Exploring the Use of Fruit Callus Culture as a Model System to Study Color Development and Cell Wall Remodeling during Strawberry Fruit Ripening

Metabolite and transcriptome analyses reveal the effects of salinity stress on the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins in grape suspension cells

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) and anthocyanins are flavonoids that contribute to the quality and health benefits of grapes and wine. Salinity affects their biosynthesis, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. We studied the effects of NaCl stress on PA and anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape suspension cells derived from berry skins of Vitis vinifera L. Cabernet Sauvignon using metabolite profiling and transcriptome analysis. We treated the cells with low (75 mM NaCl) and high (150 mM NaCl) salinity for 4 and 7 days. High salinity inhibited cell growth and enhanced PA and anthocyanin accumulation more than low salinity. The salinity-induced PAs and anthocyanins lacked C5'-hydroxylation modification, suggesting the biological significance of delphinidin- and epigallocatechin-derivatives in coping with stress. The genes up-regulated by salinity stress indicated that the anthocyanin pathway was more sensitive to salt concentration than the PA pathway, and WGCNA analysis revealed the coordination between flavonoid biosynthesis and cell wall metabolism under salinity stress. We identified transcription factors potentially involved in regulating NaCl dose- and time-dependent PA and anthocyanin accumulation, showing the dynamic remodeling of flavonoid regulation network under different salinity levels and durations. Our study provides new insights into regulator candidates for tailoring flavonoid composition and molecular indicators of salt stress in grape cells.

Enrichment of 3D-Printed k-Carrageenan Food Gel with Callus Tissue of Narrow-Leaved Lupin Lupinus angustifolius

The aim of the study is to develop and evaluate the printability of k-carrageenan inks enriched with callus tissue of lupin (L. angustifolius) and to determine the effect of two lupin calluses (LA14 and LA16) on the texture and digestibility of 3D-printed gel. The results demonstrated that the enriched ink was successfully 3D printed at concentrations of 33 and 50 g/100 mL of LA14 callus and 33 g/100 mL of LA16 callus. The feasibility of 3D printing is extremely reduced at higher concentrations of callus material in the ink. The hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess of the 3D-printed gel with LA16 callus were weakened compared to the gel with LA14 callus. The results of rheological measurements showed that an increase in the content of LA16 callus interfered with the formation of a k-carrageenan gel network, while LA14 callus strengthened the k-carrageenan gel with increasing concentration. Gel samples at different concentrations of LA14 and LA16 calluses formed a spongy network structure, but the number of pores decreased, and their size increased, when the volume fraction occupied by LA14 and LA16 calluses increased. Simple polysaccharides, galacturonic acid residues, and phenolic compounds (PCs) were released from A-FP gels after sequential in vivo oral and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. PCs were released predominantly in the simulated intestinal and colonic fluids. Thus, incorporating lupin callus into the hydrocolloid ink for food 3D printing can be a promising approach to developing a gelling material with new mechanical, rheological, and functional properties.

Self-Assembly of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Organic Colored Pigments as Reinforcement Matrix of Lipstick for Enhancing SPF

The vermilion of the human lip, covered by a skinny epithelium with little melanin, is quite susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. However, commercial sunscreen filters and indelible dyes used in lipsticks can cause health hazards after percutaneous absorption or accidentally oral administration. Inspired by plant pigmentation as natural filters to protect themselves against overexposure to UV, safer bio-based sunscreens of cellulose enveloped with anthocyanin (AN) were developed using bionic design. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), derived from acid hydrolysis of cellulose, reinforced enhancement of UV absorption and shielding properties of AN. This innovation addresses the issue that naturally sourced UV filter application to sunscreen does not achieve a desired sun protection factor (SPF) value because of the low specific extinction value (E1,1). We also stated that the diverse formula of anthocyanin sunscreen lipsticks with CNC exhibited 10 times more SPF value than AN alone. Furthermore, they possess competitive benefits such as pleasing texture, superior adhesion, impermeable, nonphototoxicity, ease of application, and removal. This work provides a promising proof-of-concept for studying the features of natural sunscreens in the design of simple, safe, efficient, and green sunscreens.