Analysis of native carotenoid composition of sweet bell peppers by serially coupled C30 columns.

Serial coupled columns reversed-phase separations in high-performance liquid chromatography can be a useful tool for the analysis of complex real samples. The great difficulties found when analyzing complex carotenoid samples, due to the high natural variability of these compounds, as well as to the presence of carotenoid esters, are well documented. In the present contribution, the applicability of connecting two C30 columns to increase significantly the separation power, resolution and peak capacity for the analysis of carotenoids in a complex carotenoid sample, like sweet bell peppers, has been shown for the first time. By using LC coupled to PDA/APCI-MS detectors, 56 different carotenoids have been detected in red sweet bell peppers. By using two serial coupled C30 columns a peak capacity of 95.4 was obtained, compared with 73 achieved using a single column. Moreover, resolution greatly improved between different critical peaks when using two serial coupled C30 columns, compared with a single column. Interestingly, free carotenoids, mono-esters and diesters were quantitatively equally represented (around 33% for each different class) in red sweet bell pepper, showing, therefore, a value for the ratio of mono-esters/di-esters of around 1, which could be considered a parameter of typicality. Free β-carotene (12.6%), capsanthin-C14:0 (8.4%), and capsanthin-C12:0-C14:0 (8.9%) were the most abundant carotenoids in the three different classes of red sweet bell pepper. No carotenoid esters were detected in either yellow or green sweet bell peppers. The application of such methodology in the analysis of other complex carotenoid matrices could be a future objective of research

Suitability and Eligibility of Phyllostachys pubescens (Moso Bamboo) Afforestation for GHG (Greenhouse Gases) Projects: Case Study in Central Italy

A case study concerning an experimental moso bamboo plantation (5 ha), located in central Italy, is presented. In order to evaluate CO2 capturing potential, a computational study was developed and applied to the bamboo field to predict and quantify the tons of CO2 equivalent annually sequestered, during a project range of 15 years. The computational model, based on allometric parameters and field density, was integrated with an accurate analysis of the geological, pedological and climatic scenario, and of the socio-economic context. The study aimed to correlate the growth and thickening trend of moso bamboo field, namely its CO2 capturing potential, with the geopedoclimatic context. This allowed to evaluate if the bamboo afforestation projects are capable to offset carbon dioxide emissions in the Italian context. The highest segregation power of the bamboo plantation equated 3,651.32 tCO2e ⋅ yr−1, segregated by the whole field in the 12th year (out of a total timeframe of 15 years). The study demonstrated the eligibility requirements for a GHG project and the suitability of moso bamboo farming finalized to carbon trading. Our findings represent a valid model to encourage the voluntary carbon market in Italy from afforestation with bamboo species

Determination and quantification of carotenoids in sea sponges Raspaciona aculeata and Dictyonella marsilii present in the Ganzirri Lake (Messina), Italy

Considering the crucial role of carotenoids exploitable both as nutraceuticals and also as dyes in food industry, there are many efforts in seeking for new sources of these pigments, especially in the marine world. In this study, for the first time, we extracted carotenoids from sea sponges Raspaciona aculeata and Dictyonella marsilii taken from Ganzirri Lake Messina (Italy). The determination and quantification of carotenoids was made by UPLC-PDA-MS. Remarkable results concern renieratene content in R. aculeate found to be over 2570 ppm

Fast UPLC/PDA determination of squalene in Sicilian P.D.O. pistachio from Bronte: optimization of oil extraction method and analytical characterization

A fast reversed-phase UPLC method was developed for squalene determination in Sicilian pistachio samples that entry in the European register of the products with P.D.O. In the present study the SPE procedure was optimized for the squalene extraction prior to the UPLC/PDA analysis. The precision of the full analytical procedure was satisfactory and the mean recoveries were 92.8 ± 0.3 % and 96.6 ± 0.1 % for 25 and 50 mg L-1 level of addition, respectively. Selected chromatographic conditions allowed a very fast squalene determination; in fact it was well separated in ∼ 0.54 min with good resolution. Squalene was detected in all the pistachio samples analyzed and the levels ranged from 55.45 to 226.34 mg . kg-1. Comparing our results with those of other studies it emerges that squalene contents in P.D.O. Sicilian pistachio samples, generally, were higher than those measured for other samples of different geographic origins

Expression and delivery of an endolysin to combat Clostridium perfringens

Clostridium perfringens is a cause for increasing concern due to its responsibility for severe infections both in humans and animals, especially poultry. To find new control strategies to treat C. perfringens infection, we investigated the activity and delivery of a bacteriophage endolysin. We identified a new endolysin, designated CP25L, which shows similarity to an N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidase domain and is distinct from other C. perfringens endolysins whose activity has been demonstrated in vitro. The cp25l gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the gene product demonstrated lytic activity against all 25 C. perfringens strains tested. The probiotic strain Lactobacillus johnsonii FI9785 was engineered to deliver the endolysin to the gastrointestinal tract. The integration of the nisRK two-component regulatory system from the Lactococcus lactis nisin A biosynthesis operon into the chromosome of L. johnsonii allowed constitutive expression of the endolysin under the control of the nisA promoter (P(nisA)), while the use of a signal peptide (SLPmod) led to successful secretion of the active endolysin to the surrounding media. The high specificity and activity of the endolysin suggest that it may be developed as an effective tool to enhance the control of C. perfringens by L. johnsonii in the gastrointestinal tract

Food Specifications as a Language learning Tool in ESP Classes

Abstract The aim of this note is to discuss Food Specifications as a workplace genre and its use in EFL learning contexts. Present results come from ongoing research carried out, between language and content teachers, for the Degree in Mediterranean Sciences and Health at the University of Messina, Italy. Food Specifications, regulated by national and EU legislation, have a twofold use in Food Science: they describe foodstuffs' and agricultural products' characteristics to safeguard quality and to guide consumers make informed choices. Although the present discussion originates from a specific learning context, results are shared to foster research on a genre that has not attracted the attention of ESP practitioners and to offer an example to be exploited in EFL classes

Pesticide and plasticizer residues in citrus essential oils from different countries.

Residue analyses are very important in the quality control of citrus essential oils. Organophosphorus and organochlorine pesticides, phosphorated plasticizers and chloroparaffins contamination were investigated by HRGC with FPD and ECD detectors in 120 citrus essential oils produced in Italy and in 70 from other countries in the crop year 2006-2007. Results showed that the largest pesticide quantities were found in oils from Brazil and Spain. The presence of such residues might be the result of an improper use of pesticide in citrus growing or of previous contamination of the extractors. However, the pesticide levels showed a measurable decrease in relation to past production years. The absence of phosporated plasticizers and chloroparaffins can be the result of either improvement of the procedures used during the production cycle or in the storage of the essential oils compared with previous years

Development of an antioxidant formula based on peanut by-products and effects on sensory properties and aroma stability of fortified peanut snacks during storage

An antioxidant formula based on peanut skins and hulls, was developed and characterized for total and single polyphenols, and antioxidant power, considering the contribution provided by each peanut by‐product. Then, it was evaluated for its effect on sensory properties and aroma stability of peanut bars over a 100‐day period. To this purpose, snacks fortified and not with the natural additive were experimentally produced

Bioaccessibility of carotenoids, vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol, from commercial milk-fruit juice beverages: Contribution to the recommended daily intake

Twenty-two commercial milk-fruit juice beverages (MFJBs) were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector for carotenoids, retinol and α-tocopherol content. Bioaccessibility was also investigated by in vitro enzymatic digestion. Total carotenoids content and vitamin A calculated as retinol plus pro-vitamin A carotenoids varied widely among samples as well as the bioaccessibility, depending on the formulations. The predominant carotenoid present in all the samples was β-carotene, followed by α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin, which were not detected in all the samples. One daily consumption of MFJB (200 mL) provides on average from 5% to 11% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin A, depending on the age group and a slightly higher value for α-tocopherol. The bioaccessibility of bioactive carotenoids in increasing order was the following: β-carotene < α-carotene < phytofluene = phytoene < lutein = β-cryptoxanthin < zeaxanthin. If we consider bioaccessibilities the contribution to the RDA is drastically reduced by 40% for vitamin A and about 13% for vitamin E.Consejería de Innovación Ciencia y Empresa, Junta de Andalucía P11-AGR-7783CYTED 112RT044