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Corn husk as a potential source of anthocyanins
Chun-Ying Li1, Hee-Woong Kim, Se Ra Won
1Department of Biotechnology and Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|November 15, 2008
Summary
High-anthocyanin corn, particularly the husk and cob, significantly boosts pigment production. This research identifies key anthocyanin compounds for enhanced economic efficiency in purple corn.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Biochemistry
- Pigment Production
Background:
- Anthocyanins are valuable plant pigments with diverse applications.
- Current purple corn varieties have limited anthocyanin content, impacting economic viability.
- Developing high-anthocyanin crops is crucial for efficient pigment sourcing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop high-anthocyanin corn for improved economic efficiency.
- To quantify and compare anthocyanin content in different purple corn plant parts.
- To identify key anthocyanin compounds in high-anthocyanin purple corn.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of anthocyanin content in various purple corn breeding lines.
- Quantification of anthocyanin levels in different plant sections (husk, cob, kernel).
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for compound identification.
Main Results:
- Purple corn produces anthocyanins throughout the plant, with highest concentrations in husks and cobs.
- Purple corn husks showed significantly higher anthocyanin levels (17.3-18.9% dry weight) compared to kernels (1.78%).
- Cyanidin derivatives, including cyanidin-3-glucoside, were identified as major anthocyanin components in husks.
Conclusions:
- High-anthocyanin corn, especially utilizing the husk, offers a substantial increase in pigment production.
- This development enhances the economic efficiency of anthocyanin extraction from purple corn.
- The identified anthocyanin profiles provide a basis for targeted breeding programs.
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