Dr Fateme Mousavi,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Quinoa seed (Chenopodium quinoa) is considered a unique food source due to its rich protein content and high antioxidant activity related to polyphenols. In the present study, with the aim of selecting the quinoa seeds to send to space, the response of protein content, phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant capacity, and the germination index of its seeds to simulated vacuum conditions of space was evaluated. The results showed a significant increase in the seed germination index for the vacuum-treated group compared to the control group. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was higher in vacuum-treated seeds compared to the control group. Vacuum conditions significantly increased the antioxidant capacity of quinoa seeds. The total seed protein content in the vacuum-treated and control groups was 25 and 35 mg/ml, respectively. The seed protein profile showed 13 distinct protein bands in the molecular weight range of 15 to 70 kilodaltons. The intensity of protein bands was significantly different between vacuum treatment and control groups. Structural changes in the seed pericarp as well as water and oil exit from the seeds under vacuum conditions can be the causes of different biochemical and physiological responses of quinoa seeds in the present study.
