Fruit and vegetable mixtures for health-promoting colored extruded snacks

Diet-related non-communicable diseases have an impact on sustainable development and have greatly influenced mortality worldwide, even nowadays, where they regained a greater relevance with COVID-19 pandemic emergence. Food habits and immunity have been closely related, and technological adaptions to produce healthier snacks are now on the global agenda of the food industry. As naturally functional raw materials, fruit and vegetables (F&V) effectively meet the high nutritional value and sensory appeal necessary to snacks design. This work aimed to harness the potential of such resources, including both native and introduced F&V species that confer visually attractive color to cold processed extrudates. The performance of different F&V processing methods was tested, for final blending with hydrocolloids resulting in sugarless confectionery-like extruded snacks. Liquid and dry milling of F&V yielded colorful pigment-rich ingredients, whose physical characteristics differed in terms of extraction efficiency, water activity, and moisture, with associated technological process advantages or handicaps. Formulas with different hydrocolloids were tested, and the one with the highest sensory acceptability was reported. © 2023 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved.

Potential Challenges of the Extraction of Carotenoids and Fatty Acids from Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) Oil.

Pequi is a natural source of bioactive compounds with wide versatility for fresh or processed fruit consumption, but it is still little explored economically. Functional foods are the subject of diverse scientific research since, in addition to being nourishing, they contain bioactive compounds capable of promoting several benefits to the human body. Pequi is a fruit species native to the Brazilian Cerrado, which is rich in oil and has components with a high nutritional value, such as unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, EPA, and DHA), antioxidants (carotenoids and phenolic compounds), and vitamins. Therefore, the present narrative review aims to compile and critically evaluate the methods used to extract oil from the pulp and almonds of pequi and describes the carotenoid separation from the oil because carotenoids are natural pigments of great interest in the pharmaceutical and food industries. It is emphasized that the main challenges linked to bioactive compound extraction are their susceptibility to degradation in the processing and storage stages of pequi and its derived products.

Copper(II) and Cobalt(II) Complexes Based on Abietate Ligands from Pinus Resin: Synthesis, Characterization and Their Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2.

Co-abietate and Cu-abietate complexes were obtained by a low-cost and eco-friendly route. The synthesis process used Pinus elliottii resin and an aqueous solution of CuSO4/CoSO4 at a mild temperature (80 °C) without organic solvents. The obtained complexes are functional pigments for commercial architectural paints with antipathogenic activity. The pigments were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectrometry (MS), thermogravimetry (TG), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and colorimetric analysis. In addition, the antibacterial efficiency was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and the antiviral tests followed an adaptation of the ISO 21702:2019 guideline. Finally, virus inactivation was measured using the RT-PCR protocol using 10% (w/w) of abietate complex in commercial white paint. The Co-abietate and Cu-abietate showed inactivation of >4 log against SARS-CoV-2 and a MIC value of 4.50 µg·mL-1 against both bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results suggest that the obtained Co-abietate and Cu-abietate complexes could be applied as pigments in architectural paints for healthcare centers, homes, and public places.

Mutual Effects of Zinc Concentration and Ratio of Red-Blue Light on Growth and Nutritional Quality of Flowering Chinese Cabbage Sprouts

The nutritional quality and biomass of various sprouts can be enhanced by Zn and red-blue light, especially the Brassica sprouts. However, the combined effects of this two on sprouts are rarely reported. In this study, different Zn concentrations (0, 1.74, 3.48, 10.43 and 17.39 mM) were combined with two ratios of red-blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (R: B = 1:2, 1R2B;R: B = 2:1, 2R1B, at 70 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD, 14 h/10 h, light/dark) to investigate their mutual effects on the growth, mineral elements, and nutritional quality in flowering Chinese cabbage sprouts (FCCS). Fresh weight, dry weight, contents of organic Zn, soluble sugar, vitamin C, total flavonoids, total polyphenol, FRAP (ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power) and DPPH (radical inhibition percentage of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) were significantly increased by Zn supplement (10.43 and 17.39 mM) and 2R1B, while hypocotyl length and moisture content were decreased remarkably by Zn supplement. Total glucosinolates contents in the sprouts increased dramatically under 2R1B compared with 1R2B, while photosynthetic pigments contents decreased. Heat map and principal component analysis showed that 2R1B + 17.39 mM Zn was the optimal treatment for the accumulation of biomass and health-promoting compound in FCCS, suggesting that a suitable combination of light quality and Zn supplement might be beneficial to zinc-biofortified FCCS production.

Survey of the European fabric fairs for autumn/winter 2023/24

The European fabric fairs for the autumn/winter 2023/24 season were held in a hesitant spirit, reflecting economic uncertainties affecting the whole of the textile and clothing industry. The industry has faced persistent disruptions to supply chains caused by lockdowns, which have continued to be imposed in major textile and clothing producing countries in an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, the war in Ukraine has introduced additional challenges—including difficulties in procuring raw materials and sharp increases in fuel and energy costs. At the same time, calls for the European textile and clothing industry to take action to reduce the damaging impact of its operations on the environment have intensified. It was evident at the fairs that many exhibitors had acknowledged these calls in the development of their product ranges for the autumn/winter 2023/24 season. Many had turned to eliminating dyes which contain harmful synthetic chemicals from their ranges and some had collaborated with leading innovators in the development of dyes which contain natural pigments, plant-based materials and, in some cases, fermented foodstuffs. For several exhibitors, it was important to replace finishing treatments which contain toxic chemicals with finishing treatments containing natural substances while for others the key considerations were traceability and transparency in the design and development of their ranges. The key colours for the autumn/winter 2023/24 season are rich and earthy, although there are some exceptions to this trend. Notably, grey is prominent—and silver is the principal metallic colour of the season. Print and pattern are prominent in collections for the season and, importantly, eccentric and fantastical graphic designs dominate. Designs which feature and surrealist imagery are prevalent while designs which are influenced by folklore and classical antiquity are popular. Also popular are designs which feature photographic imagery of landscapes and urban scenery, and designs which feature hand drawn illustrations, references to pop art, and collage. © Textiles Intelligence Limited 2022.

Unraveling the ameliorative potentials of native lichen Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl., during COVID 19 phase.

Due to the rapid increase in the novel coronavirus virulence, the entire world implemented the practice of lockdown along with the constraint of human movement. The obligation of quarantine halted most of the commercial and industrial movement that prominently disturbed the distinct key environmental parameters directly associated with the plant's and animal's health conditions. In this regard, the research aims to study the sudden shut-off of vehicular activity impact on the naturally growing lichen of the genus Pyxine cocoes. The results showed an increase in the pigments, Fv/Fm ratio, and phytohormones during the lockdown and concurrently the decreasing levels in the post-lockdown period. Interestingly, modulations in the phytohormones occur in the lockdown period as compared to the post-lockdown period. The metals Al, Cr, and Fe show the highest increasing trends in the unlocking period, whereas As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Hg, Mn, and Zn show very little variation during the running and post-lockdown phases. The lichen photosynthetic activity justifies further examination as initial biological indicators of the abrupt environmental variations prompted by such types of atmospheric situations and, to a greater extent, for the risk assessment in the near future. In conclusion, stress-phytohormone and amino acids play a significant role as stress reducers. Although lichens are well known for long environmental assessment, the present study will provide qualitative and quantitative variation in physiochemical changes in the short term and sudden environmental fluctuations. HIGHLIGHTS: • Qualitative and quantitative variation in biochemical parameters in lichen during and post-lockdown period was analyzed. • Stress-phytohormone and amino acids play a significant role as stress reducers. • Selectivity sequence reflection in heavy metal accumulation may be used in future studies.

Carotegenic Virgibacillus halodenitrificans from Wadi El-Natrun Salt Lakes: Isolation, Optimization, Characterization and Biological Activities of Carotenoids.

Carotenoids, as phytonutrient pigments, are signified by their unique beneficial features that serve human health and the surrounding ecosystem. Haloalkaliphiles from soda lakes produce different natural bioactive molecules; however, their ability to produce carotenoids has been limited. Therefore, this study focused on the screening and isolation of carotenoid-producing haloalkaliphilic microbes. Out of 10 isolates, a powerful carotigenic bacterium was isolated, characterized phenotypically and identified on the molecular level as Virgibacillus halodenitrificans. By employing statistical approaches like Plackett-Burman design and central composite design, the influence of significant nutritional variables on carotenoids production was screened and optimized. Predictive modeling manifested that carotenoid yield was 36.42 mg/mL, a 2.12-fold enhancement compared to the basal conditions through inoculating 1.8% of bacterial biomass on optimized medium containing yeast extract (2 g/mL), peptone (10 g/mL) and NaCl (233.6 g/mL). The carotenoids content was confirmed by UV-Vis spectrum which detected a characteristic unique peak with left and right shoulders at 461 nm, 490 and 522 nm. However, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy showed the presence of several functional groups. Meanwhile, LC-MS confirmed that the examined carotenoids were composed of ß-carotene, lutein and ß-Apo-8'-carotenal mixture. As a bioactive agent, the carotenoids of V. halodenitrificans DASH showed characteristic antagonistic potency against a wide spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Interestingly, a potent antifungal capacity was observed against Candida albicans, reflecting promising mycocidal efficacy against COVID-19 white fungal post-infections. Furthermore, carotenoids (20 µg/mL) inhibited the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus by 54.01 ± 3.97% and 80.082 ± 0.895%, respectively. Our results proposed that haloalkaliphiles of Wadi El-Natrun lakes are promising sources of carotenoids that exhibited efficiency as safe, biocompatible and natural bioactive agents for environmental, medical and industrial applications.

Determining the effects of some bacteria on wooden toys treated with antibacterial protective coatings

Several protective coatings enhanced by antimicrobial agents and/or pigments were considered for the wooden toy market: water-based matte varnish, an ultra-hygiene water-based matte varnish (WBV-UH), a polyurethane matte varnish (PUV), and an ultra-hygiene antiviral polyurethane matte varnish (PUV-UH), as well as a water-based dye (WBV 5%K), an ultra-hygiene water-based dye (WBV-UH 5%K), a polyurethane dye (PUV 5%K), and an ultra-hygiene polyurethane dye (PUV-UH 5%K), which contain 5% red nano-pigment (K). By utilizing 7 kinds of bacteria and 2 types of yeast that are commonly detected in routine, daily settings, the efficacy of the different protective coatings on wooden toy surface was investigated. The antibacterial and antimicrobial activities of the tested dye samples were based on the agar-well diffusion method. Ultimately, the study found that the addition of antimicrobial agents to several different protective coatings and dyes resulted in the presence of antimicrobial activity vs. the lack thereof with protective coatings and dyes alone. Additionally, some of the dyes with added antimicrobial agents were found to be effective against biofilm formation. Overall, the addition of pigment into the coating, alongside the addition of antimicrobial agents, proved to be highly effective in inhibiting growth and spread of microorganisms on wooden toy surface.

Potential Psychoactive Effects of Microalgal Bioactive Compounds for the Case of Sleep and Mood Regulation: Opportunities and Challenges.

Sleep deficiency is now considered an emerging global epidemic associated with many serious health problems, and a major cause of financial and social burdens. Sleep and mental health are closely connected, further exacerbating the negative impact of sleep deficiency on overall health and well-being. A major drawback of conventional treatments is the wide range of undesirable side-effects typically associated with benzodiazepines and antidepressants, which can be more debilitating than the initial disorder. It is therefore valuable to explore the efficiency of other remedies for complementarity and synergism with existing conventional treatments, leading to possible reduction in undesirable side-effects. This review explores the relevance of microalgae bioactives as a sustainable source of valuable phytochemicals that can contribute positively to mood and sleep disorders. Microalgae species producing these compounds are also catalogued, thus creating a useful reference of the state of the art for further exploration of this proposed approach. While we highlight possibilities awaiting investigation, we also identify the associated issues, including minimum dose for therapeutic effect, bioavailability, possible interactions with conventional treatments and the ability to cross the blood brain barrier. We conclude that physical and biological functionalization of microalgae bioactives can have potential in overcoming some of these challenges.

Assessment of Uptake, Accumulation and Degradation of Paracetamol in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under Controlled Laboratory Conditions.

The occurrence and persistence of pharmaceuticals in the food chain, particularly edible crops, can adversely affect human and environmental health. In this study, the impacts of the absorption, translocation, accumulation, and degradation of paracetamol in different organs of the leafy vegetable crop spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were assessed under controlled laboratory conditions. Spinach plants were exposed to 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and 200 mg/L paracetamol in 20% Hoagland solution at the vegetative phase in a hydroponic system. Exposed plants exhibited pronounced phytotoxic effects during the eight days trial period, with highly significant reductions seen in the plants' morphological parameters. The increasing paracetamol stress levels adversely affected the plants' photosynthetic machinery, altering the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm and PSII), photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, Chl b and carotenoid contents), and composition of essential nutrients and elements. The LC-MS results indicated that the spinach organs receiving various paracetamol levels on day four exhibited significant uptake and translocation of the drug from roots to aerial parts, while degradation of the drug was observed after eight days. The VITEK® 2 system identified several bacterial strains (e.g., members of Burkhulderia, Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Stenotrophomonas and Kocuria) isolated from spinach shoots and roots. These microbes have the potential to biodegrade paracetamol and other organic micro-pollutants. Our findings provide novel insights to mitigate the risks associated with pharmaceutical pollution in the environment and explore the bioremediation potential of edible crops and their associated microbial consortium to remove these pollutants effectively.

Microclimate control to increase productivity and nutritional quality of leafy vegetables in a cost-effective manner

Food security is one of the key global challenges in this century. In Singapore, our research team has been using novel aeroponic technology to produce fresh vegetables since 1997. Aeroponic systems allow for year-round production of not only tropical, but also sub-tropical and temperate fresh vegetables, by simply cooling the roots suspended in aeroponic systems while the aerial parts grow under tropical ambient environments. It has also been used to investigate the impacts of root-zone CO2 on vegetables by enriching root-zone CO2 while their aerial portions were subjected to constant atmospheric CO2. To compensate for the lack of available land, Singapore also needs to develop a farming system that can increase productivity per unit land area by many-fold. Over the past 10 years, my research team has established a commercially viable LED integrated vertical aeroponic farming system to grow different leafy vegetables under different LED spectra, intensities, and durations in the tropical greenhouse. The results demonstrate that it is possible to increase shoot production and rate of shoot production of leafy vegetables by increasing light intensity and extending the photoperiod under effective LED lighting. Furthermore, temperate vegetable crops such as lettuce were able to acclimate to high light intensity under supplementary LED lights to natural sunlight in the greenhouse. Supplementary LED lightings promote both leaf initiation and expansion with increased photo synthetic pigments, higher Cyt b6f and Rubisco protein contents on a per area basis and thus improve photosynthetic capacity and enhance productivity. Plants sense and respond to changes in their immediate environments (microclimate), manipulating the root zone temperature (RZT) and water supply will impact not only their growth and development but also their nutritional quality. Our on-going research aims to investigate if the nutritional quality of leafy vegetables could be improved under suboptimal RZT and mild water deficit through deficit irrigation. If substantial energy and water savings in urban farming can be achieved without substantial yield penalty but with higher nutritional quality, the amount of water and energy saved can bring substantial benefits to society.

Characterization of selected parameters of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae after short-term exposure to gold nanoparticles with different surface properties

Enhanced production and exploitation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), among others in lateral flow assays for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, motivate for extensive studies on their environmental and biological safety. Therefore, the impact of three types of AuNPs on Chlorella vulgaris was studied after short-term exposure. The AuNPs were prepared using sodium borohydride (SB), cysteamine hydrochloride (CH) and trisodium citrate (TC). Microscopic imaging revealed that the AuNPs were characterized by quasi-spherical shape and an average size within the range 9-12nm. CHSBAuNPs were positively charged whereas TCAuNPs and SBAuNPs were negatively charged. The results of studies showed that the exposure to each type of AuNPs led to the dose-dependent decrease of growth rate of C. vulgaris biomass. The swelling of the cells was observed especially at concentration of 5mgL-1. For all treatments, significant changes in efficiency of the photosystem II were detected. Each type of AuNPs applied in concentration of 1mgL-1 caused an increase and in concentration of 5mgL-1 a decrease of photosynthetic pigments content. Based on recorded Raman spectra, it was found that the cell chemical composition was disturbed radically after the treatment with SBAuNPs and CHSBAuNPs. It was established that the changes in the morphology and physiology of C. vulgaris cells, as a result of the exposure on the AuNPs, were strongly dependent on the surface properties of AuNPs. Nevertheless, it was impossible to indicate the most harmful type of AuNPs. Obtained findings did not confirm that the stabilization of AuNPs by molecules of well-documented toxicity lead to the increase of their toxic effects. It was not confirmed that positively charged CHSBAuNPs, stabilized by cysteamine, were more harmful for C. vulgaris than negatively charged TCAuNPs and SBAuNPs.

Characterization of Carotenoids from Pineapples: An Integrated andModular Experiment for Practical Learning of UV-vis Spectroscopy,Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, and Chemometrics br

In the past few decades, chemistry has evolved to interact withvarious disciplines to synergistically help tackle global challenges. This, in turn,requires that newer generations of chemistry students are trained to be moreflexible in accepting and coordinating new concepts. In this experiment, pineapplewas used as a key model to allow for the incorporation of multiple importantconcepts into the laboratory. Using carotenoid separation as a main goal, columnchromatography, UV-vis spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, high-perform-ance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and principal component analysiscan be included in a cohesive laboratory experiment. On the other hand, theseactivities were also designed to be modular, thus allowing instructors to add,remove, or modify the contents in a highly customizable manner. This makes ithighly versatile and amenable to uncertain situations like unexpected universityclosure due to COVID-19 related lockdown. Overall, this laboratory experimentserves as a practical example of how chemistry can help solve real-world problems while also allowing highflexibility in teaching management

ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF TiO2 NANOCOMPOSITE COATING

Packaging plays important part of the visual communication and in consumer’s choice of purchasing goods. To enhance visual appearance, packaging material is often coated. Beside enhancement of visual appearance, additional coating often improves other packaging properties. The COVID-19 pandemic stressed the importance of the antimicrobial properties of goods that encounter consumers. During purchasing, consumer first meets the packaging making it significant in the consumer’s protection. The aim of this research is to determine antimicrobial properties of nanocomposite coating which includes nanosized TiO2. For the purpose of the research a set of offset cardboard prints was coated with nanocomposite coating composed of water-based varnish (WD) and nanoscale TiO2 particles. The prepared samples were characterized by determining CIE L*a*b* coordinates of primary colours (CMYK), detecting colour fading after the accelerated ageing process by density measurements and by determining inhibition of microorganisms’ growth by using smear test. The change in chroma affected by UV radiation (accelerated ageing) is most visible on yellow samples while both, cyan and magenta proved to be more resistant to UV radiation. UV radiation did not cause significant change on the L* coordinate of black, although its values were affected with initial varnishing as TiO2 is also used as a white pigment. Although increase of the TiO2 concentration in nanocomposite causes increase of the colour change, only the one with the highest concentration (2%) proved to be unacceptable. On the other hand, as the beneficial effects of nanocomposites increase with increase of the TiO2 concentration, the nanocomposite with 1% of TiO2 should be the choice. © 2021 NANOCON Conference Proceedings - International Conference on Nanomaterials. All rights reserved.

Targeting Metabolic Reprograming for the Prevention and Treatment of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

This is our first year on the project and we report that we have identified key metabolic reprogramming traits associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy using our in-vitro model of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). We have obtained IACUC and ACURO approval for our in-vivo rabbit model and completed training on rabbit handling and rabbit ocular surgery. We have also obtained IRB and HRPO approval for metabolomics analysis of human vitreous and sample collection is currently underway with samples scheduled for collection in the coming weeks. We have completed metabolomics analysis for our TGF-treated ARPE-19, revealing novel insights into metabolic pathway rewiring during EMT of RPE. We have begun testing the efficacy of metabolic drugs in blocking the TGF activity in ARPE-19. While we had a productive start toour grant in 2019, our progress has been hindered in 2020 due to a period of lab shut-down and restrictions on collection of human samples due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Macrophage Migration Inhibitor (MIF) Therapeutics for Neuroprotection and Prevention of Scar in Traumatic Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment (RD) is a prevalent cause of blindness that is common after ocular injury to military personnel. Permanent vision loss occurs due to death of photoreceptors and formation of excessive scar tissue, known as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). There are no effective pharmaceuticals to prevent these problems. The inflammatory protein, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), is produced at high levels in RD and PVR, as well as in excitotoxic (NMDA-mediated) damage, which is important in blast injury. We tested the ability of different clinically-relevant MIF inhibitors to block photoreceptor death after NMDA damage in a chick excitotoxic retinal damage model. These inhibitors, ibudilast, AV1013, and CPSI-1306, are well tolerated in the eye, and treatment with the maximum dose of each drug does not show retinal toxicity. Ibudilast pretreatment significantly reduced the number of TUNEL positive cells in the retina after NMDA damage. CPSI-1306 also reduced TUNEL. AV1013 had no effect. Ibudilast and AV1013 also blocked epithelial mesenchymal transition in the invitro PVR model.

Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation Improves Capparis spinosa’s Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Water Deficit

Agricultural yields are under constant jeopardy as climate change and abiotic pressures spread worldwide. Using rhizospheric microbes as biostimulants/biofertilizers is one of the best ways to improve agro-agriculture in the face of these things. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate whether a native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculum (AMF-complex) might improve caper (Capparis spinosa) seedlings’ nutritional status, their morphological/growth performance and photosynthetic efficiency under water-deficit stress (WDS). Thus, caper plantlets inoculated with or without an AMF complex (+AMF and −AMF, respectively) were grown under three gradually increasing WDS regimes, i.e., 75, 50 and 25% of field capacity (FC). Overall, measurements of morphological traits, biomass production and nutrient uptake (particularly P, K+, Mg2+, Fe2+ and Zn2+) showed that mycorrhizal fungi inoculation increased these variables significantly, notably in moderate and severe WDS conditions. The increased WDS levels reduced the photochemical efficiency indices (Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo) in −AMF plants, while AMF-complex application significantly augmented these parameters. Furthermore, the photosynthetic pigments content was substantially higher in +AMF seedlings than −AMF controls at all the WDS levels. Favorably, at 25% FC, AMF-colonized plants produce approximately twice as many carotenoids as non-colonized ones. In conclusion, AMF inoculation seems to be a powerful eco-engineering strategy for improving the caper seedling growth rate and drought tolerance in harsh environments.

Recent Findings in Azaphilone Pigments.

Filamentous fungi are known to biosynthesize an extraordinary range of azaphilones pigments with structural diversity and advantages over vegetal-derived colored natural products such agile and simple cultivation in the lab, acceptance of low-cost substrates, speed yield improvement, and ease of downstream processing. Modern genetic engineering allows industrial production, providing pigments with higher thermostability, water-solubility, and promising bioactivities combined with ecological functions. This review, covering the literature from 2020 onwards, focuses on the state-of-the-art of azaphilone dyes, the global market scenario, new compounds isolated in the period with respective biological activities, and biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, we discussed the innovations of azaphilone cultivation and extraction techniques, as well as in yield improvement and scale-up. Potential applications in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and textile industries were also explored.

Sea Urchin Pigments: Echinochrome A and Its Potential Implication in the Cytokine Storm Syndrome.

Background: Echinochrome A (EchA) is a pigment from sea urchins. EchA is a polyhydroxylated 1,4-naphthoquinone that contains several hydroxyl groups appropriate for free-radical scavenging and preventing redox imbalance. EchA is the most studied molecule of this family and is an active principle approved to be used in humans, usually for cardiopathies and glaucoma. EchA is used as a pharmaceutical drug. Methods: A comprehensive literature and patent search review was undertaken using PubMed, as well as Google Scholar and Espacenet search engines to review these areas. Conclusions: In the bloodstream, EchA can mediate cellular responses, act as a radical scavenger, and activate the glutathione pathway. It decreases ROS imbalance, prevents and limits lipid peroxidation, and enhances mitochondrial functions. Most importantly, EchA contributes to the modulation of the immune system. EchA can regulate the generation of regulatory T cells, inhibit pro-inflammatory IL-1ß and IL-6 cytokine production, while slightly reducing IL-8, TNF-α, INF-α, and NKT, thus correcting immune imbalance. These characteristics suggest that EchA is a candidate drug to alleviate the cytokine storm syndrome (CSS).