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Scientific Article details

Title Comprehensive Update on Carotenoid Colorants from Plants and Microalgae: Challenges and Advances from Research Laboratories to Industry
ID_Doc 9821
Authors Rodriguez-Amaya, DB; Esquivel, P; Meléndez-Martínez, AJ
Title Comprehensive Update on Carotenoid Colorants from Plants and Microalgae: Challenges and Advances from Research Laboratories to Industry
Year 2023
Published Foods, 12.0, 22
DOI 10.3390/foods12224080
Abstract The substitution of synthetic food dyes with natural colorants continues to be assiduously pursued. The current list of natural carotenoid colorants consists of plant-derived annatto (bixin and norbixin), paprika (capsanthin and capsorubin), saffron (crocin), tomato and gac fruit lycopene, marigold lutein, and red palm oil (alpha- and beta-carotene), along with microalgal Dunaliella beta-carotene and Haematococcus astaxanthin and fungal Blakeslea trispora beta-carotene and lycopene. Potential microalgal sources are being sought, especially in relation to lutein, for which commercial plant sources are lacking. Research efforts, manifested in numerous reviews and research papers published in the last decade, have been directed to green extraction, microencapsulation/nanoencapsulation, and valorization of processing by-products. Extraction is shifting from conventional extraction with organic solvents to supercritical CO2 extraction and different types of assisted extraction. Initially intended for the stabilization of the highly degradable carotenoids, additional benefits of encapsulation have been demonstrated, especially the improvement of carotenoid solubility and bioavailability. Instead of searching for new higher plant sources, enormous effort has been directed to the utilization of by-products of the fruit and vegetable processing industry, with the application of biorefinery and circular economy concepts. Amidst enormous research activities, however, the gap between research and industrial implementation remains wide.
Author Keywords plant-derived colorants; microalgal carotenoids; microencapsulation; nanoencapsulation; green extraction; by-product valorization; regulation; safety concerns
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:001120739900001
WoS Category Food Science & Technology
Research Area Food Science & Technology
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/22/4080/pdf?version=1699611735
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