storage Life of Two Advertised Guava Cultivars

The availability of fresh guava fruit in the domestic, as well as the international market, is limited due to its short postharvest life. Hence, the present research was performed to evaluate the effect of postharvest application of potato starch and sodium nitroprusside on the storage life and quality of guava fruit. Data was examined statistically using ANOVA with Fishers' least significant difference LSD test using statistics software 8.1 with 5% levels of significance difference. Treated fruits remained in storage for 15 days while the untreated fruit started decaying within 10 days of storage. The physical parameters of guava like fruit firmness, visual quality, marketability index, disease incidence, and fruit decay showed highly significant results when treated with different concentrations of potato starch and sodium nitroprusside. The sensory traits such as texture, taste, flavor, aroma, and overall acceptance were also decreased with the progress of storage days. Biochemical fruit quality traits of guava like TSS, TA, TSS/TA ratio, ascorbic acid, and Ion leakage were significantly influenced when treated with different coatings of potato starch and sodium nitroprusside and subjected to ambient storage. The phytochemical traits of guava like total phenolic contents, total antioxidant contents, and total carotenoid content showed highly significant variations among storage periods and treatments. Activities of various antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity POD, and catalase activity CAT exhibited highly significant differences at the end of the storage period. The potato starch and sodium nitroprusside treatments managed the postharvest quality of guava fruit by delaying fruit senescence reduction because of enhanced antioxidant enzymes. Hence, the investigation revealed that the different concentrations of potato starch and sodium nitroprusside coating improved the storage life of guava with retaining better fruit quality attributes.

Effect of prohexadione-calcium onphotosynthetic and yield parameters in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) against lodging stress

Basmati rice cultivators with longer internodes and shallow rooting system are prone to lodging especially during panicle development thus ultimately reducing yield, quality as well as efficiency of mechanical harvesting.Manipulation of GA status both via using exogenous application of GA or use of GA biosynthesis inhibitors or either by genetic alteration are regularly used to optimize plant growth and yields. Keeping this in mind the main objective of the study was to assess the role of Prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca) to reduce internode elongation against lodging stress without negatively affecting its productivity. A field experiment was conducted on three cultivars of basmati rice (Punjab Basmati 2, Punjab Basmati 3 and Pusa Basmati 1121) in split plot design at three concentration levels (foliar application) of Pro-Ca @5,10 and 20mg/l at vegetative and anthesis stage. Pro-Ca was found to uphill the concentrations of total chlorophyll (~9%)and Carotenoid(~4%) content in leaves at both vegetative and anthesis stages. An increment in the photosynthetic rate in flag leaf was also recorded in Pro-Ca treated sets in comparison to control, A significant increase in sucrose content in fully expanded leaf at vegetative and flag leaf at anthesis stage was recorded.Plant height significantly decreased in Pro-Ca treated plants and this decrease in height was recorded more with increased concentration of Pro-Ca. The increase in the yield contributing parameters viz., number of spikes/plant and grain/m2might be attributed to the blockage of gibberellins synthesis on account of Pro-Ca applicationin selected basmati rice variety PUSA 1121 by upregulating the photosynthetic rate (2%) andalso increase in sucrose content(2 to 18%).

Comparative studies on nutritional and functional properties of selected traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka

Non-communicable diseases are chronic metabolic diseases increasing rapidly around the world. Evaluation of natural food sources in terms of controlling or preventing non-communicable diseases is an immerging research area in food science and nutrition schemes. Traditional rice varieties are one of the food commodities currently becoming popular among health-conscious consumers, as they provide health benefits through bioactive compounds or functional food ingredients other than a variety of nutrients. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and functional properties of selected 20 traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka. Proximate composition was analyzed for raw rice samples. Methanolic extracts of rice were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), carotenoid content (TC), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion was performed to evaluate the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Rice samples with higher anti-diabetic properties were tested for a postprandial glycemic response using healthy individuals. The results indicated fresh methanolic extracts of Rath Kadha had the significantly (p<0.05) highest TPC (9.94±0.01mgGAE/g FW) and TC (2.27±0.06 mg/g FW), Beheth Heenati have the highest DPPH% inhibition (84.93±0.81%), Sudu Heenati had the significantly (p<0.05) highest TFC (16.77±0.01mg RE/g FW), anti-diabetic properties (59.54±0.02%) and anti-inflammatory properties (65.85±0.01%). Among the rice varieties subjected to in vitro digestion, Suwadel showed highest significant (p<0.05) TPC (0.45±0.02 mg GAE/g FW) and TFC (2.01±0.02 mgRE/g FW), Ma Vee showed the highest TC (0.24±0.015 mg/g FW) and Pachchaperumal showed the highest DPPH% inhibition (61.77±0.02%) in the gastric phase. In the intestinal Phase Sudu Heenati showed the highest TPC (0.99±0.04 mgGAE/g FW), Ma Vee showed the highest TFC (0.8±0.01 mgRE/g FW) and TC (3.24±0.04 mg/g FW), Beheth Heenati showed the highest DPPH% inhibition (63.98±0.07%). Tested all cooked rice varieties exhibited a lower postprandial glycemic response than glucose. Among the cooked rice varieties Maa Vee showed the lowest peak (97mg/dl) concerning glucose. According to glycemic response, values were significantly (p<0.05) changed with the rice variety. The results highlighted that traditional rice verities are rich with a wide range of functional properties and useful in the management of non-communicable diseases and their complications.

Engineered ketocarotenoid biosynthesis in the polyextremophilic red microalga Cyanidioschyzon merolae 10D

The polyextremophilic Cyanidiophyceae are eukaryotic red microalgae with promising biotechnological properties arising from their low pH and elevated temperature requirements which can minimize culture contamination at scale. Cyanidioschyzon merolae 10D is a cell wall deficient species with a fully sequenced genome that is amenable to nuclear transgene integration by targeted homologous recombination. C. merolae maintains a minimal carotenoid profile and here, we sought to determine its capacity for ketocarotenoid accumulation mediated by heterologous expression of a green algal β-carotene ketolase (BKT) and hydroxylase (CHYB). To achieve this, a synthetic transgene expression cassette system was built to integrate and express Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr) sourced enzymes by fusing native C. merolae transcription, translation and chloroplast targeting signals to codon-optimized coding sequences. Chloramphenicol resistance was used to select for the integration of synthetic linear DNAs into a neutral site within the host genome. CrBKT expression caused accumulation of canthaxanthin and adonirubin as major carotenoids while co-expression of CrBKT with CrCHYB generated astaxanthin as the major carotenoid in C. merolae. Unlike green algae and plants, ketocarotenoid accumulation in C. merolae did not reduce total carotenoid contents, but chlorophyll a reduction was observed. Light intensity affected global ratios of all pigments but not individual pigment compositions and phycocyanin contents were not markedly different between parental strain and transformants. Continuous illumination was found to encourage biomass accumulation and all strains could be cultivated in simulated summer conditions from two different extreme desert environments. Our findings present the first example of carotenoid metabolic engineering in a red eukaryotic microalga and open the possibility for use of C. merolae 10D for simultaneous production of phycocyanin and ketocarotenoid pigments.

IMPACT OF THINNING AND FOLIAR-BORON-ZINC SPRAY ON SOME MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICATORS IN APPLE TREE (MALUS DOMESTICA CV. GOLDEN DELICIOUS)-"TARTOUS GOVERNORATE"

The research was conducted in Tartous governorate on apple trees cv. Golden Delicious grafted on the rootstock “Malus domestica Borkh”, during two seasons 2019-2020 to study the impact of manual and chemical thinning using foliar boron /zinc spray separately or in combination on some morphological and physiological indicators. The results showed a significant increase in leaf area and its content of total chlorophyll and carotenoids in the second season (low fruit load) compared to the first season (heavy load) due to a rise in vegetative growth and a reduction in fruiting. During the heavy load season, a balance between vegetative and fruiting growth was noted when the manual and chemical thinning applied with no significant differences was found between the two seasons in leaf area, total chlorophyll and carotenoids content. On the other hand, the application of manual thinning, chemical thinning and foliar spraying with boron and zinc separately or together pointed out an increase in the branches content of carbohydrates and nitrogen and C/N ratio in the low load season compared to the control. Consequently, fruit thinning was more effective to obtain a balance between the seasons in term of leaf area, its pigments content, and C/N ratio in branches, which in turn mitigate the alternate bearing phenomenon.

Effects of L-Cysteine and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Treatment on Postharvest Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Loquat Fruit during Storage.

Sichuan is the China's leading producer of loquat, with the largest cultivation area and yield ranked first in China. Loquat is a seasonal fruit highly appreciated by consumers; however, the fruit is prone to browning and lignification after harvest, affecting its storage quality. The effects of L-Cysteine (L-Cys, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2%) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1%) on the sensory quality and antioxidant activity of loquat fruit during cold storage at 4 °C for 35 days and simulated shelf life for 5 days were investigated. The results showed that after 40 days of storage, compared with the control, 0.05% L-Cys and 0.05% GABA treatment of 'Zaozhong No. 6' loquat fruit effectively reduced the weight loss rate, browning index, decay index, respiratory rate, firmness, and lignin content and slowed the decreases in total soluble solids, soluble sugar, titratable acidityand vitamin C contents. The application of 0.05% L-Cys and 0.05% GABA significantly increased the contents of total phenols, total flavonoids, flavanols, and carotenoids; delayed the increase of relative electric conductivity, MDA, POD, and PPO activities; and significantly enhanced the activities of SOD and CAT, DPPH free radical scavenging ability, and FRAP, thereby improving antioxidant capacity. In summary, 0.05% L-Cys and 0.05% GABA treatment promotes the quality of loquat fruit after 40 days of storage, and significantly enhances antioxidant capacity, thus delaying senescence after harvest.

Influence of Ultrasonic and Chemical Pretreatments on Quality Attributes of Dried Pepper (Capsicum annuum).

This study investigates the effects of ultrasound, in combination with chemical pretreatments, on the quality attributes (total phenolic and carotenoid content, antioxidant activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH)), ferric-reducing ability (FRAP), CIE L* a* b* color, non-enzymatic browning, rehydration ratio, textural and morphological properties) of red pepper subjected to drying (hot air drying or freeze drying). The fractional factorial design was used to assess the impact of factors. The global Derringer desirability function was used to determine the optimal conditions for the best quality attributes of dried pepper. The drying method influenced total phenolic content, a* (redness), and initial rehydration ratio; pretreatment time significantly affected FRAP antiradical activity, a*, chroma and non-browning index, while pH-value had a significant effect on the texture of dried pepper. Non-enzymatic browning was reduced to 72.6%, while the DPPH antioxidant capacity of freeze-dried peppers was enhanced from 4.2% to 71.9%. Ultrasonic pretreatment led to changes in the pepper morphology, while potassium metabisulfite (KMS) was a more effective additive than citric acid.

Optimization of the Spray-Drying Encapsulation of Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spray-drying parameters on the physicochemical properties of encapsulated sea buckthorn berry oil. Different carriers (gum arabic, β-cyclodextrin, and their mixture (1:1, w/w)), inlet air temperatures (120, 150, and 180 °C), and carrier-to-oil ratios (2, 3, and 4, w/w) were evaluated. The obtained powders were characterized in terms of the product yield (36.79-64.60%), encapsulation efficiency (73.08-93.18%), moisture content (0.23-3.70%), hygroscopicity (1.5-7.06 g/100 g), solubility (19.55-74.70%), bulk density (0.25-0.44 g/L), total carotenoid content (mg/100 g dm), and antioxidant capacity (871.83-1454.39 μmol TE/100 g dm). All physicochemical properties were significantly affected by the carrier-to-oil ratio and inlet air temperature. Higher carrier-to-oil ratios increased the product yield, encapsulation efficiency, solubility, and bulk density and decreased the powder hygroscopicity. Elevating the drying temperatures during spray drying also increased the product yield, encapsulation efficiency, and solubility, while it decreased the powder moisture content, total carotenoid content, and antioxidant capacity. Based on the physicochemical properties, the use of β-cyclodextrin as a carrier, a drying temperature of 120 °C, and a carrier-to-oil ratio of 4 were selected as optimal conditions for the production of sea buckthorn berry oil powder. The obtained powder is a valuable material for a wide range of applications in the food and nutraceutical industries.

A Lycopene ε-Cyclase TILLING Allele Enhances Lycopene and Carotenoid Content in Fruit and Improves Drought Stress Tolerance in Tomato Plants.

In the scenario of climate change, the availability of genetic resources for tomato cultivation that combine improved nutritional properties and more tolerance to water deficiency is highly desirable. Within this context, the molecular screenings of the Red Setter cultivar-based TILLING platform led to the isolation of a novel lycopene ε-cyclase gene (SlLCY-E) variant (G/3378/T) that produces modifications in the carotenoid content of tomato leaves and fruits. In leaf tissue, the novel G/3378/T SlLCY-E allele enhances β,β-xanthophyll content at the expense of lutein, which decreases, while in ripe tomato fruit the TILLING mutation induces a significant increase in lycopene and total carotenoid content. Under drought stress conditions, the G/3378/T SlLCY-E plants produce more abscisic acid (ABA) and still conserve their leaf carotenoid profile (reduction of lutein and increase in β,β-xanthophyll content). Furthermore, under said conditions, the mutant plants grow much better and are more tolerant to drought stress, as revealed by digital-based image analysis and in vivo monitoring of the OECT (Organic Electrochemical Transistor) sensor. Altogether, our data indicate that the novel TILLING SlLCY-E allelic variant is a valuable genetic resource that can be used for developing new tomato varieties, improved in drought stress tolerance and enriched in fruit lycopene and carotenoid content.

Evaluating the antioxidative defense response of selected indoor plants against benzene and formaldehyde.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene are among the key contributors to indoor air pollution. The current situation of environmental pollution is alarming, especially indoor air pollution is becoming a challenge as affecting plants and humans. VOCs are known to adversely affect indoor plants by causing necrosis and chlorosis. In order to withstand these organic pollutants, plants are naturally equipped with an antioxidative defense system. The current research study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of formaldehyde and benzene on the antioxidative response of selected indoor C3 plants including Chlorophytum comosum, Dracaena mysore, and Ficus longifolia. After the combined application of different levels (0, 0; 2, 2; 2, 4; 4, 2; and 4, 4ppm) of benzene and formaldehyde respectively, in an airtight glass chamber, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were analyzed. Analysis of total phenolics showed a significant increase (10.72mg GAE/g) in F. longifolia; C. comosum (9.20mg GAE/g); and D. mysore (8.74mg GAE/g) compared to their respective controls as 3.76, 5.39, and 6.07mg GAE/g. Total flavonoids (724µg/g) were reported in control plants of F. longifolia which were increased to 1545.72µg/g from 724µg/g (in control) followed by 322.66µg/g in D. mysore (control having 167.11µg/g). Total carotenoid content also increased in D. mysore (0.67mg/g) followed by C. comosum (0.63mg/g) in response to increasing the combined dose compared to their control plants having 0.62 and 0.24mg/g content. The highest proline content was exhibited by D. mysore (3.66μg/g) as compared to its respective control plant (1.54μg/g) under a 4ppm dose of benzene and formaldehyde. A significant increase in enzymatic antioxidants including total antioxidants (87.89%), catalase (59.21 U/mg of protein), and guaiacol peroxidase (52.16 U/mg of protein) was observed in the D. mysore plant under a combined dose of benzene (2ppm) and formaldehyde (4ppm) with respect to their controls. Although experimental indoor plants have been reported to metabolize indoor pollutants, the current findings indicate that the combined application of benzene and formaldehyde is also affecting the physiology of indoor plants as well.