Betalain plant sources, biosynthesis, extraction, stability enhancement methods, bioactivity, and applications

Alginate-based active and intelligent packaging: Preparation, properties, and applications

Alginate-based packaging materials have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics due to their biodegradability, renewability, and versatile functionalities. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent advances in the development and application of alginate-based films and coatings for food packaging. The composition and fabrication methods of alginate-based packaging materials are discussed, highlighting the incorporation of various functional compounds to enhance their physicochemical properties. The mechanisms of action and the factors influencing the release and migration of active compounds from the alginate matrix are explored. The application of alginate-based packaging materials for the preservation of various food products, including meat, fish, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, is reviewed, demonstrating their effectiveness in extending shelf-life and maintaining quality. The development of alginate-based pH-sensitive indicators for intelligent food packaging is also discussed, focusing on the colorimetric response of natural pigments to spoilage-related pH changes. Furthermore, the review highlights the challenges and future perspectives of alginate-based packaging materials, emphasizing the need for novel strategies to improve their performance, sustainability, and industrial adoption.

Multi-omics landscape and molecular basis of radiation tolerance in a tardigrade

Tardigrades are captivating organisms known for their resilience in extreme environments, including ultra-high-dose radiation, but the underlying mechanisms of this resilience remain largely unknown. Using genome, transcriptome, and proteome analysis of Hypsibius henanensis sp. nov., we explored the molecular basis contributing to radiotolerance in this organism. A putatively horizontally transferred gene, DOPA dioxygenase 1 (DODA1), responds to radiation and confers radiotolerance by synthesizing betalains-a type of plant pigment with free radical-scavenging properties. A tardigrade-specific radiation-induced disordered protein, TRID1, facilitates DNA damage repair through a mechanism involving phase separation. Two mitochondrial respiratory chain complex assembly proteins, BCS1 and NDUFB8, accumulate to accelerate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) regeneration for poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) and subsequent poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)-mediated DNA damage repair. These three observations expand our understanding of mechanisms of tardigrade radiotolerance.

Lipase etching effects-induced interaction between betanin nanocomplexes and polylactic acid and its 3D printing for food packaging

Etching effects by lipase on polylactic acid (PLA) could induce the exposure of active sites and promote the attachment of betanin nanocomplexes (BR-Ch) to obtain red color. 3D printing, regarded as emerging, innovative packaging fabrication technique, was applied to potentially develop creative, red PLA products for food application. BR-Ch was prepared based on betanin and nano chitin via electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding, obtaining nanocomplexes with excellent thermal stability. Pre-treatments mattered greatly in PLA functionalization, and especially, lipase pre-treatment 30 min promoted BR-Ch modification on PLA. Final PLA exhibited excellent red color characteristics (CIElab, Hue-Saturation-Brightness, K/S and CMYK), elongation at break and stable thermal resistance, ultimately achieving outstanding dyeing effect. This work indicates that BR-Ch can potentially replace synthetic pigments to functionalize lipase-pretreated PLA, and the dyed PLA demonstrate the excellent packaging application prospects in food field by 3D-printed products.

First report of betalain production from endolichenic Bacillus sp. LDAB-1 from Dirinaria aegilita: Insights from novel quantification methodology of image processing

Pigments are widely used in food supplements envisaging attractive colors along with health benefits. The desired advancements in the nutraceutical and antioxidant properties of pigments utilized in food products necessitate the search for novel additives. The present study is the first in the field to report the pigment-producing endolichenic bacteria, Bacillus sp. LDAB-1 from Dirinaria aegilita. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization of the bacterium emphasizes that ideal pigment production occurs when utilizing sucrose and sodium nitrate. The pigment was salted out and dialyzed for further qualitative characterization using ultraviolet-visible, fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectra and the results corroborated the presence of betalains. The antioxidant activity of betalain is closer to the efficiency of α-tocopherol, which confers the pigment properties for antioxidant and nutraceutical significance. An optimal methodology for pigment affirmation is an issue when using an alternative methodology. Hence, the present assessment employs a comparative analysis of findings from both a spectrophotometric method and image processing technology encompassing RGB, CMYK, YCbCr, and L*a*b* color space models. Amongst these, the L*a*b* model potentially provides an effective modality for determining the pigment concentration. Bland-Altman plot analysis indicates similar consistency levels in betalain quantification by both methods at 95% confidence intervals, affirming the integrity and consistency of color image processing technology. Consequently, the present study represents novelty and innovativeness in reporting endolichenic Bacillus sp. LDAB-1 from D. aegilita and a rational image optimization protocol for pigment elucidation characteristics.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and encapsulation of betalain from prickly pear: Process optimization, in-vitro digestive stability, and development of functional gummies

The study aimed to extract and encapsulate betalain pigment from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) using ultrasound-assisted extraction and eco-friendly glycerol. Subsequent analysis encompassed assessing its thermal stability, shelf-life, bio-accessibility, and biological properties. The process optimization employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM), focusing on glycerol concentration (20-50 %), sample to solvent ratio (1:10-1:20), temperature (30-60 °C), and time (10-30 min). Optimal conditions were determined as 23.15 % glycerol, 1:10 sample to solvent ratio, 10.43 min treatment time, and 31.15 °C temperature. Under these conditions, betalain content reached 858.28 mg/L with a 93.76 % encapsulation efficiency. Thermal stability tests (80-180 °C; 30 & 60 min) showed degradation of betalain with higher temperatures and longer durations, affecting the visual aspect (ΔE) of the pigment. Encapsulated betalain exhibited favorable shelf stability, with optimal storage life of 404.27 days at 4 °C in amber conditions, compared to 271.99 days at 4 °C without amber, 141.92 days at 25 °C without amber, and 134.22 days at 25 °C with amber. Bio-accessibility of encapsulated betalain was significantly higher (2.05 ± 0.03 %) than conventionally extracted pigment (1.03 ± 0.09 %). The encapsulated pigment displayed strong anti-inflammatory properties in dosages of 2-20 µL, with no cytotoxic effects. Additionally, incorporation into gummies was successful and visually approved by sensory panellists. Glycerol proved to be a green encapsulating agent for betalain, offering high shelf life and bio-accessibility, making it suitable for food industry applications. The encapsulated pigment demonstrated robust thermal stability and shelf life, making it suitable for food industry applications. This study highlights glycerol's potential as a sustainable alternative for natural pigment extraction.

Semisynthesis of Betaxanthins from Purified Betacyanin of Opuntia dillenii sp.: Color Stability and Antiradical Capacity

The availability of pure individual betalains in sufficient quantities which permit deeper understanding is still a challenge. This study investigates the high-yielding semisynthesis of betaxanthins using betalamic acid from a natural source (Opuntia dillenii), followed by condensation with ʟ-amino acids and further purification. Moreover, the color stability of the four synthesized individual betaxanthins, namely proline (ʟ-ProBX), alanine (ʟ-AlaBX), leucine (ʟ-LeuBX), and phenylalanine (ʟ-PheBX) betaxanthins, was investigated at different pHs. Their relative contribution to free radical scavenging was also scrutinized by TEAC and DPPH. ʟ-AlaBX and ʟ-LeuBx showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity, whereas ʟ-ProBX was the most resistant to the hydrolysis of betaxanthin and hence the least susceptible to color change. The color stability was strongly influenced by pH, with the color of ʟ-ProBX, ʟ-LeuBX, and ʟ-AlaBX at pH 6 being more stable, probably due to the easier hydrolysis under acid conditions. The semisynthesis and purification allowed us to have available remarkable quantities of pure individual betaxanthins of Opuntia dillenii for the first time, and to establish their color properties and antioxidant capacity. This study could be a step forward in the development of the best natural food colorant formulation, based on the betalain structure, which is of special interest in food technology.

Microencapsulation of ultrasound-assisted phenolic extracts of sugar maple leaves: Characterization, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, and storage stability

Sugar maple leaves (SML), usually considered residue plant biomass and discarded accordingly, contain a considerable amount of phenolic antioxidants. In this study, SML phenolics were extracted employing both advanced (homogenization pretreated ultrasound-assisted extraction) and conventional (maceration) methods followed by their encapsulation by freeze drying and spray drying using a combination of maltodextrin and gum arabic as coating agents. Detailed physicochemical analyses revealed that the encapsulated microparticles had high solubility (>90 %) and encapsulation efficiency (>95 %), acceptable thermal stability with good handling properties. Phenolic compounds were completely released from microparticles during simulated gastric conditions. The microparticles influenced the bioaccessibility of more than 43 % of the phenolic fraction in the intestinal phase. The antioxidant capacity of the microparticles was preserved during storage. These findings suggest the effectiveness of the microencapsulation process for producing high quality microparticles of SML phenolic extracts and the possibility of their use in the food, nutraceutical, bio-pharmaceutical sectors.

A critical review on the stability of natural food pigments and stabilization techniques

This comprehensive review article delves into the complex world of natural edible pigments, with a primary focus on their stability and the factors that influence them. The study primarily explores four classes of pigments: anthocyanins, betalains, chlorophylls and carotenoids by investigating both their intrinsic and extrinsic stability factors. The review examines factors affecting the stability of anthocyanins which act as intrinsic factors like their structure, intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, copigmentation, and self-association as well as extrinsic factors such as temperature, light exposure, metal ions, and enzymatic activities. The scrutiny extends to betalains which are nitrogen-based pigments, and delves into intrinsic factors like chemical composition and glycosylation, as well as extrinsic factors like temperature, light exposure, and oxygen levels affecting for their stability. Carotenoids are analyzed concerning their intrinsic and extrinsic stability factors. The article emphasizes the role of chemical structure, isomerization, and copigmentation as intrinsic factors and discusses how light, temperature, oxygen, and moisture levels influence carotenoid stability. The impacts of food processing methods on carotenoid preservation are explored by offering guidance on maximizing retention and nutritional value. Chlorophyll is examined for its sensitivity to external factors like light, temperature, oxygen exposure, pH, metal ions, enzymatic actions, and the food matrix composition. In conclusion, this review article provides a comprehensive exploration of the stability of natural edible pigments, highlighting the intricate interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In addition, it is important to note that all the references cited in this review article are within the past five years, ensuring the most up-to-date and relevant sources have been considered in the analysis.

Plant sources, extraction techniques, analytical methods, bioactivity, and bioavailability of sulforaphane: a review

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate commonly found in cruciferous vegetables. It is formed via the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucoraphanin by myrosinase. SFN exerts various biological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory effects, and is widely used in functional foods and clinical medicine. However, the structure of SFN is unstable and easily degradable, and its production is easily affected by temperature, pH, and enzyme activity, which limit its application. Hence, several studies are investigating its physicochemical properties, stability, and biological activity to identify methods to increase its content. This article provides a comprehensive review of the plant sources, extraction and analysis techniques, in vitro and in vivo biological activities, and bioavailability of SFN. This article highlights the importance and provides a reference for the research and application of SFN in the future.

Chondroitin sulfate and chitosan-coated liposomes as a novel delivery system for betanin: Preparation, characterization and in vitro digestion behavior

Betanin, a water-soluble pigment known for its high bioactivity, is hindered by pH and temperature sensitivity, weak ionic strength, and low bioavailability. In this study, nanoliposome (NPS), chitosan-coated NPS (CNPS), and chondroitin sulfate-chitosan bilayer-modified nanoliposomes (SCNPS) were prepared based on a layer-by-layer electrostatic interaction method for betanin encapsulation. The increase of polymer layers from NPS to SCNPS led to a monotonic increment from 223.57 to 522.33 nm in size, from -27.73 to 16.70 mV in negative charge and from 0.22 to 0.35 in polydispersity index. The chemical stability against pH (ranging from 2 to 10), ionic type (KCl, CaCl2, ALCl3) and ionic strength (100, 500 mM) significantly impacted the appearance and particle size of the double-layered nanoliposome. In vitro digestion experiment showed that SCNPS displayed higher stability and slower betanin release compared to NPS and CNPS. This study demonstrates that betanin can be efficiently encapsulated by SCNPS with improved stability and bioavailability.

Identification, expression analysis of quinoa betalain biosynthesis genes and their role in seed germination and cold stress

Betalains provide Chenopodium quinoa bright color, and the key enzyme genes for betalain biosynthesis include CYP76AD, DODA, and GTs. In this study, 59 CqCYP76AD, CqDODA and CqGTs genes in quinoa were identified and characterized by gene structural characteristics, phylogenetic relationships and gene expression patterns. The CqCYP76AD genes were divided into ɑ, β and γ types, CqDODA into ɑ and β types, and CqGTs into CqcDOPA5GT, CqB5GT and CqB6GT types according to phylogenetic relationships. The analysis of co-linearity identified eight pairs of duplicated genes which were subjected to purifying selection during evolution. CqCYP76AD and CqDODA, as well as CqcDOPA5GT and CqB5GT may have been evolutionarily linked in genetic inheritance, based on gene location and gene structure study. The tissue expression specificity of CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, and CqGTs genes in response to seed germination and cold stress was studied by RNA-Seq data. The genes CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, and CqGTs were involved in betalain biosynthesis and cold stress. CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, CqcDOPA5GT and CqB5GT gene sequences were consistent in the eight quinoa samples and showed significant variations in expression. In contrast, the inconsistency between changes in gene expression and betalain accumulation indicates that other factors may influence betalain biosynthesis in quinoa. This study offers the theoretical basis for the roles of the CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, and CqGTs genes in betalain biosynthesis and cold stress in quinoa, as well as a guide for the full utilization of betalains in quinoa plants.

Complete mitogenome assembly of Selenicereus monacanthus revealed its molecular features, genome evolution, and phylogenetic implications

BACKGROUND

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and are critical for plant growth and development. Pitaya (Selenicereus or Hylocereus) is the most important economic crop in the family Cactaceae and is grown worldwide, however its mitogenome is unreported.

RESULTS

This study assembled the complete mitogenome of the red skin and flesh of pitaya (Selenicereus monacanthus). It is a full-length, 2,290,019 bp circular molecule encoding 59 unique genes that only occupy 2.17% of the entire length. In addition, 4,459 pairs of dispersed repeats (≥ 50 bp) were identified, accounting for 84.78% of the total length, and three repeats (394,588, 124,827, and 13,437 bp) mediating genomic recombination were identified by long read mapping and Sanger sequencing. RNA editing events were identified in all 32 protein-coding genes (PCGs), among which four sites (nad1-2, nad4L-2, atp9-copy3-223, and ccmFC-1309) were associated with the initiation or termination of PCGs. Seventy-eight homologous fragments of the chloroplast genome were identified in the mitogenome, the longest having 4,523 bp. In addition, evolutionary analyses suggest that S. monacanthus may have undergone multiple genomic reorganization events during evolution, with the loss of at least nine PCGs (rpl2, rpl10, rps2, rps3, rps10, rps11, rps14, rps19, and sdh3).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the genetic basis of the S. monacanthus mitogenome, and provided a scientific basis for further research on phenotypic traits and germplasm resource development.

Microencapsulation of Betaxanthin Pigments from Pitahaya (Hylocereus megalanthus) By-Products: Characterization, Food Application, Stability, and In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

The yellow pitahaya peels generated as by-products during the consumption and processing of the fresh fruit are a rich and underutilized source of betaxanthins (natural yellow-orange pigment with antioxidant activity) and mucilage (structuring material used in the spray-drying process), molecules of high interest for the food industry. In this work, the betaxanthin-rich extract (BRE) obtained from this by-product was microencapsulated by spray drying (SD) using pitahaya peel mucilage (MPP) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials. Both types of microencapsulates (i.e., SD-MPP and SD-MD) retained high betaxanthin content (as measured by UV-vis) and antioxidant activity (ORAC). These microencapsulates were characterized structurally (FTIR and zeta potential), morphologically (SEM and particle size/polydispersity index), and thermally (DSC/TGA). The powdered microencapsulates were incorporated into the formulation of candy gummies as a food model, which were subjected to an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process. The characterization study (FTIR and antioxidant activity) of the microcapsules showed that the fruit peel mucilage favors the retention of betaxanthins, while the SEM analysis revealed a particle size of multimodal distribution and heterogeneous morphology. The addition of SD-MPP microcapsules in the candy gummy formulation favored the total dietary fiber content as well as the gumminess and chewiness of the food matrix; however, the inhibition of AAPH^• (%) was affected. The stability of the yellow color in the gummies after 30 days of storage indicates its suitability for storage. Consequently, the microencapsulation of betaxanthins with pitahaya peel mucilage can be used as a food additive colorant in the food industry, replacing synthetic colorants, to develop products with beneficial qualities for health that can satisfy the growing demand of consumers.

Comparison of betalain compounds in two Beta vulgaris var. cicla and BvCYP76AD27 function identification in betalain biosynthesis

Beta vulgaris var. cicla is an edible, ornamental and horticultural plant. However, the difference of components and contents of betalain in beets with different leaf color are not well understood. Here, the stress resistance and metabolites of two B. vulgaris var. cicla cultivars were determined. The differences in stress resistance between red leaf-colored chard (RC) and yellow leaf-colored chard (YC) were positively related to betacyanins (BC) and betaxathins (BX) content in the leaves. Furthermore, a total of 3615 distinct metabolites were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS in two cultivars, including 70 alkaloids and their derivatives, 249 flavonoids, and 264 terpenoids. There were 17 metabolites attributed to betalain biosynthesis pathway, seven of nine BC were up-regulated, and eight BX showed no significant difference in RC compared with YC. The contents of celosianin II and betanin were the highest BC in RC, at approximately 84.38 and 19.97 times that of YC, respectively. The content of portulacaxanthin II was the highest BX in two beets. Additionally, the BvCYP450 genes were identified based on genome, and the members that might be involved in betalain biosynthesis were screened. BvCYP76AD27, a member of the BvCYP76AD subfamily, had a higher expression level in RC than YC under freezing, drought and shading stress. In yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, BvCYP76AD5 and BvCYP76AD27 only hydroxylated tyrosine to L-DOPA, which was transformed into portulacaxanthin II by 4,5-DOPA extradiol dioxygenase. The results contribute to illustrating the molecular mechanism of betalain biosynthesis and provide useful information for further investigation of beet chemistry and sufficient utilization of this species.

Betalains as promising natural colorants in smart/active food packaging

Betalains are water-soluble nitrogen pigments with beneficial effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pH-indicator properties. The development of packaging films incorporated with betalains has received increasing attention because of pH-responsive color-changing properties in the colorimetric indicators and smart packaging films. As such, intelligent and active packaging systems based on biodegradable polymers containing betalains have been recently developed as eco-friendly packaging to enhance the quality and safety of food products. Betalains could generally improve the functional properties of packaging films, such as higher water resistance, tensile strength, elongation at break, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These effects are dependent on betalain composition (about its source and extraction), content, and the kind of biopolymer, film preparation method, food samples, and storage time. This review focused on betalains-rich films as pH- and ammonia-sensitive indicators and their applications as smart packaging to monitor the freshness of protein-rich foods such as shrimp, fish, chicken, and milk.

Metabolic engineering of betacyanin in vegetables for anti-inflammatory therapy

Betalains, which consist of the subgroups betaxanthins and betacyanins, are hydrophilic pigments that have classically been used for food colorants. Owing to their strong antioxidant property, their usefulness for application for therapeutic use is also expected. In addition, as betalains are mainly naturally available from plants of the order Caryophyllales, including beet (Beta vulgaris), metabolic engineering for betalain production in crops such as vegetables, fruits and cereals may provide new food resources useful for healthcare. Here we conducted metabolic engineering of betacyanins in tomato fruits and potato tubers. The transgenic tomato fruits and potato tubers with coexpression of betacyanin biosynthesis genes, CYP76AD1 from B. vulgaris, DOD (DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase) and 5GT (cyclo-DOPA 5-O-glucosyltransferase) from Mirabilis jalapa, under control of suitable specific promoters, possessed dark red tissues with enriched accumulation of betacyanins (betanin and isobetanin). The anti-inflammatory activity of transgenic tomato fruit extract was superior to that of wild-type fruit extract on macrophage RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as a result of decreased LPS-stimulated transcript levels of proinflammatory genes. These findings were in accord with the observation that administration of the transgenic tomato fruits ameliorated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis as well as body weight loss and disease activity index in mice, via suppression of DSS-stimulated transcript levels of pro-inflammatory genes, including Tnf (encoding TNF-alpha), Il6, and Ptgs2 (encoding cyclooxygenae 2). Intriguingly, given the fact that the transgenic potato tuber extract failed to enrich the anti-inflammatory activity of macrophage cells, it is likely that metabolic engineering of betacyanins will be a powerful way of increasing the anti-inflammatory property of ordinary foods such as tomato.