Carotene from pine needles: an innovative source of natural carotenoids and prospects for their use

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Carotenoids, the most well-known of which is beta-carotene, are among the most important natural pigments in the context of healthy eating and industrial production. Traditionally, beta-carotene is associated with carrots, pumpkins, or red peppers. However, in recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the possibility of obtaining carotenoids from alternative and, importantly, accessible sources — for example, from pine needles. In this article, we will consider what carotenoids are, what properties they have, why there is growing interest in the production of beta-carotene from pine needles, and what prospects await such technologies in the near future.
1. Carotenoids: general information1.1. What are carotenoidsCarotenoids are a large group of natural pigments that give plants, fungi, and some types of bacteria their characteristic yellow, orange, or red color. The most famous representative of carotenoids is beta-carotene (β-carotene), which can be converted into vitamin A (retinol) in the human body. In addition to beta-carotene, carotenoids also include alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and many other compounds.
Carotenoids are extremely important for life processes in humans and animals. They work as antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals, strengthen the immune system, support eye and skin health, and may also reduce the risk of a number of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer.
1.2. Importance for the bodyEye health: Vitamin A, synthesized from beta-carotene, is necessary for the normal functioning of the retina, in particular for the formation of the visual pigment rhodopsin. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to impaired night vision ("night blindness") and other ophthalmological problems.Immune system: Beta-carotene increases the activity of macrophages and some other immune cells, providing better protection of the body against infections.Antioxidant activity: Carotenoids reduce oxidative stress, which is important for the prevention of a whole range of age-related diseases.Skin support: Vitamin A, as one of the key elements for epidermal health, promotes cell renewal, makes the skin more elastic and able to withstand adverse environmental factors.1.3. Traditional sources of carotenoidsThe most common sources of carotenoids in the diet are:
Orange and yellow vegetables: carrots, pumpkin, bell peppers, sweet potatoes.Fruits: apricots, mangoes, papaya, peaches, melon.Dark green leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, broccoli.However, on an industrial scale, beta-carotene is usually obtained either chemically (synthetic beta-carotene) or using biotechnology - by growing algae (e.g. Dunaliella salina), which accumulate significant amounts of carotenoids.
2. Production of carotenoids from needles: why is it relevant?2.1. A large amount of coniferous raw materialsConiferous forests occupy vast areas in many regions of the world, in particular in Ukraine, Russia, Canada, the Scandinavian countries, the USA and other territories with a temperate and northern climate. During logging, a lot of waste remains, for example, needles, branches, bark, which are often not used properly and are simply burned or left to rot. At the same time, needles are a valuable resource containing a wide range of bioactive substances: essential oils, chlorophyll, vitamins (in particular vitamin C), tannins and… carotenoids.
2.2. Environmental aspectsThe use of needles as a raw material for obtaining carotene and other carotenoids opens up opportunities for increasing the environmental efficiency of the forestry industry and woodworking. Instead of disposing of waste (often by incineration) and increasing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, they can be used as a renewable source of useful compounds. Thus, the process becomes more environmentally friendly and sustainable, which corresponds to the growing global trend for "green" technologies.
2.3. Economic benefitThe cost of synthetic beta-carotene is quite high, and the demand for natural carotenoids is constantly growing. Pine needles are a relatively cheap or even free by-product. If you establish a high-quality collection and processing process, you can get a competitive source of beta-carotene and other carotenoids. In addition, the range of organic and environmentally friendly products on the market is expanding, which is especially in demand in pharmacology, the food industry and the production of biologically active additives (BAA).
3. Composition and biological value of pine needles3.1. Main components of needlesNeedles are a unique material in terms of chemical composition, as they have to survive in quite harsh conditions: cold climate, often nutrient-poor soils, the need to withstand seasonal temperature fluctuations. As a result, needles contain:
Essential oils: give a characteristic aroma, have antibacterial and antiviral properties.Bioflavonoids: antioxidants that protect plant cells (and then our body) from damage.Vitamin C: in some types of needles (for example, in Scots pine), its content can be quite high.Carotenoids: beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and a number of others x pigments that give the needles a characteristic shade (although visually the green color due to chlorophyll dominates, carotenoids are also present there).3.2. Carotenoid content in needlesThe amount of carotenoids in needles can vary depending on the type of tree, season, growing conditions, etc. In pine, spruce, cedar and other coniferous plants, the indicators may differ. However, studies show that the total concentration can reach significant values, which make it possible to consider needles as a promising source of beta-carotene on an industrial scale.
3.3. Bioavailability of carotenoids from needlesThe issue of bioavailability (how well a substance is absorbed by the body) is important for any food additives or raw materials. Carotenoids in pine needles are usually “hidden” in cellular structures, so appropriate technological processing (extraction, possibly enzymatic preparation) is necessary to obtain a highly concentrated and easily digestible product. Modern extraction methods (for example, using supercritical CO2 or enzymatic hydrolysis) make it possible to isolate carotenoids in a form suitable for further use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
4. Technologies for the production of carotenoids from pine needles4.1. Collection and preparation of raw materialsThe first stage is the collection of coniferous raw materials. Usually it is obtained as part of standard logging operations or during sanitary cleaning of the forest. Cut branches, needles and other parts of the tree are collected and delivered to the processing complex. In some cases, fresh needles are immediately subjected to primary processing, in others - dried and stored under controlled conditions.
Drying: usually used to reduce moisture and extend the shelf life of the raw material.Grinding: the raw material is ground to increase the surface area and facilitate further extraction.4.2. Extraction processesDifferent extraction methods are used to isolate carotenoids from pine needles:
Extraction with organic solventsThe most common are hexane, acetone, ethanol or combinations thereof. The solvent is chosen taking into account environmental and economic requirements. The extract then undergoes a purification and concentration stage, resulting in a fraction rich in carotenoids.Supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE)The use of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) allows for cleaner extracts, as there is no risk of toxic solvent residues in the final product. SCFE systems, although quite expensive to install and maintain, provide a higher quality final extract.Enzymatic hydrolysis is used as an additional step to break down the cell walls of the needles and release intracellular components. This can increase the yield of target substances, including carotenoids.4.3. Purification and standardizationAfter extraction, it is necessary to get rid of unwanted impurities (resins, chlorophyll, fatty acids, polysaccharides). For this, filtration, adsorption (e.g. on silica gel), centrifugation and other methods are used as necessary. The result is a carotenoid concentrate. The product is then standardized for beta-carotene or total carotenoids to ensure a uniform quality level for supplies to the food and pharmaceutical industries.
5. Use of carotenes from needles5.1. Food industryCarotenoids are excellent natural dyes. From coniferous raw materials, you can get not only food dyes for confectionery, drinks and sauces, but also biologically active additives (BADs) enriched with carotenoids. Such additives can be positioned as "organic" and "ecological", which is especially important for consumers who strive for naturalness and a healthy lifestyle.
5.2. Pharmaceuticals and medicineBeta-carotene obtained from needles can be used as a component of multivitamin complexes, where it acts as provitamin A. Given the known immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of carotenoids, they are also included in preparations aimed at supporting the immune system and slowing down age-related changes.
5.3. CosmetologyNatural carotenoids from needles are used in the cosmetic industry as components of creams, serums and lotions designed to improve skin condition and protect against ultraviolet radiation. The antioxidant effect helps to combat the harmful effects of free radicals, which are one of the key causes of premature skin aging.
5.4. Animal feedIn animal husbandry, carotenoids are added to feed to strengthen the immunity of animals, improve the quality of wool or plumage. In addition, carotene-based dyes can give a more saturated color to the yolks of chicken eggs or salmon meat, which increases their attractiveness to the consumer.
6. Scientific research and innovations6.1. Optimization of extractionIn the scientific community, numerous studies are ongoing to increase the yield of beta-carotene and other carotenoids from needles. Experiments are being carried out with various solvents, super- or subcritical fluids, enzymatic cocktails and parameters (temperature, pressure, extraction duration).

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