A review on the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) light on the nutrients of sprouts and microgreens. (May 2020) - Zhang, Xiaoyan
Abstract: Background: Sprouts and microgreens, which are tender, flavourful, rich in nutrients, have a short growth cycle, and have been recognized as functional foods in the human diet. Culturing under artificial light sources could regulate the growth, the phytochemical compound content and antioxidant capacity of sprouts and microgreens. Scope and approach: In this review, the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) light on growth, phytochemical compound content and antioxidant capacity, as well as the post-harvest quality of sprouts and microgreens were overviewed, and the underlying mechanisms were discussed. The future applications and research, which aim to improve the growth and nutritional quality of sprouts and microgreens, were also investigated. Key findings and conclusions: LED light can promote the accumulation of different phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds, vitamins, glucosinolates, chlorophyll and carotenoids. Meanwhile, the antioxidant capacity could also be significantly increased by growth under LED light, in particular UV-B light. The accumulation of mineral elements (Ca 2+, Fe 2+, K + ) increased after light exposure. The effects of LED light on the growth was species dependent. Therefore, growth under LED light is an efficient and promising strategy for producing sprouts and microgreens with higher nutritional values. Highlights: Sprouts/microgreens are functional foods with multiple health benefits. Sprouts/microgreens respond to spectra by altering the morphology and metabolism. LEDs provide new opportunities to manipulate the quality of produce for markets. An optimized LED light recipe unique for each plant species can be programmed.