An updated review on use of tomato pomace and crustacean processing waste to recover commercially vital carotenoids

Optimal and sustainable production of tailored fish protein hydrolysates from tuna canning wastes and discarded blue whiting: Effect of protein molecular weight on chemical and bioactive properties

Thousands tons of discards of blue whiting (BW) and tuna heads (YT) by-products are generated each year in Europe. BW is the species most discarded by European fishing fleet and, in some canning factories, YT are processed for the retrieval of oil rich in omega-3, but producing a huge amount of solid remains and effluents disposal as wastes. The development of optimal and sustainable processes for both substrates is mandatory in order to reach clean solutions under the circular economy precepts. This work focused on the mathematical optimization of the production of tailored fish protein hydrolysates (FPH), from blue whiting and tuna residues, in terms of controlling average molecular weights (Mw) of proteins. For the modeling of the protein depolymerization time-course, a pseudo-mechanistic model was used, which combined a reaction mechanistic equation affected, in the kinetic parameters, by two non-lineal equations (a first-order kinetic and like-Weibull formulae). In all situations, experimental data were accurately simulated by that model achieving R2 values higher than 0.96. The validity of the experimental conditions obtained from modeling were confirmed performing productions of FPH at scale of 5 L-reactor, without pH-control in most of cases, at the different ranges of Mw selected (1-2 kDa, 2-5 kDa and 5-10 kDa). The results showed that FPH from BW with lower Mw led to a remarkable yield of production (12 % w/w of substrate), largest protein contents (77 % w/w of BW hydrolysate), greatest in vitro digestibility (>95 %), highest essential amino acid presence (43 %) and the best antioxidant (DPPH = 62 %) and antihypertensive (IC50-ACE = 80 mg/L) properties. Our results prove that the proposed procedure to produce sustainable FPH, with specific Mw characterisitics, could be extended to other fish waste substrates. Tailored FPH may have the potential to serve as valuable ingredients for functional foods and high-quality aquaculture feed.

Novel tributyl phosphate-based deep eutectic solvent: Application in microwave assisted extraction of carotenoids

A contribution to the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was made for bioactive compounds recovery, especially those with lipophilic character, from tomato and carrot samples rich in carotenoids. For the first time, a novel deep eutectic solvent was synthesized, comprising tributyl phosphate (TBP) as a hydrogen bond acceptor and acetic acid (AcOH) as a hydrogen bond donor. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of tomato and carrot extracts obtained by MAE, in which optimization of operational parameters and modeling were made with the use of Box-Behnken design of the response surface methodology (RSM), was evaluated using the Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) method. For the highest TAC, operational parameters that best suit the MAE procedure were set at 80 °C, 35 min, and 25 mL/2.0 g. The TAC values of extracts obtained by MAE using TBP:AcOH, 1:2 (mol/mol) were examined against those of extracts acquired by classical solvent extraction using a mixture of hexane, ethanol and acetone (H:E:A, 2:1:1 (v/v/v)) mixture. TAC of extracts in DES varied between 5.10 and 0.71 lycopene equivalents (mmol LYC kg-1). The highest extraction yield comparable to conventional organic solvents was obtained with TBP:AcOH (1:2). It was observed that, in addition to lipophilic antioxidants, some hydrophilic antioxidant compounds were partially extracted with the proposed DES. Moreover, the extracted antioxidant compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC analysis. The proposed DES and MAE process will find potential application for hydrophobic antioxidant extraction from tomatoes and carrots on an industrial scale after further studies.

Tomato seed extract promotes health of the gut microbiota and demonstrates a potential new way to valorize tomato waste

The current effort to valorize waste byproducts to increase sustainability and reduce agricultural loss has stimulated interest in potential utilization of waste components as health-promoting supplements. Tomato seeds are often discarded in tomato pomace, a byproduct of tomato processing, yet these seeds are known to contain an array of compounds with biological activity and prebiotic potential. Here, extract from tomato seeds (TSE), acquired from pomace, was evaluated for their ability to effect changes on the gut microbiota using an ex vivo strategy. The results found that TSE significantly increased levels of the beneficial taxa Bifidobacteriaceae in a donor-independent manner, from a range of 18.6-24.0% to 27.0-51.6% relative abundance following treatment, yet the specific strain of Bifidobacteriaceae enhanced was inter-individually variable. These structural changes corresponded with a significant increase in total short-chain fatty acids, specifically acetate and propionate, from an average of 13.3 to 22.8 mmol/L and 4.6 to 7.4 mmol/L, respectively. Together, these results demonstrated that TSE has prebiotic potential by shaping the gut microbiota in a donor-independent manner that may be beneficial to human health. These findings provide a novel application for TSE harvested from tomato pomace and demonstrate the potential to further valorize tomato waste products.

Crosslinked Polyesters as Fully Biobased Coatings with Cutin Monomer from Tomato Peel Wastes

Cutin, one of the main structural components of tomato peels, is a waxy biopolymer rich in hydroxylated fatty acids. In this study, 10,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid (10,16-diHHDA) was extracted and isolated from tomato peels and exploited to develop fully crosslinked polyesters as potential candidates for replacing fossil-based metal protective coatings. A preliminary screening was conducted to select the base formulation, and then a design of experiments (DoE) was used as a methodology to identify the optimal composition to develop a suitable coating material. Different formulations containing 10,16-diHHDA and other biorefinery monomers, including 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, were considered. To this end, all polyesters were characterized through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gel content measurements to determine their Tg value and crosslinking efficiency. Compositions exhibiting the best trade-off between Tg value, chemical resistance, and sufficiently high 10,16-diHHDA content between 39 and 48 wt.% were used to prepare model coatings that were characterized for assessing their wettability, scratch hardness, chemical resistance, and adhesion to metal substrates. These polyester coatings showed a Tg in the range of 45-55 °C, a hydrophobic behavior with a water contact angle of around 100°, a good solvent resistance (>100 MEK double rubs), and an adhesion strength to steel higher than 2 MPa. The results obtained confirmed the potential of cutin-based resins as coatings for metal protection, meeting the requirements for ensuring physicochemical properties of the final product, as well as for optimizing the valorization of such an abundant agri-food waste as tomato peels.

The Application of Natural Carotenoids in Multiple Fields and Their Encapsulation Technology: A Review

Carotenoids, which are inherent pigments occurring in plants and microorganisms, manifest a diverse array of vivid hues. Owing to their multifarious health advantages, carotenoids have engendered substantial interest among scholars and consumers alike. Presently, carotenoids are extensively employed in the realms of food, nutrition and health commodities, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, rendering them an indispensable constituent of our quotidian existence. Therefore, the objective of this review is to present a succinct and methodical examination of the sources, constituents, and factors influencing formation of carotenoids. Particular attention will be given to encapsulation strategies that maintain intrinsic characteristics, as the growing desire for carotenoids is propelled by individuals' escalating standards of living. Moreover, the applications of natural carotenoids in multiple fields, including pharmaceutical, food and feed, as well as cosmetics, are discussed in detail. Finally, this article explores the main challenges hindering the future advancement of carotenoids, aiming at facilitating their effective integration into the circular economy.

Tomato pomace as a source of valuable functional ingredients for improving physicochemical and sensory properties and extending the shelf life of foods: A review

Due to its nutritional and bioactive content, tomato pomace (TP) remains among the world's richest fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes and TP (generated coproduct) are a very rich source of lycopene and other carotenoid compounds and contain an essential amount of polyphenols, policosanol, phytosterols, organic acids, dietary fibers, minerals, and vitamins. TP is a promising source of significant bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Therefore, their consumption is known to be effective in preventing certain chronic diseases. For example, lycopene prevents prostate cancer and acts as a hepatoprotector and genoprotector against mycotoxins, pesticide residues, and heavy metals. Thus, the valorization of TP as a food ingredient can be of great health, economic and environmental interest and contribute to improving nutrition and food security. During the last decades, considerable efforts have been made to valorize TP as a crucial functional ingredient in improving: (i) the nutritional and functional properties, (ii) sensory characteristics and (iii) the shelf life of many foods. The current review aims to update and summarize the knowledge on the recent food applications of TP, particularly its use as a functional ingredient to improve the functional properties and shelf life of foods.

Optimization of the conditions of alkaline extraction of tomato peels and characterization of tomato peel extracts obtained under atmospheric and oxygen free conditions

This study aims to optimize the extraction conditions to obtain the highest yield, to characterize tomato peel extract (TPE) under optimized conditions, and also to determine the effect of ambient oxygen on the properties of TPE. Optimisation were performed at three temperatures (60 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C) and three periods (2, 4, 6 h) by the response surface methodology. The properties of the extract under atmospheric and oxygen-free conditions (AC, OFC) were analysed to determine whether the characteristics of both extracts changed depending on the presence of oxygen; moreover, the morphological, chemical, thermal, biochemical, and antimicrobial properties were analysed. The maximum yield was 31.3% at 100 °C/6 h. A quadratic model was used to create the best fit. Both TPE samples exhibited similar morphological structure, similar weight losses at three stages of TGA curve, similar band assignments in FTIR spectra. GC-MS analysis showed that both samples mainly consisted of cutin in abundance of 70.45% and 68.14% for AC and OFC, respectively. OFC had higher total phenolic content possibly depending on the absence of oxygen. AC and OFC extracts exhibited substantial antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, and A. brasiliensis with a MIC value of 100 μg TPE/ mL.

Waste and by-products as sources of lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene - Integrative review with bibliometric analysis

Food loss and waste are severe social, economic, and environmental issues. An example is the incorrect handling of waste or by-products used to obtain bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids. This review aimed to present a comprehensive overview of research on lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene obtained from waste and by-products. In this study, an integrative literature approach was coupled with bibliometric analysis to provide a broad perspective of the topic. PRISMA guidelines were used to search studies in the Web of Science database systematically. Articles were included if (1) employed waste or by-products to obtain lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene or (2) performed applications of the carotenoids previously extracted from waste sources. Two hundred and four articles were included in the study, and the prevalent theme was research on the recovery of lycopene from tomato processing. However, the scarcity of studies on colorless carotenoids (phytoene and phytofluene) was evidenced, although these are generally associated with lycopene. Different technologies were used to extract lycopene from plant matrices, with a clear current trend toward choosing environmentally friendly alternatives. Microbial production of carotenoids from various wastes is a highly competitive alternative to conventional processes. The results described here can guide future forays into the subject, especially regarding research on phytoene and phytofluene, potential and untapped sources of carotenoids from waste and by-products, and in choosing more efficient, safe, and environmentally sustainable extraction protocols.

Antioxidant properties of lipid concomitants in edible oils: A review

Edible oils are indispensable for human life, providing energy and necessary fatty acids. Nevertheless, they are vulnerable to oxidation via a number of different mechanisms. Essential nutrients deteriorate as well as toxic substances are produced when edible oils are oxidized; thus, they should be retarded wherever possible. Lipid concomitants have a strong antioxidant capacity and are a large class of biologically active chemical substances in edible oils. They have shown remarkable antioxidant properties and were documented to improve the quality of edible oils in varied ways. An overview of the antioxidant properties of the polar, non-polar, and amphiphilic lipid concomitants present in edible oils is provided in this review. Interactions among various lipid concomitants and the probable mechanisms are also elucidated. This review may provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for food industry practitioners and researchers to understand the underlying cause of variations in the quality of edible oils.

Valorization of Food Waste to Produce Value-Added Products Based on Its Bioactive Compounds

The rapid growth of the global population and changes in lifestyle have led to a significant increase in food waste from various industrial, agricultural, and household sources. Nearly one-third of the food produced annually is wasted, resulting in severe resource depletion. Food waste contains rich organic matter, which, if not managed properly, can pose a serious threat to the environment and human health, making the proper disposal of food waste an urgent global issue. However, various types of food waste, such as waste from fruit, vegetables, grains, and other food production and processing, contain important bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, dietary fiber, proteins, lipids, vitamins, organic acids, and minerals, some of which are found in greater quantities in the discarded parts than in the parts accepted by the market. These bioactive compounds offer the potential to convert food waste into value-added products, and fields including nutritional foods, bioplastics, bioenergy, biosurfactants, biofertilizers, and single cell proteins have welcomed food waste as a novel source. This review reveals the latest insights into the various sources of food waste and the potential of utilizing bioactive compounds to convert it into value-added products, thus enhancing people’s confidence in better utilizing and managing food waste.

Effects of Extraction Methods on Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and Antiplatelet Activities of Tomato Pomace Extracts

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of tomato pomace were examined with the aim of optimizing the extraction process of compounds with cardioprotective activity. Once the results of the ORAC response variables, total polyphenols, °Brix, and antiplatelet activity of the extracts were obtained, a multivariate statistical analysis was performed using the Statgraphics Centurion XIX software. This analysis showed that the most relevant positive effects in the inhibition of platelet aggregation were 83 ± 2% when using the agonist TRAP-6, when the working conditions were the type of tomato pomace conditioning (drum-drying process at 115 °C), phase ratio (1/8), type of solvent (ethanol 20%), and type of extraction (ultrasound-assisted solid-liquid extraction). The extracts with the best results were microencapsulated and characterized by HPLC. The presence of chlorogenic acid (0.729 mg/mg of dry sample) was found, a compound that has a potential cardioprotective effect documented in various studies, in addition to rutin (2.747 mg/mg of dry sample) and quercetin (0.255 mg/mg of dry sample). These results show that the extraction efficiency of compounds with cardioprotective activity depends largely on the polarity of the solvent, thus playing an important role in the antioxidant capacity of the extracts of tomato pomace.

Utilization of Food Waste and By-Products in the Fabrication of Active and Intelligent Packaging for Seafood and Meat Products

Research on the utilization of food waste and by-products, such as peels, pomace, and seeds has increased in recent years. The high number of valuable compounds, such as starch, protein, and bioactive materials in waste and by-products from food manufacturing industries creates opportunities for the food packaging industry. These opportunities include the development of biodegradable plastics, functional compounds, active and intelligent packaging materials. However, the practicality, adaptability and relevance of up-scaling this lab-based research into an industrial scale are yet to be thoroughly examined. Therefore, in this review, recent research on the development of active and intelligent packaging materials, their applications on seafood and meat products, consumer acceptance, and recommendations to improve commercialization of these products were critically overviewed. This work addresses the challenges and potential in commercializing food waste and by-products for the food packaging industry. This information could be used as a guide for research on reducing food loss and waste while satisfying industrial demands.

Carotenoids Recovery Enhancement by Supercritical CO2 Extraction from Tomato Using Seed Oils as Modifiers

The food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries have strong demands for lycopene, the carotenoid with the highest antioxidant activity. Usually, this carotenoid is extracted from tomatoes using various extraction methods. This work aims to improve the quantity and quality of extracts from tomato slices by enhancing the recovery of the carotenoids from the solid matrix to the solvent using 20 w/w% seeds as modifiers and supercritical CO2 extraction with optimal parameters as the method. Tomato (TSM), camelina (CSM) and hemp (HSM) seeds were used as modifiers due to their quality (polyunsaturated fatty acids content of 53–72%). A solubility of ~10 mg carotenoids/100 g of oil was obtained for CSM and HSM, while, for TSM, the solubility was 28% higher (due to different compositions of long carbon chains). An increase in the extraction yield from 66.00 to 108.65 g extract/kg dried sample was obtained in the following order: TSM < HSM < CSM. Two products, an oil rich in carotenoids (203.59 mg/100 g extract) and ω3-linolenic acid and a solid oleoresin rich in lycopene (1172.32 mg/100 g extract), were obtained using SFE under optimal conditions (450 bar, 70 °C, 13 kg/h and CSM modifier), as assessed by response surface methodology. A recommendation is proposed for the use of these products in the food industry based on their quality.

Natural Polyphenol Recovery from Apple-, Cereal-, and Tomato-Processing By-Products and Related Health-Promoting Properties

Polyphenols of plant origin are a broad family of secondary metabolites that range from basic phenolic acids to more complex compounds such as stilbenes, flavonoids, and tannins, all of which have several phenol units in their structure. Considerable health benefits, such as having prebiotic potential and cardio-protective and weight control effects, have been linked to diets based on polyphenol-enriched foods and plant-based products, indicating the potential role of these substances in the prevention or treatment of numerous pathologies. The most representative phenolic compounds in apple pomace are phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin, with major health implications in diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurocognitive diseases. The cereal byproducts are rich in flavonoids (cyanidin 3-glucoside) and phenolic acids (ferulic acid), all with significant results in reducing the incidence of noncommunicable diseases. Quercetin, naringenin, and rutin are the predominant phenolic molecules in tomato by-products, having important antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The present understanding of the functionality of polyphenols in health outcomes, specifically, noncommunicable illnesses, is summarized in this review, focusing on the applicability of this evidence in three extensive agrifood industries (apple, cereal, and tomato processing). Moreover, the reintegration of by-products into the food chain via functional food products and personalized nutrition (e.g., 3D food printing) is detailed, supporting a novel direction to be explored within the circular economy concept.

Astaxanthin Extract from Shrimp (Trachypenaeus curvirostris) By-Products Improves Quality of Ready-to-Cook Shrimp Surimi Products during Frozen Storage at -18 °C

The effects of astaxanthin extract (AE) from shrimp by-products on the quality and sensory properties of ready-to-cook shrimp surimi products (RC-SSP) during frozen storage at −18 °C were investigated. Changes in 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, sulfhydryl groups, carbonyls, salt-soluble protein content, textural properties, color, and sensory quality over specific storage days were evaluated. The AE from shrimp by-products contained 4.49 μg/g tocopherol and 23.23 μg/g astaxanthin. The shrimp surimi products supplemented with 30 g/kg AE had higher redness values and greater overall acceptability and texture properties after cooking (p < 0.05). AE showed higher oxidative stability in RC-SSP than the control, as evidenced by lower TBARS and carbonyl content, and higher sulfhydryl and salt-soluble protein content. AE from shrimp by-products had positive effects on the antioxidant activity and color difference of RC-SSP, and could be used as a potential multifunctional additive for the development of shrimp surimi products.

Valuable Natural Antioxidant Products Recovered from Tomatoes by Green Extraction

Lycopene, β-carotene and ω-fatty acids are major compounds in tomatoes with known antioxidant activity, capable of preventing health disorders. The identification of potential natural sources of antioxidants, extraction efficiencies and antioxidant activity assessments are essential to promote such products to be used in the food, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries. This work presents four added-value products recovered from tomatoes: pigmented solid oleoresin, pigmented oil and two raw extracts from supercritical and Soxhlet extraction. Different parameters including the matrices of tomatoes, extraction methods, green solvents and operating parameters were varied to obtain extracts with different qualities. Extract analysis was performed using UV–VIS, FT–IR, GC–MS, Folin–Ciocalteu and DPPH methods. The highest-quality extract was the solid oleoresin obtained from pomace using supercritical CO₂ extraction at 450 bar, 70 °C and 11 kg/h: 1016.94 ± 23.95 mg lycopene/100 g extract, 154.87 ± 16.12 mg β-carotene/100 g extract, 35.25 ± 0.14 mg GAE/g extract and 67.02 ± 5.11% inhibition DPPH. The economic feasibility of the three extraction processes (1:10:100 kg dried pomace/batch as scalability criterion) was evaluated. The most profitable was the supercritical extraction process at the highest capacity, which produces pigmented solid oleoresin and oil with high content of lycopene valorized with a high market price, using natural food waste (pomace).

Carotenoid Recovery from Tomato Processing By-Products through Green Chemistry

The recovery of bioactive compounds from agro-industry-derived by-products sustains circular economy principles by encouraging maximized recycling and minimized waste. Tomato processing by-products are abundant in carotenoids, which have several health-promoting properties, and their reintegration into functional food products represents a major interest for scientists and manufacturers. In the present study, carotenoids were recovered from tomato processing by-products based on the principles of green chemistry by using generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvents, freeze-drying as pretreatment, and ultrasound in the recovery procedure. Spectrophotometric measurements and HPLC were used to identify and quantify total and individual carotenoids from the extracts. The highest values for lycopene (1324.89 µg/g dw) were obtained when ethyl lactate was applied as a solvent, followed by ethyl acetate with slightly smaller differences (1313.54 µg/g dw). The extracts obtained from freeze-dried samples presented significantly lower amounts of lycopene, indicating that carotenoids are highly susceptible to degradation during lyophilization. Flaxseed, grape seed, and hempseed oils were enriched with carotenoids and their rheological measurements showed favorable viscoelastic properties, especially hempseed and flaxseed oil, with viscosity under 50 mPa·s. Considering the results and the economic perspective of carotenoid recovery from tomato processing by-products, ethyl acetate is suitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly for carotenoid extraction.

Carotenoids: Dietary Sources, Extraction, Encapsulation, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits-A Review of Recent Advancements

Natural carotenoids (CARs), viz. β-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, bixin, norbixin, capsanthin, lycopene, canthaxanthin, β-Apo-8-carotenal, zeaxanthin, and β-apo-8-carotenal-ester, are being studied as potential candidates in fields such as food, feed, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. CAR research is advancing in the following three major fields: (1) CAR production from natural sources and optimization of its downstream processing; (2) encapsulation for enhanced physical and chemical properties; and (3) preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies of CARs’ health benefits. This review critically discusses the recent developments in studies of the chemistry and antioxidant activity, marketing trends, dietary sources, extraction, bioaccessibility and bioavailability, encapsulation methods, dietary intake, and health benefits of CARs. Preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies on cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disease, mental health, eye, and skin health are also discussed.

Sustainable Drying and Green Deep Eutectic Extraction of Carotenoids from Tomato Pomace

The extraction of molecules with high added value plays an important role in the recovery of food waste. This work aimed to valorize tomato pomace, a by-product composed of skin and seeds, through extraction of carotenoids, especially lycopene and β-carotene. The tomato pomace was dried using three different methods (freeze-drying, heat drying, and non-thermal air-drying) to reduce its weight, volume, and water activity and to concentrate the carotenoid fraction. These drying approaches were compared considering the extractive potential. Three solvent mixtures were compared, a traditional one (n-hexane:acetone) and two green deep eutectic solvent mixtures (ethyl acetate:ethyl lactate and menthol:lactic acid) in combination with different drying procedures. The extract obtained using ethyl acetate:ethyl lactate with non-thermal air-drying showed the highest contents of lycopene and β-carotene (75.86 and 3950.08 µg/g of dried sample, respectively) compared with the other procedures.

Valorization of Tomato Residues by Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Tomato processing leads to the production of considerable amounts of residues, mainly in the form of tomato skins, seeds and vascular tissues, which still contain bioactive molecules of interest for food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. These include carotenoids, such as lycopene and β-carotene, tocopherols and sitosterols, among others. Supercritical fluid extraction is well positioned for the valorization of tomato residues prior to disposal, because it remains an environmentally safe extraction process, especially when using carbon dioxide as the solvent. In this article, we provide an extensive literature overview of the research on the supercritical fluid extraction of tomato residues. We start by identifying the most relevant extractables present in tomatoes (e.g., lycopene) and their main bioactivities. Then, the main aspects affecting the extraction performance are covered, starting with the differences between tomato matrixes (e.g., seeds, skins and pulp) and possible pretreatments to enhance extraction (e.g., milling, drying and enzymatic digestion). Finally, the effects of extraction conditions, such as pressure, temperature, cosolvent, flow rate and time, are discussed.

Bioprocessing of Shrimp Waste Using Novel Industrial By-Products: Effects on Nutrients and Lipophilic Antioxidants

The production of marine foods is on the rise, and shrimp is one of the most widely consumed. As a result, a considerable amount of shrimp waste is generated, becoming a hazardous problem. Shrimp waste is a rich source of added-value components such as proteins, lipids, chitin, minerals, and carotenoids; however, new bioprocesses are needed to obtain these components. This work aimed to characterize the chemical and nutraceutical constituents from the liquor of shrimp waste recovered during a lactic acid fermentation process using the novel substrate sources whey and molasses. Our results showed that the lyophilized liquor is a rich source of proteins (25.40 ± 0.67%), carbohydrates (38.92 ± 0.19%), minerals (calcium and potassium), saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, myristic and lauric acids), unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic, and palmitoleic acids), and astaxanthin (0.50 ± 0.02 µg astaxanthin/g). Moreover, fermentation is a bioprocess that allowed us to obtain antioxidants such as carotenoids with an antioxidant capacity of 154.43 ± 4.73 µM Trolox equivalent/g evaluated by the ABTS method. Our study showed that liquor from shrimp waste fermentation could be a source of nutraceutical constituents with pharmaceutical applications. However, further studies are needed to separate these added-value components from the liquor matrix.

Valorization of Tomato Waste as a Source of Carotenoids

Fast-accumulating scientific evidence from many studies has revealed that fruits and vegetables are the main source of bioactive compounds; in most cases, wastes and byproducts generated by the food processing industry present similar or a higher content of antioxidant compounds. In recent years, the ever-growing amount of agricultural and food wastes has raised serious concerns from an environmental point of view. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in finding new ways for their processing toward safely upgrading these wastes for recovering high-value-added products with a sustainable approach. Among food waste, the abundance of bioactive compounds in byproducts derived from tomato suggests possibility of utilizing them as a low-cost source of antioxidants as functional ingredients. This contribution gives an overview of latest studies on the extraction methods of carotenoids from tomato waste, along with an evaluation of their antioxidant activity, as well as their industrial applications.

Valorization of Fermented Shrimp Waste with Supercritical CO2 Conditions: Extraction of Astaxanthin and Effect of Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion on Its Antioxidant Capacity

Lactic acid fermentation increases the bioactive properties of shrimp waste. Astaxanthin is the principal carotenoid present in shrimp waste, which can be found esterified in the liquid fraction (liquor) after its lactic acid fermentation. Supercritical CO₂ technology has been proposed as a green alternative to obtain astaxanthin from fermented shrimp waste. This study aimed to optimize astaxanthin extraction by supercritical CO₂ technology from fermented liquor of shrimp waste and study bioaccessibility using simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GD) of the optimized extract. A Box–Behnken design with three variables (pressure, temperature, and flow rate) was used to optimize the supercritical CO₂ extraction. The optimized CO₂ extract was obtained at 300 bar, 60 °C, and 6 mL/min, and the estimated characteristics showed a predictive extraction yield of 11.17%, antioxidant capacity of 1.965 mmol of Trolox equivalent (TE)/g, and astaxanthin concentration of 0.6353 µg/g. The experiment with optimal conditions performed to validate the predicted values showed an extraction yield of 12.62%, an antioxidant capacity of 1.784 mmol TE/g, and an astaxanthin concentration of 0.52 µg/g. The astaxanthin concentration decreased, and the antioxidant capacity of the optimized extract increased during gastrointestinal digestion. In conclusion, our optimized supercritical CO₂ process is suitable for obtaining astaxanthin from shrimp by-products after lactic acid fermentation.

The Structure and Composition of Extracted Pectin and Residual Cell Wall Material from Processing Tomato: The Role of a Stepwise Approach versus High-Pressure Homogenization-Facilitated Acid Extraction

In literature, different pectin extraction methods exist. In this study, two approaches starting from the alcohol-insoluble residue (AIR) of processing tomato are performed in a parallel way to facilitate the comparison of pectin yield and the compositional and structural properties of the extracted pectin and residual cell wall material obtained. On the one hand, pectin is extracted stepwise using hot water, chelating agents and low-alkaline conditions targeting fractionation of the pectin population. On the other hand, an industrially relevant single-step nitric acid pectin extraction (pH 1.6) is performed. In addition to these conventional solvent pectin extractions, the role of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) as a physically disruptive treatment to facilitate further pectin extraction from the partially pectin-depleted fraction obtained after acid extraction is addressed. The impact of HPH on the pectin cell wall polysaccharide interactions was shown as almost two thirds of the residual pectin were extractable during the subsequent extractions. For both extraction approaches, pectin obtained further in the sequence was characterized by a higher molecular mass and a higher amount of rhamnogalacturonan I domains. The estimated hemicellulose and cellulose content increased from 56 mol% for the AIR to almost 90 mol% for the final unextractable fractions of both methods.

Polyphenols from food by-products: An alternative or complementary therapy to IBD conventional treatments

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are illnesses characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and microbial dysbiosis that have emerged as a public health challenge worldwide. It comprises two main conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Currently, conventional therapy to treat IBD are not free from side effects, such as liver and kidney toxicity, drug resistance, and allergic reactions. In view of this, there is growing research for alternative and complementary therapies that, in addition to acting in the prevention or the control of the disease, do not compromise the quality of life and health of individuals. In this sense, a growing body of evidence has confirmed the benefits of natural phenolic compounds in intestinal health. Phenolic compounds or polyphenols are molecules widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom (flowers, vegetables, leaves, and fruits), including plant materials remaining of the handling and food industrial processing, referred to in the scientific literature as by-products, food waste, or bagasse. Since by-products are low-cost, abundant, easily accessible, safe, and rich in bioactive compounds, it becomes an exciting option to extract, concentrate or isolate phenolic compounds to be posteriorly applied in the therapeutic approach of IBD. In this article, we have reviewed the main phenolic compounds present in various plants and by-products that have shown beneficial and/or promising effects in experimental pre-clinical, clinical, and in vitro research with IBD. In addition, we have mentioned and suggested several plants and by-products originated and produced in Latin America that could be part of future research as good sources of specific phenolic compounds to be applied in the prevention and development of alternative treatments for IBD. This review may offer a valuable reference for studies related to IBD administering phenolic compounds from natural, cheap, and easily accessible raw and undervalued materials.

Bioconversion of Fish Discards through the Production of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Metabolites: Sustainable Application of Fish Peptones in Nutritive Fermentation Media

In the current work, we study the capacity of 30 peptones obtained by enzyme proteolysis of ten discarded fish species (hake, megrim, red scorpionfish, pouting, mackerel, gurnard, blue whiting, Atlantic horse mackerel, grenadier, and boarfish) to support the growth and metabolite production of four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of probiotic and technological importance. Batch fermentations of Lactobacillus plantarum, L. brevis, L. casei, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides in most of the media formulated with fish peptones (87% of the cases) led to similar growths (quantified as dry-weight biomass and viable cells) and metabolites (mainly lactic acid) than in commercial control broth (MRS). Comparisons among cultures were performed by means of the parameters obtained from the mathematical fittings of experimental kinetics to the logistic equation. Modelling among experimental and predicted data from each bioproduction was generally accurate. A simple economic assessment demonstrated the profitability achieved when MRS is substituted by media formulated with fish discards: a 3-4-fold reduction of costs for LAB biomass, viable cells formation, and lactic and acetic acid production. Thus, these fish peptones are promising alternatives to the expensive commercial peptones as well as a possible solution to valorize discarded fish biomasses and by-products.

Red Shrimp Are a Rich Source of Nutritionally Vital Lipophilic Compounds: A Comparative Study among Edible Flesh and Processing Waste

This study was aimed at comparatively analyzing the sterols, tocopherols and fatty acids from edible flesh and processing waste obtained from three shrimp species, utilizing rapid liquid chromatography (LC)-atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed the presence of significantly (p < 0.05) high proportions of health-beneficial omega-3 (n3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in Argentine red shrimp (34.3% in waste and 38.2% in the flesh), compared to black tiger shrimp (16.5–24.2%) and whiteleg shrimp (13.2–22.6%). Among sterols, cholesterol was found most dominant, accounting in the range 349.4 (white shrimp flesh) to 559.3 µg/g fresh weight (FW) (black shrimp waste). Surprisingly, waste was found to contain a substantially higher amount of α-tocopherol, for instance, 21.7 µg/g FW in edible flesh and 35.3 µg/g FW in the waste of black tiger shrimp. The correlation analysis indicated that shrimp with low total contents of lipids might have higher proportions of health-beneficial long-chain (LC)-n3-PUFAs eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The fat quality indices, including the high ratios of hypocholesterolemic (h)/hypercholesterolemic (H) fatty acids, and lowest values of the atherogenic index (AI) and thrombogenic index (TI) indicated the health-beneficial potential associated with fat intake from red shrimp. Overall, a significant amount of health-beneficial compounds in edible flesh of studied shrimp confers its extraordinary nutritional benefits. Moreover, considering the richness of processing waste with these compounds, their valorization can be prompted.

Expanding the Role of Sub-Exploited DOE-High Energy Extraction and Metabolomic Profiling towards Agro-Byproduct Valorization: The Case of Carotenoid-Rich Apricot Pulp

Traditional extraction remains the method-of-choice for phytochemical analyses. However, the absence of an integrated analytical platform, focusing on customized, validated extraction steps, generates tendentious and non-reproducible data regarding the phytochemical profile. Such a platform would also support the exploration and exploitation of plant byproducts, which are a valuable source of bioactive metabolites. This study deals with the incorporation of (a) the currently sub-exploited high energy extraction methods (ultrasound (UAE)- and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)), (b) experimental design (DOE), and (c) metabolomics, in an integrated analytical platform for the extensive study of plant metabolomics and phytochemical profiling. The recovery of carotenoids from apricot by-products (pulp) is examined as a case study. MAE, using ethanol as solvent, achieved higher carotenoid yields compared to UAE, where 1:1 chloroform-methanol was employed, and classic extraction. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic profiling classified extracts according to the variations in co-extractives in relation to the extraction conditions. Extracts with a lower carotenoid content contained branched-chain amino acids as co-extractives. Medium carotenoid content extracts contained choline, unsaturated fatty acids, and sugar alcohols, while the highest carotenoid extracts were also rich in sugars. Overall, the proposed pipeline can provide different the phytochemical fractions of bioactive compounds according to the needs of different industrial sectors (cosmetics, nutraceuticals, etc.).

Active Packaging—Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Films Enriched with Tomato By-Products Extract

Active films were prepared from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blended with itaconic acid (Ia), and with chitosan (Ch), enriched with tomato processing by-products extract (TBE) in order to develop new bioactive formulations for food packaging. The effects of two biopolymers (Ch, Ia) and of the incorporated TBE—containing phenolic compounds and carotenoids—were studied regarding the physical and antimicrobial properties of films; in addition, their influence on the total phenolic content, viscosity, and flow behavior on the film-forming solutions was investigated. The results showed increased physical properties (diameter, thickness, density, weight) of the films containing the TBE versus their control. TBE and Ch conferred significant antimicrobial effects to PVA films toward all the tested microorganisms, whereas the best inhibition was registered against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of <0.078 mg DW/mL. The Ia-PVA films also exhibited some antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa (2.5 mg DW/mL). The total phenolic content of the film-forming solutions presented the highest values for the TBE and Ch-added PVA samples (0.208 mg gallic acid/100 mL film-forming solution). These results suggest that the PVA + Ch film containing TBE can be used for the development of intelligent and active food packaging materials.

Chemical Stability of Lycopene in Processed Products: A Review of the Effects of Processing Methods and Modern Preservation Strategies

Lycopene, one of the most dominant carotenoids in a person's diet, is a well-known natural compound that has protective effects against chronic diseases. Industrial and domestic processing and storage conditions significantly influence retention and isomerization of lycopene; thus, in recent years, great attention has been given for their preservative effects of lycopene. This review highlights recent strategies that have been developed to preserve lycopene in processed products, especially in tomato pulp, puree, paste, and juice. The key factors influencing lycopene degradation and isomerization, such as ingredients and intensity of thermal treatments, are also discussed. Special attention was paid to the crystalline structures of lycopene which facilitate its resistance to degradation and isomerization. Emerging non-thermal processing methods, such as ultrasound and high-pressure processing (HPP), are critically evaluated for their preservation of thermo-labile compounds. Novel trends to improve lycopene stability by micro- and nanoencapsulation and addition of antioxidants are also included to examine their efficacy to protect against light, heat, oxygen, and other oxidative processes. Finally, recommended processing and storage conditions are discussed to provide strategies to retain the highest possible amount of bioactive lycopene until consumption.

Screening of Ten Tomato Varieties Processing Waste for Bioactive Components and Their Related Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

Global tomato production is currently around 180 million tons, of which more than a quarter undergoes processing. The removed peels, seeds, and vascular tissues usually end up in landfills, creating environmental pollution. In order to highlight the alternative use of these vegetal wastes, our study investigated 10 tomato varieties in terms of carotenoids content, phenolic composition, and their related antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Tomato peels extracts were screened by high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC/DAD) for qualitative and quantitative analyses. The extracts were tested against six bacterial strains to determine their antimicrobial effect; the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was applied to estimate their antioxidant capacity. Total carotenoids content was significantly higher in Ţărănești roz, a local variety (5.31 ± 0.12 mg/100 g DW), while Mirsini, a commercial hybrid, presented significantly higher total phenolic content (155 ± 2 mg/100 g DW) compared to the mean value of all analyzed samples. The methanolic extracts of tomato peels presented acceptable antimicrobial activity against Staphilococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and the mean antioxidant activity was 201 ± 44 µmol Trolox/100 g DW tomato peels. Considering that tomato peels have lycopene, β-carotene, lutein, and different phenolic compounds in their composition, tomato industrial by-products could represent a source of natural bioactive molecules with applicability in nutraceuticals and food industry.

Bioactive potential of fruit and vegetable wastes

Fruits and vegetables are essential for human nutrition, delivering a substantial proportion of vitamins, minerals, and fibers in our daily diet. Unfortunately, half the fruits and vegetables produced worldwide end up as wastes, generating environmental issues caused mainly by microbial degradation. Most wastes are generated by industrial processing, the so-called by-products. These by-products still contain many bioactive compounds post-processing, such as macronutrients (proteins and carbohydrates) and phytochemicals (polyphenols and carotenoids). Recently, the recovery of these bioactive compounds from industry by-products has received significant attention, mainly due to their possible health benefits for humans. This chapter focuses on the bioactive potential of fruit and vegetable by-products with possible applications in the food industry (functional foods) and in the health sector (nutraceuticals).

Evaluation of the process conditions for the production of microbial carotenoids by the recently isolated Rhodotorula mucilaginosa URM 7409

Abstract This study aimed to improve the physical and nutritional process conditions for the production of carotenoids by the newly isolated Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, a red basidiomycete yeast. The carotenoid bioproduction was improved using an experimental design technique, changing the process characteristics of agitation (130 rpm to 230 rpm) and temperature (25 °C to 35 °C) using seven experiments, followed by a 25-1 fractional design to determine the relevant factors that constitute the culture medium (glucose, malt extract, yeast extract, peptone and initial pH). A complete second order experimental design was then carried out to optimize the composition of the culture medium, the variables being yeast extract (0.5 to 3.5 g/L), peptone (1 to 5 g/L) and the initial pH (5.5 to 7.5), with 17 experiments. The maximum carotenoid production was 4164.45 μg/L (252.99 μg/g), obtained in 144 h in YM (yeast malt) medium with 30 g/L glucose, 10 g/L malt extract, 2 g/L yeast extract, 3 g/L peptone, an initial pH 6, 130 rpm and 25 °C, demonstrating the potential of this yeast as a source of bio-pigments. In this work, the nitrogen sources were the factors that most influenced the intracellular accumulation of carotenoids. The yeast R. mucilaginosa presented high production at a bench level and may be promising for commercial production.

An efficient one-step scheme for the purification of major xanthophyll carotenoids from lettuce, and assessment of their comparative anticancer potential

The foremost problem in carotenoid research is the excessive cost and difficulty of maintaining pure carotenoid compounds. This work presents an economical, efficient, and simplified one-step scheme for the purification of four major xanthophyll carotenoids from lettuce by utilizing preparative thin layer chromatography on Hyflo-Super-Cel: MgO (Heavy): calcium sulfate hemihydrate (9:9:2 w/w) based adsorbent. The mobile phase of acetone: hexane (1:1) provided the perfect separation of major xanthophylls, resulting in 95-96% purity after just single-step separation, with no interference from chlorophylls or other minor carotenoids. The identity of carotenoids was confirmed by absorption spectroscopy, chemical tests and APCI+-MS/MS. The proposed scheme can be used to isolate the carotenoids at the analytical and preparative scale. In anticancer studies, among four xanthophylls, 9-Z-neoxanthin was found most potent for reduction of cell viability of cervical (HeLa) and lung cancer (A549) cells, with IC50 values of 3.8 and 7.5 μM, respectively.