A preharvest finishing procedure for Lemna to produce high levels of zeaxanthin that is retained post-high-light exposure
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Development of a productive, nutritious, and low-input food source is needed for humanity's expanding population on Earth and for long-duration crewed space missions. The exceptionally protein- and micronutrient-rich members of the aquatic plant family Lemnaceae are uniquely suited for both purposes. We here introduce a protocol to accumulate large quantities of the carotenoid zeaxanthin that are retained post-high-light exposure. The function of the essential human micronutrients zeaxanthin, lutein, vitamin E ( α -tocopherol), and pro-vitamin A ( β- carotene) are briefly reviewed. Attention is given to the role of zeaxanthin in opposing oxidants (reactive oxygen species), the production of which is further enhanced by space radiation. We report a new preharvest finishing procedure – sudden transfer of Lemna plants grown in low light (200 µmol photons m -2 s -1 ) to high light (1000 µmol photons m -2 s -1 ) for six hours, which rapidly increased and stabilized zeaxanthin content. Unlike terrestrial crops, Lemna possessed a uniquely high protein content when grown in low light and did not experience any adverse effects of the abrupt five-fold increase in light intensity. These findings provide additional justification for Lemnaceae as food crops with applications on Earth as well as for future long-duration human space missions.
Source: Future Foods
Authors: Marina López-Pozo, William W. Adams, Maureen McNamara, Barbara Demmig-Adams
Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,800
OpenAlex ID: W4405008204