Objective The antioxidant activity (AA) of individual carotenoids has been much studied although data on possible interactions among them in mixtures are scarce. Since complex mixtures are ingested with foods, experiments addressing that question are needed. Thus, the assessment of the in vitro AA of extracts from carotenoid-rich staples will assist, through the application of statistical methods, in the design of model solutions to further study the existence of possible interactions among them. The conclusions obtained are expected to help design in vivo studies and optimized mixtures for food fortification. Changes in the biosynthesis of carotenoids and concomitant changes in AA in oranges over ripening will be also surveyed. The results obtained will be useful for the objectives described above as they accumulate virtually all the carotenoids regarded as most important for human health (the provitamins A α- and β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, Cara Cara oranges accumulating lycopene naturally). In addition, they will help understand the control of their synthesis in plants, since although such process are well-known biochemically, their regulation remains poorly understood. This part of the project is therefore intended to supply data for later initiatives, oranges being appropriate food models as they deposit carotenes, mono- and dihydroxycarotenoids, epoxicarotenoids and apocarotenoids, as well as high amounts of Z-isomers, which are raising growing interest. Lastly, the applicability of the objective measurement of colour in the quantitative estimation of carotenoids and their in vitro AA will be assessed. This research line is meant to propose such techniques for rapid measurements of those parameters, since their inherent characteristics (ultrafast non-destructive measurements, versatility, portability, etc.) make them potential tools to be harnessed for quality control. Fields of science engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcolors Keywords Antioxidants biosynthesis carotenes carotenoids citrus colour foods multivariate statistics phytochemicals pigments Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) PEOPLE-2007-2-2.ERG - Marie Curie Action: "European Reintegration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-2-ERG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-ERG - European Re-integration Grants (ERG) Coordinator UNIVERSIDAD DE SEVILLA EU contribution € 45 000,00 Address CALLE S. FERNANDO 4 41004 Sevilla Spain See on map Region Sur Andalucía Sevilla Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Heredia-Mira Francisco J. (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
