In this study, the composition and content of polyphenols in Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and their antibacterial activity against the non-pathogenic standard type strain Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was explored. Additionally, the antibacterial mechanism was elucidated from multiple aspects, including cell wall and membrane alterations, morphological characteristics, metabolic pathways, and oxidative stress responses in E. coli, and it was verified by molecular docking analysis. The results showed that the polyphenol extract contained 10 polyphenolic compounds and exhibited significant antibacterial activity against E. coli. Its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration were 12.5 and 100 mg/mL, respectively, and this effect was concentration-dependent. The mechanistic study demonstrated that at MIC, FSI polyphenols mainly damaged the cell membrane and cell wall integrity and reduced their resistance. Simultaneously, these compounds inhibited the biosynthesis of RNA, lipid and protein, ultimately resulting in bacterial cell death. Moreover, FSI polyphenols potentially targeted the 3-hydroxyacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] dehydratase (fabZ) and acriflavine resistance regulator (acrR) proteins in E. coli. At 2 MIC and 4 MIC, FSI polyphenols mainly triggered excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), disrupted membrane structure and function, inhibited the synthesis of RNA, protein and peptidoglycan, reduced bacterial resistance, and ultimately caused bacterial death. Furthermore, FSI polyphenols may target the 2,5-diketo-D-gluconic acid reductase A (dkgA) protein in E. coli. This study lays the basis for the application of FSI polyphenols as an antibacterial agent against foodborne pathogenic E. coli, and provides theoretical support the development of polyphenol-based natural antibacterial agents.

To screen for promising antimicrobial agents from natural sources, this study evaluated the antibacterial effect of nine polyphenols against Escherichia coli based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). From these, ferulic acid and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were selected for their synergistic antibacterial effect against E. coli. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) were used to observe micro-morphological changes in bacterial cells before and after treatment with ferulic acid and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Fluorescent probes were applied to determine membrane potential, inner and outer membrane permeability, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The effect on biofilm formation was investigated using crystal violet staining. The results indicated that the two phenolic acids exerted synergistic antibacterial effect primarily by reducing transmembrane potential, increasing membrane permeability, disrupting membrane integrity as well as bacterial morphology, significantly lowering intracellular ROS levels to interfere with redox signaling, and effectively inhibiting biofilm formation. This study demonstrated great potential for the combined application of these phenolic acids as natural antibacterial agents.

Objective: To find the best way to reduce the content of stone cells in fragrant pear fruit. Methods: Seven to eight-year-old fragrant pear trees were chosen for foliar application with exogeneous substances including calcium chloride, zinc chloride, boric acid, and salicylic acid. Experiments were conducted using a randomized block design. Key parameters measured included stone cell content, phenylalanine aminase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, sugar content, organic acid content, and color difference. The stone cell clusters were stained using resorcinol. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the different treatment groups. Our aim was to identify the optimal protocol for reducing stone cell content to enhance fruit quality in fragrant pear. Results: Compared with the control group, calcium chloride, boric acid, and salicylic acid significantly reduced the stone cell content in fragrant pear fruit. The stone cell content exhibited a negative correlation with PAL activity: when PAL activity decreased, lignin synthesis was inhibited, leading to reduced stone cell content. The stone cell content showed a nonlinear trend of first increasing and then decreasing with increasing PPO activity. When PPO activity was between 2.5 and 3.0 U/g, the stone cell content was low. Below this range, insufficient lignin polymerization resulted in reduced stone cells, while above this range, excessive lignin polymerization and deposition led to increased stone cells. All four exogeneous substances significantly improved fruit color index, resulting in finer, juicier flesh with better eating quality. Fruits from both 1% calcium chloride and 2% salicylic acid treatment groups exhibited a more spindle-like shape with a fruit shape index of 1.17, better aligning with market preferences. The 2% calcium chloride treatment increased the soluble solids content (SSC) by 10.42% and fructose content by 12.98%, reaching a fructose level of 35.19 mg/g. The 3% boric acid treatment reduced the fructose content by 12.92% compared with the control group, resulting in the lowest value (27.72 mg/g). The 3% salicylic acid treatment significantly increased the glucose content by 16.37%, whereas the 3% boric acid treatment decreased it by 15.87% to 21.29 mg/g relative to the control group. The 2% calcium chloride treatment resulted in the lowest titratable acid level (0.21%), which was 28.09% lower than that of the control group. The 1% calcium chloride treatment gave the lowest citric acid content (147.16 mg/kg), 34.77% lower than that of the control group. All treatments significantly reduced fumaric acid levels, among which the 2% boric acid treatment showed the largest decrease (18.19%) with a final value of 12.06 mg/kg. Conclusion: Foliar spraying of 2% calcium chloride or 3% boric acid could significantly reduce the content of stone cells in fragrant pear fruit, improve fruit color and fruit shape index, increase soluble solids and fructose contents, and reduce titratable acid and citric acid contents, thereby improving fruit quality.

This paper proposed a neighborhood-enhanced large language model-based knowledge graph completion framework (NELLM-KGC), designed to enhance reasoning capabilities regarding complex relationships within the field of food safety standards. NELLM-KGC first employed a graph-structured representation to efficiently integrate key heterogeneous data such as regulations, standard limits, and testing methods, thereby constructing a knowledge graph of Chinese food safety standards. Secondly, NELLM-KGC employed a guided approach to transform the conventional KGC task into a natural language question-answering format. It further enhanced the model’s adaptability to Chinese food standards domain tasks through an instruction-tuning strategy. To enhance reasoning accuracy, NELLM-KGC designed a neighborhood information fusion mechanism based on graph pruning algorithms. Leveraging a two-stage screening process involving KG retrievers and LLMs, it precisely captured Top-m evidence chains strongly correlated with inference paths from entity neighborhoods and performs fine-tuning. We conducted extensive validation on public knowledge graph datasets such as FB15k-237 and WN18RR, as well as customized food safety standards datasets. Experimental results demonstrated that the NELLM-KGC framework exhibited favorable performance across key metrics including triplet classification accuracy, entity prediction Hits@1, and relation prediction Hits@1, thereby validating the efficacy of the framework.

In this study, a three-stage sequential subcritical solvent extraction procedure using butane, acetone, and ethanol was developed to extract lipids from Antarctic krill oil. Additionally, lipidomics was applied to characterize the lipid profile and enrichment characteristics of each extract. The results indicated that the total lipid yield obtained by the extraction procedure was 95.76%. Lipidomic analysis revealed that the subcritical butane fraction was primarily rich in triglyceride-type saturated fatty acids (42.62%), including triacylglycerols (14:0_16:0_18:1). The acetone fraction exhibited a strong enrichment capacity for triglyceride-type monounsaturated fatty acids (30.93%) as well as bioactive components including astaxanthin. On the other hand, the ethanol phase efficiently enriched phospholipid-type n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (39.92%), including phosphatidylcholine (20:5_22:6). This extraction process successfully achieved the differential enrichment of distinct lipid components, thereby providing a technical reference and scientific basis for the subsequent elucidation of the functional characteristics of specific lipid components in Antarctic krill oil and the development of personalized products.

To elucidate the toxicological mechanism of toxoflavin, a network pharmacology strategy was used to predict potential targets of toxoflavin and construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The intersecting targets between toxoflavin and cytotoxicity were identified and subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The impact of toxoflavin on the viability and proliferation of human hepatic stellate LX2 cells and human embryonic kidney 293T cells were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins including Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim), Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak) and cleaved cysteine-aspartic acid protease 3 (c-caspase 3). The phosphorylation levels of key proteins such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were also detected. In addition, molecular docking simulations between toxoflavin and the target proteins were performed. The results revealed that a total of 28 overlapping targets associated with toxoflavin-induced cytotoxicity were identified via network pharmacology. MAPK8 (JNK1) was identified as the core target. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that these core targets were significantly enriched in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) and MAPK signaling pathways. Toxoflavin inhibited the viability of LX2 and 293T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. It also markedly suppressed cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. The expression levels of Bim, Bak and c-caspase 3 were significantly upregulated after toxoflavin treatment. The phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 were significantly elevated, whereas that of ERK showed no significant change. Molecular docking results confirmed the good binding affinity of toxoflavin exhibits for JNK and p38 proteins. In conclusion, toxoflavin may upregulate the phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 in the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby modulating the expression of downstream pro-apoptotic proteins and ultimately suppressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis in liver and kidney cells.

In this study, normal corn starch (NCS) was properly coated with xanthan gum via a melt heating process, followed by directed enzymatic hydrolysis (DE) of the exposed regions of starch particles, yielding porous starch with significant pore formation, a stable granular structure, and improved enzymatic efficiency. The results showed that the optimal addition level of xanthan gum was determined to be 0.3%. For the melting coat-directed enzymatic treatment (the final product was denoted as MCDE), the optimum hydrolysis conditions were an enzyme dosage of 80 U/g, hydrolysis for 9 h at pH 5.6, and a starch concentration of 25%. In comparison with single enzymatic hydrolysis (the prepared porous starch was labeled as EH), MCDE required a lower enzyme dosage and a shorter time with higher hydrolysis efficiency. MCDE exhibited abundant pores with large sizes and a more intact granular structure, with excellent adsorption performance. The adsorption capacities of MCDE for methylene blue and vitamin C were approximately 1.7 and 1.6 times those of NCS, and approximately 1.2 and 1.3 times those of EH, respectively. The water and oil absorption capacities increased by 10% and 40% compared with those of EH, respectively. Furthermore, MCDE exhibited significantly enhanced thermal stability and markedly reduced water solubility index, swelling power, water-holding capacity, and transparency. The onset melting temperature increased by approximately 7 and 5 ℃ compared with those of NCS and EH, respectively. MCDE did not alter the A-type crystalline structure of starch, while the relative crystallinity (26.03%) was significantly higher than those of NCS (22.47%) and EH (20.63%). Meanwhile, its degree of short-range order was 0.94 compared to 0.90 for NCS and 0.75 for EH. In conclusion, this study provides an effective strategy for preparing porous starch with remarkable pore formation and structural stability, offering a scientific basis for the steady-state production of porous starch.

This study investigated the effect of L-lysine (at 0%–1.0%) on the quality characteristics of composite shrimp balls made from Pacific white shrimp and Antarctic krill. For comparison, 0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) served as the control. The results showed that Lys addition significantly improved the sensory acceptability, texture properties, gel strength, water-holding capacity, and microstructure of composite shrimp balls. Shrimp balls with 0.6% Lys had the overall quality: the sensory evaluation score was the highest, at 85.01; the hardness, springiness, and chewiness increased markedly; the gel strength reached 1 213.64 g·mm; the water-holding capacity increased to 92.87%; the cooking loss decreased to 0.25%; the pH rose significantly. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed that adding 0.6% Lys significantly improved the water-holding capacity and proton density of the gel. Moreover, Lys promoted the formation of disulfide and hydrogen bonds between protein molecules, thereby attenuating hydrophobic interactions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis corroborated that it enhanced intermolecular associations through affecting hydrogen bonding, thereby establishing a more compact and homogeneous three-dimensional gel network. Rheological analysis indicated that Lys effectively increased the storage modulus (G’) and loss modulus (G”) of shrimp surimi, thereby improving its viscoelasticity. In conclusion, Lys can be used as an effective natural gel modifier to replace STPP in composite shrimp balls, with a recommended addition level of 0.6%.

To further enhance the functional properties of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch, a sequential modification process involving lysozyme (Ly) glycosylation (OSA-Ly) followed by fibrillation (OSA-Lyx) was employed. The structural characteristics and interaction mechanisms of the OSA-Lyx complex were systematically elucidated. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed enhanced stretching vibrations of C–N and C=O bonds, confirming successful OSA-Ly binding. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy indicated a substantial decrease in the proportion of α-helix and a marked increase in the proportion of β-sheet structures following OSA-Ly glycosylation and fibrillation reactions. Intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy and surface hydrophobicity results indicated that the fibrillar structure of OSA-Lyx was primarily driven by hydrophobic interactions. Compared with OSA starch and OSA-Ly, OSA-Lyx exhibited the highest emulsifying activity (80.57 m2/g) and emulsion stability (85.59 min). High-internal-phase emulsions (HIPEs) prepared with OSA-Lyx as an emulsifier possessed smaller particle sizes and maintained high structural stability after centrifugation and heat treatment. This enhanced stability is attributed to the fibrillar network of OSA-Lyx, which forms a more robust interfacial layer at the oil-water interface, effectively preventing droplet coalescence and resisting aggregation.

To investigate the effects of the molecular size and functional groups of polysaccharides on their iron chelation capacity, low-methoxyl pectin was subjected to combined enzymatic hydrolysis and sulfation modification. The modification conditions were optimized based on the release rate of iron under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The physicochemical properties of pectin-iron complexes were characterized by evaluating hygroscopicity, molecular mass, and monosaccharide composition. Results demonstrated that enzymatic treatment and sulfation modification significantly enhanced the iron content, successfully producing a sulfated pectin-iron complex with iron content of (24.17 ± 0.18)%. This complex exhibited excellent iron release performance during in vitro digestion, achieving a maximum release rate of (96.06 ± 0.04)%. The iron complex exhibited strong hygroscopicity. Chromatographic analysis indicated the complex was primarily composed of galacturonic acid (GalA), glucose (Glu), galactose (Gal), arabinose (Ara), and rhamnose (Rha). Following chelation, the molar ratio of GalA was significantly reduced, while the weight-average molecular mass increased from 36.77 to 95.05 kDa. Furthermore, sulfation modification enhanced the antioxidant activity of pectin, but significantly reduced that of its iron complex (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical foundation and technical reference for developing polysaccharide-based iron supplements.

In this study, the healthy human fecal microbiota was used as the inoculum to establish an in vitro fecal fermentation system with inulin (INU) as the sole carbon source. Metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were integrated to systematically evaluate the regulatory effects of inulin INU on the gut microbial ecosystem of healthy individuals from multiple perspectives, including microbial composition, microbial interaction networks, and metabolic responses. The results showed that the pH of the fermentation system with INU significantly decreased after 24 h, accompanied by pronounced alterations in microbial community structure across multiple taxonomic levels. β-Diversity analysis revealed a clear separation between the INU and control groups in the Bray-Curtis distance space, whereas α-diversity analysis indicated a reduction in richness index with no significant change in Pielou’s evenness index. Analysis of key responsive species showed that the abundances of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, and Bacteroides uniformis increased following INU intervention, whereas those of Prevotella copri and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii decreased. Microbe-microbe co-occurrence network analysis further indicated that the microbial interaction network formed three major functional clusters after INU intervention, with distinct association patterns among clusters. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that INU markedly reshaped the metabolic profile of the microbial community, with 169 metabolites significantly upregulated and 120 metabolites significantly downregulated. Among these, tryptophan metabolism was the most significantly enriched pathway. The results of correlation analyses between functional pathways and metabolites, as well as between functional genes and metabolites, demonstrated that carbohydrate metabolism-related pathways were significantly correlated with multiple organic acids and amino acid metabolites, while tryptophan metabolism-related genes were significantly correlated with various indole metabolites. Collectively, inulin may influence the metabolic profile of the gut microbiota in healthy individuals by altering microbial composition, restructuring microbial interaction networks, and modulating key metabolic pathways. This study reveals the regulatory characteristics of inulin on the healthy gut microbial ecosystem from a multi-omics perspective, providing experimental evidence for elucidating its microbiota-mediated mechanisms and for evaluating its potential applications in precision nutrition.

When Alteromonas sp. A1-6 was cultivated with sodium alginate as the sole carbon source, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) revealed a significant upregulation of the alg2579 gene, suggesting that it encodes an alginate-degrading enzyme. The alg2579 gene was successfully cloned from the genomic DNA of Alteromonas sp. A1-6. Heterologous expression and subsequent protein purification yielded the recombinant enzyme Alg2579, whose enzymatic characteristics and hydrolysis products were systematically studied. Bioinformatic analysis showed that Alg2579 contained a canonical polysaccharide lyase family 6 (PL6) domain and lacked transmembrane domains. Alg2579 exhibited maximal activity at 30 ℃ and pH 9.0 and remained stable under alkaline conditions. Its activity toward polyguluronate acid (Poly G) was higher than that toward alginate and polymannuronate acid (Poly M), with a specific activity of 1.383 U/mg, indicating a clear preference for Poly G. Ca2+ enhanced the enzymatic activity, consistent with the known Ca2+ dependence of many PL6 alginate lyases. Dithiothreitol (DTT) also stimulated its activity, increasing it by approximately 95% at high concentrations. Alg2579 demonstrated good tolerance to various organic solvents at low concentrations, retaining over 90% of its activity. The kinetic parameters Km and Vmax of Alg2579 were determined as 2.521 mg/ml and 0.019 μmol/min, respectively, with kcat = 0.579 s–1 and kcat/Km = 0.230 mL/(mg·s). Degradation of sodium alginate by Alg2579 produced substantial amounts of unsaturated alginate monosaccharides (DEH), unsaturated alginate disaccharides, and saturated monosaccharides. After an overnight reaction, a significant increase in oligosaccharide diversity and disaccharide concentration was observed, confirming that Alg2579 is a bifunctional alginate lyase with both endo- and exo-lytic activities. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay indicated the hydrolysis products of Alg2579 had strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, degradation products of Saccharina japonica by Alg2579 promoted wheat seed germination and root growth. In summary, the recombinant enzyme Alg2579 is a Poly G-preferring alginate lyase with good alkaline stability. These unique properties suggest considerable application potential in the preparation of brown algal oligosaccharides and the development of functional foods.

This study aimed to investigate the fermentation characteristics of cabbage slurry by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and the changes in cabbage cell wall components. To explore the mass transfer properties of polyphenols and cholesterol adsorbed by cabbage cell wall materials (C-CWM) at different fermentation periods, a physical simulation was conducted. The results showed that cabbage slurry served as a suitable substrate for L. plantarum, with viable cell counts reaching (8.65 ± 0.30) (lg (CFU/mL)) and lactic acid concentrations reaching (6.80 ± 0.23) g/L after 48 h of fermentation. Fermentation significantly changed the polysaccharide components of C-CWM: the contents of galacturonic acid and glucose were decreased by 19.9% and 13.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, water-soluble pectin (WSP) and Na2CO3-soluble pectin (NSP) contents were decreased, and chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) content was increased. After fermentation, the adsorption capacity of C-CWM was significantly enhanced. Compared with unfermented C-CWM, the adsorption capacity for polyphenols was increased by 27.1%, and for cholesterol by 17.1 mg/g after 48 h fermentation. Mass transfer analysis revealed that diffusion along the C-CWM skeleton dominated the adsorption of polyphenols, whereas pore volume diffusion governed cholesterol adsorption. Fermentation by L. plantarum did not alter the primary mechanisms of adsorption mass transfer. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the production of functional fermented vegetable slurry.

This study investigated the physicochemical indicators and microbial communities in the top, middle and bottom layers of fermented grains of Jiangxiangxing Baijiu in the 2nd to 4th rounds of fermentation, and it also systematically revealed the pattern of their microecological interactions. The results showed that the fermentation process exhibited regular dynamics: moisture and acidity continued to rise, starch was continuously consumed, and alcohol content showed a parabola-like trend. These physicochemical dynamic changes revealed the core transformation process of starch consumption, ethanol production and acid accumulation driven by microbial activities. The bacterial community (with Acetilactobacillus as the core) was highly stable, while the core fungal genera underwent significant succession (from Schizosaccharomyces to Pichia), and the core yeasts were mainly distributed in the upper layer. Redundancy analysis and correlation analysis further clarified that the core environmental factors driving the community succession sequentially shifted with the rounds: water and starch contents dominated microbial colonization at the initial stage (the 2nd round). During the transition period (the third round), alcohol content became the dominant stress factor shaping the bacterial community. In the later stage (the fourth round), a stable system dominated by acidity featuring the role of fungi in alcohol synthesis was formed. By revealing the dynamic pattern of the spatiotemporal interaction between the physicochemical environment and microbial communities during the 2nd to 4th rounds of fermentation from a microecological perspective, this study provides a scientific basis for the precise regulation and quality management of the traditional brewing process.

In this study, 56 hawthorn samples collected from three regions in Shanxi Province (Jiangxian, Taigu, and Wenxi) were analyzed for the composition of fungal community and its association with the accumulation of various mycotoxins using Illumina high-throughput sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that the structure of the fungal community on hawthorn fruit was similar across different production regions, although differences in the relative abundance of fungi were observed. The fungal community was predominantly composed of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota at the phylum level, with Alternaria and Fusarium being the core toxigenic genera. A total of six mycotoxins were detected: tentoxin, enniatins A, A1, B, B1, and alternariol. Among these, tentoxin showed the highest detection rate (12.5%), while enniatin B was detected at the highest level of 67.3 μg/kg. Notably, 50% of the contaminated samples showed co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins. Correlation analysis indicated that the relative abundance of Fusarium was highly significantly positively correlated with the concentrations of the four enniatins, and the relative abundance of Alternaria was highly significantly positively correlated with tentoxin concentration (P < 0.001). In conclusion, Alternaria and Fusarium are the key biological sources responsible for mycotoxin contamination in hawthorn fruit from Shanxi Province. Monitoring and controlling their colonization and abundance on the fruit is a core strategy for mitigating toxin risks at the source. This study provides a theoretical basis for the risk assessment of mycotoxins in hawthorn fruit and the development of green control technologies based on the regulation of the fungal community.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effects of Fu brick tea polysaccharides (FTP) on glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice, providing a theoretical basis for the development of FTP-related functional foods. Methods: A mouse model of T2DM was established by feeding a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). The mice were divided into four groups: normal control (NC), model (T2DM), metformin (Met), and FTP. The NC and T2DM groups received saline by gavage, the Met group metformin (100 mg/kg), and the FTP group FTP (200 mg/kg). The administration period lasted for 8 weeks. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), interleukin‑6 (IL‑6), and tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α) were measured to evaluate glucose-lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. Additionally, the gut microbiota and metabolite composition were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics, respectively. Results: FTP inhibited body mass loss and hyperglycemia in T2DM mice, and improved disordered glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. Compared with the T2DM group, FTP intervention decreased serum TC, TG, LDL‑C, IL‑6, and TNF‑α by 32.3%, 33.0%, 36.6%, 21.8%, and 15.3%, respectively and increased HDL‑C by 20.8%. In addition, FTP altered the composition and abundance of the gut microbiota, notably increasing the relative abundance of beneficial genera such as Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, while decreasing the relative abundance of potentially harmful taxa including norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 and Allobaculum, thereby regulating pathways including linoleic acid metabolism; porphyrin metabolism, arginine biosynthesis; alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; and cysteine and methionine metabolism. Moreover, it promoted the production of beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ultimately ameliorating diabetic symptoms. Conclusion: FTP ameliorated glucose and lipid metabolic disorders in T2DM mice by remodeling the gut microbiota and its metabolites. This finding will provide a new perspective and theoretical basis for the application of FTP in functional foods.

This study aimed to explore the impact of cordycepin (COR) on colitis in mice and the underlying mechanism. C57BL/6J male mice were orally administered with COR at three different daily doses: H-COR (80 mg/kg), M-COR (40 mg/kg), and L-COR (20 mg/kg). H-COR treatment promoted the secretion of mucin 2 (MUC2) by colonic goblet cells, up-regulated the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), inhibited epithelial cell apoptosis, and alleviated colitis, while M-COR and L-COR treatments showed no protective effects. Additionally, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) were enhanced by H-COR. H-COR treatment suppressed the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, regulating the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α, whereas M-COR and L-COR had no significant effects. Furthermore, H-COR improved intestinal microbiota dysbiosis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), increasing the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium, while reducing that of Escherichia-Shigella and Parabacteroides. H-COR treatment also promoted the production of beneficial metabolites such as L-tryptophan and lisofylline, thereby modulating cytokines and ameliorating intestinal inflammation. In conclusion, COR supplementation modulates inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, maintains the integrity of the mucosal barrier, restores gut microbiota balance, and enhances the production of beneficial metabolites, ultimately alleviating colitis in a dose-dependent manner. These findings will help clarify the mechanism by which COR exerts health regulatory effects, providing a theoretical basis for the development of dietary supplements specifically targeting colitis.

In this study, rare ginsenosides were obtained by enzymatic transformation of ginsenosides using β-glucosidase and were quantitatively analyzed. In addition, their protective effects against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in mice were investigated. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated a substantial increase in rare ginsenoside content after enzymatic treatment, with the formation of new ginsenosides Rh1 and Rg6. Animal studies showed that administration of rare ginsenosides significantly attenuated CCl4-induced histopathological alterations in hepatic tissues. Western blot analysis further revealed that a high dose of rare ginsenosides exerted hepatoprotective effects through marked upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) expression and concurrent downregulation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). Additionally, the high dose of rare ginsenosides modulated the gut microbiota composition by suppressing the proliferation of harmful bacteria (Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria), enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria (Allobaculum and Lactobacillus) within the Firmicutes phylum, and significantly elevating the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, ultimately restoring gut microbial homeostasis. In summary, these findings demonstrate that β-glucosidase-derived rare ginsenosides can effectively mitigate CCl4-induced hepatic injury in mice.

In this study, the metabolite characteristics of six major pomegranate varieties grown in Huili were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) combined with feature-based molecular networking (FBMN). Partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to screen for differential metabolites among cultivars, and a correlation matrix between these metabolites and fruit color and sensory characteristics was constructed to identify the chemical basis of cultivar differences. The results showed that a total of 111 metabolites were identified, including phenylpropanoids and polyketides (37.80%), lipids and lipid-like molecules (23.42%), organic acids and derivatives (12.61%), organic oxygen compounds (8.11%), benzenoids (7.21%), nucleosides and nucleotide derivatives (7.21%), and other compounds (3.60%). Furthermore, a total of 68 differential metabolites were selected, among which the ion intensities of cyanidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside and other pigments in ‘Jinzhuxiangfei’ and ‘Tunisian soft-seed’ were high and positively correlated with fruit redness. In addition, the ion intensities of sweetness-related organic oxygen compounds were high in ‘Tunisian soft-seed’ and ‘Jinzhuxiangfei’, while ‘Israeli sour’ was rich in citric acid and other sour and astringent components. The ion intensities of flavonoids such as luteolin-4’-O-glucoside and quercetin-4’-O-glucoside in ‘Jinzhuxiangfei’ were high, indicating potential bioactivity. These findings provide data support for the breeding and development of characteristic functional pomegranate varieties.

To clarify the material basis and evolutionary pattern of aged aroma formation in black tea under controlled temperature and humidity, a saturated-salt resorption device was used to simulate a specific humidity environment, and Gongfu black tea was subjected to accelerated aging. The effects of different treatment durations (10, 20, and 30 days) on the aroma sensory characteristics and volatile compounds of black tea were investigated. The results showed that the intensities of floral and sweet aroma gradually decreased with prolonged treatment, and the aged aroma became perceptible after 20 days. A total of 89 volatile compounds were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Among them, the contents of 10 compounds responsible for floral and fruity aromas including linalool and indole ethane decreased significantly (by 25.8%–75.1%), whereas the levels of two key aged aroma compounds, 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone and dihydro-kiwi lactone, increased markedly (by 37.5% and 42.6%, respectively). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis indicated significant differences in volatile profiles among treatments. Based on variable importance in projection (VIP > 1), relative odor activity value (ROAV > 1), and Pearson correlation analysis, dihydro-kiwi lactone and 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone were identified as key compounds regulating aged aroma formation and could be used as core markers to characterize the degree of aged aroma development in Gongfu black tea. This study systematically elucidates the dynamic evolution of key aroma constituents during accelerated aging of Gongfu black tea under controlled humidity conditions, providing theoretical support for the precise regulation of the production process for aged aroma-type Gongfu black tea.

In order to investigate the differences in volatile metabolites between Guizhou local dried chili peppers and other varieties, fresh ‘Jizhua’ chili peppers (GZ-JZ), a local variety from Congjiang, Guizhou, and four other cluster-type advanced-generation inbred lines (7013-1-1, GJH18-69, Gy17-14, and SZ14-1) were selected and systematically analyzed for differences in the composition of volatile metabolites using widely targeted metabolomics based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that a total of 885 volatile flavor substances were identified, primarily including 208 terpenes, 154 esters, 91 ketones, 82 alcohols, 82 heterocyclic compounds, 57 hydrocarbons, 54 aldehydes, 40 acids, and 37 phenols. GZ-JZ exhibited the highest diversity and total content of metabolites. By using the cutoff of variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1 with P < 0.05, 108 common differential metabolites were selected, predominantly hydrocarbons (30.2%), esters (20.8%), and terpenoids (18.9%). Results from principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) indicated significant differences between GZ-JZ and the other four inbred lines, whereas the differences among those four varieties were not significant, with terpenoids and esters being the major differential substances. Further, we identified 53 common core differential metabolites, including 16 hydrocarbons, 10 terpenoids, and 11 esters. The relative contents of these differential metabolites were generally higher in GZ-JZ than in the other varieties. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that the key differential metabolic pathways were mainly involved in core carbon and energy metabolism processes, such as glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, carbon metabolism, C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism, and N-glycan biosynthesis, providing a foundation for the synthesis of secondary metabolites. GZ-JZ exhibited significant upregulation in pathways related to the synthesis of aroma and flavor substances, including terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, and various plant secondary metabolic pathways. This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for elucidating the characteristics of volatile metabolites and varietal differences in Guizhou local chili peppers.

To investigate the differences in metabolites in fermented grains of Nongxiangxing Baijiu at different fermentation times, volatile and non-volatile substances in fermented grains were analyzed after 30, 75, 172, 236, and 466 days of fermentation. A total of 96 volatile compounds were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The contents of volatile compounds in were significantly higher in fermented grains at prolonged fermentation periods (236 and 466 days) than at other fermentation periods. Fold change (FC) analysis showed that volatile metabolite levels markedly increased and then tended to be stable with prolonged fermentation. By ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) we identified 483 metabolites, mainly including organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, and organic heterocyclic compounds. The differential metabolites among fermented grains at different fermentation stages were mainly organic acids, esters, phenols, indoles, flavonoids, and amino acids. Quantitative analysis of 41 organic acids showed that the contents of lactic acid and acetic acid were the highest, and the total content of organic acids in fermented grains at different fermentation stages ranged from 17 725.65 to 29 275.22 μg/g. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites revealed that tryptophan metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism were involved in all fermentation stages. Glutathione metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism pathways were significantly active in the early fermentation stages, while arginine, proline metabolism, butyrate metabolism, and histidine metabolism pathways were notably active in the late stages. This study provides reference data for optimizing the production process of Baijiu.

Sorghum starch, as a highly promising natural resource, often faces limitations in its applications due to inherent functional deficiencies. In this study, vacuum cold plasma technique was employed to modify sorghum starch using nitrogen (N2) or argon (Ar) as the atmosphere gas at different discharge powers of 400 and 700 W. The effects of different gas types and discharge powers on the multiscale structure, physicochemical properties, and gel characteristics of the starch were systematically investigated. The results indicated that plasma treatment induced surface etching of starch granules, depolymerization of molecular chains, and partial crosslinking reactions. The amylose content exhibited a nonlinear trend of initially increasing and subsequently decreasing (the N2 group: 35.08%–36.19%; the Ar group: 33.26%–36.19%). The relative crystallinity significantly decreased from 15.65% in the control group to 11.33% (the N2 group) and 13.03% (the Ar group). In terms of functional properties, the modification treatment reduced the thermal stability but significantly improved solubility and water-holding capacity of the starch. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) analysis revealed that plasma modification enhanced the binding energy between water molecules and the starch matrix, promoting the formation of a denser and more uniform network structure within the gel. The modification significantly reduced gel hardness, and the Ar-treated group offered unique advantages in maintaining gel elasticity. This study elucidates the modification mechanism of cold plasma treatment on sorghum starch, providing a theoretical basis for expanding its application in the field of green food processing.

This study employed headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to detect volatile compounds in tomato seed oil, and it also established a method for the separation, identification, and quantification of chiral 2,3-butanediol stereoisomers (R-, S-, and meso-2,3-butanediol) in tomato seed oil. The effects of three physical fields (steam explosion, microwave, and infrared) combined with subcritical extraction on the volatile compounds of tomato seed oil were compared. The results showed that a total of 103 volatile compounds were identified, including 7 acids, 27 esters, 15 aldehydes, 14 ketones, 12 alcohols, 8 pyrazines, 7 furans, 3 alkenes, 2 sulfur-containing compounds and 8 other compounds. The highest total volatile content of 501.895 mg/kg was obtained under steam explosion treatment, followed by infrared treatment at 416.181 mg/kg, and microwave treatment at 385.793 mg/kg. Compared with the control group, different physical field treatments significantly affected the content and distribution of various flavor compounds, notably increasing the contents of furans and pyrazines while decreasing acid contents. The 2,3-butanediol in tomato seed oil was predominantly in the R-form (81.17 mg/kg, with odor activity value (OAV) > 600; its OAV far exceeded those of the S- and meso-forms, making it a key contributor to the fruity and creamy aroma of tomato seed oil. Infrared treatment led to a decrease in the contents of all isomers, while microwave treatment increased the meso-2,3-butanediol content by 66.67%. This study indicates that physical field treatments can significantly influence the flavor profile of tomato seed oil by modulating the composition of volatile flavor compounds and the distribution of chiral isomers.

This study developed 3D-printed lactose-whey protein isolate (WPI) composite carriers and systematically evaluated their protective effects on proanthocyanidins and vitamin B2. A lactose/WPI mass ratio of 1:1 provided the best printability and structural stability. Thermal degradation analysis showed that increasing lactose content decreased the activation energy of proanthocyanidins from 74.63 to 59.21 kJ/mol, indicating enhanced thermal sensitivity. After 8 h of storage at 65 ℃, the color difference (ΔE) increased with lactose content, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed catechin as the major degradation product. The photodegradation of vitamin B2 followed first-order kinetics, with the rate constant rising from 0.054 9 to 0.099 3 h–1 as the lactose content increased. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified lumichrome as the primary photoproduct. Mechanistic analysis suggested that lactose regulates molecular mobility and pore architecture within the carrier matrix, thereby influencing nutrient migration and modulating their thermal and photosensitivity. Overall, optimizing the lactose/WPI ratio in conjunction with 3D-printed structural design effectively improves the stability of water-soluble nutrients, offering a promising strategy for the development of personalized and functional foods.

To investigate the mechanism by which swelling treatment improves the quality of boneless chicken feet, this study systematically analyzed the dynamic changes in collagen content and structure during swelling. The physicochemical properties and texture of chicken feet were analyzed after swelling and marination. Collagen was extracted at different swelling ratios (0%–50%) using an acid-enzyme combination method, and its structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), circular dichroism (CD), and lowfield nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) spectroscopy. The results showed that after swelling and marination, the moisture content and L* value of chicken feet increased initially and then decreased, while the centrifugal loss increased significantly. The shear force, hardness, and chewiness decreased significantly, whereas the springiness increased notably (P < 0.05). Swelling treatment (at 30 ℃ and pH 3.2 for 6 h) significantly decreased the content of total collagen and insoluble collagen, while increasing the content and solubility of soluble collagen (P < 0.01). SEM revealed that the fibrous network changed from a dense structure to a loose, porous, denatured morphology. UV and FTIR spectra further confirmed conformational changes in collagen molecules, along with the formation of a strengthened hydrogenbond network. CD analysis showed a red shift of the negative absorption peak, indicating partial relaxation or unwinding of the triplehelix structure, which provided more binding sites for water molecules. Moreover, surface hydrophobicity peaked at a 30% swelling ratio, and LF-NMR confirmed a significant increase in water content after swelling, indicating enhanced water retention capacity. In summary, swelling treatment can simultaneously improve water absorption, water retention, and tenderness by inducing multiscale synergistic changes in collagen, such as forming a porous structure, relaxing molecular conformation, and strengthening hydrogen bonding. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the precise optimization of processing technologies aimed at increasing the added value of boneless chicken claws products.

To explore the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with a microperforated film under optimal pore parameters on the quality characteristics and microbial community in postharvest Dendrocalamus brandisii shoots during storage, the Del-Valle equation was used to determine the optimal micropore parameters. A non-perforated film was used as the control to observe the changes in appearance, physiochemical properties, and microbial community in D. brandisii shoots during storage at room temperature. The results showed that MAP with a laser microporous film (LMF) with 3 pores (shell group) and 2 pores (peeled group), at a pore size of 200 μm in diameter, effectively delayed the decrease in L* value, maintained relatively high hardness of D. brandisii shoots, reduced the respiration rate and mass loss rate, and slowed down the increase in relative electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The LMF treatment effectively inhibited the proliferation of bacteria, molds, and yeasts in D. brandisii shoots. The results of microbial sequencing indicated that the LMF treatment regulated the bacterial community diversity in D. brandisii shoots, and its inhibitory effect on the fungal community was more pronounced. It inhibited the growth of the bacterial genera Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, and Klebsiella. Furthermore, it suppressed the proliferation of fungal phyla such as Basidiomycota and blocked the growth of the genus Preussia. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the application of microporous modified atmosphere packaging technology in the preservation and processing of D. brandisii shoots.

This study proposed a dual-synergistic strategy involving deodorization by physical adsorption through the porous structure of nanofiber membranes, and the application of the natural active compound thymol for antibacterial and antioxidant purposes. Based on this strategy, coaxial electrospinning was used to prepare a core-shell nanofiber membrane (PGT) with polyvinyl alcohol as the shell and thymol together with genipin as the core. The structural properties of the membrane were determined, and its application in the refrigerated preservation of grass carp fillets was evaluated. The results showed that the membrane exhibited a good fiber morphology and stable core-shell structure. The PGT formulation containing 6% thymol (PGT-6) showed the best mechanical properties, antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and deodorization capacity. It scavenged (99.5 ± 0.4)% of 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation and (87.5 ± 0.2)% of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, and its inhibition rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were (95.48 ± 1.57)% and (98.66 ± 1.92)%, respectively. PGT-6 effectively delayed the increase in pH of grass carp, inhibited microbial proliferation, slowed down lipid oxidation and protein decomposition, and significantly reduced the generation of fishy substances. On the 12th day of cold storage, the total viable count (TVC) of grass carp fillets with PGT-6 was (5.70 ± 0.14) (lg(CFU/g)) and the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content was (18.12 ± 1.12) mg/100 g, both remaining below the spoilage limit. This indicates that PGT-6 extended the shelf life and maintained fish quality. This study provides a new approach for the development of green, efficient, and multifunctional active packaging materials for aquatic products.

Gelatin (Gel) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) were used as the film-forming matrix to prepare ternary composite films via covalent imine bonding between cinnamaldehyde (Cin) at varying concentrations (0%–20%) and the Gel-CMCS matrix. The effect of Cin on the physicochemical properties of the composite films was investigated, and the pH-responsive release characteristics of Cin and the antibacterial activity of the composite films were evaluated as well as the application effect for the quality preservation of fresh blueberries during room-temperature storage. The results showed that the composite film with 15% Cin exhibited the best comprehensive performance, with a tensile strength of 13.350 MPa, an elongation at break of 181.523%, a water vapor transmission rate of 4.690 g·m/(m2·d·kPa), and a water contact angle of 75.7°. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed that Cin was bonded to the film-forming matrix through Schiff-base reactions and uniformly distributed therein, resulting in a compact structure. The composite film displayed an obvious burst release of Cin in acidic environments (pH 3–5) and sustained release under neutral conditions, demonstrating a pH-triggered “on-off” release behavior. At pH 5, the film exhibited significant inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the composite film effectively delayed mass loss, firmness reduction, and anthocyanin degradation in blueberries, significantly inhibited microbial growth, and extended the shelf life from 4–6 to 8 days. The pH-responsive “on-off” active packaging developed in this study can provide a novel strategy for the design and development of intelligent packaging materials.

To achieve precise evaluation of cellular status and quality in Larimichthys crocea muscle during early ice storage, this study employed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The characteristic parameters including capacitance of cell membrane (Cm), extracellular resistance (Re) and intracellular resistance (Ri) were extracted by equivalent circuit modeling. Their correlations with key biochemical indicators (adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and pH) and routine quality indicators (water activity, water holding capacity (WHC), muscle contraction rate, and texture) were analyzed. Results indicated that during the early stage of ice storage (0–4 h), rapid ATP consumption in cells induced metabolic disorders, causing cellular swelling and intense contraction. This was manifested as simultaneous increases in Cm, Re, and Ri, accompanied by a sharp decline in water holding capacity and increased hardness. In the later stage (4–24 h), with the depletion of ATP and the disruption of cell membrane integrity, Cm and Re decreased while the Ri continued to rise; WHC stabilized at low levels, accompanied by irreversible quality deterioration such as muscle softening. In summary, EIS characteristic parameters can sensitively capture critical junctures of quality changes reflected by routine biochemical and physical indicators, providing a theoretical foundation for non-destructive and real-time monitoring of fish quality based on cellular electrophysiological status.

This study established a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Salmonella Typhimurium based on nanobodies (Nbs). New Zealand white rabbits were immunized five times with inactivated Salmonella Typhimurium to obtain rabbit anti-Salmonella Typhimurium sera. The titer of rabbit anti-IgG after the fifth immunization was determined to be 1:24 300. Alpacas were immunized five times, and lymphocytes were isolated from the alpacas to extract RNA, which was then reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Nb sequences were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The Nb genes and the phagemid vector pComb3XSS were digested with restriction enzymes, ligated, and recovered. The recovered products were electroporated into competent Escherichia coli ER2738 cells to obtain an immune library of nanobodies against Salmonella Typhimurium. The library size was 1.10 × 1010 CFU/mL, with an Nb gene insertion rate of 100%. After rescue with helper phage M13KO7, the library titer reached 1.80 × 1013 PFU/mL. Four rounds of solid-phase panning yielded 16 positive clones using phage-ELISA, and sequencing identified them as the same nanobody, designated Nb-16. The nanobody was expressed in competent E. coli BL21(DE3) PLysS cells, and a double-antibody sandwich ELISA based on Nb-16 was established using rabbit polyclonal antibodies. The half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of this method was 6.071 × 105 CFU/mL, with 20% effective concentration (EC20) and 80% effective concentration EC80 in the range of 8.944 × 104–4.121 × 106 CFU/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) was 1.3 × 104 CFU/mL, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 1.7 × 104 CFU/mL. This method showed no cross-reactivity with other common pathogenic bacteria. The recovery for spiked lettuce samples was approximately 89%. Our method provides a reliable new approach for monitoring Salmonella Typhimurium in vegetables and offers a new pathway for the rapid detection of Salmonella Typhimurium in food and feed.

To meet the demand for rapid detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in aquatic products, a rapid one-tube detection method based on recombinase polymerase amplification-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (RPA-CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 12a (Cas12a) was established and optimized. This method utilized RPA primers and CRISPR RNA (crRNA) specifically designed for the ToxR gene of V. parahaemolyticus. The specificity and sensitivity of this method were analyzed, and it was used to test artificially contaminated samples. Results indicated that under optimized conditions (final crRNA concentration 100 nmol/L, Cas12a:crRNA concentration ratio 0.5:1, and reporter probe:Cas12a concentration ratio 2.2:1), the detection process could be completed within 30 min at 37 ℃. The method demonstrated excellent specificity with no cross-reactivity to common pathogens. It also exhibited high sensitivity, with a detection limit of 102 CFU/mL for pure cultures of V. parahaemolyticus and 1.5 CFU/mL for artificially contaminated samples. In summary, the one-tube RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay offered the advantages of high sensitivity, strong specificity, and operational simplicity, providing a reliable technical approach for high-throughput rapid detection of V. parahaemolyticus in aquatic products.

Objective: Using nucleic acid aptamers as the capture probe and polystyrene fluorescent microspheres as the signal probe, we established a rapid method for counting viable/dead Bifidobacterium breve in probiotic products based on flow cytometry (FCM). Methods: B. breve nucleic acid aptamers were conjugated to fluorescent polystyrene microspheres via biotin-streptavidin mediated non-covalent binding, yielding aptamer-functionalized fluorescent microspheres for B. breve detection. Propidium iodide (PI) was used for fluorescent staining of samples. An FCM method was established by optimizing reaction conditions, staining agent concentration and fluorescence channel thresholds, and it was evaluated against the national standard method. Results: The binding efficiency of aptamer to fluorescent microspheres peaked under the conditions of 1 mg/mL aptamer concentration, 1 000 nmol/L fluorescent microsphere concentration, and incubation at 37 ℃ for 45 min. The fluorescence signal intensity exhibited good linearity with the logarithm of bacterial concentration in the range of 102–108 CFU/mL (R2 = 0.991 9). The limit of detection (LOD) of this method was superior to that of conventional flow cytometry (102 CFU/mL versus 1 × 103 CFU/mL). The results of this method for spiked samples showed no significant difference from those of the plate counting method (P > 0.05). Its recoveries ranged from 98.00% to 101.33%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 7.53% for actual samples. Moreover, the total detection time was less than 2 hours, which was more than 20-fold shorter than that of the plate counting method. Conclusion: The FCM method with aptamer-modified fluorescent microspheres is characterized by rapidity, high sensitivity and accuracy. It can be effectively applied to the quantitative detection of B. breve in probiotic products, providing a reliable technical tool for the precise quantification of B. breve in fields such as food processing and intestinal microecology research.

In this study, a novel electrochemical sensing strategy with high sensitivity and selectivity was developed for the quantitative detection of L-tyrosine (L-Tyr). The iron-doped mesoporous carbon nanosphere (Fe-MCN) composite was successfully prepared via the coordination-assisted polymerization assembly method. The morphology and structure of the material were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Fe-MCN composite was modified on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), yielding a Fe-MCN/GCE electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical behavior and kinetic process of L-Tyr on the surface of Fe-MCN/GCE were investigated. Under the optimal conditions (pH 5.5), the oxidation peak current (Ip) showed a good linear relationship with L-Tyr concentration (c) within the range of 0.05–25 μmol/L: Ip = 0.04c + 0.013 (R2 = 0.997 4), and the detection limit (LOD) was 0.022 μmol/L. This sensor exhibited excellent repeatability, reproducibility, and interference resistance. It was successfully applied in the detection of L-Tyr in actual samples, including nutritional supplements and milk, with spiked recoveries ranging from 100.15% to 104.00%. This study provides a high‑performance sensing platform for the rapid and sensitive detection of amino acids in foods.

3-Monochloropropanediol esters (3-MCPDEs) and glycidyl esters (GEs) are potential hazardous substances that are widely present in vegetable oils and oil-based food products, posing health risks such as nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity. This paper presents the co-occurrence pattern and exposure risk of 3-MCPDEs and Ges in vegetable oils and typical oil-based foods. The formation mechanism and interaction of 3-MCPDEs and GEs are elaborated, including their precursors and formation pathways. Furthermore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the strategies to inhibit the formation of 3-MCPDEs and Ges (process optimization and the addition of antioxidants) and remove the already-formed hazardous substances (molecular distillation, adsorption, and biotechnological approaches). Finally, it offers an outlook on future research directions in this field. This paper aims to furnish scientific evidence for oil processing enterprises to optimize their processes and reduce pollutant levels, thereby ensuring the safety of edible oils and related food products.

With increasing consumer demands for high-quality yogurt products, the issue of post-acidification caused by the continuous acid production of starter cultures has become a critical bottleneck in industrial development. Traditional research approaches have struggled to systematically elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms, whereas multi-omics technologies provide powerful tools for comprehensive analysis from genes to metabolites. Based on recent advances in the application of multi-omics technologies to the study of yogurt post-acidification, this review comprehensively​ summarizes the differentially expressed genes, functional proteins, and key metabolites identified through transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses. These omics data reveal dynamic changes in important biological processes during post-acidification, including acid tolerance, carbon metabolism reprogramming, and cellular homeostasis maintenance. By integrating multi-omics results, we construct a gene-protein-metabolite regulatory network to clarify the molecular basis underlying post-acidification. Integrated multi-omics analysis not only deepens our understanding of the mechanisms of post-acidification but also provides a new theoretical foundation for targeted regulation of starter culture metabolic activity and precise control of excessive acidification. These findings offer important guidance for the development of high-quality yogurt products.

Fruit juices are rich in various bioactive components such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin C. During processing, these components are susceptible to oxidative degradation, isomerization, and polymerization due to factors including heat, oxygen, enzymes, and mechanical stress, leading to a decline in the nutritional quality and functional activity. This article systematically elucidates the mechanisms by which key processing units, namely juicing, homogenization, concentration, and sterilization, affect the stability and bioavailability of bioactive components. It highlights that cell wall disruption, matrix interactions, and processing-induced molecular transformations are the core factors regulating nutrient retention and absorption efficiency. Furthermore, the article reviews regulatory strategies based on non-thermal processing (e.g., high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound), matrix engineering (e.g., the construction of lipid/emulsion systems), and combination of multiple technologies, aiming to achieve efficient component release, structural preservation, and enhanced bioavailability. By integrating mechanistic analysis with technological optimization, this review provides theoretical foundations and technical pathways for the development of nutrition-oriented juice processing systems.

Aquatic products, a vital global source of high-quality protein, require stringent microbial contamination control throughout the production and distribution process to ensure food safety and quality. Conventional methods relying on broad-spectrum antibiotics and chemical disinfectant often lead to issues such as residues, antimicrobial resistance, and ecological imbalance. In contrast, targeted antibacterial technologies offer a novel paradigm for efficient, precise, and environmentally friendly microbial control by specifically interfering with key biological processes of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. This review systematically examines four cutting-edge targeted strategies applied in the aquatic product industry chain: phage therapy based on the “lock-and-key” recognition mechanism, membrane-active compounds such as antimicrobial peptides that disrupt membrane integrity, photodynamic inactivation mediated by photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species, and intelligent nano-delivery systems enabling precise targeting and controlled release. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms of action, application efficacy, and limitations of these technologies across the aquaculture, processing, preservation, storage, and transportation stages, while discussing common challenges such as narrow host range, food matrix interference, large-scale production, and safety assessment. Looking forward, the review emphasizes that breakthroughs in this field will depend on multi-technology integration, the development of intelligent response systems, the incorporation of ecological regulation concepts, and holistic supply-chain management. These advancements are expected to facilitate the transition of targeted antibacterial technologies from laboratory research to large-scale application, thereby providing core technological support for building a green and sustainable safety assurance system for aquatic products.

Edible mushrooms are the fifth largest cultivation sector in China, after grains, vegetables, fruits, and oil crops, and form a vital part of the modern food supply system. Pests and diseases during cultivation are the main factors affecting the yield and quality of edible mushrooms. However, improper pesticide use occurs frequently in practice due to the wide variety of mushrooms and the relatively limited number of registered pesticides available. As a result, pesticide residues and potential health risks associate with them have attracted considerable attention. This article systematically reviews the research progress on pesticide residues in edible mushrooms from three aspects: detection techniques, residue levels, and dietary exposure risk assessment. It discusses the current challenges and future trends, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the registration of pesticides for edible mushrooms and the establishment of maximum residue limits in China and to offer technical support for standardized management throughout the mushroom industry, quality and safety oversight, and the construction of risk prevention and control systems.

Bacteroides is one of the core members of the human gut microbial community. With the remarkable capability to degrade complex polysaccharides and producing abundant metabolites, it holds great potential and research value as a next-generation probiotic. Currently, research on Bacteroides mainly focuses on its metabolic and immunomodulatory functions. However, there is still a lack of systematic guidance on how to target and regulate these beneficial microorganisms through precise nutritional strategies. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress on the biological characteristics of Bacteroides at both the micro (genomics, inter-strain interactions, and metabolic networks) and macro (gut microbiota-host interaction mechanisms) levels. Based on the metabolic plasticity of Bacteroides, nutritional regulatory strategies are proposed, aiming to provide new insights for integrated multi-omics research and synthetic biology applications and to point out potential directions for promoting human health through microbiome intervention.