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29 pages, 2767 KiB  
Article
Closed-Loop Valorization of Annatto Seed Waste into Biochar: A Sustainable Platform for Phosphorus Adsorption and Safe Nutrient Recycling in Agro-Industries
by Diana Guaya, Camilo Piedra and Inmaculada Carmona
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2842; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132842 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 456
Abstract
Valorizing agro-industrial waste into functional materials for environmental remediation and resource recovery is essential for advancing circular economy models. This study presents a novel closed-loop strategy to convert annatto (Bixa orellana) seed residues into biochar for phosphate recovery from aqueous solutions [...] Read more.
Valorizing agro-industrial waste into functional materials for environmental remediation and resource recovery is essential for advancing circular economy models. This study presents a novel closed-loop strategy to convert annatto (Bixa orellana) seed residues into biochar for phosphate recovery from aqueous solutions and real agro-industrial wastewater. A novel ternary modification with Fe, Zn, and Mn metals was applied to enhance the phosphate adsorption performance of the biochar. Materials were synthesized via pyrolysis at 600 °C and 700 °C, with ABC-M700 exhibiting the highest performance. Comprehensive characterization (FTIR, SEM–EDS, and XRF) confirmed the successful incorporation of metal (oxy)hydroxide functional groups, which facilitated phosphate binding. Adsorption studies revealed that ABC-M700 achieved a maximum phosphate removal capacity of 6.19 mg·g−1, representing a 955% increase compared to unmodified ABC-N700 (0.59 mg·g−1), and a 31% increase relative to ABC-M600 (4.73 mg·g−1). Physicochemical characterization indicated increased surface area, well-developed mesoporosity, and the formation of metal (oxy)hydroxide functionalities. ABC-M700 achieved a maximum adsorption capacity of 73.22 mg·g−1 and rapid kinetics, removing 95% of phosphate within 10 min and reaching equilibrium at 30 min. The material exhibited notable pH flexibility, with optimal performance in the range of pH 6–7. Performance evaluations using real wastewater from the same agro-industry confirmed its high selectivity, achieving 80% phosphate removal efficiency despite the presence of competing ions and organic matter. Phosphate fractionation revealed that 78% of adsorbed phosphate was retained in stable, metal-associated fractions. Although the material showed limited reusability, it holds potential for integration into nutrient recycling strategies as a slow-release fertilizer. These findings demonstrate a low-cost, waste-derived adsorbent with strong implications for circular economy applications and sustainable agro-industrial wastewater treatment. This study establishes a scalable model for agro-industries that not only reduces environmental impact but also addresses phosphorus scarcity and promotes resource-efficient waste management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbon Materials: Preparation and Application)
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25 pages, 13700 KiB  
Article
Development of NADES–Annatto Seed Extract for Enhancing 3D Printed Food Designed for Dysphagia Patients
by Sara Kierulff Balabram, Larissa Tessaro, Maria Eduarda de Almeida Astolfo, Pedro Augusto Invernizzi Sponchiado, Stanislau Bogusz Junior and Bianca C. Maniglia
Foods 2025, 14(9), 1604; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14091604 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 1014
Abstract
This study develops a 3D printed food designed for dysphagia patients, incorporating a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES)–annatto seed extract. The objective was to enhance textural properties and bioactive retention in food matrices tailored for individuals with swallowing difficulties. NADES extraction was compared [...] Read more.
This study develops a 3D printed food designed for dysphagia patients, incorporating a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES)–annatto seed extract. The objective was to enhance textural properties and bioactive retention in food matrices tailored for individuals with swallowing difficulties. NADES extraction was compared to ethanol, with the extracts incorporated into gelatin and starch hydrogels. Gelatin, a widely used biopolymer, improved mechanical properties and printability, ensuring a cohesive and structured matrix for 3D printing. Textural analysis showed that starch-based 3D printed hydrogels exhibited lower hardness, adhesiveness, and gumminess compared to molded samples, making them more suitable for dysphagia-friendly diets than gelatin-based formulations. The IDDSI fork test confirmed that selected 3D printed samples met essential texture requirements for safe consumption by dysphagia patients. The combination of NADES-extracted bioactive compounds and 3D printing enabled the development of functional foods with optimized texture and nutritional properties. Additionally, gelatin played a key role in enhancing elasticity and structural integrity in printed samples, reinforcing its potential for food texture modification. This study presents an innovative approach to dysphagia-friendly food formulation, integrating green extraction methods with advanced food processing technologies, paving the way for safer, nutritionally enhanced, and customizable functional foods for individuals with swallowing disorders. Full article
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16 pages, 4096 KiB  
Article
Carotenoid Degradation in Annatto Dye Wastewater Using an O3/H2O2 Advanced Oxidation Process
by Priscila Carriel Garcia, Mateus Nordi Esperança, José Ricardo Turquetti and André Luís de Castro Peixoto
Processes 2025, 13(3), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030824 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 804
Abstract
Urucum, also known as annatto, is a plant native to Brazil. However, there is a notable scarcity of scientific studies focusing on the wastewater generated by the annatto natural dye industry. This study seeks to address the existing knowledge gaps by presenting [...] Read more.
Urucum, also known as annatto, is a plant native to Brazil. However, there is a notable scarcity of scientific studies focusing on the wastewater generated by the annatto natural dye industry. This study seeks to address the existing knowledge gaps by presenting original and substantive data pertaining to this economic sector. This study investigates the degradation of carotenoids in real annatto dye wastewater through the application of an O3/H2O2 oxidation process. A 23 factorial experimental design was utilized to determine the influence of three key variables—pH (2.5–5.5), O3 mass flow rate (8.0–18.0 mg min−1), and initial H2O2 concentration (between 1.572 and 4.716 g L−1)—on both the degradation efficiency and the associated reaction kinetics. The process demonstrated impressive carotenoid removal, achieving degradation efficiencies between 84% and 97% with pseudo-first-order kinetic constants ranging from 0.0310 to 0.0805 min−1. A statistical analysis revealed that the O3 mass flow rate was the most influential factor on the degradation efficiency, while all the operational parameters played significant roles in determining the degradation kinetics. Notably, the process achieved optimal performance without the need for pH adjustment, presenting a cost-efficient solution for industrial applications. These findings offer critical insights into the treatment of high-strength agro-industrial wastewater, thereby advancing the development and implementation of oxidation processes for wastewater management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photocatalytic Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes)
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13 pages, 949 KiB  
Article
Potential of Annatto Seeds (Bixa orellana L.) Extract Together with Pectin-Edible Coatings: Application on Mulberry Fruits (Morus nigra L.)
by Igor Gabriel Silva Oliveira, Karina Sayuri Ueda Flores, Vinícius Nelson Barboza de Souza, Nathaly Calister Moretto, Maria Helena Verdan, Caroline Pereira Moura Aranha, Vitor Augusto Dos Santos Garcia, Claudia Andrea Lima Cardoso and Silvia Maria Martelli
Polymers 2025, 17(5), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050562 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1163
Abstract
Morus nigra L., or mulberry, is a susceptible fleshy fruit due to its high respiratory rate and low storage stability, which shortens its shelf life and makes it difficult to commercialize in natura. Edible coatings, thin membranes produced directly on the desired surface, [...] Read more.
Morus nigra L., or mulberry, is a susceptible fleshy fruit due to its high respiratory rate and low storage stability, which shortens its shelf life and makes it difficult to commercialize in natura. Edible coatings, thin membranes produced directly on the desired surface, could improve food preservation, among other properties. Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds are natural pigments with high antioxidant activity. This work aimed to develop a pectin-based edible coating with annatto extract to increase the shelf life of fruits, using mulberries as a study model. The mulberries were randomly separated into five groups: without coating, coated with different extract concentrations (0%, 5%, and 10%), and a layer-by-layer treatment consisting of a pectin layer under a 10% extract layer. The samples were evaluated for the following parameters: titratable acidity, maturity index, mass loss, pH, soluble solids, moisture contents, and bioactive compounds. The coated group with 10% annatto extract had the best result for the maturity index (25.52), while the group with 5% showed better mass loss and moisture (37.28% and 83.66%, respectively). Herein, it was demonstrated that pectin-based edible coatings with annatto extract delay the maturation and senescence of mulberries, preserving the bioactive compounds and increasing shelf life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Materials for Edible Food Packaging)
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19 pages, 609 KiB  
Article
Promoting Circular Economy by Leveraging Annatto Byproducts from Bixa orellana L. into Sustainable Antioxidant Food Packaging
by Vanilda Aparecida Soares de Arruda-Peixoto, Paula Vera Estacho, Magdalena Wrona, Paulo Roberto Nogueira Carvalho, Roseli Aparecida Ferrari, Cristina Nerin and Elena Canellas
Foods 2025, 14(4), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14040704 - 19 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1264
Abstract
Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is cultivated primarily for the extraction of bixin, a natural dye with substantial industrial importance, resulting in the generation of large quantities of residues that remain underutilized. This study provides the first in-depth characterization of annatto byproducts derived [...] Read more.
Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is cultivated primarily for the extraction of bixin, a natural dye with substantial industrial importance, resulting in the generation of large quantities of residues that remain underutilized. This study provides the first in-depth characterization of annatto byproducts derived through molecular distillation, highlighting their untapped potential for sustainable innovation. Employing state-of-the-art techniques—HS-SPME-GC-MS for volatile compounds and UPLC-MS/QTOF for non-volatile ones—the research identified a remarkable array of bioactive constituents. Over thirty pharmacologically significant compounds were unveiled, many appearing for the first time in annatto byproducts. Notable discoveries include diterpenoid alcohols, oleamide, δ-tocotrienol, n-alkanes, fatty acid methyl esters, and springene among the volatiles. Among the non-volatiles, groundbreaking identifications such as dihydroactinidiolide, dihydrochalcone, 3-phenyl propiofenone, novel tetracosan amides, halisphingosine A, kauranetriols, and phytoene derivatives redefine the chemical profile of this residue. Further amplifying the value of these findings, the study successfully transformed these byproducts into innovative antioxidant packaging materials, demonstrating their high potential for food preservation and sustainable applications. The packaging films, developed from samples devoid of vegetable oil, exhibited robust antioxidant properties, offering a compelling solution to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage. This work underscores the importance of revalorizing agricultural residues like annatto byproducts, turning waste into high-value resources that align with the principles of the circular economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Packaging and Preservation)
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8 pages, 1716 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Anti-Obesity and Anti-Steatotic Effects of Bixin (Apocarotenoid from Bixa orellana L. Seeds): Dose-Dependent Correlations with Bioactivity
by Sonakshi Puri, Sumit Kumar Mandal, Pankaj Kumar Sharma and P. R. Deepa
Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 38(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024038004 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 685
Abstract
Annatto, a tropical shrub from Central and South America and parts of India, contains Bixin, an apocarotenoid pigment. Bixin is conventionally used as a natural food colorant and is now receiving attention for its health-promoting nutraceutical properties, particularly in chronic diseases (metabolic syndrome—MetS—and [...] Read more.
Annatto, a tropical shrub from Central and South America and parts of India, contains Bixin, an apocarotenoid pigment. Bixin is conventionally used as a natural food colorant and is now receiving attention for its health-promoting nutraceutical properties, particularly in chronic diseases (metabolic syndrome—MetS—and cancers). This study investigates the dose-dependent anti-obesity and anti-steatotic effects of Bixin in in vitro cell culture models. The anti-adipogenic and anti-steatotic effects of Bixin were examined in well-established in vitro models of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/steatosis) using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes (by a differentiation protocol) and HepG2cells (steatosis-induced with oleic acid), respectively. Bixin was administered in the following concentration range: 1 μg mL−1–20 μg mL−1 (obesity model) and 2.5 μg mL−1–10 μg mL−1 (NAFLD/steatosis model). The neutral lipid content was estimated by Oil Red O staining; ROS/RNS were quantified by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) and nitrite assays; and malondialdehyde (MDA), the biochemical marker of lipid peroxidation, was assessed by TBARS assay. At lower concentrations, 5 μg mL−1 in steatotic cells and 10 μg mL−1 in matured adipocytes, Bixin significantly reduced lipid accumulation in both hepatocytes and adipocytes (p < 0.05), demonstrating its potential as an anti-steatotic and anti-obesity agent. This beneficial effect was correlated with a reduction in oxidative stress levels (decreased MDA and ROS/RNS levels). Strikingly, at higher concentrations (>10 μg mL−1), Bixin showed increased lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Bixin exhibits anti-obesity and anti-steatotic effects at lower doses, which correlates with its antioxidant properties. However, its bioactivity is dose-dependent, meaning that at higher concentrations, it ceases to inhibit adipogenesis. This opposing response is accompanied by elevated oxidative stress levels, indicating a pro-oxidant effect at higher doses, which suggests its anti-cancer potential. The present study highlights the significance of dosage optimization of nutraceuticals and dietary ingredients with respect to their intended biological applications, such as MetS and cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Nutrients)
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18 pages, 2514 KiB  
Article
Aloe Vera as a Printed Coating to Mitigate the Wear of Textiles
by Michail Karypidis, Amalia Stalika, Maria Zarkogianni, Apostolos Korlos and Eleftherios G. Andriotis
Coatings 2024, 14(11), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14111467 - 18 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1967
Abstract
Aloe vera is well known for its biological properties as a bioflavonoid anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. It has been used frequently in the food sector as a food coating due to its hygroscopic properties and as an ingredient in the lucrative cosmetic industry. [...] Read more.
Aloe vera is well known for its biological properties as a bioflavonoid anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. It has been used frequently in the food sector as a food coating due to its hygroscopic properties and as an ingredient in the lucrative cosmetic industry. Studies have also included aloe vera as an eco-friendly green solution based on these properties. The current research focuses on the use of aloe vera gel in printing pastes as an alternative sustainable solution to synthetic thickeners, evaluating its wet performance and ease of fabric stitching, and has been inspired by studies that similarly used this substance and measured its effect on the fabric’s coefficient of friction and antimicrobial action. In the current study, printing pastes with natural colourants, such as saffron, curcumin, and annatto, and aloe vera gel thickener derived from natural leaves from Crete increased the fabric’s mechanical resistance to abrasion compared to the untreated pastes. The measured performance did not differ substantially from prints with traditional synthetic pastes, hence tolerating the substitution with the non-contaminant variant. The enhanced resistance to abrasion and wear extends the fabric’s serviceable life and resulting garments, decreasing the need for high industry processing volumes and, as a result, reducing pollution. The resistance to wear was evaluated using the dominant method in textile testing of the Martindale apparatus, which measured the cycles to failure, weight loss, and general appearance deterioration using the official photographic standards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coatings for Antimicrobial Textiles)
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21 pages, 3079 KiB  
Systematic Review
Annatto (Bixa orellana)-Based Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications—A Systematic Review
by Vitória Regina Pereira da Silva, Natália Ornelas Martins, Carolina Ramos dos Santos, Elysa Beatriz de Oliveira Damas, Paula Lauane Araujo, Gabriella de Oliveira Silva, Graziella Anselmo Joanitti and Marcella Lemos Brettas Carneiro
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(10), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101275 - 29 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2285
Abstract
Plants are a source of valuable organic chemical compounds with complex structures rich in therapeutic activities. The encapsulation of compounds in nanostructured systems is an alternative to avoid limitations, such as instability and low solubility, and to promote therapeutic use. The objective of [...] Read more.
Plants are a source of valuable organic chemical compounds with complex structures rich in therapeutic activities. The encapsulation of compounds in nanostructured systems is an alternative to avoid limitations, such as instability and low solubility, and to promote therapeutic use. The objective of the present review was to summarize the data in the literature on the physicochemical characteristics, biomedical efficacy, and toxicity of nanostructures containing extracts and oils obtained from annatto (Bixa orellana). For this, searches were conducted in the CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, FSTA, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies that carried out the development, physical-chemical characterization, and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and/or in vitro, in vivo, or clinical toxicity of nanostructures containing extracts and oils derived from annatto were included in the review. Of the 708 articles found, nine met the inclusion criteria. The included studies developed different nanostructures (nanofibers, nanocochleates, chitosan, lipid, polymeric, and metallic nanoparticles). These nanostructures showed leishmanicidal, photoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory efficacy, and tissue regeneration potential with no or low toxic effects in the tested models. Thus, the present work supports the nanostructuring of annatto extracts and oils as a relevant approach to the development of new technologies for biomedical applications. Full article
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18 pages, 5987 KiB  
Article
Bixin Combined with Metformin Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Antioxidant Defenses in Obese Mice
by Camila Graça Pinheiro, Bruno Pereira Motta, Juliana Oriel Oliveira, Felipe Nunes Cardoso, Ingrid Delbone Figueiredo, Rachel Temperani Amaral Machado, Patrícia Bento da Silva, Marlus Chorilli, Iguatemy Lourenço Brunetti and Amanda Martins Baviera
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(9), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17091202 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1147
Abstract
Bixin (C25H30O4; 394.51 g/mol) is the main apocarotenoid found in annatto seeds. It has a 25-carbon open chain structure with a methyl ester group and carboxylic acid. Bixin increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes, which may be [...] Read more.
Bixin (C25H30O4; 394.51 g/mol) is the main apocarotenoid found in annatto seeds. It has a 25-carbon open chain structure with a methyl ester group and carboxylic acid. Bixin increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes, which may be interesting for counteracting oxidative stress. This study investigated whether bixin-rich annatto extract combined with metformin was able to improve the disturbances observed in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice, with an emphasis on markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant defenses. HFD-fed mice were treated for 8 weeks with metformin (50 mg/kg) plus bixin-rich annatto extract (5.5 and 11 mg/kg). This study assessed glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) activity in plasma, fluorescent AGEs (advanced glycation end products), TBARSs (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver and kidneys. Treatment with bixin plus metformin decreased body weight gain, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased AGEs and TBARSs in the plasma, liver, and kidneys. Bixin plus metformin increased the activities of PON-1, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. Bixin combined with metformin improved the endogenous antioxidant defenses in the obese mice, showing that this combined therapy may have the potential to contrast the metabolic complications resulting from oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-obesity and Anti-aging Natural Products)
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24 pages, 3418 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Structural Modification of Plant Proteins as Microencapsulating Agents of Bioactive Compounds from Annatto Seeds (Bixa orellana L.)
by Julián Quintero Quiroz, Víctor Velazquez, Juan D. Torres, Gelmy Ciro Gomez, Efren Delgado and John Rojas
Foods 2024, 13(15), 2345; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13152345 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1308
Abstract
This project studied the use of lentil protein (LP) and quinoa protein (QP) in their native and modified states as carrier material in the encapsulation process by the ionic gelation technique of annatto seed extract. Soy protein (SP) was used as a model [...] Read more.
This project studied the use of lentil protein (LP) and quinoa protein (QP) in their native and modified states as carrier material in the encapsulation process by the ionic gelation technique of annatto seed extract. Soy protein (SP) was used as a model of carrier material and encapsulated bioactive compounds, respectively. The plant proteins were modified by enzymatic hydrolysis, N acylation, and N-cationization to improve their encapsulating properties. Additionally, the secondary structure, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solubility as a function of pH, isoelectric point (pI), molecular weight (MW), the content of free thiol groups (SH), the absorption capacity of water (WHC) and fat (FAC), emulsifier activity (EAI), emulsifier stability (ESI), and gelation temperature (Tg) were assessed on proteins in native and modified states. The results obtained demonstrated that in a native state, LP (80.52% and 63.82%) showed higher encapsulation efficiency than QP (73.63% and 45.77%), both for the hydrophilic dye and for the annatto extract. Structural modifications on proteins improve some functional properties, such as solubility, WHC, FAC, EAI, and ESI. However, enzymatic hydrolysis on the proteins decreased the gels’ formation, the annatto extract’s encapsulated efficiency, and the hydrophilic dye by the ionic gelation method. On the other hand, the modifications of N-acylation and N-cationization increased but did not generate statistically significant differences (p-value > 0.05) in the encapsulation efficiency of both the annatto extract and the hydrophilic dye compared to those obtained with native proteins. This research contributes to understanding how plant proteins (LP and QP) can be modified to enhance their encapsulating and solubility properties. The better encapsulation of bioactive compounds (like annatto extract) can improve product self-life, potentially benefiting the development of functional ingredients for the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)
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23 pages, 2650 KiB  
Article
Oil/Water Biphasic Solvent System for the Eco-Extraction and Cosmetic Formulation of Bixa orellana L.
by Marine Chambaud, Ariane Fournier, Clément De Saint Jores, Benjamin Caux, Cyril Colas and Emilie Destandau
Plants 2024, 13(14), 1940; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13141940 - 15 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1903
Abstract
Annatto, obtained from the seeds of achiote (Bixa orellana L.), is a widely used orange pigment rich in bixin and other apocarotenoids. This work reports the optimisation of a green extraction method of pigments and antioxidant compounds from achiote as well as [...] Read more.
Annatto, obtained from the seeds of achiote (Bixa orellana L.), is a widely used orange pigment rich in bixin and other apocarotenoids. This work reports the optimisation of a green extraction method of pigments and antioxidant compounds from achiote as well as its integration in a one-step green extraction-cosmetic formulation process. A biphasic solvent system of water and oil was used to recover simultaneously polar polyphenols, and less polar compounds, such as δ-tocotrienol and bixin. The optimisation of the ultrasound assisted extraction is presented, as well as a comparison of different vegetable oils used as extraction solvents. The composition, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of the oils were studied and their extraction performance was compared. Refined sunflower oil proved to be a better solvent than virgin olive, jojoba, coconut and grapeseed oils. Both aqueous and oil phases displayed an interesting antioxidant capacity. The oil phase contained 0.9% of bixin, as well as minor apocarotenoids and δ-tocotrienol. Twelve compounds, mainly phenolics, were identified by UHPLC-DAD-HRMS/MS in the aqueous phase. Twenty-one volatile compounds were identified in the volatile fraction by SPME-GC-MS. Lastly, a one-step green process is proposed to combine the extraction and the cosmetic formulation of the bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Chemical Characterization of Plant Natural Products)
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16 pages, 648 KiB  
Review
Amazon Fruits as Healthy Ingredients in Muscle Food Products: A Review
by Juan D. Rios-Mera, Hubert Arteaga, Roger Ruiz, Erick Saldaña and Fernando Tello
Foods 2024, 13(13), 2110; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132110 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2021
Abstract
When looking for new ingredients to process red meat, poultry, and fish products, it is essential to consider using vegetable resources that can replace traditional ingredients such as animal fat and synthetic antioxidants that may harm health. The Amazon, home to hundreds of [...] Read more.
When looking for new ingredients to process red meat, poultry, and fish products, it is essential to consider using vegetable resources that can replace traditional ingredients such as animal fat and synthetic antioxidants that may harm health. The Amazon, home to hundreds of edible fruit species, can be a viable alternative for new ingredients in processing muscle food products. These fruits have gained interest for their use as natural antioxidants, fat replacers, colorants, and extenders. Some of the fruits that have been tested include açai, guarana, annatto, cocoa bean shell, sacha inchi oil, and peach palm. Studies have shown that these fruits can be used as dehydrated products or as liquid or powder extracts in doses between 250 and 500 mg/kg as antioxidants. Fat replacers can be added directly as flour or used to prepare emulsion gels, reducing up to 50% of animal fat without any detrimental effects. However, oxidation problems of the gels suggest that further investigation is needed by incorporating adequate antioxidant levels. In low doses, Amazon fruit byproducts such as colorants and extenders have been shown to have positive technological and sensory effects on muscle food products. While evidence suggests that these fruits have beneficial health effects, their in vitro and in vivo nutritional effects should be evaluated in muscle food products containing these fruits. This evaluation needs to be intended to identify safe doses, delay the formation of key oxidation compounds that directly affect health, and investigate other factors related to health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)
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16 pages, 2551 KiB  
Article
From Extraction to Stabilization: Employing a 22 Experimental Design in Developing Nutraceutical-Grade Bixin from Bixa orellana L.
by Christine L. Luna-Finkler, Aralí da C. Gomes, Francisco C. A. de Aguiar Júnior, Ester Ribeiro, Raquel de Melo Barbosa, Patricia Severino, Antonello Santini and Eliana B. Souto
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111622 - 23 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2271
Abstract
Bixin is the main carotenoid found in the outer portion of the seeds of Bixa orellana L., commercially known as annatto. This compound is industrially employed in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food formulations as a natural dye to replace chemical additives. This study aimed [...] Read more.
Bixin is the main carotenoid found in the outer portion of the seeds of Bixa orellana L., commercially known as annatto. This compound is industrially employed in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food formulations as a natural dye to replace chemical additives. This study aimed to extract bixin from annatto seeds and obtain encapsulated bixin in a powder form, using freeze-drying encapsulation and maltodextrin as encapsulating agent. Bixin was extracted from annatto seeds employing successive washing with organic solvents, specifically hexane and methanol (1:1 v/v), followed by ethyl acetate and dichloromethane for subsequent washes, to effectively remove impurities and enhance bixin purity, and subsequent purification by crystallization, reaching 1.5 ± 0.2% yield (or approximately 15 mg of bixin per gram of seeds). Bixin was analyzed spectrophotometrically in different organic solvents (ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, dimethylsulfoxide, chloroform, hexane), and the solvents chosen were chloroform (used to solubilize bixin during microencapsulation) and hexane (used for spectrophotometric determination of bixin). Bixin was encapsulated according to a 22 experimental design to investigate the influence of the concentration of maltodextrin (20 to 40%) and bixin-to-matrix ratio (1:20 to 1:40) on the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and solubility of the encapsulated powder. Higher encapsulation efficiency was obtained at a maltodextrin concentration of 40% w/v and a bixin/maltodextrin ratio of 1:20, while higher solubility was observed at a maltodextrin concentration of 20% w/v for the same bixin/maltodextrin ratio. The encapsulation of this carotenoid by means of freeze-drying is thus recognized as an innovative and promising approach to improve its stability for further processing in pharmaceutical and food applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
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18 pages, 1920 KiB  
Article
Obtaining Bixin- and Tocotrienol-Rich Extracts from Peruvian Annatto Seeds Using Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Experimental and Economic Evaluation
by Fiorella P. Cárdenas-Toro, Jennifer H. Meza-Coaquira, Gabriela K. Nakama-Hokamura and Giovani Leone Zabot
Foods 2024, 13(10), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101549 - 16 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2128
Abstract
Currently, Bixa orellana L. extracts are used as a color source in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because they are important as a potential source of antioxidant activity. The extraction is carried out by conventional methods, using alkaline solutions or organic solvents. [...] Read more.
Currently, Bixa orellana L. extracts are used as a color source in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because they are important as a potential source of antioxidant activity. The extraction is carried out by conventional methods, using alkaline solutions or organic solvents. These extraction methods do not take advantage of the lipid fraction of annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds, and the process is not friendly to the environment. In this work, the objective was to obtain an extract rich in nutraceuticals (bixin and tocols) of high antioxidant power from Peruvian annatto seeds as a potential source for a functional food or additive in the industry using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Experiments related to extraction yield, bixin, tocotrienols, tocopherols, and antioxidant activity were carried out. The SFE was performed at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C, and 100, 150, and 250 bar with 0.256 kg/h carbon dioxide as the supercritical solvent (solvent-to-feed ratio of 10.2). Supercritical extraction at 60 °C and 250 bar presented the best results in terms of global extraction yield of 1.40 ± 0.01 g/100 g d.b., extract concentration of 0.564 ± 0.005 g bixin/g extract, 307.8 mg α-tocotrienol/g extract, 39.2 mg β-tocotrienol/g extract, 2 mg γ-tocopherol/g extract, and IC50 of 989.96 μg extract/mL. Economical evaluation showed that 60 °C, 250 bar, and 45 min presented the lowest cost of manufacturing (2 × 2000 L, COM of USD 212.39/kg extract). This extract is a potential source for functional food production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Green Extraction Technology for Foods)
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20 pages, 4199 KiB  
Article
Production of Mannooligosaccharides from Açaí Seed by Immobilized β-Mannanase
by Sarha Lucia Murillo-Franco, Juan David Galvis-Nieto and Carlos E. Orrego
Processes 2024, 12(5), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050847 - 23 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1575
Abstract
In this work, an enzyme cocktail with β-mannanase as the main activity was immobilized on epoxy resin foams filled with fibers from annatto capsules. The catalytic system was characterized by SEM, FTIR, and a mechanical crush resistance test. The behavior of the pH [...] Read more.
In this work, an enzyme cocktail with β-mannanase as the main activity was immobilized on epoxy resin foams filled with fibers from annatto capsules. The catalytic system was characterized by SEM, FTIR, and a mechanical crush resistance test. The behavior of the pH and temperature for the hydrolysis of the locust bean gum were also studied. With the same substrate and with respect to the free enzyme, the immobilized enzyme showed an activity retention of 79.61%. Its operational stability in ten reuse cycles did not show any statistically significant loss of activity. This catalytic system was used to study the preferential release of MOS of two to five degrees of polymerization from mannan present in dried and ground açaí seeds, which were not subjected to any other pretreatment. Using an experimental response surface design, the predicted quadratic models for the M2–M5 MOS content were obtained and they fit well with the experimental data, predicting a production range between 0.435 and 20 g/L of MOS (M2–M5). In addition, the production reached about 12 g/L under the optimized conditions. These results indicate that the used foamed epoxy resin supports and immobilization methodology are suitable for catalyzing the hydrolysis of mannan from açaí seeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Separation and Extraction Techniques in Food Processing and Analysis)
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