RESUMO
The intricate composition of microalgal pigments plays a crucial role in various biological processes, from photosynthesis to biomarker identification. Traditional pigment analysis methods involve complex extraction techniques, posing challenges in maintaining analyte integrity. In this study, we employ Electron Transfer Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ET-MALDI-MS) to compare the pigmentary profiles of Chlorella vulgaris intact cells, chloroplasts, and solvent extracts. We aim to obtain comprehensive extracts rich in polar and non-polar compounds using ultrasound-assisted and supercritical fluid extraction methods. Additionally, intact chloroplasts are isolated using a lysis buffer and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Our ET-MALDI-MS analysis reveals distinct compositional differences, highlighting the impact of extraction protocols on microalgal pigment identification. We observe prominent signals corresponding to radical cations of key pigments, including chlorophylls and carotenoids, which are crucial for C. vulgaris identification. Furthermore, ET-MALDI-MS facilitates the identification of specific lipids within chloroplast membranes and other organelles. This study underscores the rapid and precise nature of ET-MALDI-MS in microalgal biomarker analysis, providing valuable insights into phytoplankton dynamics, trophic levels, and environmental processes. C. vulgaris emerges as a promising model for studying pigment composition and membrane lipid diversity, enhancing our understanding of microalgal ecosystems.
Assuntos
Chlorella vulgaris , Cloroplastos , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por Matriz , Chlorella vulgaris/química , Chlorella vulgaris/metabolismo , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por Matriz/métodos , Cloroplastos/química , Cloroplastos/metabolismo , Carotenoides/análise , Carotenoides/química , Clorofila/análise , Clorofila/química , Pigmentos Biológicos/análise , Pigmentos Biológicos/químicaRESUMO
Banana is one of the most consumed and popular fruits in all regions of the world, being cultivated mainly in tropical countries. It is not only a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and other vitamins and nutrients, but it also contains several types of antioxidants with high nutritional value. In this context, the current study aimed to quantify the content of ascorbic acid, flavonoids, pigments, and minerals present in "Nanicão" bananas during the ripening process. As demonstrated, the level of flavonoids was higher in ripe and overripe fruits, whereas the mineral composition was high only at ripening stage 4 (more yellow than green) a stage that should be prioritized when recommending fruit consumption to the population deficient in these minerals. Regarding pigments, there was a reduction in chlorophylls a and b and an increase in carotenoids and anthocyanins in peels and pulps. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Flavonoids are phenolic, bioactive compounds with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and products of the plant's secondary metabolism. The degradation of chlorophylls and synthesis of carotenoids and anthocyanins, and as a consequence of the latter pigment, the increase in flavonoids in the pulp was evident during the monitoring of ripening, mainly in the fruit peels in relation to pigments. Minerals are essential elements, the main ones provided in balanced diets and important for dietary and nutritional health.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Carotenoides , Flavonoides , Frutas , Minerais , Musa , Flavonoides/análise , Frutas/química , Musa/química , Minerais/análise , Antioxidantes/análise , Carotenoides/análise , Pigmentos Biológicos/análise , Clorofila/análise , Ácido Ascórbico/análise , Valor Nutritivo , Antocianinas/análiseRESUMO
Natural pigments are components very important in the dye industry. The betalains are pigments found in plants from Caryophyllales order and are relevant in the food manufacturing. The main source of betalains is beetroot, which has unfavorable aftertaste. Therefore, the demand for alternative species producing betalains has increased. Elicitor molecules such as methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induce metabolic reprogramming acting in the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites and can enhance pigment concentrations. Here, we used this strategy to identify if treatment with MeJA at 100 µM can promote the accumulation of betalains and other bioactive compounds in Alternanthera philoxeroides and Alternanthera sessilis. We performed the gene expression, concentration of betalains, phenols, flavonoids, amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine), and antioxidant activity. The results showed that MeJA treatment increased betalains and other bioactive compounds in the two Alternanthera species but A. sessilis had a better performance. One key factor in this pathway is related to the phenylalanine and tyrosine concentration. However, the species have distinct metabolic regulation: in A. philoxeroides, high concentrations of betalain pigments increase the tyrosine concentration and gene expression (include ADH) under MeJA and in A. sessilis, high concentrations of betalain pigments reduce the gene expression and tyrosine concentration after 2 days under MeJA. This study brings new questions about betalain biosynthesis and sheds light on the evolution of this pathway in Caryophyllales.
Assuntos
Amaranthaceae , Betalaínas , Pigmentos Biológicos , Amaranthaceae/genética , Amaranthaceae/metabolismo , Betalaínas/biossíntese , Pigmentos Biológicos/análise , Fenilalanina , Tirosina , Redes e Vias Metabólicas , Regulação da Expressão Gênica de Plantas , Flavonoides/análise , Fenóis/análise , Antioxidantes/análiseRESUMO
Betalains are plant pigments with biological properties and can be used instead of synthetic colorants to confer color and functional properties to foods. The objective of this work was to carry out the chemical characterization of two varieties of prickly pear of Opuntia ficus-indica, one of yellow-orange coloration (Mandarina) and the other of purple coloration (Vigor), through measurements of chemical parameters and color in pulp, antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, and betalain content. Considering the thermolability of betalains and their potential applications in food, the thermal stability and activation energy of betacyanins from Vigor variety and betaxanthins from the Mandarina variety were also evaluated and compared with those from beetroot, the main source of betalains. Results for chemical characterization agreed with previous prickly pear reports of other regions, while the thermal degradation kinetics of betalains showed a first-order degradation pattern with respect to time and temperature treatment. Betacyanins from Vigor prickly pear showed similar thermal stability to those from beetroot, which was reflected in similar values of activation energy, while betaxanthins from Mandarina prickly pear showed a higher stability, and therefore a higher activation energy, than those from beetroot. Based on the results, the prickly pear varieties used in this study can be considered as a good source of betalains with potential applications in food and, in addition, the methodology for the evaluation of thermostability can be used to compare the stability of betalains from different sources in a temperature range of 50-90°C. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The varieties of prickly pear used in this study can be considered a good source of red-purple and yellow-orange easily extractable pigments. In addition, we report a methodology that can be used for the evaluation of the thermal stability of these pigments and to compare this stability between different plant sources. Gaining knowledge on betalain thermal stability will make it possible to propose specific applications, for example, in processed foods requiring different pigment stabilities.
Assuntos
Betalaínas , Opuntia , Betalaínas/análise , Betalaínas/química , Frutas/química , Betacianinas/análise , Opuntia/química , Betaxantinas/análise , Pigmentos Biológicos/análise , Extratos Vegetais/química , VerdurasRESUMO
In last years, the main studied microbial sources of natural blue pigments have been the eukaryotic algae, Rhodophytes and Cryptophytes, and the cyanobacterium Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis, responsible for the production of phycocyanin, one of the most important blue compounds approved for food and cosmetic use. Recent research also includes the indigoidine pigment from the bacteria Erwinia, Streptomyces and Photorhabdus. Despite these advances, there are still few options of microbial blue pigments reported so far, but the interest in these products is high due to the lack of stable natural blue pigments in nature. Filamentous fungi are particularly attractive for their ability to produce pigments with a wide range of colors. Bikaverin is a red metabolite present mainly in species of the genus Fusarium. Although originally red, the biomass containing bikaverin changes its color to blue after heat treatment, through a mechanism still unknown. In addition to the special behavior of color change by thermal treatment, bikaverin has beneficial biological properties, such as antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities, which can expand its use for the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. The present review addresses the production natural blue pigments and focuses on the properties of bikaverin, which can be an important source of blue pigment with potential applications in the food industry and in other industrial sectors.
Assuntos
Fusarium/metabolismo , Pigmentos Biológicos/metabolismo , Xantonas/metabolismo , Cor , Fusarium/química , Pigmentos Biológicos/análise , Xantonas/análiseRESUMO
Floral colour change is a widespread phenomenon in angiosperms, but poorly understood from the genetic and chemical point of view. This article investigates this phenomenon in Pleroma raddianum, a Brazilian endemic species whose flowers change from white to purple. To this end, flavonoid compounds and their biosynthetic gene expression were profiled. By using accurate techniques (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS)), thirty phenolic compounds were quantified. Five key genes of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway were partially cloned, sequenced, and the mRNA levels were analysed (RT-qPCR) during flower development. Primary metabolism was also investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-EIMS), where carbohydrates and organic acids were identified. Collectively, the obtained results suggest that the flower colour change in P. raddianum is determined by petunidin and malvidin whose accumulation coincides with the transcriptional upregulation of early and late biosynthetic genes of the flavonoid pathway, mainly CHS and ANS, respectively. An alteration in sugars, organic acids and phenolic co-pigments is observed together with the colour change. Additionally, an increment in the content of Fe3+ ions in the petals, from the pink to purple stage, seemed to influence the saturation of the colour.
Assuntos
Flores/química , Flores/fisiologia , Melastomataceae/fisiologia , Pigmentação/fisiologia , Antocianinas/genética , Antocianinas/metabolismo , Brasil , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Flavonoides/genética , Flavonoides/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica de Plantas , Espectrometria de Massas , Melastomataceae/química , Metais/análise , Pigmentos Biológicos/análise , Pigmentos Biológicos/metabolismo , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismoRESUMO
Optical leaf profiles depend on foliar pigment type and content, as well as anatomical aspects and cellular ultrastructure, whose effects are shown in several species. Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon plants presenting natural pigment content variations and anatomical alterations were analyzed. Each plant species displays its own spectral signatures, which are, in turn, influenced by foliar pigment class (composition) and concentration, as well as anatomical and ultrastructural plant cell characteristics. Plants with no anthocyanin displayed increased reflectance and transmittance in the green spectral region (501-565 nm), while values decreased in the presence of anthocyanin. At wavelengths below 500 nm (350-500 nm), strong overlapping signatures of phenolics, carotenoids, chlorophylls, flavonoids and anthocyanins were observed. Using a partial least squares regression applied to 350-700 nm spectral data allowed for accurate estimations of different foliar pigment levels. In addition, a PCA and discriminant analysis were able to efficiently discriminate different species displaying spectra overlapping. The use of absorbance spectra only was able to discriminate species with 100 % confidence. Finally, a discussion on how different wavelengths are absorbed and on anatomical interference of light interaction in leaf profiles is presented.
Assuntos
Pigmentos Biológicos/análise , Folhas de Planta/fisiologia , Espectrofotometria/métodos , Cordyline/fisiologia , Philodendron/fisiologia , Poaceae/fisiologia , Especificidade da Espécie , Tradescantia/fisiologiaRESUMO
The earthworm exposed to toxics shows physiological responses as: avoidance and mucus secretion. Heavy metals are particularly toxic to earthworms and the mucus secretion has been considered as a defence mechanism against undesirable substance. The chromophores present in the mucus secretion of Eisenia foetida have been poorly studied. Mucus secretion of E. foetida was induced by PbCl2. High PbCl2 concentrations provoked abundant mucus secretion which showed fluorescence when illuminated by UV light. Dialysis membrane separation, UV Visible and Excitation-Emission Matrix Fluorescence (EEM) spectroscopy were used to characterise the fluorescent pigments. EEM spectroscopy analysis of the mucus secretion signalled three excitation-emission peaks at: 310/380 nm, 370/520 nm and 440/520 nm. Two fluorophores were separated by dialysis. One of them matched the fluorescent compound riboflavin excitation-emission profile; the other is a protein with a peak 290/350 nm. Native-PAGE electrophoresis was conducted to assess the riboflavin-biding ability of the coelomic fluid protein produced by Eisenia foetida showing a high riboflavin-biding ability.
Assuntos
Corantes Fluorescentes/análise , Chumbo/farmacologia , Muco/efeitos dos fármacos , Oligoquetos/efeitos dos fármacos , Pigmentos Biológicos/análise , Animais , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Corantes Fluorescentes/metabolismo , Chumbo/análise , Muco/química , Muco/metabolismo , Oligoquetos/metabolismo , Pigmentos Biológicos/metabolismo , Espectrometria de FluorescênciaRESUMO
The objective of this study was to evaluate productive performance and egg quality of Japanese quails (Cortunix japonica) fed with synthetic and natural pigments. The treatments used were: 0.8% paprika extract (Capsicum annuum), 0.8% marigold flower extract, 4% paprika extract and 4% marigold flower extract and 0.045% synthetic pigment (Canthaxanthin) in feed. A total of 240 Japanese quails at 20 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and six replicates, with eight quails per experimental unit (30 experimental units). There was no difference (p > 0.05) for the evaluated parameters, except for yolk color which showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between the treatments used. The inclusion of 0.8% natural pigments in diet of Japanese quails can be used to substitute canthaxathin because it is effective on improving yolk color without affect performance and the quails egg quality.
Assuntos
Animais , Coturnix/fisiologia , Coturnix/metabolismo , Pigmentos Biológicos/análise , Ração Animal/análiseRESUMO
The objective of this study was to evaluate productive performance and egg quality of Japanese quails (Cortunix japonica) fed with synthetic and natural pigments. The treatments used were: 0.8% paprika extract (Capsicum annuum), 0.8% marigold flower extract, 4% paprika extract and 4% marigold flower extract and 0.045% synthetic pigment (Canthaxanthin) in feed. A total of 240 Japanese quails at 20 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and six replicates, with eight quails per experimental unit (30 experimental units). There was no difference (p > 0.05) for the evaluated parameters, except for yolk color which showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between the treatments used. The inclusion of 0.8% natural pigments in diet of Japanese quails can be used to substitute canthaxathin because it is effective on improving yolk color without affect performance and the quails egg quality.(AU)