Search

The singlet fission process involves the conversion of one singlet excited state into two triplet states, which has significant potential for enhancing the energy utilization efficiency of solar cells. Carotenoid, a typical π conjugated chromophore, exhibits specific aggregate morphologies known to display singlet fission behavior. In this study, we investigate the singlet fission process in lycopene H-aggregates using femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy aided by quantum chemical calculation. The experimental results reveal two reaction pathways that effectively relax the S2 (11Bu+) state populations in lycopene H-aggregates: a monomer-like singlet excited state relaxation pathway through S2 (11Bu+) → 11Bu− → S1 (21Ag−) and a dominant sequential singlet fission reaction pathway involving the S2 (11Bu+) state, followed by S* state, a triplet pair state [1(TT)], eventually leading to a long lifetime triplet state T1. Importantly, the presence of both anionic and cationic fingerprint Raman peaks in the S* state is indicative of a substantial charge-transfer character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeOur preclinical studies showed that lycopene enhanced the anti-prostate cancer efficacy of docetaxel in animal models. A phase I trial (NCT0149519) was conducted to identify an optimum dose of synthetic lycopene in combination with docetaxel (and androgen blockade [androgen deprivation therapy, ADT]), and to evaluate its effect on the safety and pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in men with metastatic prostate cancer.MethodsSubjects were treated with 21-day cycles of 75 mg/m2 docetaxel (and ADT), plus lycopene at 30, 90 or 150 mg/day. A Bayesian model averaging continual reassessment method was used to guide dose escalation. Pharmacokinetics of docetaxel and multiple correlative studies were carried out.ResultsTwenty-four participants were enrolled, 18 in a dose escalation cohort to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and six in a pharmacokinetic cohort. Docetaxel/ADT plus 150 mg/day synthetic lycopene resulted in dose-limiting toxicity (pulmonary embolus) in one out of 12 participants with an estimated probability of .106 and thus was chosen as the MTD. Lycopene increased the AUCinf and Cmax of plasma docetaxel by 9.5% and 15.1%, respectively. Correlative studies showed dose-related changes in circulating endothelial cells and vascular endothelial growth factor A, and reduction in insulin-like growth factor 1R phosphorylation, associated with lycopene therapy.ConclusionsThe combination of docetaxel/ADT and synthetic lycopene has low toxicity and favourable pharmacokinetics. The effects of lycopene on biomarkers provide additional support for the toxicity-dependent MTD definition.HighlightsThe maximum tolerated dose was identified as 150 mg/day of lycopene in combination with docetaxel/ADT for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer patients. Small increases in plasma exposure to docetaxel were observed with lycopene co-administration. Mechanistically significant effects were seen on angiogenesis and insulin-like growth factor 1 signalling by lycopene co-administration with docetaxel/ADT.

Cadmium (Cd) can harm the yield and quality of vegetables, threatening food safety. Essential microelements such as iron are crucial for plant growth and can help alleviate heavy metal stress. Recently, nanoparticles have been studied as eco-friendly solutions for mitigating heavy metal stress in plants. In the present study, iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) at 0, 100, and 300 mg/L were applied as soil drenches and foliar sprays to tomato plants under cadmium stress. A comparison was made between the application methods of FeNPs by evaluating the growth parameters of tomato plants, including shoot length (SL), root length (RL), number of branches (NB), number of leaves per plant (NL), and leaf area (LA), as well as by assessing biochemical and antioxidant enzyme parameters. In the Cd stress treatment, the protein content decreased by 24.71%, and the phenolic and flavonoid content of the tomato plants also decreased due to cadmium stress, with levels decreasing from 16.07 to 6.9 µg and from 0.36 to 0.16 µg, respectively. Compared with the soil drench, 100 mg/L FeNPs significantly improved the parameters of Cd-stressed plants when used as a foliar spray, leading to increases in shoot length, root length, fruit weight, number of fruits, number of leaves, and number of branches by 42%, 66%, 24%, 66%, 173%, and 45%, respectively. Tomato plants treated with this spray presented increased carotenoid and lycopene contents. FeNP foliar spray also reduced Cd accumulation in plant tissues. This technique shows promise in alleviating Cd stress in vulnerable vegetable plants such as tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Engineering plant-based microgel particles (MPs) at a molecular scale is meaningful to prepare functional fat analogues. We hypothesize that oat protein isolate (OPI) and κ-carrageenan (CA) have synergy in MPs formation, using MPs with controllable structure, and further to fabricate fat analogues with adjustable characteristics is feasible. Their digestion fate will also be possibly modulated by interfacial coatings. OPI-based conjugated MPs with tunable rigidities by changing crosslinking densities were designed. The relationship between microgel structures, and emulsion gel properties was explored through spectroscopy, microstructure, rheology and tribology. The delivery to lycopene, as well as inhibiting digestion behaviors of fat analogues was evaluated in a simulated gastro-intestinal tract. The rigidity of conjugated MPs could be tailored to optimize the performance of fat analogues. OPI-1 %CA MPs could stabilize emulsions up to 95 % oil fraction with fine texture. Tribological behaviors had a dependence on microgel elasticity and interfacial coatings, medium hard MP-stabilized emulsion was less disrupted without coalescence after oral processing. Digestion was delayed by denser and harder MPs by softening the interfacial particle layer or limiting lipase accessibility. Softer conjugated MPs possessed better flexibility and were broken down more easily leading to a higher rate of lipid digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the changes in the storage quality of amylose‐lycopene complexes (ALCs), the color, antioxidant activity, lycopene content, and configuration changes of ALCs during different storage periods were analyzed. A shelf life prediction model was established to reveal the stability changes of the complexes. The results showed that the cis‐isomer percentage of lycopene in ALCs increased significantly from 11.82% to 13.76%. The lycopene isomers were in the order of 5‐Z > All‐E > 9‐Z > 13‐Z. Correlation analysis indicated that the content of lycopene was a key factor affecting the quality of ALCs. ALCs followed zero‐order and first‐order degradation kinetics at 5°C–25°C and 35°C–45°C, respectively. The degradation degree of lycopene was negatively correlated with temperature, with half‐lives and one‐tenth decay periods of 32.37 days and 6.48 days (5°C) significantly higher than 10.78 days and 1.63 days (45°C). The activation energy required for the reaction of ALCs was as high as 106.29 kJ/mol, indicating greater stability. On this basis, an ALCs shelf life prediction model was established, with a relative error of 0.06%–5.03% between the predicted and actual values. The results indicated that ALCs had good color, antioxidant activity, lycopene content, and configuration stability, and that higher temperatures had a greater impact on lycopene. The study provides theoretical reference for the quality safety of ALCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycopene is a natural carotenoid with well-known benefits due to its antioxidant properties, including an anti-inflammatory effect in colorectal cancer and anti-angiogenic effects along with a reduction in the risk of prostate cancer and coronary heart disease. Due to their poor water solubility, photosensitivity and heat sensitivity, their incorporation in cosmetic and food matrices should be through encapsulation systems. In the present work, lycopene-loaded emulsions were prepared using two different types of stabilizers: non-ionic surfactants, testing several ratios of Tween 80 and Span 80, and chitosan, using chitosans of different viscosities and molecular weights. Soybean oil was found to be a suitable candidate for O/W emulsion preparation. Lycopene encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 70–75% and loading capacities of 0.14 mg/g were registered in stable emulsions stabilized either by non-ionic surfactants or acidified chitosans. Therefore, chitosan is a good alternative as a sustainable stabilizer to partially replace traditional synthetic ingredients with a new biodegradable, renewable and biocompatible material which could contribute to reduce the environmental impact as well as the ingestion of synthetic toxic materials by humans, decreasing their risk of suffering from chronic and complex pathologies, among which several types of cancer stand out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to assess the potential of a Pickering emulsion based on lycopene extracted from guava by sunflower oil-water and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) isolated from banana residues as a novel ingredient for a French-style salad dressing. The aim was to determine the impact of this emulsion on the stability and rheological properties of the dressing as well as ascertain the presence of lycopene in the final product. The particle size distribution, rheological properties, and emulsion stability of the Pickering emulsion and salad dressing were evaluated. The sample exhibiting the optimal stability condition contained 0.5 wt.% of CNFs (EPI0.5). In order to prepare the French salad dressing based on this Pickering emulsion, three concentrations of vinegar were analyzed. All samples contained white salt and sugar. The findings suggest that alterations in emulsion stability may be influenced by the vinegar content and the presence of salt, particularly during the storage period, which also affects the concentration of lycopene. Notwithstanding these findings, the untrained panelists expressed a favorable opinion and acceptance of the dressings, indicating that the product could serve as an alternative means of enriching food through the incorporation of beneficial substances such as lycopene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cherry tomatoes are nutritious food, often processed into long shelf-life preserved foods. However, there is increasing concern about the dangers of high sucrose in traditional preserved fruit. In this paper, the effect of enzyme-assisted osmosis of seven kinds of functional sugars, including psicose, tagatose, isomaltose, trehalose, galactooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, and resistant dextrin on cherry tomato was studied. The dry matter content after enzyme treatment and sugar soaking treatment was evaluated. Sensory quality, physicochemical quality, antioxidant capacity, sugar composition, and flavor substances were also measured. The addition of enzymes and functional sugars made cherry tomatoes redder and softer, and increased the soluble solid content (1.45- to 1.67-fold), lycopene content (2.14- to 2.18-fold), total polyphenol content (1.28- to 1.41-fold), and DPPH radical scavenging rate (1.81- to 1.95-fold). Furthermore, the sugar composition and flavor substances were improved. Thus, it is a good choice of adding these functional sugars to produce cherry tomato products with probiotic potential, and this new method can provide a reference for the processing of other fruit products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the association between dietary intake of tomatoes and lycopene with all-cause and cancer mortality among US adults with diabetes. We hypothesized that a higher intake of tomato and lycopene is related to a reduced risk of all-cause and cancer mortality among adults with diabetes. This prospective study was conducted among 9213 US adults with diabetes using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2016. Data on dietary intake of tomatoes and lycopene were obtained from two 24-h dietary recalls. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models determined the associations between tomato/lycopene intake and mortality. A higher intake of tomatoes and lycopene was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (tomato: Q5 vs. Q1: HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54–0.86, p = 0.001, p for trend = 0.001; lycopene: Q5 vs. Q1: HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64–0.95, p = 0.013, p for trend = 0.006) after adjusting for all covariates. Compared with the lowest quintile of tomato and lycopene intake, the highest quintile was associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality (tomato: HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35–0.96, p = 0.035; lycopene: HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40–0.98, p = 0.043). Our study demonstrated that dietary intake of tomatoes and lycopene was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in US adults with diabetes. High consumption of tomatoes and lycopene was also related to reduced cancer mortality in US adults with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are closely related. They are characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Obesity is the most important risk factor for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels, among other conditions. These disorders contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, which can exacerbate other metabolic problems. Methods: Numerous studies indicate that diet and nutrients can have a major impact on preventing and treating these conditions. One such ingredient is lycopene. It is a naturally occurring carotenoid with a unique chemical structure. It exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to its conjugated double bonds and its ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. Its properties make lycopene indirectly affect many cellular processes. The article presents studies in animal models and humans on the activity of this carotenoid in metabolic problems. Results: The findings suggest that lycopene's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities make it a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: This review underscores the potential of lycopene as a beneficial dietary supplement in improving metabolic health and reducing the risk of associated chronic diseases. The conditions described are population diseases, so research into compounds with properties such as lycopene is growing in popularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycopene, a lipophilic antioxidant, was extracted from a Moroccan industrial tomato peels by-product using essential oils (EOs) as eco-friendly solvents. Peppermint essential oil (PEO), rosemary essential oil (REO), verbena essential oil (VEO), and thyme essential oil (TEO) were used as solvents. The highest extraction yield was obtained with REO. Response surface methodology (RSM) combined with a Box-Behnken design was used to maximize the extraction yield of lycopene. Optimal conditions were determined as follows: a solvent-to-material ratio of 35:1 (mL/g), a time of 60 min and a temperature of 60 °C. As a plant-based antioxidant, the lycopene extract was added to refined olive oil (ROO) to evaluate its oxidative stability during 5 months of storage at 40 °C. ROO enriched with lycopene extract at a concentration of 1 mg/g showed the lowest degree of oxidation, as evidenced by the lowest values of peroxide value, p-anisidine value, total oxidation value, free acidity, and specific extinction coefficients K232 and K270, compared to ROO containing 0.5 mg/g of lycopene extract and ROO containing 0.2 mg/g of BHA + BHT. The results of this study demonstrate that EOs are effective solvents for producing a value-added lycopene extract that can be an effective alternative to synthetic antioxidants. The study also highlights the synergistic effect of lycopene extract on ROO oxidation stability, shelf life and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common digestive precancerous lesions, including oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), gastric ulcers and colorectal adenoma, harbor high risk of cancerous transformation. Early intervention of these lesions is significant to prevent carcinogenesis and improve patients’ prognosis. Lycopene, a carotenoid predominantly accumulated in tomatoes, is clinically recommended with its cis structure; as lycopene harbors the most potent antioxidative effects among carotenoids, its chemopreventive effects on the premalignant lesions is noted. Despite several reviews have assessed lycopene’s efficacy for OPMDs, emerging studies have reported varying efficacy for digestive precancerous lesion with no comprehensive summary. Therefore, this review initially evaluates the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of lycopene for management of digestive precancerous lesions. According to the included studies, lycopene may show high promise in the management of digestive precancerous lesions, such as relieving mouth opening and burning sensation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), presenting potentially equivalent efficacy on managing oral lichen planus (OLP) as steroids and alleviating gastrointestinal precancers’ symptoms, meanwhile lowering colon cancer risk. Moreover, its mechanisms for managing digestive precancerous lesions are concretely summarized, including anti-oxidative stress effects, anti-inflammatory response and regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, especially its modifications on TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB signaling pathway and p53-dependent cell cycle control and apoptosis. More studies are warranted to confirm its long-term efficacy and preventive role against malignant transformation of digestive precancerous lesions as evidence is insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite that infects approximately one billion people worldwide. In this study, the effects of lycopene on experimental giardiasis in mice were investigated by evaluating cyst shedding rate, weight changes, duodenal antioxidant status, and histopathological alteration. Ninety‐five male mice aged four to six weeks were divided into six groups of 15 and one group of 5 as the negative control. All mice were infected with 2 × 105 Giardia duodenalis (B genotype) cysts except for the negative control. The treatment groups were treated with metronidazole, mixed lycopene‐metronidazole, and 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg lycopene for 7 days. The mice treated with lycopene 20 and mixed lycopene‐metronidazole had no cyst shedding from the 7th day of treatment. The mildest lesions were observed in the mixed lycopene‐metronidazole group. Results showed that treatment with mixed lycopene‐metronidazole significantly increased TAC and decreased MDA levels as compared with the positive control. It seems that the antigiardial effect of lycopene is related to its antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, direct effect of lycopene on Giardia and its probable mechanism remain to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis article studied the interaction between heat/moisture transfer and lycopene changes during the drying process of tomato slices. The results showed that the free water content decreased gradually, while the bound water initially increased and then decreased, with a high value at the middle stage. The lycopene decreased during drying and was related to the moisture content. The degradation process of lycopene can be divided into two stages by a critical moisture content (MC). In the first stage of M>MC, the lycopene is lost primarily via diffusion, resulting in a gradual decrease in content. In the second stage of M<MC, the loss of lycopene was mainly caused by the decomposition reaction, and the content decreased rapidly. The higher the drying temperatures and the thinner the slice thickness, the higher the MC values, and the earlier the second drying stage. Based on the experimental findings, a drying model coupling heat/moisture transfer and lycopene degradation was developed for tomato drying, which enables the determination of internal moisture, lycopene content, and their distribution, offering a theoretical foundation for optimizing the quality of tomato drying products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Certain carotene components, such as lycopene and beta‐carotene, are found in tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc. and are good for human health. It gives plants their distinctive red color. A class of lipid‐soluble natural pigments known as carotenoids is the precursor of vitamin A and is vital for antioxidant defense against peroxides in cells and tissues. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge and research on the sources, structures, physiochemical properties, absorption and metabolism, functional advantages, and prevention of many diseases associated with lycopene and beta‐carotene. These antioxidants have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and they also help draw pollinators to flowers. Carrots and sweet potatoes are also rich sources of beta‐carotene, which strengthens the immune system and improves eye health. The vivid color of many plants reproductive organs, including flowers and fruits, is caused by carotenoid, a secondary metabolite that is produced in plastids. The distinctive red color and many other health advantages are attributed to lycopene. When ingested through food or supplements, lycopene and beta‐carotene help manage and prevent a number of diseases, including cancer, metabolic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, hepatic, ophthalmic, skeletal, and infertility disorders. The main point is that toxicity is uncommon, and these carotenoids are generally accepted to be safe at different doses. Including these nutrients in your diet can improve your general health and provide illness prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to examine various methods of lycopene extraction, taking into consideration their economic and environmental implications. The methods under investigation include solvent-assisted extraction (SAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SCF), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and integrated ultrasound surfactant–assisted extraction (IUSAE). The techno-economic assessment of various lycopene extraction methods revealed that IUSAE surpasses other methods in terms of economic viability, with a net present value (NPV) of 20,858 $ and a payback period of 4.2 years. Sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation was also conducted to further evaluate the robustness of the process. Additionally, life cycle assessment (LCA) demonstrated that IUSAE has the least environmental impact compared to other methods. Furthermore, the environmental impact of transitioning from a mixed-grid energy source to renewable energy was assessed. It was observed that using wind energy as a source of power for different unit operations resulted in a significant reduction of 78–90% in midpoint indicators such as global warming potential, acidification potential, photochemical oxidation, eutrophication, and human toxicity. This hig hlights the positive environmental benefits of utilizing renewable energy in the lycopene extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haloarchaeal cultures were isolated from solar salterns of Goa and Tamil Nadu and designated as BS2, BBK2 and E3. These isolates grew with a characteristic bright orange to pink pigmentation and were capable of growing in media containing upto 25% (w/vol) NaCl. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the three haloarchaeal strains BS2, BBK2 and E3 indicated an assembled genomic size of 4.1 Mb, 3.8 Mb and 4 Mb with G + C content of 61.8, 65.6 and 59.8% respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the archaeal isolates belong to Haloarcula, Haloferax and Halogeometricum genera. Haloarcula rubripromontorii BS2 was predicted to have 4292 genes with 4242 CDS regions, 46 tRNAs, 6 rRNAs and 3 misc_RNAs. In case of Haloferaxlucentense BBK2, 3840 genes with 3780 CDS regions were detected along with 52 tRNAs, 5 rRNAs and 3 misc_RNAs. Halogeometricumborinquense E3 contained 4101 genes, 4043 CDS regions, 52 tRNAs, 4 rRNAs, and 2 misc_RNAs. The functional annotation and curation of the haloarchaeal genome, revealed C50 carotenoid biosynthetic genes like phytoene desaturase/carotenoid 3′ -4′ desaturase (crtI), lycopene elongase (ubiA/lyeJ) and carotenoid biosynthesis membrane protein (cruF) in the three isolates. Whereas crtD (C-3′,4′ desaturase), crtY (lycopene cyclase) and brp/blh (β-carotene dioxygenase) genes were identified only in BS2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the recycling of composites from plant tissues is difficult, extraction of bioactive compounds from plant sources requires pre‐treatment by new technology such as pulsed electric fields (PEF). Due to the reduced consumption of organic solvents, the extractive techniques such as using supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2) are of interest to researchers. This work aimed to investigating the influences of different parameters of SC‐CO2 (pressure, modifier volume, temperature, and dynamic time) and PEF (frequency and field strength) treatments on the amount extraction of β‐carotene, lycopene, lutein, β‐cryptoxanthin, total phenol content (TPC), and also antioxidant activity percentage of tomato to obtain the optimum circumstances extraction via PEF and SC‐CO2 methods. PEF data showed that treatments with moderate intensity (1 Hz and 0. 25 kV/cm) enhanced the extractability of lycopene (88%), β‐carotene (69%), and β‐cryptoxanthin (24%). The maximum recovery in total polyphenols was achieved at a 1 Hz and 1.75 kV/cm, leading to a 41.68% growth. The SC‐CO2 results showed that extraction at 55°C and 35 MPa, and in a short time of 20 min (without any modifier: methanol) resulted in the highest levels of carotenoids (100% recovery), especially lycopene, and antioxidant activity. Largest value of total polyphenols was obtained at 35 MPa, 35°C, during 30 min, and 250 μL methanol as a modifier (58.79% recovery). Results showed that the extraction of polyphenols, unlike carotenoids, required a modifier. Organic solvents, often called modifiers, are sometimes added to the supercritical fluid to increase the polarity range of the extraction process and to help overcome analyte retention in the matrix. In this study, methanol was used as a modifier in different volumes. Therefore, the SC‐CO2 gentle processing conditions, compared with PEF, improved the recovery of tomato bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to optimize such treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biological pesticides as alternatives to chemical phytosanitary products is a natural and innovative method to improve environmental protection and sustainable agricultural production. In this work, the compatibility between Trichoderma spp. and a commercial lignin extract was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The beneficial effects of lignin in combination with different Trichoderma consortia were evaluated in terms of improved growth and quantitative and qualitative tomato productivity. T. virens GV41 + T. asperellum + T. atroviride + lignin formulation was the most effective in growth promotion and increased root and stem dry weight compared to control (45.4 and 43.9%, respectively). This combination determined a 63% increase in tomato yield compared to the control, resulting in the best-performing treatment compared to each individual constituent. Consistent differences in terms of lycopene, GABA, ornithine, total, essential, and branched-chain amino acids were revealed in fruits from tomato plants treated with Trichoderma–lignin formulations (T. asperellum + T. virens GV41 + lignin) or with the microbial consortia (T. asperellum + T. virens GV41, T. atroviride + T. virens GV41). The developed bioformulations represent a sustainable biological strategy to increase yield and produce nutritional compound-enriched vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halorhodospira (Hlr.) halochloris is a triply extremophilic phototrophic purple sulfur bacterium, as it is thermophilic, alkaliphilic, and extremely halophilic. The light‐harvesting‐reaction center (LH1–RC) core complex of this bacterium displays an LH1‐Qy transition at 1,016 nm, which is the lowest‐energy wavelength absorption among all known phototrophs. Here we report the cryo‐EM structure of the LH1–RC at 2.42 Å resolution. The LH1 complex forms a tricyclic ring structure composed of 16 αβγ‐polypeptides and one αβ‐heterodimer around the RC. From the cryo‐EM density map, two previously unrecognized integral membrane proteins, referred to as protein G and protein Q, were identified. Both of these proteins are single transmembrane‐spanning helices located between the LH1 ring and the RC L‐subunit and are absent from the LH1–RC complexes of all other purple bacteria of which the structures have been determined so far. Besides bacteriochlorophyll b molecules (B1020) located on the periplasmic side of the Hlr. halochloris membrane, there are also two arrays of bacteriochlorophyll b molecules (B800 and B820) located on the cytoplasmic side. Only a single copy of a carotenoid (lycopene) was resolved in the Hlr. halochloris LH1–α3β3 and this was positioned within the complex. The potential quinone channel should be the space between the LH1–α3β3 that accommodates the single lycopene but does not contain a γ‐polypeptide, B800 and B820. Our results provide a structural explanation for the unusual Qy red shift and carotenoid absorption in the Hlr. halochloris spectrum and reveal new insights into photosynthetic mechanisms employed by a species that thrives under the harshest conditions of any phototrophic microorganism known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids are tetraterpene compounds acting as precursors to vitamin A, with functions that include protecting eyesight, enhancing immunity, promoting cell growth and differentiation, and providing antioxidative benefits. Lycopene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin are particularly critical for health and have diverse applications in food, health products, and medicine. However, natural carotenoids are encased within cell structures, necessitating mechanical methods to disrupt the cell wall for their extraction and purification—a process often influenced by environmental conditions. Thus, improving the efficiency of carotenoid extraction from natural resources is of great interest. This review delves into the research progress made on the extraction processes, structures, and biological functions of carotenoids, focusing on lycopene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin. Traditional extraction methods primarily involve organic solvent-assisted mechanical crushing. With deeper research and technological advancements, more environmentally friendly solvents, advanced machinery, and suitable methods are being employed to enhance the extraction and purification of carotenoids. These improvements have significantly increased extraction efficiency, reduced preparation time, and lowered production costs, laying the groundwork for new carotenoid product developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study targets explicitly finding an alternative to petroleum‐based plastic films that burden the environment, which is a high priority. Hence, polymeric films were prepared with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (4%), pectin (2%), and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) (0.5%) with different concentrations of thymol (0.3%, 0.9%, 1.8%, 3%, and 5%) and glycerol as a plasticizer by solution casting technique. The prepared films were tested for mechanical, optical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Film F5 (CMC + P + PHB + 0.9%thymol) showed an excellent tensile strength of 15 MPa, Young's modulus of 395 MPa, antioxidant activity (AA) (92%), rapid soil biodegradation (21 days), and strong antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal cultures such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. The thymol content increase in films F6 (1.8%), F7 (3%), and F8 (5%) displayed a decrease in mechanical properties due to thymol's hydrophobicity. For shelf life studies on tomatoes, F2, a film without thymol (poor antimicrobial and antioxidant activities), F5 (film with superior mechanical, optical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties), and F7 (film with low mechanical properties) were selected. Film F5 coatings on tomato fruit enhanced the shelf life of up to 15 days by preventing weight loss, preserving firmness, and delaying changes in biochemical constituents like lycopene, phenols, and AA. Based on the mechanical, optical, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and shelf life results, the film F5 is suitable for active food packaging and preservation. Practical Application: The developed active biodegradable composite can be utilized as a coating to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. These coatings are easy to produce and apply, offering a sustainable solution to reduce food waste. On an industrial scale, they can be applied to food products, ensuring longer freshness without any technical challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study investigated the impact of heating temperatures (70 °C to 90 °C for up to 14 h) on lycopene and β‐carotene degradation kinetics in gac aril paste. Carotenoids extracted via low‐volume hexane‐assisted ultrasonic extraction revealed a first‐order degradation pattern with high correlation coefficients (0.96–0.97). Lycopene degraded faster at 90 °C (k = 12.05 × 102 h−1) than at 70 °C (5.41 × 102 h−1), while β‐carotene displayed relatively slower degradation. Corresponding half‐life (t1/2) values for lycopene ranged from 5.75 to 12.81 h, while β‐carotene displayed values of 9.48–20.2 h. β‐carotene showed superior thermal stability compared to lycopene across all temperatures. Additionally, colour changes indicated decreased brightness with increasing temperature. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP values decreased during gac fruit heating. Overall, this study emphasises temperature‐induced declines in lycopene and β‐carotene levels in gac aril paste and offers insights into their degradation kinetics under thermal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A balanced and healthy diet during the menopausal transition and after menopause is crucial for women to reduce the risk for morbidities and chronic diseases due to deficiency of essential nutrients. Purpose: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies that analyzed the impact of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in postmenopausal women in relation to increased morbidities and chronic conditions. Methods: Observational studies were searched in the databases PubMed, UpToDate, and Google Scholar. Results: We searched 122 studies, of which 90 were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis of the data could not be performed because of the heterogeneity of the statistical methods in the included studies. In our study, we focused on the aspects of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, and lycopene, belonging to the family of carotenoids. Postmenopausal women with deficiencies of these nutrients are more vulnerable to comorbidities such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, metabolic diseases, osteoporosis, obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, cognitive decline, dementia, and stroke. We concluded that women after menopause tend to have a greater probability of suffering from deficiencies in various vitamins and nutrients, and consequently have an increased risk of developing morbidities and chronic diseases. Conclusion: In conclusion, maintaining optimum serum levels of nutrients and vitamins, either through a balanced and healthy diet consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, and fats or by taking appropriate supplementation, is essential in maintaining optimal health-related quality of life and reducing the risk for women during the menopausal transition and after menopause. Nevertheless, more recent studies need to be assessed to formulate adequate recommendations to achieve positive clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato peel by-products contain high levels of lycopene, which has traditionally been extracted using organic solvents. This research focuses on the optimisation of a sustainable method to obtain a lycopene-rich extract using the biodegradable anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A Plackett–Burman experimental design was used to investigate the effect of seven factors on the extraction of carotenoids from tomato peels using sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS volume and concentration, homogenisation intensity and time, sonication phase, extraction time and ultracentrifugation intensity). Based on the responses of total carotenoid extraction, the SDS volume, the use of ultrasound and the extraction time significantly influenced the extraction yield and were selected for optimisation using a Box–Wilson experimental design. The final green extraction protocol (1 g sample + 11.9 ml SDS 0.3%, homogenisation at 13,500 rpm for 2 min, ultrasound phase, agitation for 8.2 h and ultracentrifugation) was selected after quantification of total carotenoids by UV–VIS and HPLC-DAD. Finally, we used nuclear magnetic resonance to demonstrate a high lycopene purity in the carotenoid extract obtained. Furthermore, using transmission electron microscopy, we observed the presence of intact chromoplasts in the extract, protecting the carotenoids from the exposure to external agents. Thus, this work reports an optimised method for the sustainable extraction of carotenoids and demonstrates the viability of the degradable solvent SDS for the extraction of liposoluble bioactive compounds, like carotenoids and mainly lycopene. The lycopene extract could be used for the technological and nutritional enrichment of new foods and/or the design of nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the frequency and magnitude of environmental stresses poses a significant risk to the stability of food supplies. In coastal areas of the Mediterranean, brackish water has long been considered a limitation on horticultural production. In this scenario, the use of biochar in agriculture could be considered a valuable tool to cope with the deleterious effects of salt stress. This work aimed to investigate, in a protected environment, the effects of different concentrations of biochar (0, 1, and 2% v/v) obtained from poplar (Populus L.) biomass on the yield and quality of dwarf San Marzano ecotype tomatoes irrigated with saline water at different concentrations of NaCl (0, 40 and 80 mM). The increase in salt concentration from 0 to 80 mM NaCl reduced the total yield (−63%) and the number of fruits (−25%), but improved the main quality parameters such as dry matter (+75%), total soluble solids (+56%), and polyphenol content (+43%). Compared to control conditions, biochar supplementation improved the total yield (+23%) and number of fruits (+26%) without altering the functional and organoleptic characteristics of the fruits. The promising results underscore the potential of biochar as a sustainable solution to amend soils in order to improve tomato production under unfavorable conditions such as high salinity. However, there is a need to clarify which adaptation mechanisms triggered by biochar amending improve production responses even and especially under suboptimal growing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The by-products of the extraction of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) concentrated juice may represent a functional food ingredient for white chocolate production, as a rich source of bioactive compounds. The effects of six treatments derived from the factorial combination of two types of by-products (with oil or without oil) and three different concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%), were assessed on rheological, quality, colour, antioxidant, and mineral properties of chocolate. The 15% addition of full powder led to the highest values of max firmness, total shear energy, shear energy, cohesiveness, gummosity, dry matter, and ABTS, compared to the untreated control, but the two highest concentrations of the oil-deprived powder resulted in the protein content increasing. The full powder addition always raised fat levels. Both the 'L' and 'a' colour component as well as total carotenoids, β-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin C increased with the rise of H. rhamnoides powder addition, compared to the untreated control. The opposite trend was shown by the 'b' colour component and pH, whereas polyphenols and antioxidant activity attained higher values with the oil-deprived powder. The content of potassium decreased upon the 15% addition of the Hippophae rhamnoides by-product powder, compared to the untreated control, whereas calcium and magnesium increased. The 15% H. rhamnoides full powder elicited the augmentation of phosphorus content in chocolate, compared to the untreated control, contrary to the effect of the oil-deprived powder on P and Zn. The employment of SBB by-products highlights the great potential for manufacturing innovative functional foods with high nutritional value, such as chocolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, lutein and lycopene were encapsulated in plant protein (faba bean protein concentrate, (FPC))-carrageenan (Car) conjugates prepared by Maillard reaction in an aqueous media. The conjugation improved encapsulation yield that reached to 82.69% and 93.07%, for lycopene and lutein, respectively. The mean particle diameters for lutein loaded nanoparticles observed smaller in FPC-Car conjugates (66.60 nm) than FPC (71.49 nm). Scanning electron microscopy images showed that FPC-Car conjugates were more spherical and no fractures or fissures on the surface, revealing that wall materials provided better protection and retention for core materials. The diameter of lycopene nanoparticles coated with FPC remained constant between pH 3–4 and 7–9 but increased to 220 nm at pH 4–6. Even though the diameter of lutein nanoparticles coated with FPC remains steady between pH 5 and 9, increased to 953 nm at pH 3. The bioaccessibility of the lutein or lycopene samples encapsulated by FPC were found as higher than FPC-Car conjugates. These findings suggest that protein-polysaccharide conjugates could be used as a wall material to encapsulate lipophilic lutein and lycopene in order to improve their stability, property and bioaccessibility. As a result, FPC-Car conjugates may be an alternative for the formation of functional beverages as well as other nutraceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural waste is rich in bioactive molecules. When evaluating the viability of circular models for the development of health-promoting substances and final products, it is important to highlight that the industrial processing of fruits and other valuable herbal materials generates a considerable number of by-products and significant amounts of waste that contain health-promoting components. These by-products can be utilized purposefully in pharmaceuticals and related areas for the development of health-promoting products. The linear utilization of agricultural waste results in the loss of a range of valuable bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and related compounds), antioxidants from other groups, phytosterols, tocopherols, and fatty acids. As an illustrative example, the waste materials of species belonging to the Vaccinium L. genus represent a notable secondary resource that can be purposefully applied to the development of health-promoting preparations. The fruits of these wasted herbal materials have been found to contain beneficial polyphenols, which play a pivotal role in the prevention of various chronic conditions, including precancerous conditions, inflammatory diseases, and other ailments. In addition, the fruits of blackberries, elderberries, and purple corn—which are similarly rich in anthocyanins—also provide a promising avenue for further development. Phenolic compounds suitable for recycling are also found in the by-products of sugarcane harvesting. Tomato waste contains a significant amount of lycopene, which is a valuable carotenoid. Other physiological functions may be attributed to the aforementioned by-products of fruit processing which, if used properly, can contribute to the prevention of certain diseases and improving quality of life. This review assesses the gaps in the existing literature on the development of health-promoting substances from herbal secondary materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heiyai (Elaeagnus latifolia L.) is an underutilized semi-wild berry which is found in Manipur during the mid of March and April. In the present study, Heiyai fruit was explored for the extraction of lycopene using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2 and the conventional solvent extraction (CSE) method. An experimental design based on response surface methodology was used for SFE with independent variables (pressure, temperature, and time) and CSE (temperature, time, and solid-to-liquid ratio) to investigate the effect on the extraction yield (%) and lycopene content (mg/100 g) from Heiyai. An empirical model was developed for correlating independent and response variable with a good fit which was obtained. The optimum conditions for SFE were pressure (20 MPa), extraction time (90 min), and temperature (40 °C) resulting into extraction yield of 3.35% and 69.78 mg/100 g of lycopene content. The optimum conditions for CSE were temperature (30 °C), time (15 min), and solid-to-liquid ratio (70 g/mL) resulting into extraction yield of 1.318% and lycopene content of 29.983 mg/100 g. Furthermore, lycopene was isolated and purified using the column chromatography method, and its chemical structure was studied using FT-IR and a visible spectrophotometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lycopene (LYC) is a natural carotenoid, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Nevertheless, its inherent instability has hindered oral formulation and administration due to sensitivity of LYC to environmental conditions. Methods: We tested different methods of tomato extraction to provide an extract with the highest yield of extracted LYC and prepared double coated pellets to enhance the physiochemical properties of LYC and improve its efficacy. The pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization technique and were coated by Eudragit L 100 − 55 to protect LYC from gastric acidic pH. To increase the protection of LYC from environmental conditions and provide an opaque, thick layer on the pellets, a layer of sugar-coating was added around the film-coated pellets. Particle size, sphericity, morphology, dissolution, and stability of the pellets were analyzed. Results: The highest yield of extracted LYC achieved by the mixture of ethyl acetate-acetone (1:1 v/v) applying for 5 h at 40 °C. The dissolution test of the pellets demonstrated that the dual-coating could protect LYC in the simulated gastric medium and release it in the simulated intestinal medium. The result of the stability test confirmed the efficiency of the additional sugar-coat to the film layer of the pellets since the amount of remaining LYC in dual-coated pallets was significantly higher than the film-coated pellets after six months of accelerated stability test. Conclusion: The dual-coating of the pellets could protect LYC from environmental conditions and increase its stability. However, addition of substances to the formulation which might maximize the stability of LYC requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to enrich soybean oil (SBO) with carotenoids from Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) powder using ohmic heating-assisted ultrasound extraction (OH-AU). The oxidative stability during the 28-day storage period was also evaluated. The moisture content of the powder Gac powder samples was adjusted by adding deionized water to achieve a 30% wet basis, and then they were ohmically heated at two levels of electric field strength (E) (E = 100 and 200 V/cm) or microwave-heated at 300 and 600 Watts before ultrasonic extraction using SBO as a solvent. Commercial SBO and ultrasound extractions were used as controls. Maximum concentrations of β-carotene (46.27 µg/g) and lycopene (35.47 µg/g) were observed in the enriched oil from OH-AU (E = 200 V/cm), while the oil extracted by ultrasound without OH had the lowest concentration. The enriched oils from OH-AU at E = 100 and 200 V/cm showed lower L* and higher b* values. The antioxidant activity of OH-AU-enriched oil evaluated by DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP was also stronger than enriched oils without OH and SBO. The enriched oils from OH-AU showed higher oxidative stability with a lower peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) over 28 days of storage. The FFA concentrations of enriched oils were less than 5% by the end of the storage period. This suggests that applying OH could assist the ultrasound extraction in enriching Gac carotenoids in vegetable oil. It was an effective alternative technique for preparing a functional oil with high oxidative stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Body‐color polymorphisms in insects are often explained by environmental selective advantages. Differential fitness related to body coloration has been demonstrated in Myzus persicae (Sulzer): performance of the red morph is in general better than that of the green morph on tobacco plants. However, the molecular mechanism involved is largely unclear. RESULTS: Here we showed that the red morph of M. persicae had higher expression of a carotenoid desaturase CarD763 in the whole body, salivary gland and saliva relative to the green morph. Also, 18% individuals displayed faded red body color 5 days post dsCarD763 treatment. Furthermore, knockdown of CarD763 in the red morph significantly prolonged the time needed to locate phloem and shortened the duration of phloem feeding. Honeydew production and survival rate decreased as well. In contrast, overexpression of CarD763 in tobacco leaves facilitated aphid feeding, enhanced honeydew production and improved the survival rate of aphids. Compared with those fed by dsGFP aphids, plants infested by dsCarD763‐treated aphids had higher ROS accumulation, lower lycopene content and photosynthetic rate, and maximum photon quantum yield. The reverse was true when plants overexpressed CarD763. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that CarD763, a red morph‐specific salivary protein, could enhance aphid feeding and early colonization by promoting plant photosynthesis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids are important natural pigments that are responsible for the fruit and flower colors of many plants. The composition and content of carotenoid can greatly influence the color phenotype of plants. However, the regulatory mechanism underling the divergent behaviors of carotenoid accumulation, especially in flower, remains unclear. In this study, a new cultivar Osmanthus fragrans 'Yanzhi Hong' was used to study the regulation of carotenoid pigmentation in flower. Liquid chromatograph–mass spectrometer (LC-MS) analysis showed that β-carotene, phytoene, lycopene, γ-carotene, and lutein were the top five pigments enriched in the petals of 'Yanzhi Hong'. Through transcriptome analysis, we found that the expression of the structural genes in carotenoid pathway was imbalanced: most of the structural genes responsible for lycopene biosynthesis were highly expressed throughout the flower developmental stages, while those for lycopene metabolism kept at a relatively lower level. The downregulation of LYCE, especially at the late developmental stages, suppressed the conversion from lycopene to α-carotene but promoted the accumulation of β-carotene, which had great effect on the carotenoid composition of 'Yanzhi Hong'. Ethylene response factor (ERF), WRKY, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB), N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), auxin response factor (ARF), and other transcription factors (TFs) have participated in the flower color regulation of 'Yanzhi Hong', which formed co-expression networks with the structural genes and functioned in multiple links of the carotenoid pathway. The results suggested that the cyclization of lycopene is a key link in determining flower color. The modification of the related TFs will break the expression balance between the upstream and downstream genes and greatly influence the carotenoid profile in flowers, which can be further used for creating colorful plant germplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable waste management is an extremely important issue due to its environmental, economic, and social impacts. Knowledge of the chemical composition of the waste produced is a starting point for its valorization. This research focuses, for the first time, on the by-products of pasta condiment production, starting with their characterization. In particular, the presence of potential bioactive compounds and their variability over time have been studied. The latter aspect is crucial for the subsequent valorization of these by-products. In addition to acidity and total phenolic content, an untargeted strategy was adopted, using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques coupled with chemometrics, to study waste samples coming from four single condiment production lines, i.e., Genoese pesto, tomato, ricotta, and ragù sauces. The presence of lycopene, polyphenols, and several valuable volatile compounds was highlighted. Their presence and relative amounts vary mainly according to the presence of tomatoes in the sauce. The results obtained at different storage times (after 0, 7, 10, and 15 days) showed that the samples studied, despite having similar chemical characteristics, underwent changes after one week of storage and then presented a relatively stable chemical profile. A general decrease is observed after 7 days for almost all the chemical variables monitored, so careful planning within the first days is required to obtain a high recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits and vegetables are key to a healthy diet, with tomatoes being among the most widely consumed. However, their nutritional quality and safety are not always regulated. This research focused on two aspects: the relationship between the visual appearance and texture of tomatoes and their nutritional value, and the health and safety concerns based on their elemental content. Eight samples, both local and imported, were collected in Erbil, Iraq. Physicochemical variables, including dry matter content, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, and lycopene levels, were measured. Additionally, elemental analysis using ICP-OES was conducted to assess beneficial and toxic elements. The study found positive correlations between taste index, lycopene, and TSS. Antioxidant activity was mainly influenced by ascorbic acid. High-quality tomatoes had a firm texture, deep red color, and small size. However, local samples contained higher levels of essential elements, but also higher cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels, posing potential health risks. One imported sample contained arsenic (As), and two local samples showed carcinogenic risks from Cd. Therefore, stricter monitoring of tomato safety is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watermelon suffers substantial post-harvest losses owing to strict quality standards, resulting in 20–30% of the crop being left unharvested. This study investigated the potential of valorizing dried watermelon pomace (DWP), a byproduct of watermelon juice extraction, focusing on its lycopene content—a potent antioxidant. This study assessed lycopene stability in DWP from four watermelon cultivars (Perla Nera®, Gavina®, Crimson Sweet, and Asahi Miyako) under different storage conditions (vial-sealed and vacuum-sealed). The lycopene content in freshly prepared DWP samples ranged from 0.734 to 1.572 mg/g db. The results indicated that vacuum-sealed samples exhibited significantly slower lycopene degradation than vial-sealed samples, highlighting the impact of air exposure on lycopene stability. After 90 days of storage, lycopene content in vacuum-sealed samples ranged from 0.214 to 1.234 mg/g db, while that in vial-sealed samples ranged from 0.013 to 0.731 mg/g db. Furthermore, this study assessed the effect of pretreatments with ascorbic acid (pretreatment A) and a mixture of ascorbic and citric acids (pretreatment B) on lycopene stability. Pretreatment B showed superior effectiveness, yielding higher lycopene levels than pretreatment A (p < 0.05). The stabilizing effects of ascorbic acid and citric acid were attributed to their antioxidant properties and their roles as pH regulators and chelators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-saving irrigation is of extraordinary importance for tomato production in semi-arid areas of northwest China. For this purpose, we conducted a two-season trial in a solar greenhouse of two tomato genotypes named '181' and 'Mao Fen 802' and cultivated with substrate, under four irrigation regimes, i.e., well-watered (WW), low (LWD, 80% WW), moderate (MWD, 60% WW) and high (HWD, 40% WW) water deficit. The substrate water content of WW treatment was 75%θf to 90%θf (where θf is the field capacity). The study results showed that the single fruit weight and yield of tomato were significantly declined with an increasing water deficit degree. Compared to WW treatment, the fruit weight and yield were decreased about 34.45% and 20.35% for '181' and 'Mao Fen 802' under HWD treatment, respectively. Conversely, water deficit treatment led to an obvious promotion of WUE and showed an upward trend as the water deficit level increased. In addition, compared to WW treatment, the water deficit significantly decreased the total flavonoids of the '181' tomato by 24.4–93.1%, whereas there was no significant impact on that of 'Mao Fen 802'. Nonetheless, different individual polyphenols were increased by suitable deficit irrigation for two tomato cultivars. Gallic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and naringin of '181'tomato were increased by 128.4–195.2%, 8.6–43.7%, and 31–73-fold, respectively, under water deficit compared to WW treatment. Further, under water deficit treatment, p-coumaric acid, benzoic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid of 'Mao Fen 802' were increased by 36.2–49.2%, 59.1–189.7%, and 36.3–106.4% compared to WW treatment. As the main carotenoid component, the lycopene content of tomato fruit exhibited a significant rise of 7.84–20.02% and 20.55–32.13% for '181' and 'Mao Fen 802' under three degrees of water deficit compared to WW treatment. Linear regression showed a significantly positive relationship between irrigation amounts and yield, and total polyphenols, whereas there was a significantly negative relationship between irrigation amounts and WUE, and total carotenoids. Based on correlation and PCA, WW and LWD, and MWD and HWD, were gathered together for '181', while LWD, MWD, and HWD, were gathered, and only WW scattered for 'Mao Fen 802', along the PC1 direction. It was proposed that 'Mao Fen 802' was more sensitive to water deficit than the '181' tomato. In conclusion, water deficit is conductive to water-saving cultivation of the greenhouse tomato and the tomato genotypes, and water deficit level is a key factor necessary for consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of organic fertilizer "cow manure" applications on quantitative and qualitative traits of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) evaluated under field conditions. Treatments consisted of four levels of cow manure (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha−1) for both the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The results indicated that cow manure applied at 15 t ha−1 resulted in the highest number of fruits per plant, antioxidant activities, and carbohydrate contents. At the same time, the lowest values were recorded in the control treatment in 2017 and 2018 (respectively). In both years, the highest plant height, number of lateral branches, number of nodes, fruit yield per plant, fruit fresh weight, and total flavonoids were obtained in 10 t ha−1 of cow manure treatment. The lycopene contents were 47 and 60% higher in 5 t ha−1 of cow dung fertilizer than control treatments in both seasons. The minimum β –Carotene was recorded in control, and the maximum was observed in 5 t ha−1 of cow manure fertilizer in both years. The results confirm that cow manure positively affects hot peppers' vegetative and reproductive traits and antioxidant activity under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global exploration of nanoparticles as nano-fertilizers/nano-fungicides to optimize crop production has attracted greater attention. Among metal oxide nano-formulations, the increasing application and discharge of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) into the environment requires urgent attention due to their toxic and stimulatory impact on plants, including vegetables. This study aimed at the bio-fabrication of CuO-NPs from Rosa indica petal extracts and to assess their nanotoxicity on germination and biological and biochemical growth of tomato plants. The morphological characterization of phytofabricated CuO-NPs by microscopic (SEM/TEM) and spectroscopic (XRD/FTIR) techniques revealed its nanostructure, spherical shape ranging in size between 23 and 47 nm exhibiting different functional groups. Furthermore, tomato-CuO-NPs interactions resulted in reduced germination percentage and plant biomass. At the biochemical level, the chlorophyll content decreased consistently, while malonaldehyde and proline content in tomato foliage enhanced substantially with increasing concentrations of CuO-NPs. Size, lycopene content (71 % reduction), and fruit quality (metabolites like sugars, amino acids, and organic acids) assessed by 1H NMR declined after CuO-NPs exposure in a dose-dependent manner. Further in situ experiments revealed deformation in a stomatal aperture in leaves and accumulation of CuO-NPs in roots, suggesting toxicity under SEM. In summation, this study highlights the toxicity of biosynthesized CuO-NPs to tomato plants paving the way to develop novel strategies to mitigate its toxicity to vegetable crops, particularly tomato under real field conditions. [Display omitted] • Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) exhibit toxic and stimulatory effects on plants. • Biogenic synthesized CuO-NPs from Rosa indica petal extract shows phytotoxicity to tomato plants. • Exposure to CuO-NPs reduces germination percentage, plant biomass, and fruit quality. • Metal oxide nanoparticles increase malondialdehyde and proline content after CuO-NPs exposure. • Strategies need to be developed to counteract nano-CuO toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Protein hydrolysates (PHs) can enhance plant nitrogen nutrition and improve the quality of vegetables, depending on their bioactive compounds. A tomato greenhouse experiment was conducted under both optimal (14 mM) and suboptimal (2 mM) nitrogen (N‐NO3) conditions. Tomatoes were treated with a new Malvaceae‐derived PH (MDPH) and its molecular fractions (MDPH1, >10 kDa; MDPH2, 1–10 kDa and MDPH3, <1 kDa). RESULTS: Under optimal N conditions, the plants increased biomass and fruit yield, and showed a higher photosynthetic pigment content in leaves in comparison with suboptimal N, whereas under N‐limiting conditions, an increase in dry matter, soluble solid content (SSC) and lycopene, a reduction in firmness, and changes in organic acid and phenolic compounds were observed. With 14 mM N‐NO3, MDPH3 stimulated an increase in dry weight and increased yield components and lycopene in the fruit. The MDPH2 fraction also resulted in increased lycopene accumulation in fruit under 14 mM N‐NO3. At a low N level, the PH fractions showed distinct effects compared with the whole MDPH and the control, with an increase in biomass for MDPH1 and MDPH2 and a higher pigment content for MDPH3. Regardless of N availability, all the fractions affected fruit quality by increasing SSC, whereas MDPH2 and MDPH3 modified organic acid content and showed a higher concentration of flavonols, lignans, and stilbenes. CONCLUSION: The molecular weight of the peptides modifies the effect of PHs on plant performance, with different behavior depending on the level of N fertilization, confirming the effectiveness of fractioning processes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To explore the effect of storage temperature on Jingcai 1 watermelon, the fruits of Jingcai 1 watermelon were storaged under 5, 15 and 25 °C . The firmness, rate of weight loss, chilling injury, soluble solids, pectin, cellulose, soluble sugar, organic acid, lycopene, β-carotene and vitamin C contents were determined under different temperature treatments. The results showed that, with the storage extending, the weight loss rate of Jingcai 1 watermelon fruit increased, the fruit firmness decreased, the content of water-soluble pectin (WSP) increased, the sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (SSP) decreased, the vitamin C, lycopene and β-carotene showed decreasing trend, the variation of soluble solids fluctuated within a small rage, the cellulose decreased at first and then increased, while the content of soluble sugar and organic acid showed different changing trends at different storage temperatures. When stored at 5 °C, the vitamin C and soluble sugar of fruit could be high level, but a long-term storage would raise the chilling injury rate and cause gradual wastage of nutrients, resulting undoubtedly in loss of the edible and commercial values. When stored at 15 °C, the contents of water, organic acids and cytochromes could be better maintained, giving watermelons better quality and flavor. When stored at 25 °C, the quick loss of soluble sugar, organic acid and pectin of the fruit leaded to soft rot, depriving original flavors of watermelons and making it difficult to maintain its quality. Above results provided a theoretical basis for the commercialization of its storage, transportation and preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eugenia uniflora is a tropical species rich in bioactive compounds that are highly sensitive to processing conditions, particularly those involving heat. Drying is a widely used method for preserving fruit pulp which can affect the stability of these bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of drying at different temperatures on the retention of phenolic compounds and carotenoids present in the pulp of E. uniflora, with the goal of optimizing the drying process to preserve the pulp's quality. The E. uniflora pulp was dried in an oven with air circulation at three temperatures (45, 65, and 85°C). During the drying process, the moisture content and concentration of phenolics, β‐carotene, and lycopene were measured over time. After 260 min of drying, phenolic compounds decreased by 63.97% (45 and 65°C) and by 59.62% (85°C). Carotenoids losses were even more pronounced exceeding 89%, for all temperatures, with β‐carotene reductions of 92.91%, 90.72%, and 91.11%, at 45, 65, and 85°C, respectively. Several well‐established drying models were tested to represent the moisture content over time. Two models exhibited a high adherence to the experimental data. Zero‐order, first‐order, and second‐order degradation models were used to describe the concentrations of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. For total carotenoids, the model that showed the best results was temperature‐dependent. The first‐order model provided the best fit for β‐carotene and lycopene, with high R2 values of 0.9852 (45°C), 0.9776 (65°C), and 0.9681(85°C) for β‐carotene, and 0.9776 (45°C), 0.9715 (65°C), and 0.9659 (85°C) for lycopene. These results indicate that higher temperatures accelerate the degradation of bioactive compounds, following a predictable dynamic that can be optimized through adjustments to the drying process. Practical applications: The fruit of Eugenia uniflora contains phenolic and carotenoid compounds with significant nutraceutical potential. However, the production of this fruit is seasonal, necessitating effective preservation methods. Drying, which involves the removal of water from the pulp, is a common procedure aimed at extending the fruit's conservation and shelf life. Despite its benefits, the drying process poses a challenge, as bioactive compounds like phenolic and carotenoids are sensitive to thermal processing. Their degradation during drying can lead to a reduction in the fruit's bioactive potential. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the kinetics of drying and the degradation of these bioactive compounds to optimize the drying process and maximize the fruit's nutraceutical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycopene is a coloring substance with significant value as a natural food color, along with recognized medicinal and therapeutic properties. Fruit waste is produced in huge amounts by fruit processing industries. The extraction of lycopene from this waste is a promising strategy, for its application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This review summarizes the innovative techniques utilized for extracting lycopene from the waste of tomato, papaya, pink guava, seabuckthorn berries, and apricots. The goal is to assess the effectiveness of contemporary methods and underscore their ability to improve the sustainability and extraction efficiency of this valuable substance. Conventional extraction techniques have long been utilized for extracting this pigment from fruit waste materials, but these techniques have several drawbacks. Novel techniques such as ultrasound‐assisted extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction, pulsed electric field‐assisted extraction, enzyme‐assisted extraction, high hydrostatic pressure‐assisted extraction, and super‐critical fluid extraction provide higher extraction yields as compared to conventional extraction techniques, by using a smaller amount of solvents. These techniques offer improved efficiency, reduced extraction time, increased selectivity, minimized degradation, preserved bioactivity of lycopene, and environmental friendliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible coatings have been utilized for fresh fruit and vegetable preservation to ensure their safety and freshness. The present study reported the effect of edible coatings incorporated with Lycopene extract and Ascorbic Acid on fresh cut Apple slices (Red Delicious) during storage at refrigeration temperature for 12 days. The dipping treatments include Lycopene extract (LC-100 mg), Ascorbic acid (AAC-100 mg) and a combination of both LC + AAC (100 mg lycopene extract and 100 mg Ascorbic acid). Quality parameters (color, physicochemical and enzymatic activities) were studied up to 12 days at refrigeration temperature. Dipping treatments of LC and LC + AAC significantly showed lowest enzymatic activity than AAC treatment. However, color was not preserved in LC + AAC treatments due to high concentration of olive oil in these treatments. Furthermore, physicochemical quality was better preserved in LC + AAC treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical and sensory properties of corn extrudates enriched with spray-dried tomato powder (TP) in 4, 6 and 8% ratios were researched. Two extrusion temperature regimes were used: 135/170/170 °C (E1) and 100/150/150 °C (E2). Ascorbic acid (AA) at levels of 0.5 and 1% was also added to the raw mixtures in order to prevent the undesirable oxidation of the constituents, primarily carotenoids. AA was especially efficient in the case of the lutein content and 1% AA, but lutein originating from TP was more sensitive to the extrusion conditions than corn lutein, and zeaxanthin was more sensitive than lutein. Lycopene, α-carotene, 13-cis-β carotene and 9-cis-β carotene degraded completely in all the samples, at both extrusion regimes. The proposed models for the color of the extrudates showed the significant influence of TP and AA. Extrudates obtained at the E1 temperature regime containing 4% TP and pure corn extrudate with 1% AA were the best-rated samples by the sensory panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Superovulation is an important step in assisted reproductive technology that usually requires several injections of gonadotropin hormones. Repeated hormonal injections are known to badly affect the ovaries functions. This study examined the feasibility of lycopene administered in parallel with repeated hormonal injections in rescuing the ovarian damage caused by four superovulatory cycles. To test this hypothesis, we compared ovaries and blood samples collected from mice injected four times with lycopene (R4-Lyc) or four times with saline (R4). Our analysis included the number of ovarian follicles, the expression of genes related to ovarian antioxidation and cell death, and the serum levels of the female reproductive hormones. Our results showed that the ovaries in the R4-Lyc group contained fewer unhealthy ovarian follicles and more abundant healthy ones than those in the R4 group. Additionally, lycopene-treated mice ovaries showed increased total antioxidant capacity, decreased H2O2 concentrations, greater levels of antioxidant genes, and reduced levels of the cell death-associated genes. In terms of reproductive hormones, lycopene injections improved serum levels of progesterone, estradiol, and inhibin-B. According to the current study, lycopene has a major role in reducing ovarian damage caused by repeated hormonal injections and may also aid in improving the success of in vitro embryo production. Superovulation is a crucial step in assisted reproductive technology that involves the administration of gonadotrophins. Repeated superovulations result in severe ovarian damage. The present study investigated the effect of in vivo administration of lycopene on ovarian damage induced by four successive cycles of superovulation. Superovulated mice were simultaneously administered intraperitoneally with saline (R4) or 5 mg/kg lycopene (R4-Lyc). The evaluated parameters were the count of different types of follicles, expression of ovarian antioxidant- and apoptosis-related genes, and serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and inhibin-B. Increased numbers of healthy follicles and a decreased count of atretic follicles were observed in mice of the R4-Lyc group compared to those of the R4 group. Moreover, significantly higher mRNA levels of Sod3, Cat, and Nrf2 and lower mRNA levels of Keap1, Tnf, Nfkb, and Casp3, together with decreased H2O2 concentrations and increased total antioxidant capacity, were detected in the ovaries of lycopene-treated mice. Regarding serum reproductive hormones, elevated concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and inhibin-B were evident in lycopene-administered mice. The present study reports a significant role of lycopene in alleviating the ovarian damage induced by multiple hormonal superstimulations, which could help to improve the outcomes of in vitro embryo production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]