Search Results (825)

Constructions of self-assembled protein nanocages for enzyme immobilization and cargo transport are very promising in biotechnology fields such as natural product biosynthesis. Here, we present an engineered isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) synthetic nanocage with multiple enzymes for lycopene production in bacteria. The enzymes involved in IPP biosynthesis (ScCK, AtIPK, and MxanIDI) were assembled onto the exterior of an engineered protein cage based on α-carboxysome. The IPP synthetic nanocage was co-expressed with CrtE/CrtB/CrtI in Escherichia coli. This approach increased the metabolic flux and resulted in a 1.7-fold increase in lycopene production in the engineered E. coli compared with the control strain. The results provide insights into the immobilization and assembling of IPP biosynthetic enzymes in protein nanocages, which serve as a powerful tool for achieving efficient synthesis of lycopene. Full article

Lycopene is a natural carotenoid with antioxidation properties. The objective of the present study was to investigate the roles of glutamate and proline in lycopene biosynthesis in a newly isolated purple non-sulfur bacterium Cereibacter sphaeroides DT.1, under aerobic conditions. This strain contained a distinct CrtI₄ capable of converting phytoene to lycopene via four-step desaturation. In order to enhance lycopene production, a crtC knockout mutant was constructed via homologous recombination. Supplementation with glutamate or proline to fermentative medium significantly enhanced intracellular lycopene accumulation in wildtype strain by a respective 99.40 ± 0.54% and 101.70 ± 0.49% and in a ΔcrtC mutant strain by 38.13 ± 0.15% and 39.83 ± 0.27%, respectively. Differential transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that these promoting effects were associated with downregulation of the expression of the acyclic carotenoid 1,2-hydratase gene, and increased accumulation of lycopene precursors such as pyruvate and acetyl-CoA. The fermentation conditions for lycopene production were optimized through shake flask experiments. Feasibility for lycopene production was confirmed in a fed-batch cultivation process and a high yield of 151.10 ± 0.13 mg/L was achieved. This ΔcrtC mutant strain exhibited advantages, such as relatively lower oxygen demand and no need for illumination, making it a potentially useful strain for lycopene production under aerobic conditions. Full article

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is widely cultivated in yellow sand substrate-based systems in Northwest China, contributing significantly to regional agriculture. However, suboptimal water and fertilizer management hinders the balanced optimization of yield, fruit quality, and resource efficiency. In this two-year solar greenhouse experiment (2023–2024), we employed a four-factor, three-level orthogonal design [L9(3⁴)] to examine three irrigation regimes—full irrigation (FI 100% of crop evapotranspiration, [ET_c]), mild deficit irrigation (DIM 75% ET_c), and severe deficit irrigation (DIS 50% ET_c)—in combination with staged fertilizer applications at the seedling, flowering/fruit-set, and peak-fruit stages. A multi-objective decision-making framework, integrating an improved entropy weight method with a virtual-ideal-solution-based TOPSIS model, was established to address the complexity of water–fertilizer interactions. The results indicated that irrigation amount (IA) was the primary determinant of yield and water use efficiency (WUE), followed by fertilizer application in the second stage (FII). For fruit quality indices (moisture content, vitamin C (VC), lycopene (LC), soluble sugars (SSs), and soluble solids content (SSC)), IA remained the most influential factor, followed by FIII, FII, and FI; IA also had the largest impact on fruit hardness (Hd), soluble protein (SP), and titratable acidity (TA). An integrated scoring analysis revealed that treatment T5 achieved the highest yield, WUE, and partial factor productivity (PFP), whereas T7 excelled in fruit quality (VC, LC, SSC, and SP). Moreover, TOPSIS confirmed T5 as the optimal water–fertilizer strategy to achieve high yield, improved quality, and efficient resource utilization. Overall, these findings underscore a robust approach for optimizing water–fertilizer coupling in tomato cultivation under yellow sand substrate conditions, thereby enhancing resource use efficiency, promoting sustainable greenhouse agriculture in arid regions, and contributing to national water-saving and yield-increasing priorities. Full article

Background: Carotenoids are bioactive tetraterpenoid C40 pigments that are actively synthesized by plants, bacteria, and fungi. Compounds such as α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, fucoxanthin, and zeaxanthin have attracted increasing attention for their antiaging properties. They exhibit antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the pharmacological potential and biological mechanisms of carotenoids associated with age-related disorders and to evaluate their application in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. Methods: A systematic review of studies published over the past two decades was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The selection criteria included clinical, in silico, in vivo, and in vitro studies investigating the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of carotenoids. Results: Carotenoids demonstrate a variety of health benefits, including the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cancer, cognitive decline, metabolic disorders, and skin aging. Their role in nutraceuticals is well supported by their ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. In pharmaceuticals, carotenoids show promising results in formulations targeting neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. In cosmeceuticals, they improve skin health by protecting it against UV radiation and oxidative damage. However, bioavailability, optimal dosages, toxicity, and interactions with other bioactive compounds remain critical factors to maximize therapeutic efficacy and still require careful evaluation by scientists. Conclusions: Carotenoids are promising bioactive compounds for antiaging interventions with potential applications in a variety of fields. Further research is needed to optimize their formulas, improve bioavailability, and confirm their long-term safety and effectiveness, especially in the aging population. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two irrigation systems (deficit irrigation (DI)—70% of field capacity—and full irrigation (FI)—100% of field capacity) and a biostimulant formulation (silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca) at four different rates) on the chemical composition and fruit quality of greenhouse-grown tomatoes. Deficit irrigation and biostimulant application influenced the proximate composition of tomato fruits. Fructose and glucose were the main soluble sugars, while malic and citric acids were the predominant organic acids. Free sugar and organic acid content increased under DI and biostimulant applications. In contrast, deficit irrigation combined with biostimulant application decreased α-tocopherol levels. In terms of carotenoids, lycopene and β-carotene concentrations were higher under full irrigation. The main fatty acids were palmitic (C16:0) and linoleic (C18:2n6) acids, with saturated (SFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids being the main classes. Moreover, biostimulant applications reduced the total phenolic content regardless of the irrigation regime, whereas the flavonoid content increased when biostimulants were applied under FI conditions. Regarding antioxidant activity (assessed by TBARS and OxHLIA assays), a variable response to irrigation and biostimulant application was observed. In conclusion, the application of Si and Ca under DI showed promising results in terms of yield and quality of tomato fruit and it could be considered a sustainable strategy to mitigate adverse effects of climate change on horticultural crops. Full article

Plant extracts are increasingly becoming an answer to expensive, high-dose, synthesized chemotherapy, with milder side effects and easier accessibility. Many botanical plants contain active ingredients, such as terpenoids and alkaloids, which may combat cancer; however, studies need to be performed to test whether they are solely effective enough and whether the extracted compounds are selective for the tumor itself. Many chemotherapy drugs were initially of botanical origin, such as vincristine from Catharanthus roseus and paclitaxel from the Taxus baccata tree. The objective of this review is to assess the mechanisms of herbal therapeutics in their role against malignancy. Ajwa, curcumin, ginseng, lycopene, and ursolic acid were all respectively evaluated in the paper for their prevalent properties, their method of extraction, notable usage in medicine, which pathways they activate, and whether the transductions can disrupt cancer formation or proliferation. The findings from the review demonstrated that all the therapeutics exhibited pro-apoptotic behavior, Ajwa and curcumin exerted cell cycle arrest upon neoplasms, and Ajwa, curcumin, and lycopene showed anti-metastatic behavior. Most extracts were tested on colorectal cancer, and the pathways most commonly applied were through BAX/Bcl2 and endoproteases, such as caspase-3 and caspase-9, indicating predominantly mitochondrial apoptosis. In addition, cell cycle arrest was noted to occur during the G2/M phase via Wnt/β-catenin in both curcumin and ginseng, independently of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in Ajwa constituents, reducing cell viability. All of these studies were demonstrated in vitro within varieties of single cell cultures, which did not take into account bioavailability nor properly demonstrate the tumor microenvironment, which may not yield the same results in vivo. Clinical trials need to be undergone to appropriately test effective dosages, as if a compound is strongly pro-apoptotic, it may not be selective just to tumor cells but also to healthy cells, which may impair their functions. Full article

Antioxidants are indispensable in protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and lifestyle-related influences. This review examines the essential role of antioxidants in modern cosmetology, highlighting their dual functionality as protective agents and active components in skincare formulations. Oxidative stress, primarily driven by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the skin’s defense mechanisms, accelerates aging processes, damages cellular structures, and compromises skin integrity. Antioxidants, whether natural or synthetic, act by neutralizing ROS, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular repair, effectively mitigating these harmful effects. This comprehensive analysis synthesizes findings from 280 studies accessed via key databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. It investigates the biochemical mechanisms of antioxidant activity, emphasizing compounds such as vitamins (C, E, A), carotenoids, polyphenols, peptides, and minerals, alongside bioactive extracts derived from algae, fungi, lichens, and plants. Carotenoids, including ꞵ-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and astaxanthin, demonstrate potent antioxidant activity, making them crucial for photoprotection and anti-aging. Phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid, resveratrol, hesperidin, and xanthohumol, play a significant role in neutralizing oxidative stress and improving skin health. This review also highlights bioactives from algae, fungi, and lichens. Algae, particularly microalgae like Haematococcus pluvialis, known for astaxanthin production, are highlighted for their extraordinary photoprotective and anti-aging properties. Brown algae (Fucus vesiculosus) and red algae (Porphyra) provide polysaccharides and bioactive molecules that enhance hydration and barrier function. Fungi contribute a wealth of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including polysaccharides, ꞵ-glucans, and enzymes, which support cellular repair and protect against oxidative damage. Lichens, through unique phenolic metabolites, offer potent free-radical-scavenging properties and serve as effective ingredients in formulations targeting environmental stress. Plant-derived antioxidants offer a diverse range of benefits. Plant-derived antioxidants, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, further amplify skin resilience, hydration, and repair mechanisms, aligning with the growing demand for nature-inspired solutions in cosmetics. The integration of these diverse natural sources into cosmetic formulations reflects the industry’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and efficacy. By harnessing the synergistic potential of bioactives from algae, fungi, lichens, and plants, modern cosmetology is advancing toward multifunctional, health-conscious, and eco-friendly products. Future research directions include optimizing delivery systems for these bioactives, enhancing their stability and bioavailability, and expanding their applications to meet evolving dermatological challenges. Full article

This study investigates the biochemical profile and antioxidant activity of different apple genotypes developed through breeding as compared to three established cultivars, providing valuable insights for improving the nutritional quality of apples. The research analyzes the content of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), tannins (TTC), and anthocyanins (TAC) as well as sugars content to determine nutritional variability between genotypes. Antioxidant activity was assessed by standardized methods, correlating the results with biochemical profiles. The content of bioactive compounds including polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins varied significantly between the studied apple genotypes, with the H18/6 genotype showing the highest values for TPC, TFC, and TAC (839.08 mg GAE/100 g; 130.39 mg CE/100 g, and 19.04 mg C3GE/100 g, respectively), highlighting the importance of varietal characterization for nutraceutical potential. Lycopene and β-carotene, carotenoid compounds with antioxidant properties, were present in apples only in low concentrations, ranging between 0.25 and 0.95 mg/100 g for lycopene and 0.03 and 0.50 mg/100 g for β-carotene, with higher levels observed in genotypes with more intense colors. This study contributes to the identification of genotypes with added value that are useful in improving human health and developing functional food products. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effects and mechanisms of all-trans lycopene on intestinal health by establishing lipopolysaccharide-induced (LPS-induced) jejunal inflammation model. Dietary lycopene supplementation enhanced serum and jejunum antioxidant capacity. Lycopene significantly reduced LPS-induced upregulation of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), suggesting that lycopene reduced the activation of TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway induced by LPS challenge, and further protected mice from LPS induced jejunal inflammation. Furthermore, lycopene increased jejunal zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein expression that was reduced by LPS challenge, and increased abundance of Rikenella, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Mucispirillum potentially associated with reducing gut inflammation. Overall, these results showed that pretreatment with lycopene can improve jejunal inflammation and ensure intestinal health in mice by improving antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier function, microorganisms potentially associated with anti-inflammatory effects and reducing the activation of TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway by LPS. We provided a new insight into lycopene prevented LPS-induced jejunal inflammation by corresponding alterations in serum metabolites and gut microbiota, improving antioxidant capacity and regulating the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice. Full article

The study and definition of synergistic, additive and antagonistic effects among biostimulants of microbial and nonmicrobial origin represents one of the most interesting prospects for future research. As part of the SO.MI.PR.O.N regional project, we evaluated the effects of the single and combined applications of three different biostimulants [a plant-derived protein hydrolysate (PH), a tropical plant extract (PE) and a microbial biostimulant based on Trichoderma atroviride (Tricho)] on tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in a protected environment. From the analysis of our results, we observed that compared with the control conditions, all combinations containing Trichoderma atroviride (Tricho+PH, Tricho+PE and Tricho+PE+PH) significantly increased the marketable fruit production. For the latter parameter, the combined application of all tested biostimulants ensured the much-aspired-for synergistic effect. The combined application of all tested biostimulants (Tricho+PE+PH) significantly improved the quality traits (lycopene content, total polyphenols and total soluble solids) of the tomatoes. Although the understanding of the mechanisms activated by the combined application of the different biostimulants still remains complex to define, the results obtained underscore their potential. Not least, it will be necessary to assess the economic feasibility of the combined applications of biostimulants in order to have a more real picture that fully considers the sustainability of this strategy. Full article

Lycopene (carotenoid) is a natural pigment with strong antioxidant properties. The taproots of red carrots (Daucus carota L.) exhibit red coloration due to the presence of high levels of lycopene. However, the candidate genes responsible for regulating lycopene accumulation in red carrots have yet to be identified. In this study, the variations in carotenoid content were assessed at five different stages of taproot development. The results showed a rapid accumulation of lycopene in the taproots between 45 and 60 days after sowing, peaking at its highest level by 75 days. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct co-expression modules associated with lycopene accumulation. Notably, two of the identified modules (red and mediumpurple3) exhibited significant correlations with lycopene content. A total of 24 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched by both Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, and one carotenoid pathway gene was only enriched by KEGG analysis. Among these genes, five genes associated with photosynthesis (DCAR_016944 [DcCHL27], DCAR_021505 [DcFNR2], DCAR_000568 [DcPSB28], DCAR_030558 [DcBPG1], and DCAR_030562 [DcBPG1]) and one carotenoid pathway gene (DCAR_013459 [DcCRTISO-1]) were highly connected hub genes. These six genes were significantly up-regulated at 60 and 75 days after sowing, when the taproots accumulated high lycopene content, and were identified as candidate genes. These findings contribute valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of lycopene. Full article

This research aimed to assess how irrigation can affect the sustainability and quality of two Italian tomato cultivars: the “Riccio di Parma Casertano,” which is grown without irrigation, and the “Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP,” which requires irrigation. Life cycle assessment and water footprint analysis were used for sustainability assessment, while, for quality assessment, the content of bioactive compounds was analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometric assays. The results indicate that ‘Riccio di Parma Casertano’ is a more sustainable cultivar than ‘Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP’, with lower environmental impacts in all 18 impact categories, showing reductions ranging from 54.55% to 99.90%. This higher sustainability performance of “Riccio di Parma Casertano” is also characterized by increases of +32% in total polyphenol content and +43% in total flavonoid content as an adaptive response to water stress compared with “Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP”. However, “Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP” has a higher yield and better overall nutritional and functional quality, with higher concentrations of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds, such as lycopene and β-carotene, due to irrigation. The results, therefore, show how the choice between the two cultivars might depend on a trade-off between sustainability and quality. In particular, ’Riccio di Parma Casertano’ could excel in contexts with low water availability while maintaining a good nutritional profile due to the synthesis of bioactive compounds; on the other hand, “Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP” could offer higher yield and nutritional qualities, although it needs improved agricultural practices to reduce overall environmental impacts. Full article

In the present study, variation in phytochemical properties was estimated in 16 newly developed interspecific citrus hybrids (Citrus maxima [Burm. f.] Osbeck × C. sinensis [L.] Osbeck) and parental genotypes. Results showed that the interspecific hybridization of pummelo with sweet orange significantly improved the fruit quality traits. Ascorbic acid, total phenol, total flavonoids, total carotenoid, and lycopene content in the fruit juice of studied genotypes varied from 37.8 to 72.02 mg/100 mL, 19.63–112.59 GAE mg/100 mL, 1.09–2.39 QE mg/100 mL, 34.6–519.81 μg/100 mL, and 17.59–395.71 μg/100 mL, respectively. Among the new hybrids, the highest antioxidant value (DPPH assay) was recorded as 2.53 TE μmol/mL as against the 2.22 TE μmol/mL in sweet orange cv. Mosambi. The citrus hybrid genotypes SCSH-9-2/12, SCSH-9-10/12, SCSH-11-9/13, SCSH-11-15/12, and SCSH-17-19/13 proved superior for studied phytochemicals. Pearson’s correlation and principal component analyses revealed the association among the traits and key components underlying the genetic variations. The bitterness properties were studied by quantifying naringin and limonin content in the fresh and stored juice (24 h storage at 4 °C) in addition to the sensory evaluation. The new hybrid SCSH-9-2/12, SCSH-9-10/12, and SCSH-11-9/13 have very low limonin content (<1.0 mg/L) with the least delayed bitterness properties, thus proving their potential for juice processing and storage. Full article

Background: Myxol, a monocyclic carotenoid with β- and ψ-end groups, has been identified in only a limited number of bacteria, such as flavobacteria and cyanobacteria. Despite its biological significance, the biosynthetic pathway of myxol is not well understood, and studies on its physiological functions and biological activities are limited because of its rarity. Methods: BLAST homology searches for carotenoid biosynthesis genes in the genome of Nonlabens were performed. The carotenogenesis-related genes in the genome of the marine flavobacteria Nonlabens spongiae were individually cloned and functionally characterized using a heterologous Escherichia coli expression system. Carotenoids from N. spongiae were identified using an LC-MS analysis. Results: We identified a gene cluster involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in the genome of N. spongiae. This cluster includes genes encoding phytoene synthase (CrtB), phytoene desaturase (CrtI), lycopene cyclase (CrtY), carotenoid 1,2-hydratase (CruF), carotenoid 3,4-desaturase (ψ-end group) (CrtD), carotenoid 2-hydroxylase (ψ-end group) (CrtA-OH), and carotene hydro-xylase (CrtZ). Based on the characteristics of these enzymes, the primary products were predicted to be myxol and/or zeaxanthin. A spectroscopic analysis confirmed that myxol was the primary carotenoid. Furthermore, a plasmid containing a reconstructed gene cluster and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (CrtE) located outside the cluster was introduced into E. coli. This system predominantly accumulated myxol, indicating that the reconstructed gene cluster enabled efficient myxol production in E. coli. Conclusions: This study highlighted the potential biotechnological applications of the carotenoid biosynthesis gene clusters for myxol production. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between antioxidant intake and antral follicle count (AFC), a marker of ovarian reserve, in women attending a fertility clinic. Methods: We conducted an observational study with 567 women undergoing infertility evaluation at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, who were enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study. Participants filled out the lifestyle and health questionnaires and a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for assessing habitual dietary intake and underwent a transvaginal ultrasound to measure AFC. Intake of nutrients with direct antioxidant capacity (vitamin A, C, and E and carotenoids) and intake of antioxidant food sources were estimated from the FFQ. Adjusted Poisson regression models were fitted to assess the relationships between antioxidants and AFC while adjusting for potential confounders. Non-linearity was assessed with restricted cubic splines. Results: The median (interquartile range) age and AFC of participants were 35.0 (32.0–38.0) years and 13 (9–18), respectively. Our findings revealed a non-linear association between lycopene intake and AFC. There was a positive linear association with the highest AFC among women consuming approximately 6000 mcg/day of lycopene (p for non-linearity = 0.003). An inverse association was observed between retinol intake, predominantly from dairy foods, and AFC among women aged under 35 years (p-trend < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that lycopene intake might influence the ovarian reserve in fertility patients. The observed inverse association with retinol, if confirmed, may reflect biological mechanisms different from oxidative stress. The underlying mechanisms of these associations remain to be elucidated and warrant further investigation. Full article