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Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2023Microorganisms such as bacteria, microalgae and fungi, are natural and rich sources of several valuable bioactive antioxidant's compounds, including carotenoids. Among... (Review)
Review
Microorganisms such as bacteria, microalgae and fungi, are natural and rich sources of several valuable bioactive antioxidant's compounds, including carotenoids. Among the carotenoids with antioxidant properties, astaxanthin can be highlighted due to its pharmaceutical, feed, food, cosmetic and biotechnological applications. The best-known producers of astaxanthin are yeast and microalgae cells that biosynthesize this pigment intracellularly, requiring efficient and sustainable downstream procedures for its recovery. Conventional multi-step procedures usually involve the consumption of large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are regarded as toxic and hazardous chemicals. Considering these environmental issues, this review is focused on revealing the potential of unconventional extraction procedures [., Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), High-Pressure Homogenization (HPH)] combined with alternative green solvents (biosolvents, eutectic solvents and ionic liquids) for the recovery of microbial-based astaxanthin from microalgae (such as ) and yeast (such as ) cells. The principal advances in the area, process bottlenecks, solvent selection and strategies to improve the recovery of microbial astaxanthin are emphasized. The promising recovery yields using these environmentally friendly procedures in lab-scale are good indications and directions for their effective use in biotechnological processes for the production of commercial feed and food ingredients like astaxanthin.
Topics: Antioxidants; Biomass; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Carotenoids; Solvents; Microalgae
PubMed: 35766952
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2093326 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Jan 2024Astaxanthin is a red-colored secondary metabolite with excellent antioxidant properties, typically finds application as foods, feed, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin is a red-colored secondary metabolite with excellent antioxidant properties, typically finds application as foods, feed, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and medications. Astaxanthin is usually produced synthetically using chemicals and costs less as compared to the natural astaxanthin obtained from fish, shrimps, and microorganisms. Over the decades, astaxanthin has been naturally synthesized from Haematococcus pluvialis in commercial scales and remains exceptional, attributed to its higher bioactive properties as compared to synthetic astaxanthin. However, the production cost of algal astaxanthin is still high due to several bottlenecks prevailing in the upstream and downstream processes. To that end, the present study intends to review the recent trends and advancements in astaxanthin production from microalgae. The structure of astaxanthin, sources, production strategies of microalgal astaxanthin, and factors influencing the synthesis of microalgal astaxanthin were discussed while detailing the pathway involved in astaxanthin biosynthesis. The study also discusses the relevant downstream process used in commercial scales and details the applications of astaxanthin in various health related issues.
Topics: Microalgae; Chlorophyceae; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 38163732
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113841 -
Chemical Biology & Drug Design Oct 2023Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, is believed to be effective in the repair of DNA damage. Our study evaluates the effect of astaxanthin on DNA damage in rats exposed...
Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, is believed to be effective in the repair of DNA damage. Our study evaluates the effect of astaxanthin on DNA damage in rats exposed to whole-body radiotherapy using the comet assay. Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, ionizing radiation, astaxanthin, and radiation+astaxanthin). The radiation and radiation+astaxanthin groups were exposed to X-rays at a dose of 8 gray (0.62 gray/min). Astaxanthin was administered at 4 mg/kg by gavage for 7 days starting from irradiation. The %TailDNA parameter was chosen as an indicator of DNA damage and the results were compared using one-way ANOVA. %TailDNA was 3.24 ± 3.12 in the control group, 2.85 ± 2.73 in the astaxanthin group, 4.11 ± 7.90 in the radiation group, and 3.59 ± 4.05 in the radiation+astaxanthin group. There was a significant increase in DNA damage in the radiation group, compared with the control and astaxanthin groups (p < .001). DNA damage was reduced in the radiation+astaxanthin group compared with the radiation group (p < .05). Although this decrease did not reduce damage to the level of the control group, it was significant. The decrease in radiation-induced DNA damage by astaxanthin administration in our study supports the hypothesis that astaxanthin is a promising agent for against/reducing DNA damage.
Topics: Male; Animals; Rats; Xanthophylls; DNA Damage; Comet Assay; Radiation, Ionizing
PubMed: 37545012
DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14321 -
Nutrients Aug 2018Oxidative stress is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of various human diseases as well as to the aging process. Mitochondria, as the center of cellular metabolism... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of various human diseases as well as to the aging process. Mitochondria, as the center of cellular metabolism and major regulators of redox balance, play a critical role in disease development and progression. Mitochondrial dysfunction involving structural and metabolic impairment is prominent in oxidative stress-related diseases. Increased oxidative stress can damage mitochondria, and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction generates excesses of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species that cause cellular damage. Mitochondrial dysfunction also activates the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, resulting in cellular death. Astaxanthin, a red-colored xanthophyll carotenoid, exerts an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect on various cell lines. In this manner astaxanthin maintains mitochondrial integrity under various pathological conditions. In this review, the inhibitory effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and related disease development are discussed.
Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Health Status; Humans; Mitochondria; Oxidative Stress; Signal Transduction; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 30134611
DOI: 10.3390/nu10091137 -
Chemico-biological Interactions Jan 2018Oxidative stress induced by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular pathologies.... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress induced by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular pathologies. Particularly, oxidative stress has proved to mediate abnormal platelet function and dysfunctional endothelium-dependent vasodilatation representing a key factor in the progression of ischemic injuries. Antioxidants like carotenoids have been suggested to contribute in their prevention and treatment. Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid produced naturally and synthetically, shows interesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In vivo studies applying different models of induced ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury confirm astaxanthin's protective action after oral or intravenous administration. However, some studies have shown some limitations after oral administration such as low stability, bioavailability and bioefficacy, revealing a need for the implementation of new biomaterials to act as astaxanthin vehicles in vivo. Here, a brief overview of the chemical characteristics of astaxanthin, the carrier systems developed for overcoming its delivery drawbacks and the animal studies showing its potential effect to treat I/R injury are presented.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Reperfusion Injury; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 29179950
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.11.012 -
Molecular Medicine Reports Sep 2020Alterations in molecular signaling impair cellular functions and induce degenerative diseases. Among the factors affecting intracellular signaling pathways, oxidative... (Review)
Review
Alterations in molecular signaling impair cellular functions and induce degenerative diseases. Among the factors affecting intracellular signaling pathways, oxidative stress serves an important role. Astaxanthin (3,3'‑dihydroxy‑β, β‑carotene-4,4'‑dione), a pigment found in aquatic organisms, belongs to the xanthophylls family. Astaxanthin exerts a strong antioxidant activity and is widely used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Oxidative stress damages bone homeostasis by producing reactive oxygen species and increasing the production of pro‑resorption cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‑1, tumor necrosis factor‑α and IL‑6. Therefore, antioxidant molecules can counteract the negative effects of oxidative stress on bone. Accordingly, previous studies have demonstrated that supplementation of astaxanthin in bone contributes to the restoration of bone homeostasis. The present review summarizes the negative effects of oxidative stress in bone and explores the role of astaxanthin in counteracting skeletal injuries consequent to oxidative stress.
Topics: Bone Diseases; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Oxidative Stress; Signal Transduction; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 32705183
DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11284 -
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research Dec 2021Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a cluster of physiological dysfunctions typified by persistent hyperglycemia. Diet plays a paramount role in human health, and regular... (Review)
Review
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a cluster of physiological dysfunctions typified by persistent hyperglycemia. Diet plays a paramount role in human health, and regular consumption of a fruit- and vegetable-rich diet can delay or prevent DM and its associated complications. The promising effect of fruits and vegetables could be partly attributed to their antioxidant constituents, including carotenoids. Carotenoids are natural antioxidants that occur in many vegetables, fruits, microalgae, and other natural sources. Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid predominantly present in microalgae and some red-colored marine organisms. It is currently marketed as a health supplement and is well-known for its antioxidant capacity. Accumulating evidence indicates that astaxanthin exerts its beneficial effects against DM by acting on various molecular targets and signaling pathways in multiple organs/tissues. Astaxanthin can lower blood glucose levels by preserving β-cell function, improving insulin resistance (IR), and increasing insulin secretion. This manuscript summarizes the connection between glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, and DM. This is followed by a review of recent studies on astaxanthin's pharmacological effects against IR, microvascular (diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and neurological damage), and macrovascular DM complications emphasizing the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. A few lines of clinical evidence supporting its antidiabetic potential are also highlighted.
Topics: Antioxidants; Diabetic Nephropathies; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Oxidative Stress; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 34636497
DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202100252 -
International Journal of Biological... May 2024Astaxanthin is a kind of keto-carotenes with various health benefits. However, its solubility and chemical stability are poor, which leads to low bio-availability....
Astaxanthin is a kind of keto-carotenes with various health benefits. However, its solubility and chemical stability are poor, which leads to low bio-availability. Microcapsules have been reported to improve the solubility, chemical stability, and bio-availability of lipophilic bioactives. Freeze-dried astaxanthin-loaded microcapsules were prepared by layer-by-layer assembly of tertiary emulsions with maltodextrin as the filling matrix. Tertiary emulsions were fabricated by performing chitosan and sodium alginate electrostatic deposition onto soybean lecithin stabilized emulsions. 0.9 wt% of chitosan solution, 0.3 wt% of sodium alginate solution and 20 wt% of maltodextrin were optimized as the suitable concentrations. The prepared microcapsules were powders with irregular blocky structures. The astaxanthin loading was 0.56 ± 0.05 % and the encapsulation efficiency was >90 %. A slow release of astaxanthin could be observed in microcapsules promoted by the modulating of chitosan, alginate and maltodextrin. In vitro simulated digestion displayed that the microcapsules increased the bio-accessibility of astaxanthin to 69 ± 1 %. Chitosan, alginate and maltodextrin can control the digestion of microcapsules. The coating of chitosan and sodium alginate, and the filling of maltodextrin in microcapsules improved the chemical stability of astaxanthin. The constructed microcapsules were valuable to enrich scientific knowledge about improving the application of functional ingredients.
Topics: Xanthophylls; Alginates; Capsules; Chitosan; Lecithins; Polysaccharides; Drug Compounding; Emulsions; Drug Carriers; Layer-by-Layer Nanoparticles
PubMed: 38679251
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131909 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2021Astaxanthin is known as a "marine carotenoid" and occurs in a wide variety of living organisms such as salmon, shrimp, crab, and red snapper. Astaxanthin antioxidant...
Astaxanthin is known as a "marine carotenoid" and occurs in a wide variety of living organisms such as salmon, shrimp, crab, and red snapper. Astaxanthin antioxidant activity has been reported to be more than 100 times greater than that of vitamin E against lipid peroxidation and approximately 550 times more potent than that of vitamin E for singlet oxygen quenching. Astaxanthin doesn't exhibit any pro-oxidant nature and its main site of action is on/in the cell membrane. To date, extensive important benefits suggested for human health include anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, anti-stress, LDL cholesterol oxidation suppression, enhanced skin health, improved semen quality, attenuation of common fatigue including eye fatigue, increased sports performance and endurance, limiting exercised-induced muscle damage, and the suppression of the development of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Recently, there has been an explosive increase worldwide in both the research and demand for natural astaxanthin mainly extracted from the microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis, in human health applications. Japanese clinicians are especially using the natural astaxanthin as add-on supplementation for patients who are unsatisfied with conventional medications or cannot take other medications due to serious symptoms. For example, in heart failure or overactive bladder patients, astaxanthin treatment enhances patient's daily activity levels and QOL. Other ongoing clinical trials and case studies are examining chronic diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, and CVD, as well as infertility, atopic dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia, ulcerative colitis, and sarcopenia. In the near future, astaxanthin may secure a firm and signature position as medical food.
Topics: Humans; Male; Microalgae; Quality of Life; Semen Analysis; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 33783748
DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-7360-6_23 -
Marine Drugs Oct 2023The marine carotenoid astaxanthin is one of the strongest natural antioxidants and therefore is used in a broad range of applications such as cosmetics or...
The marine carotenoid astaxanthin is one of the strongest natural antioxidants and therefore is used in a broad range of applications such as cosmetics or nutraceuticals. To meet the growing market demand, the natural carotenoid producer has been engineered to produce astaxanthin by heterologous expression of genes from the marine bacterium . To exploit this promising source of fermentative and natural astaxanthin, an efficient extraction process using ethanol was established in this study. Appropriate parameters for ethanol extraction were identified by screening ethanol concentration (62.5-97.5% /), temperature (30-70 °C) and biomass-to-solvent ratio (3.8-19.0 mg/mL). The results demonstrated that the optimal extraction conditions were: 90% ethanol, 60 °C, and a biomass-to-solvent ratio of 5.6 mg/mL. In total, 94% of the cellular astaxanthin was recovered and the oleoresin obtained contained 9.4 mg/g astaxanthin. With respect to other carotenoids, further purification of the oleoresin by column chromatography resulted in pure astaxanthin (100%, HPLC). In addition, a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay showed similar activities compared to esterified astaxanthin from microalgae and a nine-fold higher antioxidative activity than synthetic astaxanthin.
Topics: Corynebacterium glutamicum; Fermentation; Carotenoids; Antioxidants; Solvents; Ethanol
PubMed: 37888465
DOI: 10.3390/md21100530