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Bixin is used in wide-ranging food applications but is susceptible to degradation by many factors, including light. This research aims to increase bixin photostability through metal complexation. Bixin was complexed with Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Se4+. The synthesis process was carried out in deep eutectic solvent media. Metal-bixin complexes have been successfully synthesized, indicated by the change in retention factor and %III/II ratio values resulting from thin-layer chromatography and UV-vis spectrophotometer analysis, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared analysis showed the interaction between central metal ion with bixin ligand has occurred by hydroxyl and carbonyl groups of bixin, which was characterized by a decrease in the intensity of the absorption peak in wavenumber 3000–4000 cm−1 (for the –OH carboxylic group vibration) and the peak shift of metal-bixin complexes towards the larger compared to bixin in the range wavenumber 1600–1700 cm−1 (for C=O ester vibrations). First-order photodegradation kinetics studies showed that the metal-bixin complexes were more stable than pure bixin. Se-bixin was four times more stable than pure bixin. Complexation of bixin with metals was shown to be a potential method to increase the stability of bixin, especially against light exposure.

Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is an important dye-yielding species harbouring huge variations in qualitative as well as quantitative traits. Identification of factors influencing bixin content and seed yield is an important breeding aspect, considering the economic importance of annatto for selection of elite genotypes based on morphological traits. Thirty-one trees plus were selected for the study, and sixteen quantitative traits were recorded for two years (2021 and 2022) to understand their association with bixin content and seed yield. Annatto has bivalve pods; however, trivalve pods were also observed during the study. A positive and significant association (r = 0.65) between bixin content and seed yield was observed from the correlation analysis. The study revealed that bixin content was highly correlated and influenced directly by the number of primary and secondary branches and hundred seed weight, while tree height, basal diameter, and the number of primary and secondary branches exhibit a significantly positive direct effect on seed yield, suggesting these traits as a reliable morphological marker for selecting highly productive genotypes. The thirty-one plus trees were grouped through hierarchical clustering into six clusters, with maximum bixin content and seed yield in Cluster I and Cluster III. The genotypes TNBi 0020, TNBi 0021, TNBi 0022, TNBi 0023, TNBi 0024 and TNBi 0037 can be utilized for mass multiplication and popularization for commercial cultivation of Bixa orellana.

Bixin is a naturally occurring fat-soluble diapocarotenoid that has been extracted using various methods. It is used in a variety of food applications, most notably dairy products such as butter, cheese, and margarine, as well as other foods such as meat and confectionaries. However, optimizing process conditions is still required to achieve the maximum pigment yield. The current study examined the impact of solvents such as ethyl acetate, methanol, and ethanol on bixin yield, total phenol content, and hue angle by varying process parameters such as time (10, 20, and 30 min), temperature (50, 60, and 70 °C), and seed-to-solvent ratio (1:5, 1:10, and 1:15). To optimize the process parameters and generate multiple regression models for the responses, the Box–Behnken design was used. At 60 °C and a seed-to-solvent ratio of 1:5, ethyl acetate extract had a maximum bixin content of 2.04 ± 0.28% in 30 min. The methanol extract, on the other hand, had a maximum total phenol content of 5.1 ± 0.19 mg GAE/g in 20 min at 70 °C in a 1:15 ratio. Maximum redness intensity was observed in a 10 min ethyl acetate extract with a hue angle of 20.75° at 50 °C and a seed-to-solvent ratio of 1:10. Methanol was observed to be the optimized solvent for bixin extraction, with higher total phenol content and color. As a result, the optimal conditions were 70 °C, a seed-to-solvent ratio of 1:15, and a treatment time of 30 min. The absolute error percentage of the models was less than 10%, which suggests the model was accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annatto (Bixa orellana L.), a tropical plant, has a promising place in industrial sector notably in food sector due to increasing consumer demand for complete natural products. The pigments obtained from the seed coat of annatto have the property of imparting colours ranging from red to yellow, and these colours are used as a natural colourant in foods. The major colouring pigments present are bixin and norbixin. Modern extraction methods are required to improve the yield of pigments with less energy consumption. The present work focuses on microwave assisted aqueous extraction of pigments from annatto seeds by varying the seed to water ratio (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 w/v), temperature (50, 60, and 70 °C), and extraction time (10, 20, and 30 min) at 700 W and it was compared with hot aqueous extraction using Box-Behnken design. The treatment combination during hot aqueous and microwave-assisted extraction having seed to water ratio, temperature, and residence time of 1:1, 50 °C, and 30 min and 1:1, 70 °C, and 30 min showed better yield of 0.237% and 0.625% bixin, and 2.31% and 3.008% of norbixin, respectively. The optimized extraction conditions performed at seed to water ratio of 1:1 at 60 °C for 30 min using microwave-assisted extraction was recommended to provide the maximum yield of bixin and norbixin pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fingerprints are essential for human identification and are valuable tools in criminal investigations. The pursuit of new materials for digital printing is expanding, with increasing interest in natural compounds such as bixin, sourced from annatto seeds. Despite its traditional use as a natural dye with medicinal properties, the potential of bixin in papilloscopy remains largely untapped. In this study, we meticulously extracted bixin from annatto seeds and meticulously developed composites incorporating zinc carbonate (bixin/ZnCO3) and kaolinite (bixin/kaolinite). UV-visible spectroscopy was used for characterization, and the extracted bixin showed absorption peaks at 429, 453, and 481 nm, which were very similar to standard peaks at 429, 457, and 487 nm. The two samples also had the same retention times (7.07 min) according to further liquid chromatography analysis. Sweat pores were easier to detect thanks to the effectiveness of the bixin/ZnCO3 and bixin/kaolinite composites in creating high contrast sebaceous and natural latent fingerprints. These results highlight the composites’ potential as novel and fascinating instruments for papilloscopy applications, which might also improve forensic investigations.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are ionic liquid alternatives that replace volatile and flammable organic solvents. DESs are formed by hydrogen bond interaction between the hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA). We prepared DES using zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as HBA and diethylene glycol (DEG) as HBD. Formed DES was applied to extract the bixin contained in annatto seeds. The homogenous liquid mixtures were analysed for their pH, viscosity, density, conductivity, thermal properties, and solubility in various solvents. Bixin extracted using DES was identified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1HNMR). The mixtures with a mole fraction of ZnCl2 0.1 (DES1), 0.2 (DES2), and 0.3 (DES3) are liquid at room temperature. The analysis results prove that bixin has been successfully extracted using DES, where DES1 was better for bixin extraction than DES2 and DES3, with extracted bixin levels of 32.42, 28.84, and 0.46 mg g-1 by dry seeds mass, respectively. In this case, DES1, DES2, and DES3 could extract 62.17, 55.31, and 0.88 % of bixin from the entire total bixin contained in annatto seeds. The DES can be used for bixin extraction using a relatively simple method based on the results obtained.

Diverse morphological, cellular and physiological changes occur during seed maturation in Bixa orellana when the seed tissues form specialized cell glands that produce reddish latex with high bixin amounts. Transcriptomic profiling during seed development in three B. orellana accessions (P12, N4 and N5) with contrasting morphologic characteristics showed enrichment in pathways of triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and cuticular wax biosynthesis. WGCNA allows groups of all identified genes in six modules the module turquoise, the largest and highly correlated with the bixin content. The high number of genes in this module suggests a diversification of regulatory mechanisms for bixin accumulation with the genes belonging to isoprene, triterpenes and carotene pathways, being more highly correlated with the bixin content. Analysis of key genes of the mevalonate (MVA) and the 2C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathways revealed specific activities of orthologs of BoHMGR, BoFFP, BoDXS, and BoHDR. This suggests that isoprenoid production is necessary for compounds included in the reddish latex of developing seeds. The carotenoid-related genes BoPSY2, BoPDS1 and BoZDS displayed a high correlation with bixin production, consistent with the requirement for carotene precursors for apocarotenoid biosynthesis. The BoCCD gene member (BoCCD4-4) and some BoALDH (ALDH2B7.2 and ALDH3I1) and BoMET (BoSABATH1 and BoSABATH8) gene members were highly correlated to bixin in the final seed development stage. This suggested a contributing role for several genes in apocarotenoid production. The results revealed high genetic complexity in the biosynthesis of reddish latex and bixin in specialized seed cell glands in different accessions of B. orellana suggesting gene expression coordination between both metabolite biosynthesis processes.

Currently, Bixa orellana L. extracts are used as a color source in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because they are important as a potential source of antioxidant activity. The extraction is carried out by conventional methods, using alkaline solutions or organic solvents. These extraction methods do not take advantage of the lipid fraction of annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds, and the process is not friendly to the environment. In this work, the objective was to obtain an extract rich in nutraceuticals (bixin and tocols) of high antioxidant power from Peruvian annatto seeds as a potential source for a functional food or additive in the industry using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Experiments related to extraction yield, bixin, tocotrienols, tocopherols, and antioxidant activity were carried out. The SFE was performed at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C, and 100, 150, and 250 bar with 0.256 kg/h carbon dioxide as the supercritical solvent (solvent-to-feed ratio of 10.2). Supercritical extraction at 60 °C and 250 bar presented the best results in terms of global extraction yield of 1.40 ± 0.01 g/100 g d.b., extract concentration of 0.564 ± 0.005 g bixin/g extract, 307.8 mg α-tocotrienol/g extract, 39.2 mg β-tocotrienol/g extract, 2 mg γ-tocopherol/g extract, and IC50 of 989.96 μg extract/mL. Economical evaluation showed that 60 °C, 250 bar, and 45 min presented the lowest cost of manufacturing (2 × 2000 L, COM of USD 212.39/kg extract). This extract is a potential source for functional food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The achiote or annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is a tropical plant displaying high morphological variation associated with variable bixin content, which is a valuable commercial natural pigment. This study assesses the morphological and genetic variation of 58 domesticated individuals of achiote. The analysis involved 16 morphological traits, 23 SSR markers, and SNPs of the lycopene β-cyclase 1 (Boβ-LCY1) gene. The individuals analyzed showed variation in morphological traits. A two-step cluster analysis revealed three clusters of morphological traits; among them, one group stood out with important agronomic traits considered desirable for the crop. Some individuals exhibited agronomic traits of interest, such as a higher number of seeds per fruit (43 ± 4.7), indehiscent fruits, and a bixin production of 42.6 mg·g–1 (dry weight). The achiote individuals showed genetic diversity covering 2.1 effective alleles, a Shannon-Weaver of 0.75, and an observed and expected heterozygosity of 0.58 and 0.48, respectively. The individuals displaying higher levels of bixin were associated with polymorphisms of Boβ-LCY1 gene; thus, this may be considered a promising marker to be included in the selection profile of elite plants in genetic improvement programs for this cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various studies have shown that natural colorants, in addition to their coloring attributes, have valuable biological effects such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammation, and anticarcinogenic properties. Moreover, their use as a food colorant can restrict the potential disadvantages of synthetic additives and turn foods into functional products. In this study, in vitro antimicrobial activities of two natural colorants of bixin and curcumin against some important foodborne pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Listeria innocua (L. innocua), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were investigated by disk diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values were determined by agar dilution and broth microdilution methods. The synergistic activity of the colorants against selected microorganisms was assayed by the checkerboard microdilution method. The results showed that the inhibitory effects of bixin against S. aureus were more pronounced than E. coli and L. innocua. The lowest concentration of curcumin (0.6 mg/mL) in the disk diffusion method was not inhibited by any tested bacteria. However, it was effective at the higher concentrations against three microorganisms, but its diameter of inhibition zones was lower than gentamicin in all concentrations. Synergetic effects were observed by curcumin and bixin combination against S. aureus (FICI ≤ 0.5), but they act as an antagonist against E. coli and L. innocua. The results of the synergy test were confirmed by the isobologram curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutraceuticals, that include food ingredients and bioactives from natural products, confer physiological health benefits and protection against chronic diseases. Annatto is a tropical shrub grown in Central and South America and parts of India. Its seeds are rich in the edible carotenoid-derived apocarotenoid pigment, bixin, which is used as a natural colorant in food, textiles, and cosmetics, and is now gaining attention for its potential health-promoting attributes. Here, we compared a green solvent (ethyl lactate) based extraction of bixin and associated metabolites in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) with two other conventional solvents (acetone and acid-base). Bixin was characterized in the extracts using UV--visible- and FTIR-spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography. The bixin-containing solvent extracts were then profiled for other co-existing metabolites using GC-MS analysis, which were found to be sesquiterpenes, terpenes, terpenoids, phytosterols, and tocotrienols. Their bioactivity was evaluated based on antioxidant and wound-healing efficacies and compared with pure bixin, using NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells in-vitro. Pure bixin, as well as the annatto solvent extracts, showed strong antioxidant and wound healing properties, wherein pure bixin and green solvent extract (ethyl lactate coat) exhibited higher levels of antioxidant activity, achieving 46.00% and 44.60% reduction in MDA levels, respectively, as well as enhanced wound-healing activity, with 54.09% and 53.60% wound closure within 24 h. The green solvent extracts of annatto seeds revealed: (a) differential bioactive profiles in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) in comparison with other solvents, and (b) strong antioxidant and wound healing properties. Thus, ethyl lactate extraction shows strong potential for sustainable environmental friendly production of functional foods/nutraceuticals from annatto seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fingerprints are essential for human identification and are valuable tools in criminal investigations. The pursuit of new materials for digital printing is expanding, with increasing interest in natural compounds such as bixin, sourced from annatto seeds. Despite its traditional use as a natural dye with medicinal properties, the potential of bixin in papilloscopy remains largely untapped. In this study, we meticulously extracted bixin from annatto seeds and meticulously developed composites incorporating zinc carbonate (bixin/ZnCO3) and kaolinite (bixin/kaolinite). UV-visible spectroscopy was used for characterization, and the extracted bixin showed absorption peaks at 429, 453, and 481 nm, which were very similar to standard peaks at 429, 457, and 487 nm. The two samples also had the same retention times (7.07 min) according to further liquid chromatography analysis. Sweat pores were easier to detect thanks to the effectiveness of the bixin/ZnCO3 and bixin/kaolinite composites in creating high contrast sebaceous and natural latent fingerprints. These results highlight the composites' potential as novel and fascinating instruments for papilloscopy applications, which might also improve forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Skin cancer refers to the pathological condition characterized by the proliferation of atypical skin cells in an uncontrolled manner. Plant-based products such as bixin although show promising anticancer properties, but maintaining their stability in a formulation is a difficult task. The objective of the research is to formulate a silver nanoparticle gel preparation of bixin and evaluate its anticancer properties. Methods: The extract from Bixa orellana seed was prepared by hot extraction technique to isolate the active ingredient, bixin. A green synthesis approach was utilized for preparing the silver nanoparticle gel of bixin (BOAgNPs). Characterization of silver nanoparticles was done using FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, compatibility study, homogeneity testing, pH evaluation, and drug content determination. The in-vitro anticancer activity was performed using cell lines (B16F10) and in-vivo by chemical carcinogen (7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene) in mice. Results: The BOAgNPs-loaded topical gel was found to be homogeneous (clear orange color) and pH-compatible (pH ≈ 6.66) with the skin. The characterization studies indicated the presence of all functional groups in the formulation. An optimized batch of bixin-nano gel showed about 60% inhibitory effects on B16F10 cell lines (in-vitro activity) when equated with a reference drug, 5-fluorouracil. The in-vivo anticancer study suggested suppression of tumorigenesis and promotion of the healing process with bixin-nano gel application on the skin. Conclusion: The results suggested the promising anticancer property of bixin when formulated in silver nanoparticle gel. The preparation of silver particles nano gel with bixin might provide an effective alternative option for treating skin cancers, provided more research complements the findings of the present study.

The interest in natural colorants derived from sustainable processes has prompted research into obtaining bixin from defatted annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds. Bixin is a compound that imparts yellow-orange-red coloration, known for its high biodegradability, low toxicity, and wide industrial applicability. Meanwhile, high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) technology has emerged as a promising method for extracting natural colorants, offering higher yields through shorter processes and minimizing thermal degradation. Although some studies have demonstrated the efficiency of HIUS technology in bixin extraction, research on the effects of acoustic cavitation on the properties of the colorant remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of HIUS-specific energy levels (0.02, 0.04, 0.12, and 0.20 kJ/g) on the chemical, physical, and morphological characteristics of annatto extracts containing bixin and geranylgeraniol. Single-step extractions of bixin using ethanol as a solvent were evaluated at various acoustic powers (4.6, 8.5, 14.5, and 20 W) and extraction times (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 min) to determine their impact on the yield of natural colorant extraction. Increasing the acoustic power from 4.6 to 20 W and extending the extraction time from 0.5 to 5 min resulted in higher yields of natural colorant, likely due to the effects of acoustic cavitation and increased heat under more intense conditions. However, elevated levels of mechanical and thermal energy did not affect the chemical properties of the colorant, as indicated by UV–Vis and FTIR spectra. Conversely, higher specific energies yielded colorants with a more intense red hue, consistent with increased bixin content, and altered the microstructure and physical state, as observed in X-ray diffractograms. Nevertheless, these alterations did not impact the solubility of the colorant. Therefore, employing a cleaner extraction procedure aided by one-step ultrasound facilitated the recovery of natural colorants and contributed to the biorefining of annatto seeds, enabling the production of a rich geranylgeraniol colorant through a sustainable approach.

Age affects the production of secondary metabolites, but how developmental cues regulate secondary metabolism remains poorly understood. The achiote tree (Bixa orellana L.) is a source of bixin, an apocarotenoid used in diverse industries worldwide. Understanding how age-dependent mechanisms control bixin biosynthesis is of great interest for plant biology and for economic reasons. Here we overexpressed miRNA156 (miR156) in B. orellana to comprehensively study the effects of the miR156– SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) module on age-dependent bixin biosynthesis in leaves. Overexpression of miR156 in annatto plants (miR156ox) reduced BoSPL transcript levels, impacted leaf ontogeny, lessened bixin production, and increased abscisic acid levels. Modulation of expression of BoCCD4-4 and BoCCD1 , key genes in carotenoid biosynthesis, was associated with diverting the carbon flux from bixin to abscisic acid in miR156ox leaves. Proteomic analyses revealed an overall low accumulation of most secondary metabolite-related enzymes in miR156ox leaves, suggesting that miR156-targeted BoSPLs may be required to activate several secondary metabolic pathways. Our findings suggest that the conserved BomiR156– BoSPL module is deployed to regulate leaf dynamics of bixin biosynthesis, and may create novel opportunities to fine-tune bixin output in B. orellana breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to carry out a bromatological and physicochemical analysis of local annatto seeds and a commercial paste. Design/methodology/approach: The vegetal material used were local annatto seeds to which physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine ashes (Kirk et al., 1996), moisture (weight difference), dry matter (Nielsen, 2019), proteins (Kjeldah, AOAC, 1980), FDA and FDN (Van Soest and Wine, 1967), fat (Soxhlet, 1990). In addition, bromatological analysis was carried out on the samples and the commercial paste (Vázquez, 2001). Results: The results obtained from the physicochemical analysis varied in ranges, where the M3 sample (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. Regarding the bixin content, the highest percentage with 4.09% was obtained in the M2 sample (heart-shaped red annatto without filaments) and the commercial paste was the lowest with 0.56%. Limitations on study/implications: The importance of carrying out the bromatological and physicalchemical analysis of the local annatto seeds was to determine which of the local samples and the commercial paste contain the highest amount of bixin. The antioxidant properties of bixin, together with a long shelf life in addition to its well-established safety characteristics, result in a very promising natural coloring agent in the food industry, given that it is an FDA-approved food additive: E160 b. Findings/conclusions: The physicochemical analyzes varied in ranges, where the M3 sample (dark heartshaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. The highest bixin content was found in the smooth heartwood red variety and the lowest value in the commercial paste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in extracting and purifying bioactive compounds from natural sources is growing due to the large health benefits of these substances. Annatto seeds are mainly used to produce dye pigments and represent a promising source of phenolic and antioxidant compounds. Here we propose the recovery of pigments and bioactive compounds from annatto seeds by sequential aqueous extraction and ultrafiltration processes. The aqueous extract presented bixin and total phenolic concentrations of 5.80 ± 0.32% and 2.02 ± 0.01 mgGAE g−1, respectively. According to the ABTS and FRAP methods, the antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract were 96.07 ± 0.35 and 111.30 ± 0.17 µMTE g−1, respectively. The ultrafiltration process through a polymeric 10 kDa membrane was able to retain almost all bixin and 62% of the phenolic molecules. A pronounced flux decay was observed during ultrafiltration due to cake formation on the membrane surface, and the steady state flux was 24.02 ± 0.16 kg h−1 m−2. Thus, the ultrafiltration process is a suitable alternative to concentrate bioactive compounds from the aqueous extract of annatto seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to carry out a bromatological and physicochemical analysis of local annatto seeds and a commercial paste. Materials and Methods: local annatto seeds to which a physicochemical analysis was carried out where ash, humidity (weight difference), dry matter, proteins were determined. ADF and NDF, fat, and in addition, bromatological analysis was carried out on the samples and the commercial pasta. Results: sample M3 (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. The bixin content was recorded with 4.09% in sample M2 (heart-shaped red annatto without filaments) and the commercial paste was the lowest with 0.56%. Limitations and Implications of the study: the importance of performing the bromatological and physicalchemical analysis of annatto seeds of local genotypes determined which of the local samples and the commercial paste are the ones that contain the greatest amount of bixin. Findings and Conclusions: Sample M3 (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. The highest bixin content was found in the smooth heart-red variety and the lowest value in the commercial pasta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Brazil has emerged as the world's largest producer of annatto seeds (Bixa orellana L.). Fortunately, the increase in national production has been accompanied by an improvement in the quality of this raw material. Annatto is a typical crop of small producers who usually use their empirical knowledge to evaluate the quality of the crop. Thefore, the visual observation of the color of annatto seeds has been considered a quality standard by many producers. To evaluate the scientific evidence, the present study evaluated annatto seeds from 51 accessions of the germplasm bank of the Agronomic Institute (Instituto Agronômico de Campinas - IAC) to determine a possible correlation between the pigment’s contents and the color of annatto seeds as well as the influence of humidity on this correlation. The correlations between the concentrations of pigments, humidity, lipids, and color (L*, a*, b*) were also evaluated. The color was evaluated using a colorimeter with measurements of the CIE L*, a*, b* scale. Only the correlation between the variables moisture and lipids was considered strong through the simple correlation, while the variables bixin content and coordinate a* presented a significant correlation while eliminating the effect of moisture (partial correlation). Thus, a correlation between the red color and the bixin concentration of annatto seeds was observed even though it was a weak correlation. In turn, the color difference (ΔEab) between the samples with higher and lower bixin contents was only 1.44. This difference indicates that large variations in the bixin concentrations may lead to small color changes in the annatto seeds, impairing the use of this criterion for quality control of these seeds.

Lycopene cyclases (LCYs) are a key branching point in regulating the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in plants. Bixa orellana L. is characterized by the presence in its seed of bixin, an apocarotenoid of significant importance in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Gene analysis provides the opportunity to investigate the LCY gene structure in plant species and its relationship with the synthesis of carotenoids. Coding sequences of the LCY genes were retrieved from a B. orellana genome DNA. Boβ-LCY1 and Boβ-LCY2 genes exhibit 100% of identity to their respective cDNA accessions, and exhibit a single coding region of 1512 bp (504 aa) and 1495 bp (498 aa), respectively. In contrast, Boε-LCY gene shows a coding region of 1581 bp (527 aa) with 10 introns of diverse lengths. Putative Transcription Factors (TFs) binding sites were upstream (3000 bp) identified for each LCY gene. TFs cover two groups, one with the categories of photosynthesis, reproduction, and oxidative processes that are frequent. The second one with the categories of defense, cell cycle, signaling, and carbohydrate metabolism, which are poorly represented. Besides, repetitive DNA elements showed motifs and proteins related to LTR from the Ty3/Gypsy family, were associated with the TFs regions. In general, TFs vary in the different BoLCY genes, being more abundant in the Boε-LCY gene. LCY expression analyzed from a transcriptome database, and validated by RT-qPCR, shows an upregulation of the three LCYs, mainly oriented to the synthesis of essential carotenoids in photosynthetic tissues (leaves), as well as an upregulation of the Boβ-LCY2 gene in the non-photosynthetic tissues (firsts seed development stages) related to the bixin accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, Bixa orellana L. extracts are used as a color source in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because they are important as a potential source of antioxidant activity. The extraction is carried out by conventional methods, using alkaline solutions or organic solvents. These extraction methods do not take advantage of the lipid fraction of annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds, and the process is not friendly to the environment. In this work, the objective was to obtain an extract rich in nutraceuticals (bixin and tocols) of high antioxidant power from Peruvian annatto seeds as a potential source for a functional food or additive in the industry using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Experiments related to extraction yield, bixin, tocotrienols, tocopherols, and antioxidant activity were carried out. The SFE was performed at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C, and 100, 150, and 250 bar with 0.256 kg/h carbon dioxide as the supercritical solvent (solvent-to-feed ratio of 10.2). Supercritical extraction at 60 °C and 250 bar presented the best results in terms of global extraction yield of 1.40 ± 0.01 g/100 g d.b., extract concentration of 0.564 ± 0.005 g bixin/g extract, 307.8 mg α-tocotrienol/g extract, 39.2 mg β-tocotrienol/g extract, 2 mg γ-tocopherol/g extract, and IC50 of 989.96 μg extract/mL. Economical evaluation showed that 60 °C, 250 bar, and 45 min presented the lowest cost of manufacturing (2 × 2000 L, COM of USD 212.39/kg extract). This extract is a potential source for functional food production.

Chronic inflammation is the underlying mechanism for many diseases. Thus, inflammatory signaling pathways are valuable targets for new treatment modalities. Natural products have gained interest as a potential source of bioactive compounds which provide health benefits in combating inflammatory-related diseases. Recent reports have linked the medicinal values of Bixa orellana L. with its anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, this review aims to examine the therapeutic potential of bixin, a major bioactive constituent found in the seeds of B. orellana, on inflammatory-related diseases based on existing in vitro and in vivo evidence. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of bixin via signaling pathways is explored and possible toxic effects are addressed. The findings suggest that bixin may ameliorate inflammation via inhibition of toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and thioredoxin-interacting protein/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TXNIP/NLRP3) inflammasome mechanisms. More well-planned clinical studies should be performed to verify its effectiveness and safety profile.

Bixin is a commercially valuable apocarotenoid pigment found in the seed aril of Bixa orellana. The dynamics and regulation of its biosynthesis and accumulation during seed development remain largely unknown. Here, we combined chemical, anatomical, and transcriptomic data to provide stage-specific resolution of the cellular and molecular events occurring during B. orellana seed development. Seeds at five developmental stages (S1–S5) were used for analysis of bixin content and seed anatomy, and three of them (S1, S3, and S4) were selected for Illumina HiSeq sequencing. Bixin accumulated in large quantities in seeds compared with other tissues analyzed, particularly during the S2 stage, peaking at the S4 stage, and then decreasing slightly in the S5 stage. Anatomical analysis revealed that bixin accumulated in the large central vacuole of specialized cells, which were scattered throughout the developing mesotesta at the S2 stage, but enlarged progressively at later stages, until they occupied most of the parenchyma in the aril. A total of 13 million reads were generated and assembled into 73,381 protein-encoding contigs, from which 312 were identified as containing 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate/2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (DOXP/MEP), carotenoid, and bixin pathways genes. Differential transcriptome expression analysis of these genes revealed that 50 of them were sequentially and differentially expressed through the seed developmental stages analyzed, including seven carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases, eight aldehyde dehydrogenases, and 22 methyltransferases. Taken together, these results show that bixin synthesis and accumulation in seeds of B. orellana are a developmentally regulated process involving the coordinated expression of DOXP/MEP, carotenoid, and bixin biosynthesis genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter has long been studied to confer drug resistance in human tumors and play important role in metabolic processes and cellular signaling. The overexpression of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC3, and ABCG2 leads to decreased sensitivity of lung cancer to cisplatin. At the transcription level, the expression of ABC transporters is highly regulated and requires the complex interplay of factors involved in differentiation and development, cell survival and apoptosis upon intrinsic and environmental stress. The p53 regulation of drug-resistance genes is also complex yet not well understood. Previously, we demonstrated the synergistic interaction between bixin or fucoxanthin with cisplatin in A549 lung cancer cells. Objectives: Current study aims to identify whether carotenoids enhancing therapeutic effect of Cisplatin due to the ability to reverse drug resistance associated proteins, such as ABC transporter and regulating the tumor suppressor corresponding gene, p53. Methods: Real-Time Quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to estimate the expression level of ABCC1 and ABCC2, and p53 of A549 cell lines in response to carotenoids alone and in combination with cisplatin. Results and Conclusion: The administration of bixin or fucoxanthin decreases the expression of ABCC1 and ABCC2. Both carotenoids, either alone or in combination with cisplatin, upregulated p53 gene expression indicating the mechanism of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis occurs via the p53 caspase-independent pathway.

Bixin is a natural dye belonging to the carotenoid group that has been reported to have many health benefits. In this work, for the first time, metal-bixin complexes were synthesized through a simple green route using deep eutectic solvent (DES) as reaction media. DES was produced by stirring choline chloride and glycerol with a molar ratio of 1:3. The metal-bixin complex was prepared by grinding and stirring bixin and divalent metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, separately) in DES at room temperature. DES formed in this work was a homogeneous colorless liquid with a freezing point below -20 °C. It has a pH, density, viscosity, and conductivity of 7.13, 148.99 cP, 1.207 g/cm3, and 1.8 mS/cm, respectively. UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis shows that the absorption spectra produced by the Mg(II)-bixin, Ca(II)-bixin, Zn(II)-bixin, and Cu(II)-bixin complexes show an insignificant shift in the direction of a larger wavelength (red shift) compared to pure bixin. Spectral fine structure expressed as %III/II, i.e., the ratio of the height of the longest-wavelength absorption to the middle absorption peak. The value of %III/II for bixin, Mg(II)-bixin, Ca(II)-bixin, Zn(II)-bixin, and Cu(II)-bixin are 16.77, 20.37, 17.39, and 13.52%, respectively. The results of the FTIR spectra analysis confirmed that the bond between bixin and metal ions occurred in the carboxylate acid group, indicated by a decrease in the absorption intensity at wavenumber 3389 and 1716 cm−1.

Copyright of Nativa is the property of Revista Nativa 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.)

Background: The ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter has long been studied to confer drug resistance in human tumors and play important role in metabolic processes and cellular signaling. The overexpression of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC3, and ABCG2 leads to decreased sensitivity of lung cancer to cisplatin. At the transcription level, the expression of ABC transporters is highly regulated and requires the complex interplay of factors involved in differentiation and development, cell survival and apoptosis upon intrinsic and environmental stress. The p53 regulation of drugresistance genes is also complex yet not well understood. Previously, we demonstrated the synergistic interaction between bixin or fucoxanthin with cisplatin in A549 lung cancer cells. Objectives: Current study aims to identify whether carotenoids enhancing therapeutic effect of Cisplatin due to the ability to reverse drug resistance associated proteins, such as ABC transporter and regulating the tumor suppressor corresponding gene, p53. Methods: Real-Time Quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to estimate the expression level of ABCC1 and ABCC2, and p53 of A549 cell lines in response to carotenoids alone and in combination with cisplatin. Results and Conclusion: The administration of bixin or fucoxanthin decreases the expression of ABCC1 and ABCC2. Both carotenoids, either alone or in combination with cisplatin, upregulated p53 gene expression indicating the mechanism of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis occurs via the p53 caspase-independent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidence on the potential pro-oxidant effect of carotenoids provokes apoptosis of cancer cells. Bixa orellana L. is native to Central and South America, interestingly, is also cultivated worldwide. Apo-carotenoids present in B. orellana L. are mainly dominated by bixin and norbixin and demonstrate fundamental antioxidant activity. Anti-proliferative activity on human cancer cells is rarely investigated. We isolated bixin from B. orellana L. found in the island of Java using Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography and confirmed the isolated compound using Liquid Chromatography-MS/MS. Bixin and crude extract were examined on human lung cancer (A549), cervical cancer (HeLa), and breast cancer (MCF-7). Anti-proliferative activity revealed to be promising on both, the isolated pigment and crude extract. Further investigation on the mechanism of action and effect on other cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo, are required before clinical translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous and photo stability of bixin are challenges in practical applications. Herein, transparent nanoemulsion can be self-emulsified to improve 9'-cis-bixin aqueous and photo stability. The 0.25 g carvacrol with 0.5% w/w 9'-cis-bixin, 2.08 g 12-% soybean lecithin, 2.25 g Tween 20, and 0.42 g water were mixed and stored overnight to fabricate transparent oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion. The O/W nanoemulsion droplets had an average dimeter of 12.03 nm and equivalent spherical diameter of 6.78 nm. Photo stability of 9'-cis-bixin was improved after encapsulating in nanoemulsion droplets, demonstrated by significant improvement of 9'-cis-bixin degradation rate constant under ultraviolet. Nanoemulsion droplets significantly improved cell uptake of 9'-cis-bixin especially at the first 15 min after cocultivation of Caco-2 cells and 9'-cis-bixin encapsulated nanoemulsion. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of bixin protection by nanoemulsion fabricated by a self-emulsification method with potential cellular uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Annatto seed powder treated with methanol, extracted using supercritical fluid extraction at 45 °C. • Yielded a maximum of 4.62 % norbixin, 2.49 % bixin, with a hue angle of 24.85°, and 3.8 mg GAE/g total phenols. • Additionally, extracted samples exhibited a notable 51 % inhibition of antioxidants, showcasing their potential health benefits. Traditionally, various techniques like water, vegetable oil, and solvent extraction are used to extract annatto pigments, a natural coloring agent derived from the Bixa orellana L. shrub. These traditional extraction methods can be time consuming and yield minimal pigment concentrations. This study explores an innovative approach to extract the maximum pigments from the annatto seed using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Fresh, extracted aqueous, and peeled samples of annatto powder were used at different temperatures (40, 45, and 50 °C) using different solvents of ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate with 99 % purity. The optimal extraction condition in supercritical fluid extraction is obtained with an aqueous sample treated with methanol solvent at 45 °C that yields 4.62 % norbixin, 2.49 % bixin, and a hue angle of 24.85⁰, achieving a high desirability value (0.949). Response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction procedure to obtain a higher yield of annatto pigments. In addition, for optimized conditions, the total phenols and antioxidants assay yielded 3.8 mg GAE/g and 51 % inhibition. HPLC analysis confirmed norbixin in the extracts obtained with a retention time of 38.40 min. This method offers a significant boost in pigment extraction efficiency, but also minimizes processing time. These combined advantages position it as a potentially superior approach for producing annatto pigments with enhanced concentration and purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse morphological, cellular and physiological changes occur during seed maturation in Bixa orellana when the seed tissues form specialized cell glands that produce reddish latex with high bixin amounts. Transcriptomic profiling during seed development in three B. orellana accessions (P12, N4 and N5) with contrasting morphologic characteristics showed enrichment in pathways of triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and cuticular wax biosynthesis. WGCNA allows groups of all identified genes in six modules the module turquoise, the largest and highly correlated with the bixin content. The high number of genes in this module suggests a diversification of regulatory mechanisms for bixin accumulation with the genes belonging to isoprene, triterpenes and carotene pathways, being more highly correlated with the bixin content. Analysis of key genes of the mevalonate (MVA) and the 2C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathways revealed specific activities of orthologs of BoHMGR, BoFFP, BoDXS, and BoHDR. This suggests that isoprenoid production is necessary for compounds included in the reddish latex of developing seeds. The carotenoid-related genes BoPSY2, BoPDS1 and BoZDS displayed a high correlation with bixin production, consistent with the requirement for carotene precursors for apocarotenoid biosynthesis. The BoCCD gene member (BoCCD4-4) and some BoALDH (ALDH2B7.2 and ALDH3I1) and BoMET (BoSABATH1 and BoSABATH8) gene members were highly correlated to bixin in the final seed development stage. This suggested a contributing role for several genes in apocarotenoid production. The results revealed high genetic complexity in the biosynthesis of reddish latex and bixin in specialized seed cell glands in different accessions of B. orellana suggesting gene expression coordination between both metabolite biosynthesis processes.

Abstract Objective Cisplatin is a conventional anticancer drug that generates reactive oxygen species and causes apoptosis. However, many cancer cells develop alterations in the ATP binding cassette transporter responsible for the uptake and efflux process, which leads to resistance. Many natural products have shown potential to compete with ATP binding cassette transporter and may sensitize resistant cells to cisplatin. Studies have shown pro-oxidant effect of carotenoids that promote apoptosis of cancer cells. Bixin and fucoxanthin are well-known carotenoids with known antioxidant properties, however their bioactivity in lung cancer cells, clinically known to develop resistance due to ATP binding cassette transporter, has been minimally studied. This study is the first to investigate the potential of bixin and fucoxanthin to sensitize human lung cancer cell line, A549 and cervical cancer cell line, HeLa, to cisplatin. Drug combination method developed by Chou and Talalay theorem was employed. Result Employing the best combination ratio, this study shows selective sensitization of cancer cells to cisplatin after bixin and fucoxanthin treatment. Further study on the mechanism of action in specific types of cancer cells is warranted. It may improve cisplatin sensitivity in tumors and rational use of cancer drugs. Graphical Abstract

This study has aimed to assess the effect of increasing levels of annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seed meal (AM) on yolk pigmentation and the sensory analysis of eggs of common quails fed sorghum-based diets when compared to corn. Eighty female common quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) in the laying phase were used, being them aged from 251 to 316 days. There were three experimental periods of 21 days each (251-272; 273-294; 295-316 days). The quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (T1 - corn-based feed; T2 - feed with 100% of sorghum instead of corn without the addition of AM; T3, T4, and T5 - feed with 100% of sorghum replacing corn with the addition of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% AM, respectively) and four repetitions. One hundred eggs from each treatment were used for analysis. Sensory evaluation was applied with an untrained panel with 20 evaluators. The eggs were boiled, peeled, and served. The panelists assessed the appearance, flavor, color, aroma, texture, and overall evaluation of the eggs. Annatto seed meal added to sorghum-based diets promoted linear increases in appearance, flavor, color, aroma, texture, and overall evaluation, evaluated during the sensory analysis (p=0.001). The addition of 1.5% AM in the sorghum-based diets of the common quails benefited the characteristics of appearance (4.50), flavor (4.50), color (4.55), aroma (4.25), and texture (4.55) of the assessed quail eggs, being considered more attractive and with greater acceptance (overall evaluation = 5.97) in relation to the other treatments tested. The inclusion of AM in the sorghum-based diets improved the yolk pigmentation of quail eggs in relation to the control treatments. The AM triggers positive effects on yolk pigmentation and sensory characteristics of common quail eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity and aging are linked in a cross talk, a phenomenon known as “Adipaging”. Here, we emphasize the similarity in the underlying mechanisms of obesity and aging and propose the probability of obesity being a risk factor for premature aging. In current times, several side effects of chemical usage in pharmaceuticals used for combatting adipaging have been reported. Thus, search for plant-based bioactive compounds as nutraceuticals against adipaging is the need of the hour. Methods: Bixin, an FDA approved food additive and pigment derived from the plant Bixa orellana L. has been studied for its potential beyond a food colourant as a nutraceutical in targeting adipaging in vivo. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was used as a tool to study the impact of bixin supplementation on body composition of photoaged C57BL/6 mice. Results: On comparing the DXA scans pre and post treatment with bixin in photoaged mice, statistically significant and dose dependent impact of bixin among various treatment groups of mice was observed with an increase in mean difference in lean mass ranging from 2.83g (B+ low dose (100 mg/kg of bixin)), to 2.86g (B++ medium dose (250 mg/kg of bixin)) and 3.73 g (B+++ high dose (500 mg/kg of bixin)). Also, a decline in mean difference in fat mass from −0.53g (B+), −0.33g (B++) and −1.033g (B+++) was observed with increasing bixin dosage. Conclusion: DXA highlights the protective role of bixin on metabolic health and a probable target as an anti-adipaging nutraceutical.

Z‐bixin is the main metabolite contained in Achiote, which is widely used as a food condiment and pigment. Z‐bixin plays an important role in photosynthesis. It is used to develop artificial solar cells and scavenge radical oxygen and nitrogen species. In this work, the photochemistry of Z‐bixin with solar irradiation and lamps at 365 and 410 nm was determined in solution. The ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis) and Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) analysis showed that elaidinization of Z‐bixin to E‐bixin can be reached under radiation. This is in accordance with the computational evaluation that indicates that the mechanism consists of three bond rotations with an energy requirement of 5.43 and 5.23 kcal/mol for the first and second steps and no energy barriers to the last step. After elaidinization, total degradation was observed through a cascade reaction that generated CO, CO2, H2CO, and HCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of annatto pigments has been evaluated as a therapeutic strategy in animal models of several health disorders. Beneficial effects were generally attributed to the inhibition of oxidative stress. Bixin is the main pigment present in annatto seeds and has emerged as an important scavenger of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS). However, this carotenoid is highly hydrophobic, affecting its therapeutic applicability. Therefore, bixin represents an attractive target for nanotechnology to improve its pharmacokinetic parameters. In this study, we prepared bixin nanoparticles (npBX) and evaluated if they could prevent pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke (CS). C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CS and treated daily (by gavage) with different concentrations of npBX (6, 12 and 18%) or blank nanoparticles (npBL, 18%). The negative control group was sham smoked and received 18% npBL. On day 6, the animals were euthanized, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), as well as lungs, were collected for analysis. CS exposure led to an increase in ROS and nitrite production, which was absent in animals treated with npBX. In addition, npBX treatment significantly reduced leukocyte numbers and TNF-α levels in the BALF of CS-exposed mice, and it strongly inhibited CS-induced increases in MDA and PNK in lung homogenates. Interestingly, npBX protective effects against oxidative stress seemed not to act via Nrf2 activation in the CS + npBX 18% group. In conclusion, npBX prevented oxidative stress and acute lung inflammation in a murine model of CS-induced acute lung inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this research, treated metakaolinite (TMK) was introduced into the TiO2 photoelectrode to fabricated dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The photovoltaic cells have four main natural components, i.e., a photosensitizer (carotenoid bixin), photoelectrode (TiO2/kaolinite), electrolyte (glycerine carbonate derivative), and counter-electrode (carbon). Their stability, reusability, and equivalent circuit were studied. The presence of 5% of TMK in anatase TiO2 paste decreased the TiO2 band gap from 3.21 to 3.16 eV. The result showed that the presence of 5% of TMK in TiO2 paste was more favorable to obtain higher energy conversion efficiency. Under a light intensity of 200 W/m2, it produced an energy conversion yield of 0.086%. The combination of the electrolyte and the TMK demonstrated a synergistic effect to improve the electrical properties of the DSSC. The energy storage function worked well until the third day of analysis. The DSSC based on TiO2/TMK photoelectrode exhibited 16 times better stability than pure TiO2-based photoelectrode. The Faraday charge transfer processes showed that the TiO2/TMK photoelectrode is not in direct contact with the carbon counter-electrode.

Introducción. El achiote (Bixa orellana L.) es una especie valiosa debido al contenido de bixina presente en el arilo de sus semillas, pigmento que es utilizado en la industria alimentaria, cosmética y medicinal. La caracterización de germoplasma es el punto de partida para iniciar programas de fitomejoramiento y para identificar la variabilidad genética de un banco de germoplasma. Objetivo. Evaluación de las diferencias fenotípicas y genotípicas de 18 accesiones de achiote del Banco de Germoplasma de la Universidad EARTH. Materiales y métodos. El fenotipo se caracterizó por medio de descriptores generales y botánicos que detallan características morfológicas y productivas de los cultivares. El genotipo se caracterizó a partir del análisis de la región ITS2 del ADN ribosómico para establecer relaciones filogenéticas entre las accesiones y determinar las relaciones entre características fenotípicas y moleculares. También se realizaron ensayos de autopolinización para evaluar la respuesta de las accesiones a este método que condujera a la obtención de líneas puras. Resultados. Los resultados a partir del dendrograma Maximum Parsimony permitieron diferenciar 5 grupos filogenéticos, los cuales poseen una estrecha relación con el grado de espinosidad de las cápsulas. Al condensar el dendrograma a un 50% se obtuvieron 2 grupos diferenciados por la presencia o ausencia de espinas en las cápsulas, esto posiciona a esta característica como la determinante para el agrupamiento de los materiales. Las accesiones con espinas presentan mayor número de semillas por cápsula, mientras que las accesiones sin espinas poseen mayor contenido de bixina y mayor peso de semilla. Los ensayos de autopolinización revelaron una aparente autoincompatibilidad de acción tardía en algunas accesiones. Conclusión. Esta investigación generó información sobre la identificación de las accesiones, como una primera fase encaminada a la obtención de líneas homocigotas para conservar la identidad genética de las accesiones del Banco de Germoplasma de la Universidad EARTH.

Bixin is one of the potential natural sensitizers used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this study, bixin was complexed with Cu(II) and Zn(II) to increase its stability. The formation of the complexes was indicated by shifting peaks absorption and the changes in the fine spectral structure observed from the UV-Vis absorption spectra. The metal-bixin complex occurs due to the interaction between the ester groups of bixin and the metal. Bixin, Cu-bixin, and Zn-bixin were used separately as sensitizers in DSSCs. The DSSCs performance was then improved by adding 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide (MPII) to the electrolyte system. The presence of MPII 0.4 M in KI-I2 electrolyte produced a higher ionic conductivity value (20.44 mS cm–1) than that without MPII (11.14 mS cm–1). This electrolyte system significantly improved DSSCs performance. Under a light intensity of 300 W/m2, the maximum energy conversion efficiencies of DSSC with bixin, Cu-bixin, and Zn-bixin as sensitizers are 0.084, 0.081, and 0.005%, respectively. The Zn-bixin-based DSSC was stable under high light intensity. Under 700 W/m2, its maximum energy conversion efficiency reaches 0.125%. There was a synergistic work observed between the metal-bixin complex and the MPII based electrolyte. This result can open the way for constructing functional materials for solar cell applications.

[Display omitted] • Ultrasound acoustic power (4.6 to 20 W) and extraction time (0.5 to 5 min) were evaluated. • The more intense ultrasound conditions allowed redder colorants consistent with higher bixin content. • Specific energies (0.02 to 0.20 kJ/g) affected the microstructure and X-ray diffractograms. • The extraction condition did not impact the colorant solubility. The interest in natural colorants derived from sustainable processes has prompted research into obtaining bixin from defatted annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds. Bixin is a compound that imparts yellow-orange-red coloration, known for its high biodegradability, low toxicity, and wide industrial applicability. Meanwhile, high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) technology has emerged as a promising method for extracting natural colorants, offering higher yields through shorter processes and minimizing thermal degradation. Although some studies have demonstrated the efficiency of HIUS technology in bixin extraction, research on the effects of acoustic cavitation on the properties of the colorant remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of HIUS-specific energy levels (0.02, 0.04, 0.12, and 0.20 kJ/g) on the chemical, physical, and morphological characteristics of annatto extracts containing bixin and geranylgeraniol. Single-step extractions of bixin using ethanol as a solvent were evaluated at various acoustic powers (4.6, 8.5, 14.5, and 20 W) and extraction times (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 min) to determine their impact on the yield of natural colorant extraction. Increasing the acoustic power from 4.6 to 20 W and extending the extraction time from 0.5 to 5 min resulted in higher yields of natural colorant, likely due to the effects of acoustic cavitation and increased heat under more intense conditions. However, elevated levels of mechanical and thermal energy did not affect the chemical properties of the colorant, as indicated by UV–Vis and FTIR spectra. Conversely, higher specific energies yielded colorants with a more intense red hue, consistent with increased bixin content, and altered the microstructure and physical state, as observed in X-ray diffractograms. Nevertheless, these alterations did not impact the solubility of the colorant. Therefore, employing a cleaner extraction procedure aided by one-step ultrasound facilitated the recovery of natural colorants and contributed to the biorefining of annatto seeds, enabling the production of a rich geranylgeraniol colorant through a sustainable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin cancer refers to the pathological condition characterized by the proliferation of atypical skin cells in an uncontrolled manner. Plant-based products such as bixin although show promising anticancer properties, but maintaining their stability in a formulation is a difficult task. The objective of the research is to formulate a silver nanoparticle gel preparation of bixin and evaluate its anticancer properties. The extract from Bixa orellana seed was prepared by hot extraction technique to isolate the active ingredient, bixin. A green synthesis approach was utilized for preparing the silver nanoparticle gel of bixin (BOAgNPs). Characterization of silver nanoparticles was done using FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, compatibility study, homogeneity testing, pH evaluation, and drug content determination. The in-vitro anticancer activity was performed using cell lines (B16F10) and in-vivo by chemical carcinogen (7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene) in mice. The BOAgNPs-loaded topical gel was found to be homogeneous (clear orange color) and pH-compatible (pH ≈ 6.66) with the skin. The characterization studies indicated the presence of all functional groups in the formulation. An optimized batch of bixin-nano gel showed about 60% inhibitory effects on B16F10 cell lines (in-vitro activity) when equated with a reference drug, 5-fluorouracil. The in-vivo anticancer study suggested suppression of tumorigenesis and promotion of the healing process with bixin-nano gel application on the skin. The results suggested the promising anticancer property of bixin when formulated in silver nanoparticle gel. The preparation of silver particles nano gel with bixin might provide an effective alternative option for treating skin cancers, provided more research complements the findings of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterize and identify groups of achiote (Bixa orellana L.) with characteristics related to increased yield and bixin content. A total of 149 achiote accessions were collected from the departments of Loreto, San Martin, Junín, Pasco, Huánuco, Ucayali, and Cusco, in Perú. These were then evaluated using ten quantitative and three qualitative capsule and seed descriptors. Undesirable characteristics such as high spinosity and dehiscence predominated, while none of the quantitative descriptors correlated significantly with bixin content. Principal component analysis indicates that the quantitative descriptors (except for bixin content) are statistically significant, forming four clusters. Notably, one of the clusters included accessions characterized by heavy seeds, and another cluster included accessions with high number of seeds and bixin content.

Objective: Cisplatin is a conventional anticancer drug that generates reactive oxygen species and causes apoptosis. However, many cancer cells develop alterations in the ATP binding cassette transporter responsible for the uptake and efflux process, which leads to resistance. Many natural products have shown potential to compete with ATP binding cassette transporter and may sensitize resistant cells to cisplatin. Studies have shown pro-oxidant effect of carotenoids that promote apoptosis of cancer cells. Bixin and fucoxanthin are well-known carotenoids with known antioxidant properties, however their bioactivity in lung cancer cells, clinically known to develop resistance due to ATP binding cassette transporter, has been minimally studied. This study is the first to investigate the potential of bixin and fucoxanthin to sensitize human lung cancer cell line, A549 and cervical cancer cell line, HeLa, to cisplatin. Drug combination method developed by Chou and Talalay theorem was employed. Result: Employing the best combination ratio, this study shows selective sensitization of cancer cells to cisplatin after bixin and fucoxanthin treatment. Further study on the mechanism of action in specific types of cancer cells is warranted. It may improve cisplatin sensitivity in tumors and rational use of cancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Brewing is the property of China Brewing Editorial Office 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.)

Abstract Background Full chloroplast genomes provide high resolution taxonomic discrimination between closely related plant species and are quickly replacing single and multi-locus barcoding regions as reference materials of choice for DNA based taxonomic annotation of plants. Bixa orellana, commonly known as “achiote” and “annatto” is a plant used for both human and animal foods and was thus identified for full chloroplast sequencing for the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Complete Chloroplast Animal Feed database. This work was conducted in collaboration with the Instituto de Medicina Tradicional (IMET) in Iquitos, Peru. There is a wide range of color variation in pods of Bixa orellana for which genetic loci that distinguish phenotypes have not yet been identified. Here we apply whole chloroplast genome sequencing of “red” and “yellow” individuals of Bixa orellana to provide high quality reference genomes to support kmer database development for use identifying this plant from complex mixtures using shotgun data. Additionally, we describe chloroplast gene content, synteny and phylogeny, and identify an indel and snp that may be associated with seed pod color. Results Fully assembled chloroplast genomes were produced for both red and yellow Bixa orellana accessions (158,918 and 158,823 bp respectively). Synteny and gene content was identical to the only other previously reported full chloroplast genome of Bixa orellana (NC_041550). We observed a 17 base pair deletion at position 58,399–58,415 in both accessions, relative to NC_041550 and a 6 bp deletion at position 75,531–75,526 and a snp at position 86,493 in red Bixa orellana. Conclusions Our data provide high quality reference genomes of individuals of red and yellow Bixa orellana to support kmer based identity markers for use with shotgun sequencing approaches for rapid, precise identification of Bixa orellana from complex mixtures. Kmer based phylogeny of full chloroplast genomes supports monophylly of Bixaceae consistent with alignment based approaches. A potentially discriminatory indel and snp were identified that may be correlated with the red phenotype.