Enhancing carotenoid and phenolic contents in plant food matrices by applying non-thermal technologies: Bioproduction vs improved extractability

• Published in: Trends in food science & technology 2021-06, Vol.112, p.622-630
• Main Authors: López-Gámez, Gloria, Elez-Martínez, Pedro, Martín-Belloso, Olga, Soliva-Fortuny, Robert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accumulation; Bioactive compounds; Biological activity; Biosynthesis; Carotenoids; Cold plasmas; Degenerative diseases; Electric fields; Enzymatic activity; Health promotion; High pressure processing; Membrane permeability; Phenolic compounds; Phenols; Plant stress; Plant tissues; Plant-based foods; Pulsed electric fields; Pulsed light; Reactive oxygen species; Ultrasounds
• ISSN: 0924-2244; 1879-3053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.04.022

The consumption of fruit and vegetables has been associated with prevention of degenerative diseases, which has been attributed to their abundant content in bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Recent research has shown the potential of non-thermal processing technologies such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultrasounds (US), high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed light (PL) and cold plasma (CP) to trigger the accumulation of these compounds through the induction of a plant stress response. However, the main mechanisms underpinning this increment are still under debate. In this review we provide updated information regarding the effect of PEF, HPP, US, PL and CP on carotenoid and phenolic content of plant-based foods and the main causes of these changes: their better extractability or their accumulation as a defence mechanism. The application of PEF, US, HPP and CP to plant tissues causes structural changes in addition to triggering the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, bioactive compounds enhancement could result from a combination between their biosynthesis and their better extractability through membrane breakdown. Otherwise, PL generally does not induce permeability changes, which indicate that higher bioactive contents are probably related to biosynthesis induction. Nevertheless, further studies with a multidisciplinary approach including the evaluation of firmness and microstructure, in addition to the analysis of oxidative or biosynthetic enzyme activities, respiration rates or the variation of bioactive content throughout storage are necessary to develop strategies to obtain plant-based products with enhanced bioactive content and health-promoting properties. •Stress induction mechanisms triggered by non-thermal technologies are reviewed.•Updated studies on the effects of non-thermal technologies on plant products are explained.•Effects of non-thermal technologies on polyphenols and carotenoids are summarized.•Recommendations for discerning causes of bioactive content increase are outlined.