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- Biological action mechanisms of fucoxanthin extracted from algae for application in food and cosmetic industriesPublication . Lourenço-Lopes, Catarina; Fraga-Corral, Maria; Jiménez López, Cecília; Carpena Rodríguez, María; González Pereira, Antía; García-Oliveira, Paula; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.; Simal-Gandara, JesusBackground: Fucoxanthin is a pigment present in diverse marine organisms such as micro and macro-algae. The most relevant source of fucoxanthin has been described to be the group of the brown macroalgae, also known as Phaeophyceae. The presence of the fucoxanthin, a xanthophyll, found as an accessory pigment in the chloroplasts of the brown algae is responsible for providing them their characteristic color. The market size of this carotenoid, expected to reach US$ 120 million by 2022, reflects its industrial importance, especially remarkable as a food or cosmetic ingredient. Scope and approach: Therefore, it is critical to recognize the main sources of fucoxanthin as well as the most efficient extraction and purification methods that allow obtaining the best production ratio for such a valuable molecule. Throughout this review very different preventive properties of the fucoxanthin have been included, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, antiobesity, neuroprotective and its skin protective effects. The stability, bioavailability and toxicity of the fucoxanthin have also been reviewed through diverse biological, in vitro and in vivo assays. Key findings and conclusions: Thus, the main aim of this work is to provide a wide and global vision of the fucoxanthin in terms of productive species, efficient recovery techniques and multiple industrial applications.
- Evolution of flavors in extra virgin olive oil shelf-lifePublication . García-Oliveira, Paula; Jiménez López, Cecília; Lourenço-Lopes, Catarina; Chamorro Rivo, Franklin Noel; González Pereira, Antía; Carreira Casais, Anxo; Fraga-Corral, Maria; Carpena Rodríguez, María; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most distinctive ingredients of the Mediterranean diet. There are many properties related to this golden ingredient, from supreme organoleptic characteristics to benefits for human health. EVOO contains in its composition molecules capable of exerting bioactivities such as cardio protection, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activity, among others, mainly caused by unsaturated fatty acids and certain minor compounds such as tocopherols or phenolic compounds. EVOO is considered the highest quality vegetable oil, which also implies a high sensory quality. The organoleptic properties related to the flavor of this valued product are also due to the presence of a series of compounds in its composition, mainly some carbonyl compounds found in the volatile fraction, although some minor compounds such as phenolic compounds also contribute. However, these properties are greatly affected by the incidence of certain factors, both intrinsic, such as the olive variety, and extrinsic, such as the growing conditions, so that each EVOO has a particular flavor. Furthermore, these flavors are susceptible to change under the influence of other factors throughout the oil's shelf-life, such as oxidation or temperature. This work offers a description of some of the most remarkable compounds responsible for EVOO’s unique flavor and aroma, the factors affecting them, the mechanism that lead to the degradation of EVOO, and how flavors can be altered during the shelf-life of the oil, as well as several strategies suggested for the preservation of this flavor, on which the quality of the product also depends.
- Plant antioxidants from agricultural waste: synergistic potential with other biological properties and possible applicationsPublication . Carpena Rodríguez, María; García-Oliveira, Paula; González Pereira, Antía; Soria-Lopez, Anton; Chamorro Rivo, Franklin Noel; Collazo, Nicolas; Jarboui, Amira; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.The increasing world population entails a great necessity to produce large amounts of food, leading to an increase in organic waste. Unlike traditional agriculture, based on the circular sustainability, modern agriculture produces tons of residues, which are accumulated in landfills or, in some cases, burnt. Numerous studies have demonstrated that agricultural residues are rich in bioactive compounds, particu- larly phenolic compounds, with antioxidant properties. Antioxidant activity has been widely related with protective effects and prevention potential for different diseases. Also, the scavenging and protective effects of antioxidant compounds have shown a connection and synergistic effect with other biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-aging, neuroprotective, cardio- protective, or antidiabetic. These compounds can be applied in several fields, including food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry. This chapter will be focused on the interconnected bioactive properties and possible applications of plant-origin compounds with antioxidant potential to valorize different agricultural waste.
- Pigment composition of nine brown algae from the iberian northwestern coastline: influence of the extraction solventePublication . García-Pérez, Pascual; Lourenço-Lopes, Catarina; Silva, Aurora; González Pereira, Antía; Fraga-Corral, Maria; Zhao, Chao; Xiao, Jianbo; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.Brown algae are ubiquitously distributed in the NW coastline of the Iberian Peninsula, where they stand as an underexploited resource. In this study, five solvents were applied to the extraction of pigments from nine brown algae, followed by their determination and quantification by HPLC-DAD. A total of 13 compounds were detected: Six were identified as chlorophylls, six were classified as xanthophylls, and one compound was reported as a carotene. Fucoxanthin was reported in all extracts, which is the most prominent pigment of these algae. Among them, L. saccharina and U. pinnatifida present the highest concentration of fucoxanthin (4.5–4.7 mg g-1 dry weight). Ethanol and acetone were revealed as the most efficient solvents for the extraction of pigments, showing a maximal value of 11.9 mg of total pigments per gram of dry alga obtained from the ethanolic extracts of H. elongata, followed by the acetonic extracts of L. ochroleuca. Indeed, ethanol was also revealed as the most efficient solvent according to its high extraction yield along all species evaluated. Our results supply insights into the pigment composition of brown algae, opening new perspectives on their commercial exploitation by food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.
- Main applications of cyclodextrins in the food industry as the compounds of choice to form host–guest complexesPublication . González Pereira, Antía; Carpena Rodríguez, María; García-Oliveira, Paula; Mejuto, Juan Carlos; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.; Simal-Gandara, JesusCyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligomers broadly used in food manufacturing as food additives for different purposes, e.g., to improve sensorial qualities, shelf life, and sequestration of components. In this review, the latest advancements of their applications along with the char-acteristics of the uses of the different CDs (α, β, γ and their derivatives) were reviewed. Their beneficial effects can be achieved by mixing small amounts of CDs with the target material to be stabilized. Essentially, they have the capacity to form stable inclusion complexes with sensitive lipophilic nutrients and constituents of flavor and taste. Their toxicity has been also studied, showing that CDs are innocuous in oral administration. A review of the current legislation was also carried out, showing a general trend towards a wider acceptance of CDs as food additives. Suitable and cost-effective procedures for the manufacture of CDs have progressed, and nowadays it is possible to obtain realistic prices and used them in foods. Therefore, CDs have a promising future due to consumer demand for healthy and functional products.
- Benefits and drawbacks of ultrasound-assisted extraction for the recovery of bioactive compounds from marine algaePublication . Carreira Casais, Anxo; Otero, Paz; Garcia-Perez, Pascual; García-Oliveira, Paula; González Pereira, Antía; Carpena Rodríguez, María; Soria-Lopez, Anton; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.The increase in life expectancy has led to the appearance of chronic diseases and interest in healthy aging, in turn promoting a growing interest in bioactive compounds (BCs) and functional ingredients. There are certain foods or products rich in functional ingredients, and algae are one of them. Algae consumption has been nominal in Europe until now. However, in recent years, it has grown significantly, partly due to globalization and the adoption of new food trends. With the aim of obtaining BCs from foods, multiple methods have been proposed, ranging from conventional ones, such as maceration or Soxhlet extraction, to more innovative methods, e.g., ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). UAE constitutes a novel method, belonging to so-called green chemistry, that enables the extraction of BCs requiring lower amounts of solvent and energy costs, preserving the integrity of such molecules. In recent years, this method has been often used for the extraction of different BCs from a wide range of algae, especially polysaccharides, such as carrageenans and alginate; pigments, including fucoxanthin, chlorophylls, or -carotene; and phenolic compounds, among others. In this way, the application of UAE to marine algae is an efficient and sustainable strategy to pursue their deep characterization as a new source of BCs, especially suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
- The use of invasive algae species as a source of secondary metabolites and biological activities: Spain as case-studyPublication . González Pereira, Antía; Fraga-Corral, Maria; García-Oliveira, Paula; Lourenço-Lopes, Catarina; Carpena Rodríguez, María; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.; Simal-Gandara, JesusIn the recent decades, algae have proven to be a source of different bioactive compounds with biological activities, which has increased the potential application of these organisms in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, animal feed, and other industrial sectors. On the other hand, there is a growing interest in developing effective strategies for control and/or eradication of invasive algae since they have a negative impact on marine ecosystems and in the economy of the affected zones. However, the application of control measures is usually time and resource-consuming and not profitable. Considering this context, the valorization of invasive algae species as a source of bioactive compounds for industrial applications could be a suitable strategy to reduce their population, obtaining both environmental and economic benefits. To carry out this practice, it is necessary to evaluate the chemical and the nutritional composition of the algae as well as the most efficient methods of extracting the compounds of interest. In the case of northwest Spain, five algae species are considered invasive: Asparagopsis armata, Codium fragile, Gracilaria vermiculophylla, Sargassum muticum, and Grateulopia turuturu. This review presents a brief description of their main bioactive compounds, biological activities, and extraction systems employed for their recovery. In addition, evidence of their beneficial properties and the possibility of use them as supplement in diets of aquaculture animals was collected to illustrate one of their possible applications.
- Camellia japonica: a phytochemical perspective and current applications facing its industrial exploitationPublication . González Pereira, Antía; García-Pérez, Pascual; Cassani, Lucia; Chamorro Rivo, Franklin Noel; Cao, Hui; Barba, Francisco Jose; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.In response to the increased popularity of medicinal plants, a number of conservation groups are recommending the investigation on poorly characterized and widely distributed species, as it is the case of camellias. In particular, Camellia japonica L. is a widespread species found in Galicia (NW Spain), where it has been largely exploited with ornamental purposes. Recent findings on its phytochemical characterization showed thousands of bioactive ingredients, mostly represented by phenolic compounds, together with terpenoids, and fatty acids. These molecules present associated biological activities, acting as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agents. This review is aimed at describing the main bioactive compounds of C. japonica, as well as the health-enhancing properties attributed to this medicinal plant. Novel strategies are needed to implement an efficient industrialization process for C. japonica, ranging from small-scale approaches to the establishment of large plantations, thus involving important sectors, such as the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
- Xanthophylls from the sea: Algae as source of bioactive carotenoidsPublication . González Pereira, Antía; Otero, Paz; Echave Álvarez, Javier; Carreira Casais, Anxo; Chamorro Rivo, Franklin Noel; Collazo, Nicolas; Jaboui, Amira; Lourenço-Lopes, Catarina; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.Algae are considered pigment-producing organisms. The function of these compounds in algae is to carry out photosynthesis. They have a great variety of pigments, which can be classified into three large groups: chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobilins. Within the carotenoids are xanthophylls. Xanthophylls (fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin) are a type of carotenoids with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities, due to their chemical structure rich in double bonds that provides them with antioxidant properties. In this context, xanthophylls can protect other molecules from oxidative stress by turning off singlet oxygen damage through various mechanisms. Based on clinical studies, this review shows the available information concerning the bioactivity and biological effects of the main xanthophylls present in algae. In addition, the algae with the highest production rate of the different compounds of interest were studied. It was observed that fucoxanthin is obtained mainly from the brown seaweeds Laminaria japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Hizikia fusiformis, Sargassum spp., and Fucus spp. The main sources of astaxanthin are the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, and Chlorococcum sp. Lutein and zeaxanthin are mainly found in algal species such as Scenedesmus spp., Chlorella spp., Rhodophyta spp., or Spirulina spp. However, the extraction and purification processes of xanthophylls from algae need to be standardized to facilitate their commercialization. Finally, we assessed factors that determine the bioavailability and bioaccesibility of these molecules. We also suggested techniques that increase xanthophyll's bioavailability.
- Algae as a source of bioactive compounds to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitusPublication . Popović-Djordjević, Jelena; Katanić Stanković, Jelena S.; Mihailović, Vladimir; González Pereira, Antía; García-Oliveira, Paula; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.; Simal-Gandara, JesusType 2 diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. It is considered a new pandemic and its control involves numerous challenges. Although many of the measures are based on improving life habits, diet is also of vital importance due to bioactive compounds present in food. In this regard, several raw materials have been investigated whose bioactivities seem to slow the progression of this disease. Within these matrices, there are algae of importance, such as brown algae, showing to have beneficial effects on glycemic control. These pieces of evidence are increasing every day due to the development of cell or animal models, which lead to the conclusion that bioactive compounds may have direct effects on decreasing hyperglycemia, enhancing insulin secretion and preventing the formation of amyloid plaques.