Antimutagenicity of supercritical CO2 extracts of Terminalia catappa leaves and cytotoxicity of the extracts to human hepatoma cells

Natural antimutagens may prevent cancer and are therefore of great interest to oncologists and the public at large. Phytochemicals are potent antimutagen candidates. When the Ames test was applied to examine the antimutagenic potency of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) extracts of Terminalia catappa leaves at a dose of 0.5 mg/plate, toxicity and mutagenicity were not detected. The antimutagenic activity of SC-CO(2) extracts increased with decreases of temperature (60, 50, and 40 degrees C) and pressure (4000, 3000, and 2000 psi) used for extraction. The most potent antimutagenicity was observed in extracts obtained at 40 degrees C and 2000 psi. At a dose of 0.5 mg of extract/plate, approximately 80% of the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P, with S-9) and 46% of the mutagenicity of N-methyl-N '-nitroguanidine (MNNG, without S-9) were inhibited. Media supplemented with SC-CO(2) extracts at a range of 0-500 microg/mL were used to cultivate human hepatoma (Huh 7) and normal liver (Chang liver) cells. The viability of the cells was assayed by measuring cellular acid phosphatase activity. A dose-dependent growth inhibition of both types of cells was observed. The SC-CO(2) extracts were more cytotoxic to Huh 7 cells than to Chang liver cells. The observation that SC-CO(2) extracts of T. catappa leaves did not induce mutagenicity at the doses tested while exhibiting potent antimutagenicity and were more cytotoxic to human hepatoma cells than to normal liver cells is of merit and warrants further investigation.     

Improvement of texture properties and flavor of frozen dough by carrot (Daucus carota) antifreeze protein supplementation

The effects of concentrated carrot protein (CCP) containing 15.4% (w/w) carrot (Daucus carota) antifreeze protein on texture properties of frozen dough and volatile compounds of crumb were studied. CCP supplementation lowered the freezable water content of the dough, resulting in some beneficial effects including holding loaf volume steadily and making the dough softer and steadier during frozen storage. Furthermore, SPME-GC-MS analysis showed CCP supplementation did not give any negative influences on volatile compounds of crumb and gave a pleasant aroma felt like Michelia alba DC from trans-caryophyllene simultaneously. Combining our previous results that CCP supplementation improves the fermentation capacity of the frozen dough, CCP could be used as a beneficial additive for frozen dough processing.     

Supercritical CO(2) and subcritical propane extraction of pungent paprika and quantification of carotenoids, tocopherols, and capsaicinoids.

Ground paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) was extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) and subcritical propane at different conditions of pressure and temperature to estimate the yield and variation in carotenoid, tocopherol, and capsaicinoid contents and composition. The yield of paprika extract was found to be affected by the extraction conditions with SC-CO(2) but fairly constant at different conditions with subcritical propane. The maximum yields of oleoresin were 7.9 and 8.1% of ground paprika by SC-CO(2) and subcritical propane, respectively. The quantitative distribution of carotenoids, tocopherols, and capsaicinoids between paprika extract and powder was influenced by extraction conditions. SC-CO(2) was inefficient in the extraction of diesters of xanthophylls even at 400 bar and 55 degrees C, whereas tocopherols and capsaicinoids were easy to extract at these conditions. Under mild conditions subcritical propane was superior to SC-CO(2) in the extraction of carotenoids and tocopherols but less efficient in the extraction of capsaicinoids.     

Antioxidant activity of extracts of black sesame seed (Sesamum indicum L.) by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

Antioxidant activities of extracts derived from sesame seed by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) extraction and by n-hexane were determined using alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta-picylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and linoleic acid system methods. The highest extracted yield was given at 35 degrees C, 40 MPa, and a CO(2) flow rate of 2.5 mL min(-1) by an orthogonal experiment. The yields of extracts increased with increasing pressure, and yields at 40 and 30 MPa were higher than that by solvent extraction at 46.50%. Results from the linoleic acid system showed that the antioxidant activity follows the order: extract at 35 degrees C, 20 MPa > BHT > extract at 55 degrees C, 40 MPa > extract at 55 degrees C, 30 MPa > Trolox > solvent extraction > alpha-tocopherol. The SC-CO(2) extracts exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activities comparable to that by n-hexane extraction. The extracts at 30 MPa presented the highest antioxidant activities assessed in the DPPH method. At 20 MPa, the EC(50) increased with temperature, which indicated that the antioxidant activity was decreased in a temperature-dependent manner. The significant differences of antioxidant activities were found between the extracts by SC-CO(2) extraction and n-hexane. However, no significant differences were exhibited among the extracts by SC-CO(2) extraction. The vitamin E concentrations were also significantly higher in SC-CO(2) extracts than in n-hexane extracts, and its concentrations in extracts corresponded with the antioxidant activity of extracts.     

Supercritical CO(2) extraction of beta-carotene and lycopene from tomato paste waste

Lycopene and beta-carotene were extracted from tomato paste waste using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)). To optimize supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) results for the isolation of lycopene and beta-carotene, a factorial designed experiment was conducted. The factors assessed were the temperature of the extractor (35, 45, 55, and 65 degrees C), the pressure of the extraction fluid (200, 250, and 300 bar), addition of cosolvent (5, 10, and 15% ethanol), extraction time (1, 2, and 3 h), and CO(2) flow rate (2, 4, and 8 kg/h). The total amounts of lycopene and beta-carotene in the tomato paste waste, extracts, and residues were determined by HPLC. A maximum of 53.93% of lycopene was extracted by SC-CO(2) in 2 h (CO(2) flow rate = 4 kg/h) at 55 degrees C and 300 bar, with the addition of 5% ethanol as a cosolvent. Half of the initially present beta-carotene was extracted in 2 h (flow rate = 4 kg/h), at 65 degrees C and 300 bar, also with the addition of 5% ethanol.     

Inhibitory effect of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, extracted from spinach using supercritical CO2, on mammalian DNA polymerase activity

We investigated the effective extraction of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) from dried spinach (Spinacia oleracea) using supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) with a modifier/entrainer. The yield of MGDG in the SC-CO(2) extract was not influenced by increasing temperature at a constant pressure, although the total extract yield was decreased. The total extract yield and MGDG yield in the extract from commercially purchased spinach (unknown subspecies), were greatly influenced by lower pressure. In a modifier (i.e., ethanol) concentration range of 2.5-20%, both the extract and MGDG yield increased as the ethanol concentration rose. The highest total extract yield (69.5 mg/g of spinach) and a good MGDG yield (16.3 mg/g of spinach) were obtained at 80 degrees C, 25 MPa, and 20% ethanol. The highest MGDG concentration (76.0% in the extract) was obtained at 80 degrees C, 25 MPa, and 2.5% ethanol, although the total extract yield under these conditions was low (5.2 mg/g of spinach). The optimal conditions for the extraction of MGDG were 80 degrees C, 20 MPa, and 10% ethanol. Of the 11 subspecies of spinach tested under these conditions, "Ujyou" had the highest concentration of MGDG. The total extract yield and MGDG concentration of Ujyou were 20.4 mg of the extract/g of spinach and 70.5%, respectively. The concentration of MGDG was higher in the SC-CO(2) extract than in the extract obtained using solvents such as methanol and n-hexane. The extract of Ujyou, which was the optimal subspecies for the extraction of MGDG, inhibited the activity of calf DNA polymerase alpha with IC(50) values of 145 microg/mL but was not effective against DNA polymerase beta.     

Influence of baking conditions and precursor supplementation on the amounts of the antioxidant pronyl-L-lysine in bakery products

The influence of baking conditions and dough supplements on the amounts of the antioxidant and Phase II-Enzyme modulating, protein-bound 2,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-1-(5-acetamino-5-methoxycarbonyl-pentyl)-3-oxo-2H-pyrrol (pronyl-L-lysine) in bakery products was investigated in quantitative studies. These studies revealed high amounts of the antioxidant in bread crust, only low amounts in the crumb, and the absence of this compound in untreated flour. The amounts of pronyl-L-lysine were found to be strongly influenced by the intensity of the thermal treatment. For example, increasing the baking time from 70 to 210 min or increasing the baking temperature from 220 to 260 degrees C led to a 5- or 3-fold increase in the concentrations of this antioxidant in the crust, respectively. In addition, modifications in the recipe showed to have a major impact on pronyl-L-lysine formation. For example, substituting 5% of the flour with the lysine-rich protein casein or with 10% of glucose increased the amounts of the antioxidant by more than 200%. Quantitative analyses of commercial bread samples collected from German bakeries revealed the highest amount of 43 mg/kg for a full grain bread, followed by a rye/wheat bread, both of which have been sourdough fermented. A mixed-grain bread as well as pale wheat bread, both prepared without sourdough fermentation, contained significantly lower amounts of pronyl-L-lysine, and German pretzels, which are treated with a dilute sodium hydroxide solution prior to baking, contained only trace amounts of pronyl-L-lysine (e.g., less than 5 mg/kg were detectable in pretzels). Systematic studies revealed that the decrease of the pH value induced by microbial acid formation during sourdough fermentation is the clue for producing high amounts of pronyl-L-lysine in baking products. These data clearly demonstrate for the first time that the amounts of the antioxidant and chemopreventive compound pronyl-L-lysine in bakery products is strongly dependent on the manufacturing conditions as well as the recipe.     

Use of adsorbent and supercritical carbon dioxide to concentrate flavor compounds from orange oil.

Orange oil is composed largely of terpene hydrocarbons but is a source of flavor and fragrance compounds (oxygenated) that are present in low concentrations. To increase the ratio of oxygenated compounds to terpene hydrocarbons, orange oil was partially fractionated by adsorption of the oxygenated compounds onto porous silica gel, with full utilization of its adsorbent capacity, and then further purified by desorption into supercritical carbon dioxide. The desorption of 24 compounds was monitored by GC and GC-MS. Adsorption alone removed three-fourths of the terpene hydrocarbons, and fractional extraction by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) improved the separation further. Response surface methodology was used in the experimental design, and regression analysis was used to determine the effects of process variables. Extraction at low temperatures and flow rates improved separation by SC-CO(2). Decanal was concentrated to 20 times that of the feed oil by using SC-CO(2) at 13.1 MPa, 35 degrees C, and 2 kg/h. The systems were operating at close to equilibrium conditions because of the fine dispersal of the oils and the excellent mass transfer properties of supercritical carbon dioxide.     

Synthesis of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during sourdough fermentation by selected lactic acid bacteria

This article aimed at investigating the synthesis of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during sourdough fermentation of white wheat, wholemeal wheat, and rye flours. Sourdough lactic acid bacteria, selected previously for proteinase and peptidase activities toward wheat proteins or for the capacity of synthesizing GABA, were used. The highest ACE-inhibitory activity was found by fermenting flour under semiliquid conditions (dough yield 330) and, especially, by using wholemeal wheat flour. Fourteen peptides, not previously reported as ACE-inhibitory, were identified from the water/salt-soluble extract of wholemeal wheat sourdough (IC 50 0.19-0.54 mg/mL). The major part of the identified peptides contained the well-known antihypertensive epitope VAP. The synthesis of GABA increased when the dough yield was decreased to 160. The highest synthesis of GABA (258.71 mg/kg) was found in wholemeal wheat sourdough.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of supercritical carbon dioxide extract and its isolated carnosic acid from Rosmarinus officinalis leaves

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves possess a variety of bioactivities. Previous studies have shown that the extract of rosemary leaves from supercritical fluid extraction inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators with apparent dose-dependent responses. In this study, three different extraction conditions (5000 psi at 40, 60, and 80 °C) of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) toward the extraction of antioxidants from rosemary were investigated. Furthermore, simultaneous comparison of the anti-inflammatory properties between rosemary extract prepared from SC-CO(2) under optimal conditions (5,000 psi and 80 °C) and its purified carnosic acid (CA) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells was also presented. Results showed that the yield of 3.92% and total phenolics of 213.5 mg/g extract obtained from the most effective extraction conditions showed a high inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation (IC(50) 33.4 μg/mL). Both the SC-CO(2) extract and CA markedly suppressed the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phosphorylated inhibitor-kappaB (P-IκB), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB)/p65 in a dose-dependent manner. The five major compounds of verbenone, cirsimaritin, salvigenin, carnosol, and CA existing in the SC-CO(2) extract were isolated by semipreparative HPLC and identified by HPLC-MS/MS analysis. CA was the most abundant recorded compound and the most important photochemical with an anti-inflammatory effect with an IC(50) of 22.5 μM or 7.47 μg/mL presented to the best inhibitory activity on NO production better than that of the 14.50 μg/mL dosage prepared from the SC-CO(2) extract. Nevertheless, the effective inhibition of LPS-induced NF-κB signaling in RAW 264.7 cells from the SC-CO(2) extract extends the potential application of nutraceutical formulation for the prevention of inflammatory diseases.     

Effect of antioxidants, citrate, and cryoprotectants on protein denaturation and texture of frozen cod (Gadus morhua)

To investigate the role of antioxidants and cryoprotectants in minimizing protein denaturation in frozen lean fish, cod fillets were treated with either antioxidants (vitamin C (500 mg kg(-1)) or vitamin C (250 mg kg(-1)) + vitamin E (250 mg kg(-1))), antioxidants (vitamins C + E 250 mg kg(-1)each) with citrate (100 mg kg(-1)), cryoprotectants (4% (w/w) sucrose + 4% (w/w) sorbitol), or a mixture of antioxidants (vitamins C + E 250 mg kg(1)), citrate (100 mg kg(-1)), and cryoprotectants (sucrose 40 g kg(-1) + sorbitol 40 g kg(-1)). Untreated and treated fish samples were stored at -10 degrees C; cod fillets stored at -30 degrees C were used as a control. Stored frozen samples were analyzed at intervals for up to 210 days for changes in protein extractability, thermodynamic parameters (transition temperature T(m) and enthalpy DeltaH), structure by FT-Raman spectroscopy, and rheological properties by large and small deformation tests. Results indicated that protein denaturation and texture changes were minimized in the presence of cryoprotectants, as well as in the presence of antioxidants with citrate, antioxidants alone, or the mixture of antioxidants, citrate, and cryoprotectants. In the presence of increased formaldehyde levels in fish treated with vitamin C, toughening was still lower compared to that of the -10 degrees C control due to the antioxidant property of vitamin C. Thus, ice crystal formation and lipid oxidation products are the major factors that cause protein denaturation in lean frozen fish, and antioxidants in addition to cryoprotectants can be used to minimize toughness.     

基于低场核磁和差示量热扫描的面条面团水分状态研究

为了解低水分面条面团中水分的存在状态,明确真空度及和面时间对水分状态的影响,该研究以3个小麦品种（济麦20、宁春4号、济麦22）磨制的面粉为材料,采用真空和面制作低水分面条面团（含水率35%）,采用低场核磁共振技术（LF-NMR,low-field nuclear magnetic resonance）和差示量热扫描（DSC,differential scanning calorimetry）2种技术,测定不同真空度（0、0.06、0.09 MPa）和搅拌时间（4、8、12 min）下面团中水分的形态和分布,并进一步分析2种技术测定水分形态结果的相关性。结果表明,在低水分面条面团中,水分主要以弱结合水形态存在。不同品种的小麦粉面团的水分形态及分布存在差异,强筋小麦粉（济麦20）制作面团的水分自由度较低。真空和面（0.06 MPa）可以促进水分与面筋蛋白的相互作用,降低面团中水分子流动性,促进水分结构化;而非真空或过高真空度均会导致面团中水分自由度增加。济麦20、济麦22小麦粉和面时间为8 min时,面团水分流动性较低;而宁春4号小麦粉面团在4 min时,水分自由度较低;继续搅拌,深层结合水减少、弱结合水增多。LF-NMR和DSC测得面团水分状态的结果具有一致性。LF-NMR测得的弱结合水峰面积百分比与DSC测得的可冻结水百分比具有相同的变化趋势（r=0.695）,且深层结合水峰面积百分比与非冻结水百分比具有相同的变化趋势（r=0.564）。研究结果为认识制面过程中水分的作用,优化和面工艺和调整产品特性提供参考。     

Study on Different Emulsifiers to Retain Fatty Fraction During Extrusion of Fatty Flours

Doughs made from wheat and almond flours, water, and five types of emulsifiers commonly used in confectionary and bakery products (soy lecithin, sucrose esters, mono‐glycerides, mono‐ and di‐glycerides of fatty acids, and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of monoglycerides [DATEM]) were studied. To evaluate the additive ability to retain the fatty fraction during the extrusion process, electrical conductivity was measured and fat loss (%) that occurs during extrusion processing was determined. The electrical conductivity measurements showed that the lower and better concentration of soy lecithin and mixed mono‐ and di‐glycerides of fatty acids to obtain an oil‐water emulsion was 0.2 g/100 g of dough, while for sucrose esters and mono‐glycerides of fatty acids, it was 0.7 g/100 g of dough. No efficacy for DATEM was observed. The fat loss results showed that sucrose esters were the most suitable emulsifiers for retaining the fatty fraction during extrusion processing, even at a very low amounts (2 g/kg of dough).     

Occurrence of odorant polyfunctional thiols in the Super Alpha Tomahawk hop cultivar. Comparison with the thiol-rich Nelson Sauvin bitter variety

Tomahawk hop (Humulus lupulus) is a recently developed Super Alpha cultivar (14-18% α-acids w/w), already widely used by brewers to impart bitterness and a citrus-like aroma to beer. By comparison with two bitter varieties (Nelson Sauvin and Nugget) and two aromatic ones (Cascade and Saaz), the Tomahawk cultivar showed a very particular terpenoid profile, rich in both α- and β-selinenes (>600 mg/kg IST equiv in total), methyl geranate (>40 mg/kg IST equiv), and geraniol (>200 mg/kg). Tomahawk also proved to contain a wide variety of odorant polyfunctional thiols. The major β-sulfanyl acetate, 3-sulfanyl-2-ethylpropyl acetate, newly identified here, was found at similar levels in the famous Sauvignon-like Nelson Sauvin and Tomahawk varieties (15-44 μg/kg IST equiv). On the other hand, lower levels of total β-sulfanyl alcohols were measured in Tomahawk, although 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol was found at a similar level and the 3-sulfanyl-4-methylpentan-1-ol previously claimed to be specific to the Nelson Sauvin variety was also evidenced in the Super Alpha cultivar (9-13 μg/kg IST equiv). As revealed by boiling and fermentation, Tomahawk hop also contains very interesting bound polyfunctional thiols that should be investigated for better use by brewers.     

Quality of Fiber‐Enriched Spaghetti Containing Microbial Transglutaminase

The effects of transglutaminase (TG) on the properties of semolina dough and pasta cooking properties in durum‐only and fiber‐enriched pasta were investigated. TG was blended at levels 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% of semolina weight with semolina and semolina‐pollard (60% w/w) and semolina‐guar gum (15%) mixtures. The addition of TG increased dough maximal resistance, making the dough inextensible at >1%. Optimum effects on dough strength were obtained at 0.5% TG; this dough gave the firmest and least sticky pasta. A more extensive and thicker protein matrix was observed in the TG pasta by confocal scanning laser microscopy, indicating more cross‐links were formed, a finding supported by measuring percentage of unextracted polymeric protein. TG was unable to overcome the negative effect of 60% pollard on cooking loss or 15% guar gum on stickiness. Gluten was generally more effective than TG in restoring the properties of pastas with added fiber.     

追氮量对强筋和中筋小麦产量与品质的影响

目的探究追氮量对强、中筋小麦品种产量及品质的影响，为强、中筋小麦优质高产提供参考。方法试验于2016—2017年在中国农业科学院作物科学研究所北京试验基地进行，采用两因素随机区组设计，A因素为小麦品种，包括藁优2018 (强筋)、师栾02-1 (强筋)、中麦8号 (中筋)、中麦175 (中筋)。B因素为追氮量，在基施N 105 kg/hm2基础上，设拔节期追施N 75、105、135 kg/hm2三个水平。于成熟期取样，测量单位面积穗数、穗粒数、千粒重、生物产量和籽粒产量，并测定籽粒粗蛋白质含量、蛋白质组分、湿面筋含量、沉淀值和面团流变学特性。结果在追施N 75～135 kg/hm2范围内，籽粒产量、单位面积穗数、穗粒数、千粒重、蛋白质产量及生物产量均随追氮量的增加而提高，平均增幅分别达到6.1%、2.6%、8.5%、4.6%、10.3%、15.3%。随着追氮量的增加，蛋白质总量及组分含量呈增加趋势，其中谷蛋白增加幅度较高，与N₇₅相比，N₁₀₅、N₁₃₅处理下分别增加了13.2%和14.6%；追施氮肥对两种筋型小麦的沉淀值、湿面筋、吸水率、面团形成时间、稳定时间的影响规律相同，均随追氮量增加而增加，其中强筋小麦各加工品质指标增幅分别为4.3%、2.2%、1.6%、13.8%、22.0%；中筋小麦各指标增幅分别为13.8%、7.4%、0.8%、9.5%、10.2%；弱化度则随追氮量增加而降低，两种类型品种小麦分别降低9.65%及12.0%。结论在基施N 105 kg/hm2基础上，综合考虑肥料投入、小麦产量及品质指标，中筋小麦于拔节期追N 105 kg/hm2、强筋小麦于拔节期追N135 kg/hm2时，可获得较高的产量和品质。     

Addition of Glucose Oxidase for the Improvement of Refrigerated Dough Quality

Refrigerated dough encompasses a wide range of products and is a popular choice for consumers. Two of the largest problems that occur during refrigerated dough storage are dough syruping and loss of dough strength. The goal of this study was to evaluate glucose oxidase as an additive to refrigerated dough with the purpose of maintaining dough strength and retarding dough syruping. Refrigerated dough was evaluated for the degree of dough syruping (DDS), dough strength, rheological characteristics, baking quality, and protein quality. The addition of glucose oxidase at 10 mg/kg was able to significantly (P < 0.05) reduce dough syruping and maintain the strength of the dough. Addition of glucose oxidase at 5 and 25 mg/kg was not able to reduce the level of dough syruping at a satisfactory level. Degradation of protein was found to occur during storage of refrigerated dough. DDS had a negative correlation (r = –0.60 to –0.94) to the level of polymeric proteins and a positive correlation (r = 0.60 to 0.98) to the low‐molecular‐weight proteins. Overall, glucose oxidase at 10 mg/kg can improve refrigerated dough quality by reducing dough syruping and maintaining dough strength.     

Optimization of a supercritical fluid extraction/reaction methodology for the analysis of castor oil using experimental design

The aim of this work was to optimize a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)/enzymatic reaction process for the determination of the fatty acid composition of castor seeds. A lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozyme 435) was used to catalyze the methanolysis reaction in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)). A Box-Behnken statistical design was used to evaluate effects of various values of pressure (200-400 bar), temperature (40-80 degrees C), methanol concentration (1-5 vol %), and water concentration (0.02-0.18 vol %) on the yield of methylated castor oil. Response surfaces were plotted, and these together with results from some additional experiments produced optimal extraction/reaction conditions for SC-CO(2) at 300 bar and 80 degrees C, with 7 vol % methanol and 0.02 vol % water. These conditions were used for the determination of the castor oil content expressed as fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in castor seeds. The results obtained were similar to those obtained using conventional methodology based on solvent extraction followed by chemical transmethylation. It was concluded that the methodology developed could be used for the determination of castor oil content as well as composition of individual FAMEs in castor seeds.     

Dry matter production,nutrient accumulation,and nutrient partitioning of barley

Total dry matter (TDM) and nutrient accumulation, nutrient partitioning, and cumulative growing degree days at the time of maximum nutrient accumulation for two‐row spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) are not well quantified under high‐yielding irrigated conditions common in the semi‐arid western United States. Thus, five cultivars of barley were grown under irrigated conditions on a loam soil in the 2015 and 2016 growth seasons to determine these factors. Total nutrient accumulation was greatest at either the soft dough or maturity stage where specific nutrients were greater at one stage as compared to the other. Mean N accumulation was greatest at the soft dough stage (256 kg ha^?1) where the regression model accounted for 80% of the variation in the data. Additionally, spike N increased from 91 to 105 kg ha^?1 from soft dough to maturity. Specific nutrients (e.g., K) had significantly greater plant (i.e., culms plus leaves) accumulation between soft dough and maturity, 253 and 172 kg ha^?1, respectively, where the spike at the same growth stages had an accumulation of 37 and 42 kg ha^?1, respectively. In contrast, other nutrients (e.g., P) were remobilized to the spike as noted by the increase from 14 kg ha^?1 at soft dough to 26 kg ha^?1 at maturity. In addition to nutrient partitioning, linear regressions resulted in well‐correlated models between TDM and total nutrient accumulation (R² = 0.35–0.88) for measured nutrients. Results from the current study provide critical data on nutrient accumulation as well as regression models for two‐row barley under high‐yielding conditions. This information can be used to improve harvest decisions as well as more accurately predict nutrient cycling in barley cropping systems.     

Supercritical CO2 extraction of beta-carotene from a marine strain of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus species

Dynamic extraction of carotenoids from a marine strain of Synechococcus sp. (Cyanophyceae) with supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) was investigated with regard to operation pressure and temperature effects on extraction efficiency. Extraction yield (milligrams of pigment per gram of dry weight) for SC-CO2) was compared with the extraction yield for dimethylformamide (DMF). Carotenoids extracted with SC-CO2 were beta-carotene (Ct), zeaxanthin (Z), beta-cryptoxanthin (Cr), and equinenone; chlorophyll a was poorly extracted, whereas myxoxanthophyll, another major carotenoid, was not extracted under any experimental condition. The highest relative yield, which is defined here as y(r) = [(mg of pigment(SC-CO2)/mg of pigment(DMF))] x 100, was 76.1 +/- 8.6% for Ct, but it rose to 87.0 +/- 3.4% when 15% ethanol was used as cosolvent. The pressure effect on y(r) was found to be significant (p < 0.05) for both Cr and Z, along with total carotenoids, whereas the effect of square T (TT) was significant for only Ct. From empirical correlations, pairwise pressure (bar) and temperature (degrees C), respectively, for optimal extraction were determined to be (358, 50) for Ct, (454, 59) for Cr, and (500, 60) for Z. Cell disruption by sonication or detergent treatment of the biomass did not improve the extraction efficiency. Matrix structure together with material state could explain the low carotenoid extraction yield obtained with SC-CO2 as compared to DMF in Synechococcus sp. However, the process can be applied to selective extraction of different carotenoids.