Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103502
Yu Mu , Dong Li , Xingxing Deng , Yilu Lei , Yuhan Wang , Kexin Wu , Li Jiang , Hong Zhang , Chi Zhao , Ying Huang , Shirui Yu , Xudong Liu , Chunlin Zhang
Long-term ripened dry-cured ham is popular across China, but the mechanisms by which production region and ripening time regulate its quality remain incompletely understood. Therefore, the temporal dynamics of multi-dimensional characteristics of Zhejiang Jinhua, Yunnan Xuanwei, and Guizhou Panxian hams were explored. Results showed decreased moisture and fat but increased pH, NaCl, protein, and amino acid nitrogen with prolonged ripening. Bacterial α-diversity and fungal β-diversity were closely related to ripening and region, respectively, while the relative abundance of dominant genera (Staphylococcus, Kocuria, Aspergillus, and Debaryomyces) varied by both factors. GC–TOF–MS and GC–IMS detected 76 non-volatile metabolites (predominantly amino acids and their derivatives) and 84 volatile compounds (mainly alcohols and aldehydes), highlighting the crucial role of region in shaping the metabolic profile. Moreover, correlation analysis and functional prediction confirmed the indispensable contribution of bacteria to quality formation. These results provide scientific support for the high-quality development of the dry-cured ham industry.
{"title":"Effects of region and ripening on the physicochemical properties, microbiome, metabolome, and volatilome of Chinese dry-cured ham","authors":"Yu Mu , Dong Li , Xingxing Deng , Yilu Lei , Yuhan Wang , Kexin Wu , Li Jiang , Hong Zhang , Chi Zhao , Ying Huang , Shirui Yu , Xudong Liu , Chunlin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103502","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103502","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Long-term ripened dry-cured ham is popular across China, but the mechanisms by which production region and ripening time regulate its quality remain incompletely understood. Therefore, the temporal dynamics of multi-dimensional characteristics of Zhejiang Jinhua, Yunnan Xuanwei, and Guizhou Panxian hams were explored. Results showed decreased moisture and fat but increased pH, NaCl, protein, and amino acid nitrogen with prolonged ripening. Bacterial α-diversity and fungal β-diversity were closely related to ripening and region, respectively, while the relative abundance of dominant genera (<em>Staphylococcus</em>, <em>Kocuria</em>, <em>Aspergillus</em>, and <em>Debaryomyces</em>) varied by both factors. GC–TOF–MS and GC–IMS detected 76 non-volatile metabolites (predominantly amino acids and their derivatives) and 84 volatile compounds (mainly alcohols and aldehydes), highlighting the crucial role of region in shaping the metabolic profile. Moreover, correlation analysis and functional prediction confirmed the indispensable contribution of bacteria to quality formation. These results provide scientific support for the high-quality development of the dry-cured ham industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103502"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chicken meat is highly perishable during refrigeration due to rapid microbial and oxidative spoilage. This study investigates the development and application of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) and their nanoemulsions as coatings for chicken meat to enhance shelf-life. HDESs were synthesized using lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA), and decanoic acid (DA) as hydrogen bond donors and menthol (M) as a hydrogen bond acceptor. Physicochemical properties revealing that LA:M exhibited the highest viscosity and surface tnsion. FTIR analysis confirmed strong hydrogen bonding in HDES formulations. HDESs Nanoemulsions demonstrated droplet sizes between 7.15 and 63.75 nm. AA:M-coated samples exhibited the lowest pH, reducing TVBN levels by 31.49 % compared to the control after 7 days storage. AA:M and DA:M nanoemulsions reduced TBARs by 26.59 % and 37.23 %, respectively, compared to the control. The AA:M nanoemulsion had the lowest MIC and MBC and AA:M coated samples showed the lowest bacterial and fungal counts.
{"title":"Green preservation: enhancing shelf life of chicken meat using antimicrobial and antioxidant deep eutectic solvent nanoemulsions","authors":"Yegane Alirezaei, Nafiseh Soltanizadeh, Maryam Fanaei, Mohsen Ebrahimi Hemmati Kaykha","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103426","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103426","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chicken meat is highly perishable during refrigeration due to rapid microbial and oxidative spoilage. This study investigates the development and application of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) and their nanoemulsions as coatings for chicken meat to enhance shelf-life. HDESs were synthesized using lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA), and decanoic acid (DA) as hydrogen bond donors and menthol (M) as a hydrogen bond acceptor. Physicochemical properties revealing that LA:M exhibited the highest viscosity and surface tnsion. FTIR analysis confirmed strong hydrogen bonding in HDES formulations. HDESs Nanoemulsions demonstrated droplet sizes between 7.15 and 63.75 nm. AA:M-coated samples exhibited the lowest pH, reducing TVBN levels by 31.49 % compared to the control after 7 days storage. AA:M and DA:M nanoemulsions reduced TBARs by 26.59 % and 37.23 %, respectively, compared to the control. The AA:M nanoemulsion had the lowest MIC and MBC and AA:M coated samples showed the lowest bacterial and fungal counts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103426"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103472
Zhe Xu , Xu Yan , Zijin Qin , Rui Zhang , Xiufang Dong , Tengfei Li , Zihao Zhang , Jiale Chang , Tingting Li
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by excessive hepatic lipid accumulation. Emerging evidence suggests that digestive enzymes such as α-glucosidase regulate lipid and glucose homeostasis through postprandial metabolic pathways and may represent a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD management. This study investigated the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of sea cucumber collagen peptides. Five collagen hydrolysates were prepared, among which the hydrolysate obtained by pepsin digestion for 2 h followed by trypsin digestion for 3 h (SDP 2 h + T 3 h) exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity. A peptide, RDDPEPSYK (RDD), was isolated and identified as a specific α-glucosidase inhibitor. RDD showed inhibitory efficacy comparable to acarbose and significantly reduced lipid accumulation by downregulating lipid synthesis-related proteins, including SREBP-1C and FAS. These findings suggest that sea cucumber collagen peptides may have potential applications in anti-obesity and anti-hepatic steatosis interventions.
非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)是一种以肝脏脂质过度积累为特征的慢性代谢性疾病。新出现的证据表明,α-葡萄糖苷酶等消化酶通过餐后代谢途径调节脂质和葡萄糖稳态,可能是NAFLD管理的潜在治疗靶点。研究了海参胶原蛋白肽对α-葡萄糖苷酶的抑制作用。制备了5种胶原蛋白水解产物,其中胃蛋白酶消化2 h后胰蛋白酶消化3 h (SDP 2 h + T 3 h)得到的水解产物抑制活性最强。分离得到一种α-葡萄糖苷酶特异性抑制剂RDDPEPSYK (RDD)肽。RDD显示出与阿卡波糖相当的抑制效果,并通过下调脂质合成相关蛋白(包括SREBP-1C和FAS)显著降低脂质积累。这些发现提示海参胶原蛋白肽在抗肥胖和抗肝脂肪变性干预方面具有潜在的应用前景。
{"title":"Preparation of sea cucumber collagen hydrolysate and its inhibitory effect on α-glucosidases","authors":"Zhe Xu , Xu Yan , Zijin Qin , Rui Zhang , Xiufang Dong , Tengfei Li , Zihao Zhang , Jiale Chang , Tingting Li","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103472","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103472","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by excessive hepatic lipid accumulation. Emerging evidence suggests that digestive enzymes such as α-glucosidase regulate lipid and glucose homeostasis through postprandial metabolic pathways and may represent a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD management. This study investigated the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of sea cucumber collagen peptides. Five collagen hydrolysates were prepared, among which the hydrolysate obtained by pepsin digestion for 2 h followed by trypsin digestion for 3 h (SDP 2 h + T 3 h) exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity. A peptide, RDDPEPSYK (RDD), was isolated and identified as a specific α-glucosidase inhibitor. RDD showed inhibitory efficacy comparable to acarbose and significantly reduced lipid accumulation by downregulating lipid synthesis-related proteins, including SREBP-1C and FAS. These findings suggest that sea cucumber collagen peptides may have potential applications in anti-obesity and anti-hepatic steatosis interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103472"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103432
Dongqing Ye , Xiaomin Zang , Qing Du , Chunyu Qin , Ying Yang , Qun Li , Jiemin Li , Shenxi Chen , Ruijie Wan , Jian Sun , Long Zhang , Xiaochuan Huang
This study assessed the effects of vacuum distillation (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 atm) versus atmospheric distillation on Rice-flavor Baijiu. Distillation time was maximally reduced by 33.78 % at 0.6 atm without reducing yield. Fifty-four VOCs were identified, nineteen and thirteen with OAVs >1 in high alcohol (HAR) and low-alcohol (LAR) raw Baijiu samples, respectively. Branched-chain alcohols exhibited negative pressure correlation, whereas aromatic alcohols showed positive correlation. Short-chain esters fluctuated in HAR but correlated positively in LAR, while long-chain esters exhibited the reverse pattern. Integrated analysis of total acid/ester content, and total OAVs of desirable and undesirable compounds identified 0.6 and 0.8 atm as the optimal pressure. HAR and LAR fractions distilled at 0.6 and 0.8 atm exhibited floral, fruity, and sweet via ester correlations, while 0.2 and 0.4 atm fractions developed solvent from branched-chain alcohols. The results elucidate volatile behavior characteristics under varying vacuum conditions, guiding optimization in Rice-flavor Baijiu production.
{"title":"Exploring the influence of vacuum distillation on volatile profile and sensory characteristics of Rice-flavor baijiu","authors":"Dongqing Ye , Xiaomin Zang , Qing Du , Chunyu Qin , Ying Yang , Qun Li , Jiemin Li , Shenxi Chen , Ruijie Wan , Jian Sun , Long Zhang , Xiaochuan Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103432","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assessed the effects of vacuum distillation (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 atm) versus atmospheric distillation on <em>Rice-flavor Baijiu</em>. Distillation time was maximally reduced by 33.78 % at 0.6 atm without reducing yield. Fifty-four VOCs were identified, nineteen and thirteen with OAVs >1 in high alcohol (<strong>HAR</strong>) and low-alcohol (<strong>LAR</strong>) raw <em>Baijiu</em> samples, respectively. Branched-chain alcohols exhibited negative pressure correlation, whereas aromatic alcohols showed positive correlation. Short-chain esters fluctuated in <strong>HAR</strong> but correlated positively in <strong>LAR</strong>, while long-chain esters exhibited the reverse pattern. Integrated analysis of total acid/ester content, and total OAVs of desirable and undesirable compounds identified 0.6 and 0.8 atm as the optimal pressure. <strong>HAR</strong> and <strong>LAR</strong> fractions distilled at 0.6 and 0.8 atm exhibited <em>floral</em>, <em>fruity</em>, and <em>sweet</em> via ester correlations, while 0.2 and 0.4 atm fractions developed <em>solvent</em> from branched-chain alcohols. The results elucidate volatile behavior characteristics under varying vacuum conditions, guiding optimization in <em>Rice-flavor Baijiu</em> production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103432"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103467
Zefen Zhu , Huixin Li , Zhengfang Qi , Qin Cen , Xuefeng Zeng , Yichun Sun
This study evaluated the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus on a composite substrate consisting of Xin-Ling-Gu-Bao herbal residue (XLGB) and sauce-flavor Baijiu lees (SFL), both agro-industrial by-products rich in lignocellulose and bioactive compounds. The soluble carbon-to‑nitrogen ratio (SC/N) of the substrate showed a strong positive correlation with fungal growth (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). A formulation containing 50 % XLGB and 50 % SFL significantly enhanced lignocellulolytic enzyme activity, producing 520.28 g of mushrooms across three flushes, resulting in a biological efficiency of 148.65 %. This was 14.12 % and 43.78 % higher than the efficiency achieved with the control and traditional substrates, respectively. This substrate also facilitated the transfer of flavonoids and phenolics into the fruiting bodies and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria during in vitro fermentation. Overall, these findings demonstrate an efficient, low-cost cultivation strategy for Pleurotus ostreatus and highlight the high-value, eco-friendly utilization of agro-industrial residues.
本研究以富含木质纤维素和生物活性物质的农工业副产物——新灵古保药渣(XLGB)和酱味白酒酒糟(SFL)为基质,研究了在复合基质上培养平菇的效果。底物的可溶性碳氮比(SC/N)与真菌生长呈强正相关(r = 0.89, p < 0.001)。含有50% XLGB和50% SFL的配方显著提高了木质纤维素水解酶的活性,三次冲洗产生520.28 g蘑菇,生物效率为148.65%。与对照和传统基质相比,效率分别提高了14.12%和43.78%。该底物还促进了黄酮和酚类物质向子实体的转移,并增加了体外发酵过程中有益菌的丰度。综上所述,这些研究结果表明了一种高效、低成本的平菇栽培策略,并强调了工农业废弃物的高价值、生态利用。
{"title":"Innovative research of xian-Ling-Gu-bao herbal residue in regulating soluble carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to promote the growth and nutritional quality of Pleurotus ostreatus: A metabolomics and gut microbiota perspective","authors":"Zefen Zhu , Huixin Li , Zhengfang Qi , Qin Cen , Xuefeng Zeng , Yichun Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103467","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103467","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the cultivation of <em>Pleurotus ostreatus</em> on a composite substrate consisting of Xin-Ling-Gu-Bao herbal residue (XLGB) and sauce-flavor Baijiu lees (SFL), both agro-industrial by-products rich in lignocellulose and bioactive compounds. The soluble carbon-to‑nitrogen ratio (SC/N) of the substrate showed a strong positive correlation with fungal growth (<em>r</em> = 0.89, <em>p</em> < 0.001). A formulation containing 50 % XLGB and 50 % SFL significantly enhanced lignocellulolytic enzyme activity, producing 520.28 g of mushrooms across three flushes, resulting in a biological efficiency of 148.65 %. This was 14.12 % and 43.78 % higher than the efficiency achieved with the control and traditional substrates, respectively. This substrate also facilitated the transfer of flavonoids and phenolics into the fruiting bodies and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria during <em>in vitro</em> fermentation. Overall, these findings demonstrate an efficient, low-cost cultivation strategy for <em>Pleurotus ostreatus</em> and highlight the high-value, eco-friendly utilization of agro-industrial residues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103467"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103497
Shihan Bao , Xinyi Li , Guoqiang Zhang , Runting Han , Yongwu Li , Xiangyu Sun , Tingting Ma
The evolution of sensory qualities, volatile and non-volatile metabolites of ‘Cuixiang’ kiwifruit during post-ripening were analyzed. Both human and intelligent sensory evaluation revealed that at 20 ± 1 °C and 90 % relative humidity, the color, taste, texture and aroma of ‘Cuixiang’ peaked at 11 d of post-ripening, signifying its best consumption window period. Volatile metabolomic indicated that the loss of greenness odour persisted throughout the post-ripening period, manifesting as a sharp decline in isobutyl isovalerate, 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal, E-3-hexenyl acetate and 2-nonanol, while the contents of benzyl benzoate, 3(2H)-furanone-4-methoxy-2,5-dimethyl, methyl methacrylate, methyl benzoate, methyl hexanoate and methyl caprate significantly increased, contributing to the richness of fruity, sweet and floral aroma. Totally 238 differentially accumulating metabolites were identified by non-volatile metabolomic. Key metabolites responsible for the multiple changes during post-ripening were screened, including elevated sugar-acid ratios, amino acid and lipid degradation, total phenol accumulation, and the initial rise followed by a decline in terpenoid content.
{"title":"Integrated intelligent sensory and metabolomics elucidate the changes in sensory quality and metabolic profile during post-ripening of ‘Cuixiang’ kiwifruit","authors":"Shihan Bao , Xinyi Li , Guoqiang Zhang , Runting Han , Yongwu Li , Xiangyu Sun , Tingting Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103497","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103497","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The evolution of sensory qualities, volatile and non-volatile metabolites of ‘Cuixiang’ kiwifruit during post-ripening were analyzed. Both human and intelligent sensory evaluation revealed that at 20 ± 1 °C and 90 % relative humidity, the color, taste, texture and aroma of ‘Cuixiang’ peaked at 11 d of post-ripening, signifying its best consumption window period. Volatile metabolomic indicated that the loss of greenness odour persisted throughout the post-ripening period, manifesting as a sharp decline in isobutyl isovalerate, 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal, <em>E</em>-3-hexenyl acetate and 2-nonanol, while the contents of benzyl benzoate, 3(2H)-furanone-4-methoxy-2,5-dimethyl, methyl methacrylate, methyl benzoate, methyl hexanoate and methyl caprate significantly increased, contributing to the richness of fruity, sweet and floral aroma. Totally 238 differentially accumulating metabolites were identified by non-volatile metabolomic. Key metabolites responsible for the multiple changes during post-ripening were screened, including elevated sugar-acid ratios, amino acid and lipid degradation, total phenol accumulation, and the initial rise followed by a decline in terpenoid content.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103497"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103483
Alexandre Minami Fioroto , Molly Muleya , Lolita Wilson , Kaja Kristensen , Ruth Price , David A. Gray , Eduardo Purgatto , Elizabeth H. Bailey
In a previously proposed stable isotope approach based on the INFOGEST protocol, pancreatin and bile amounts were reduced due to their high mineral content, which interferes with Fe and Zn measurements. The present study examined the impact of reagent reduction on macronutrient digestibility and, consequently, mineral release in ten food samples. Macronutrient digestibility was higher under INFOGEST conditions. However, Fe and Zn solubility were not consistently modified across matrices, although, a general trend of increased solubility was observed in the standard INFOGEST method. Fe solubility increased by 64–91 % in cereals, beans, and nuts but decreased by 48 % in sweet potato. Similarly, Zn solubility increased by 11–75 % in oats, nuts, and leafy vegetables, while it decreased by 18–64 % in potatoes and beans. Overall, the influence of enzymatic action and background minerals could not be isolated, thus standardisation of the INFOGEST method for mineral bioaccessibility assessment is urgently needed.
{"title":"Impact of reduced pancreatin and bile on Fe and Zn bioaccessibility assessment using the INFOGEST in vitro digestion method with stable isotopic labelling","authors":"Alexandre Minami Fioroto , Molly Muleya , Lolita Wilson , Kaja Kristensen , Ruth Price , David A. Gray , Eduardo Purgatto , Elizabeth H. Bailey","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103483","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103483","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In a previously proposed stable isotope approach based on the INFOGEST protocol, pancreatin and bile amounts were reduced due to their high mineral content, which interferes with Fe and Zn measurements. The present study examined the impact of reagent reduction on macronutrient digestibility and, consequently, mineral release in ten food samples. Macronutrient digestibility was higher under INFOGEST conditions. However, Fe and Zn solubility were not consistently modified across matrices, although, a general trend of increased solubility was observed in the standard INFOGEST method. Fe solubility increased by 64–91 % in cereals, beans, and nuts but decreased by 48 % in sweet potato. Similarly, Zn solubility increased by 11–75 % in oats, nuts, and leafy vegetables, while it decreased by 18–64 % in potatoes and beans. Overall, the influence of enzymatic action and background minerals could not be isolated, thus standardisation of the INFOGEST method for mineral bioaccessibility assessment is urgently needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103483"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103430
Yin Feng , Yuexin Gao , Linlin Cui , Jiale Feng , Yuling Fan , Yue Zhang , Xinzhu Wang , Yuxuan Ma , Yu Wang , Bo Nan , Xia Li , Yuhua Wang
Bacillus spp. are the main nattokinase (NK) producers, but monoculture fermentation often causes an unpleasant ammoniacal odor. This study first selected B. velezensis BV702 as a starter strain based on NK activity and sensory evaluation, and then introduced probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus PP04 for co-fermentation to improve natto quality. The results demonstrated that under optimal conditions (strain ratio 1:2 [PP04:BV702], inoculation amount 5 %, fermentation temperature 37 °C, time 24 h), NK activity (3050 U/g) and sensory scores of natto were significantly enhanced. Mixed fermentation increased the essential amino acid content (582.79 mg/100 g) while reducing bitter amino acids. Volatilomics analysis revealed elevated levels of esters and characteristic flavor compounds (e.g., acetylpyrazine and 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine) in co-fermented natto. Notably, fruity, sweet, and nutty flavors intensified, whereas fatty and waxy odors diminished. This study provides insights into probiotic applications in natto production.
{"title":"Enhancing natto quality by co-fermentation with Pediococcus pentosaceus PP04 and Bacillus velezensis BV702: Nattokinase activity, nutritional profile, and flavor characteristics","authors":"Yin Feng , Yuexin Gao , Linlin Cui , Jiale Feng , Yuling Fan , Yue Zhang , Xinzhu Wang , Yuxuan Ma , Yu Wang , Bo Nan , Xia Li , Yuhua Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Bacillus</em> spp. are the main nattokinase (NK) producers, but monoculture fermentation often causes an unpleasant ammoniacal odor. This study first selected <em>B. velezensis</em> BV702 as a starter strain based on NK activity and sensory evaluation, and then introduced probiotic <em>Pediococcus pentosaceus</em> PP04 for co-fermentation to improve natto quality. The results demonstrated that under optimal conditions (strain ratio 1:2 [PP04:BV702], inoculation amount 5 %, fermentation temperature 37 °C, time 24 h), NK activity (3050 U/g) and sensory scores of natto were significantly enhanced. Mixed fermentation increased the essential amino acid content (582.79 mg/100 g) while reducing bitter amino acids. Volatilomics analysis revealed elevated levels of esters and characteristic flavor compounds (e.g., acetylpyrazine and 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine) in co-fermented natto. Notably, fruity, sweet, and nutty flavors intensified, whereas fatty and waxy odors diminished. This study provides insights into probiotic applications in natto production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103430"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103451
Jin Li , Shulei Ma , Jiaxin Bai , Tungalag Dong , Xueyan Yun
Freezing extends sheep liver shelf life but compromises quality via ice crystals, an issue exacerbated by its honeycomb microstructure. While low-voltage electrostatic field (LVEF) freezing refines ice crystals and Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR) juice offers polyphenol-based cryoprotection, their synergy is unreported. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect of combining LVEF with AMR juice treatment, assessing its impact on the quality and protein stability of cooked sheep liver during 30 days of frozen storage at −20 °C. Results showed a 35.71 % shorter thawing time, improved water-holding capacity, and preserved protein structure, indicated by the highest α-helix content and the lowest carbonyl content, alongside suppressed microbial growth, lipid oxidation (TBARS), and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) accumulation (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the LVEF-AMR synergy offers a novel natural strategy for advancing non-thermal food preservation and enhancing the high-value utilization of sheep by-products.
{"title":"The effect of low-voltage electrostatic field combined with Allium mongolicum regel on the quality and protein stability of frozen sheep liver","authors":"Jin Li , Shulei Ma , Jiaxin Bai , Tungalag Dong , Xueyan Yun","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103451","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103451","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Freezing extends sheep liver shelf life but compromises quality via ice crystals, an issue exacerbated by its honeycomb microstructure. While low-voltage electrostatic field (LVEF) freezing refines ice crystals and <em>Allium mongolicum Regel</em> (AMR) juice offers polyphenol-based cryoprotection, their synergy is unreported. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect of combining LVEF with AMR juice treatment, assessing its impact on the quality and protein stability of cooked sheep liver during 30 days of frozen storage at −20 °C. Results showed a 35.71 % shorter thawing time, improved water-holding capacity, and preserved protein structure, indicated by the highest α-helix content and the lowest carbonyl content, alongside suppressed microbial growth, lipid oxidation (TBARS), and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) accumulation (<em>P</em> < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the LVEF-AMR synergy offers a novel natural strategy for advancing non-thermal food preservation and enhancing the high-value utilization of sheep by-products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103451"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103439
Xiaohua Wang , Jinshui Wang , Xia Zhang , Ying Liang , Zhen Li , Zhilu Ai
Reducing sodium in cereal-based foods without reducing quality is still a major challenge, largely because the mechanistic role of salt substitutes in modulating key gluten components is unclear. This study aimed to decipher the distinct responses of glutenin (Glu) and gliadin (Gli) to low-sodium salt (LSS). By analysis, we demonstrated that LSS improved elasticity, tensile resistance and strain-hardening ability of Glu. Size-exclusion chromatography and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that aggregation and hydrophobic exposure were promoted in Glu. Atomic force microscopy visualized the formation of larger Glu aggregates, while LF-1H NMR indicated a more tightly hydrated protein network. In contrast, Gli exhibited weaker structural and functional changes. In short, the efficacy of LSS was not uniform but structurally selective: it primarily targeted and reinforced Glu network due to Glu's unique polymeric structure, which was highly sensitive to ionic environment. This work provided mechanistic foundation for the rational design of sodium-reduced cereal products.
{"title":"Changes in the rheology and aggregation behavior of wheat glutenin and gliadin mediated by low-sodium salt","authors":"Xiaohua Wang , Jinshui Wang , Xia Zhang , Ying Liang , Zhen Li , Zhilu Ai","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reducing sodium in cereal-based foods without reducing quality is still a major challenge, largely because the mechanistic role of salt substitutes in modulating key gluten components is unclear. This study aimed to decipher the distinct responses of glutenin (Glu) and gliadin (Gli) to low-sodium salt (LSS). By analysis, we demonstrated that LSS improved elasticity, tensile resistance and strain-hardening ability of Glu. Size-exclusion chromatography and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that aggregation and hydrophobic exposure were promoted in Glu. Atomic force microscopy visualized the formation of larger Glu aggregates, while LF-<sup>1</sup>H NMR indicated a more tightly hydrated protein network. In contrast, Gli exhibited weaker structural and functional changes. In short, the efficacy of LSS was not uniform but structurally selective: it primarily targeted and reinforced Glu network due to Glu's unique polymeric structure, which was highly sensitive to ionic environment. This work provided mechanistic foundation for the rational design of sodium-reduced cereal products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 103439"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}