Search Results (1,220)

This study investigated the impact of pH adjustment and carrier type on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, thermal stability, hygroscopicity, and particle size distribution of spray-dried model solutions and carrot juice formulations. Model systems were created at varying pH levels (3, 4, 6, 8, and 10) using water alone or with carriers such as octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified starch (O), trehalose (T), or a combination (OT in a 1:1 ratio at 9–10%). These systems were compared to carrot juice and formulations of carrot juice that included the same carriers. Spray drying was performed at 160 °C using constant feed flow and atomization conditions. In the liquid samples, we measured pH, dry matter, density, conductivity, and color parameters, while the bioactive compounds were analyzed in carrot juice systems. For the powders, we evaluated the dry matter content, color, particle size distribution, morphology, thermal stability, hygroscopicity, and antioxidant activity. Results showed that in model systems, dry matter, density, and conductivity were more affected by the carrier chemistry than pH. Formulations with OSA had lower pH and higher conductivity due to ionizable groups, while trehalose acted neutrally. OSA-trehalose mixtures yielded the highest solids content and stable properties across pH levels, with particle size (D₅₀ range of 18–21 µm) and morphology of the model powders remaining largely unaffected by pH. In carrot juice formulations, however, particle properties were pH-dependent. Acidic conditions (pH 3–4) led to agglomeration and broader size distributions (indicated by increased span values), while neutral to alkaline conditions produced smaller, more uniform particles with improved thermal stability. Neutral to alkaline conditions favored the formation of smaller, more homogeneous particles and improved thermal resistance. The carotenoid content in carrot juice powders increased from approximately 21–23 mg/100 g dry matter (d.m.) under acidic conditions to about 27–30 mg/100 g d.m. at pH 8–10, which was accompanied by higher ABTS antioxidant activity (around 6–9 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g d.m.). In contrast, the polyphenol content was highest at low pH levels (approximately 350–420 mg chlorogenic acid (CA)/100 g d.m.), corresponding to elevated DPPH scavenging activity and reducing power, both of which decreased under alkaline conditions. These findings indicate that pH levels and carrier choice significantly affect spray-dried powders. This highlights the importance of validating model system observations in complex food matrices. By adjusting pH and selecting suitable carriers, we can create powders with improved structures, stability, and antioxidant functionality, particularly in foods like carrot juice. Full article

Crocosmia is a genus of bulbous, perennial plants from the Iridaceae family whose characteristic red to orange pigmentation suggests the presence of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and carotenoids—secondary metabolites often associated with antioxidant activity. This study aimed to characterize and compare the major pigment-related metabolites in two Crocosmia varieties (Crocosmia masoniorum “Lucifer” and Crocosmia aurea) through chromatographic (HPLC-DAD) and spectrophotometric analyses (UV-Vis), using Crocus sativus L. flowers as a reference matrix. Successfully, the major crocin trans-4-GG, the flavonol kaempferol-3-O-β-sophoroside, and the anthocyanin delphinidin-3-O-β-glucoside were quantified in Crocosmia flowers. Additional metabolites absent in Crocus sativus L. were also identified and quantified. Both Crocosmia varieties exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than Crocus sativus L. flowers, highlighting their potential for future applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or functional ingredient development. Full article

Fruit quality is determined by multiple metabolites, which are mainly affected by plant hormones. In this study, two genes, ethylene-related gene SlACO1 and gibberellin-related gene SlGARP, were overexpressed (OE) and knocked down through RNAi in tomato, and the profiles of carotenoids, flavonoids, volatiles, and hormones were detected in the leaves and fruit. The color index significantly increased in SlACO1-OE fruit but significantly decreased in the SlACO1-RNAi line. Similarly, total carotenoids, volatiles, salicylic acid, and ethylene significantly increased in the fruits of SlACO1-OE and SlGARP-OE, whereas ABA decreased significantly. Some compounds, such as lycopene, 3-hexenal, and d-limonene, significantly increased in the fruit of SlACO1-OE but decreased in the SlACO1-RNAi line, indicating that SlACO1 might play an important role in the accumulation of these compounds. The functional characterization of SlACO1 and SlGARP would facilitate the improvement in tomato fruit quality. Full article

Carotenoids are a class of C40 isoprenoid-derived fat-soluble pigments that play vital roles in plant physiology and human health and serve as precursors for several biologically critical regulatory molecules. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) are key enzymes that catalyze the selective oxidative cleavage of carotenoids into apocarotenoids, thereby significantly influencing plant development and responses to abiotic stress. Although extensive research has been conducted on many model species, comprehensive studies on the StCCD gene family in potato remain limited. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide analysis to identify and characterize the CCD gene family in potato. Phylogenetic and structural analyses classified the 17 StCCD genes into six distinct subfamilies, which are distributed across five chromosomes of the genome. Analysis of cis-acting regulatory elements revealed that the promoters of most StCCD genes contain various elements associated with light responsiveness, stress signaling, and phytohormone regulation. Molecular docking analysis indicated that CCD proteins exhibit distinct substrate specificity in their binding to carotenoids and intermediate products. The expression profiling of StCCD genes uncovered pronounced specificity in their expression, which was evident across tissues, throughout tuber maturation, and following exposure to abiotic stresses and hormonal applications. This specificity strongly implicates these genes in the regulation of developmental processes and stress adaptation mechanisms. This study provides a comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic overview of the CCD gene family in potato, establishing a foundation for functional characterization of individual genes in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: Carotenoids are bioactive pigments with well-established antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, yet their impact on gut microbiota remains poorly understood from a chemical standpoint. This study explores how carotenoid structure and gastrointestinal stability shape microbial responses combining in vitro fermentation with bioinformatic analyses. Methods: Individual carotenoids (beta (β)-carotene, lutein, lycopene) and combined carotenoids, as well as algal-derived extracts were subjected to 48 h in vitro fermentation, and microbial composition and activity were assessed through sequencing and computational analysis. Results: β-carotene and lycopene promoted acid-tolerant taxa such as Escherichia-Shigella, whereas lutein, due to its higher polarity, supported more transient fluctuations. Mixtures and algal carotenoids exhibited synergistic effects, sustaining beneficial genera including Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides and promoting structured ecological trajectories. Conclusions: These findings provide a chemistry-driven perspective on how carotenoids act as modulators of microbial ecosystems, with direct implications for the formulation of carotenoid-enriched functional foods and dietary interventions. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important horticultural crop. Carotenoid cyclase dioxygenase (CCD) is an enzyme responsible for cleaving carotenoids, which is involved in regulating plant growth and response to abiotic stresses. However, the role of SlCCDs in tomato stress resistance remains unclear. This study used the tomato variety ‘Micro-Tom’ as the material to investigate the function of SlCCDs in stress responses. Through whole-genome analysis, a total of 12 SlCCDs members (SlCCD1–SlCCD12) were identified. Systematic evolutionary analysis classified them into four branches, and members within the same branch maintained a conserved structure. The promoter analysis revealed that SlCCDs contain multiple hormones and stress response elements. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that SlCCD11 was the most highly expressed gene in the leaves. In addition, multiple SlCCDs showed significant responses to abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), light, and sodium chloride (NaCl) treatments. Among them, the expression of SlCCD11 significantly increased under salt stress. By silencing SlCCD11 using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology, it was found that the chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and ABA-related gene expression in the TRV:SlCCD11 plants under salt stress were all lower than the control samples, while the carotenoid content and ROS accumulation were higher. This indicates that SlCCD11 is a positive regulatory factor for salt stress. In conclusion, this study systematically analyzed the SlCCD gene family and revealed the positive role of SlCCD11 in tomato response to salt stress, providing a candidate gene for genetic improvement of crop stress resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) processing generates substantial quantities of rind, seeds, and residual pulp that are typically discarded despite being rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, polar lipids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. These amphiphilic bioactives are increasingly recognized for their roles in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and platelet activation; however, the lipid fraction of watermelon by-products remains insufficiently characterized. This study examined organic watermelon juice and its by-products to isolate, characterize, and evaluate extracts enriched in amphiphilic and lipophilic bioactives, with emphasis on their in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties. Methods: total lipids were extracted using a modified Bligh–Dyer method and fractionated into total amphiphilic compounds (TAC) and total lipophilic compounds (TLC) via counter-current distribution. Phenolic and carotenoid levels were quantified, and antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated against ADP- and PAF-induced platelet aggregation. Structural characterization of polar lipids was performed using ATR–FTIR, and LC–MS was used to determine fatty acid composition and phospholipid structures. Results and Discussion: Carotenoids were primarily concentrated in the TLC fractions with high ABTS values for antioxidant activity, while phenolics mostly in the juice, the TACs of which showed the strongest total antioxidant capacity based on DPPH. TAC fractions of both samples showed also higher FRAP values of antioxidant activity, likely due to greater phenolic content. TAC extracts also exhibited notable inhibition of PAF- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, associated with their enriched ω-3 PUFA profiles and favorable ω-6/ω-3 ratios based on their LC-MS profiles. Conclusions: Overall, watermelon products (juice) and by-products represent a valuable and sustainable source of amphiphilic bioactives with significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet potential, supporting their future use in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic applications. Full article

Microbial fermentation is a key biotechnological tool for producing bioactive metabolites such as alkaloids, carotenoids, essential oils, and phenolic compounds, among others, with applications in human health, agriculture, and food industries. This review comprehensively reviews recent information on the synthesis of valuable compounds and enzymes through fermentation processes. Here, we discuss the advantages of the different types of fermentation, such as submerged and solid-state fermentation, in optimizing metabolite production by bacteria, fungi, and yeast. The role of microbial metabolism, enzymatic activity, and fermentation conditions in enhancing the bioavailability and functionality of these compounds is discussed. Integrating fermentation with emerging biotechnologies, including metabolic engineering, further enhances yields and specificity. The potential of microbial-derived bioactive compounds in developing functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and eco-friendly agricultural solutions positions fermentation as a pivotal strategy for future biotechnological advancements. Therefore, microbial fermentation is a sustainable tool to obtain high-quality metabolites from different sources that can be used in agriculture, animal, and human health. Full article

Carotenoids are a diverse group of isoprenoid compounds found in nature. As natural pigments and bioactive compounds, carotenoids are used in various industries as functional additives. The increasing knowledge about the disadvantages of synthetic carotenoid production has drawn attention to the potential of carotenogenic yeasts and the use of food industry waste. This study analyzed the potential of post-fermentation waste from fermented quinoa production as a culture medium. For this purpose, reference yeast strains and strains isolated from various environments were used. The C:N ratio in the waste used was determined, and then the yeast was cultured in waste medium with the isolated strains and in a mixed culture with L. plantarum, using three culture variants. In subsequent stages, carotenoid powder was produced, and the carotenoid content, antioxidant capacity, and FTIR spectrum distribution were determined. The studies confirmed the possibility of using plant ferments as culture media. The extraction of powder enabled the concentration of carotenoids, obtaining the highest total fraction of carotenoids (TFC) for strains R-1 (2.85 mg/g d.w.) and R-2 (3.05 mg/g d.w.). FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups found in β-carotene standards in the resulting powders. At the same time, the obtained formulate exhibited bioactive properties by binding DPPH oxygen free radicals at a level of 66.80–78.05%. Full article

Capsicum pubescens (rocoto) is an Andean domesticate with notable agronomic and nutraceutical potential, yet it remains underrepresented in chili pepper breeding programs. In this study, 78 accessions from the Peruvian Andes were evaluated in a single field environment during the 2024 growing season for 28 variables spanning plant architecture, phenology and yield, color (CIELAB), weight, fruit morphology, physicochemical variables, and functional phytochemicals, including total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, capsaicinoids, and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS). Descriptive analyses revealed broad phenotypic diversity in key variables such as yield and bioactive compounds. Spearman correlations uncovered a clear modular structure, with strong within-domain associations across morphological, chromatic, and biochemical variables, and statistically significant but low-magnitude cross-domain associations (e.g., fruit length with pungency, redness with total phenolics). Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering resolved three differentiated phenotypic profiles: (i) low-pungency accessions with high soluble solids and varied fruit colors; (ii) highly pungent materials with elevated antioxidant capacity; and (iii) large, red-fruited accessions with considerable carotenoid content and high moisture. This multivariate architecture revealed weak cross-block correlations among agronomic, color, and functional traits, enabling selection of promising accessions combining desirable agronomic attributes and favorable bioactive profiles in specific accessions. These results provide a quantitative foundation for future breeding strategies in C. pubescens, opening concrete opportunities to develop improved cultivars that simultaneously meet productivity and functional quality criteria. Full article

This study evaluated the physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties of marshmallows enriched with tomato pomace (Lycopersicon esculentum), a by-product rich in fiber and bioactive compounds. Formulations with 0–6% pomace (Control, P1–P3) were analyzed during 20 days of storage. Tomato pomace addition increased crude fiber (from 0.00% to 0.42%) and protein (from 4.62% to 7.05%), while lipid and ash contents remained low (<0.15% and <0.90%, respectively). Carbohydrates ranged around 57–64 g/100 g, resulting in energy values near 270 kcal/100 g. Antioxidant activity (DPPH) increased from 34% in the control to 44% in enriched samples, confirming the contribution of polyphenols and carotenoids. Sensory evaluation (n = 20, 10-point scale) showed good overall acceptability, with enriched samples maintaining color and texture during storage. The results demonstrate that tomato pomace enhances the nutritional and antioxidant profile of marshmallows without negatively affecting sensory quality, supporting its use as a functional ingredient in confectionery formulations. Full article

Light plays a critical role in the physiology and pigmentation of aquatic animals. Regulating the light environment of aquatic animals offers insights into healthy aquaculture practices. In this study, Procambarus clarkii were reared under four different light colors—white (WL), red (RL), blue (BL), and green (GL)—for 21 days, with four replicates per light color. Morphological characteristics did not differ among light treatments. However, significant differences were observed in hemolymph cortisol levels and tyrosinase activity across different tissues (hemolymph, muscle, hepatopancreas) among groups (RL > BL > GL > WL). Hepatopancreatic CAT activity in WL was significantly higher than that in GL and BL, whereas hepatopancreatic MDA content was highest in BL. Regarding chromatic parameters, the yellow color of the RL cephalothorax cuticle and the red color of the muscle were more pronounced than in WL, The chela cuticle of GL is darker than RL, while the red color of the chela cuticle was more pronounced than in WL.. For pigment content, cephalothorax cuticle astaxanthin content in BL was significantly higher than that in other light color groups, while abdominal cuticle astaxanthin content was lowest in BL. Chela cuticle astaxanthin content in RL was significantly higher than that in WL, and chela cuticle astaxanthin and lutein contents in WL were significantly lower than those in BL and GL. Compared with WL, hepatopancreatic glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) mRNA expression significantly decreased under colored light, whereas NinaB mRNA expression significantly increased under RL and BL. These results indicate that light color does not affect the morphological characteristics of P. clarkii but significantly modulates oxidative stress responses, physiological status and energy metabolism. Different light colors may mediate carotenoid transport and deposition by regulating the expression of GSTP1, NinaB, leading to specific chromatic differences in different body parts of P. clarkii. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the red light environment exerted a more positive effect on enhancing the body color of P. clarkii. This study provides a reference for revealing the mechanism of light color regulating crustacean physiological function and pigmentation and optimizing aquaculture model. Full article

Solanum betaceum (tamarillo) is Andean fruit rich in secondary metabolites with increasing relevance in food, nutraceutical, and biotechnological research. Despite growing scientific interest, the available evidence remains fragmented and methodologically heterogeneous. This systematic review consolidates and critically analyzes recent studies on the bioactive composition of S. betaceum, the effects of conventional and emerging processing technologies, and the functional activities reported for fresh fruits, by-products, and processed matrices. A comprehensive search of Lens.org, Scopus, and PubMed was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. From 1049 records identified, 65 studies published between 2020 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The literature reveals substantial variability in polyphenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin C, and other metabolites, driven by cultivar, maturity stage, edaphoclimatic conditions, and analytical approaches. Emerging technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, high-pressure homogenization, and spray drying generally improved the recovery and stability of bioactive compounds, whereas intensive thermal treatments were associated with degradation of thermolabile constituents. Functional evidence supports antioxidant, antimicrobial, metabolic modulatory, and cytotoxic activities; however, interpretation is limited by inconsistent reporting practices, limited bioaccessibility assessment, and the predominance of in vitro models. Overall, S. betaceum shows considerable functional and technological potential, but further standardized methodologies, mechanistic studies, and human-relevant models are required to support translational and industrial validation. Full article

This study demonstrates a sustainable, integrated pathway for valorizing carrot processing by-products through solvent-free lycopene recovery. The approach combines optimized infrared dehydration with ultrasound-assisted extraction using edible oils. Drying kinetics were modeled at multiple temperatures, with the Midilli model providing the best fit (R² > 0.99), enabling accurate prediction of moisture content removal while preserving bioactive compounds. Optimization via Box–Behnken design identified efficient extraction conditions (49.7–60 °C, 10 mL/g, 60 min), achieving lycopene equivalent (LE) yields of 3.07 to 5.00 mg/kg oil. Sunflower and blended oils showed comparable performance under maximum sonication power (240 W), with strong agreement between predicted and experimental yields. The process generated two valuable outputs: a functional lycopene-enriched oil and an exhausted carrot powder co-product, the latter retaining its crude fiber content despite other compositional changes. This research presents a scalable, green methodology that aligns with circular economy principles, transforming agro-industrial waste into functional food ingredients without organic solvents. Thus, the developed approach establishes a transferable model for the sustainable valorization of carotenoid-rich residues, contributing directly to greener food production systems. By providing a practical technological framework to convert waste into wealth, this work supports the fundamental transition toward a circular bioeconomy. Full article

This study examined the influence of short-term olive fruit storage on the quality of virgin olive oil (VOO) from three cultivars (‘Kalinjot’, ‘Leccino’, and ‘Frantoio’) grown in southwest Albania. Olive fruits were processed immediately after harvest, or after 10 days of storage under ambient conditions (20–22 °C) and refrigeration (5 °C). Oils were evaluated for physicochemical quality parameters (free acidity, peroxide value, and UV absorption indices), as well as bioactive and sensory-related compounds (bitterness index, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and total phenolic content). Results showed that immediate processing yielded the highest quality oils, with low free acidity (0.28–0.35%) and preserved bioactive compounds. Ambient storage led to marked deterioration, including significant increases in free acidity and peroxide values, loss of pigments, and 20–70% reduction in phenolic content, accompanied by decreased bitterness. In contrast, cold storage mitigated these effects, maintaining values closer to baseline and preserving sensory and functional attributes. ANOVA confirmed significant effects of storage duration, temperature, and cultivar on most parameters, with ‘Kalinjot’ exhibiting greater stability compared to ‘Frantoio’ and ‘Lecino’. These findings highlight that minimizing the interval between harvest and milling is critical for ensuring oil quality, while refrigerated storage offers a practical strategy to safeguard chemical and sensory characteristics when immediate processing is not feasible. Full article