Food Bioscience最新文献

Lactobacillus aggregation is a bacterial behavior, in which Lactobacillus cells adhere to each other or other strains to form aggregates. Substantial evidence indicates that Lactobacillus aggregation is closely related to biofilm formation, adhesion, colonization, and host physiological functions. Current reviews on Lactobacillus aggregation are often limited to a few aspects, or serve as a single step to address other related problems. In this paper, we review the current state and characteristics of self- and co-aggregations, including aggregation percentages, influencing factors, molecular mechanisms, and functions. Lactobacillus aggregation is a strain-specific behavior, rather than a species-specific one, and the characteristics of both aggregations are similar. The same species of Lactobacillus exhibits a relatively broad range of aggregation percentage, and involved in different influencing factors and mechanisms. Moreover, the same factors and mechanisms also participate in different Lactobacillus aggregations. This is mainly because of the complexity of aggregations. Meanwhile, we also summarize the functions of aggregation, including enhancing bacterial survival, promoting biofilm formation and involving in host physiological regulation.

Fermented broad beans (Vicia faba L.), commonly known as meju, serve as a crucial raw material for producing Pixian Doubanjiang (DBJ), a traditional condiment in Chinese cuisine. However, there is limited information on the dynamics of fungal populations and the activity shifts of key enzymes during DBJ meju fermentation. This study aimed to elucidate the microbial composition, active genera, expressed genes and pathways during the DBJ meju fermentation. The general chemical components, free amino acids, enzymes and volatile compounds were also investigated; the correlations between active genera and physicochemical factors were analyzed, at different fermentation stages. The results demonstrated that protease was the predominant enzyme during meju fermentation. A total of 32 major volatile compounds were identified, with most alcohols and aldehydes showing a sharp increase from the early to the middle stages, followed by stabilization until the end of fermentation. Significant shifts in metatranscriptomic composition at the genus level were observed, with Aspergillus, Staphylococcus, and Tulasnella emerging as the core active genera in the process. Notably, cellulase activity was positively correlated with the presence of Tulasnella. Additionally, Aspergillus and Tulasnella were found to play a crucial role in developing the unique aroma of DBJ meju. Our findings on the succession of active genera and their correlation with physicochemical factors are expected to provide substantial evidence for potential quality control and enhancement of this renowned Chinese condiment.

The controversy surrounding the impact of acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) on metabolic health has been growing. Here, male C57BL/6 mice were given Ace-K for 11 weeks (sterile water as the control group, 40 mg/kg body weight as the low dose group, 120 mg/kg as the high dose group), subsequently gut microbiome and targeted metabolomics were conducted to evaluate the effect of Ace-K on host health. Gut microbiota was perturbed by Ace-K, as evidenced by the down-regulation of beneficial bacteria and the increased abundance of Collinsella associated with inflammation. Fatty acids metabolism was altered by Ace-K, as evidenced by elevated long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) in liver and serum. Notably, the reduction of related genes and proteins correlated to carnitine metabolism and hepatic carnitine metabolites by Ace-K led to a reduction in the β-oxidation of LCFAs, ultimately causing the accumulation of LCFAs. These findings uncovered new perspectives on Ace-K-induced hepatic inflammation and fatty acids accumulation.

To effectively utilize apple pomace resources, we extracted apple pomace polyphenols using natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) as the medium, with a solvent-to-solid ratio of 50 mL/g, for a duration of 120 min. Compared to conventional extraction solvents (ethanol and methanol), four NADES significantly enhanced the extraction efficiency of polyphenols from apple pomace. Notably, NADES 1 (betaine: urea = 1:1, 30% water) and NADES 2 (betaine: malic acid = 1:1, 30% water) exhibited superior extraction capabilities, with maximum values reaching 5.245 ± 0.124 mg GAE/g pomace and 5.157 ± 0.164 mg GAE/g pomace, respectively, in Qinguan apple pomace. Both solvents reached their maximum extraction efficiency within 120 min, with NADES 1 achieving a maximum extraction amount of 4.8325 mg GAE/g and NADES 2 achieving 5.3039 mg GAE/g from Fuji apple pomace. NADES 1 and NADES 2 were more efficient in extracting monophenols such as quercetin, rutin, gallic acid, and procyanidin, whereas organic solvents (methanol and ethanol) were more effective for monophenols like methyl gallate and phlorizin. Furthermore, polyphenol extracts obtained using NADES from Fuji apple pomace displayed varying levels of antibacterial effectiveness, with NADES 4 (glucose: lactic acid = 1:5, 60% water) and NADES 2 showing superior efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This comprehensive study not only demonstrated the potential of NADES in extracting polyphenols from apple pomace but also highlighted their applicability as natural preservatives in the food industry.

Gelatinous polysaccharide-based fresh products are influenced by environmental and temperature changes, and maintaining their quality and freshness has always been a challenge. Intelligent management and control of cold chain logistics systems have been extensively used in transporting and storing these goods to overcome the problem. This review introduces common quality deterioration issues, including those encountered during the transportation and storage of these products, such as softening, water loss, and color changes. The application of intelligent detection technologies, including gas detection, intelligent label, and spectral detection is reviewed to achieve real-time monitoring and evaluation of product status. This article also introduces the Internet of Things, wireless sensor networks, and radio frequency identification for product data transmission. It utilizes artificial neural networks and digital twins to build quality models, achieving better management of gelatinous polysaccharide-based fresh products in the cold chain. Moreover, some preservation techniques are used to increase the longevity of these products in storage and reduce losses in the cold chain. These techniques include irradiation, chemical treatment, and coating preservation. This review will, hopefully, encourage additional work that may help reach the goal of having better intelligent quality control of gelatinous polysaccharide-based fresh products during cold chain logistics.

With the global population increasing and lifestyle improving, the demand for high-quality nutritional aquatic foods has been rising. Muscle fat is a crucial nutritional index for evaluating the quality of fish flesh. However, the comprehensive and systematic understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying differences in muscle fat deposition remains insufficient. In this study, we integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics of selected samples with extremely high and low muscle fat in common carp (Cyprinus carpio), the major freshwater aquaculture fish in Asia, to identify critical genes, metabolites and metabolic pathways. We totally identified 204 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1528 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Glycerolipid, glycerophospholipid and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolisms were enriched through both transcriptomics and metabolomics. These lipid metabolism pathways may be regulated by some critical signal transduction pathways, including Extracellular matrix [ECM]-receptor interaction, mTOR signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. Combined with the validation of gene expression and biochemical indices, a supposed regulatory network was established. To our knowledge, it is the first study to apply a multi-omics approach in fish with naturally different muscle fat to comprehensively elucidate the mechanism. This study could deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanism of muscle fat deposition and be helpful for improving the quality of fish.

Crosslinking is a promising way to fabricate high-performance aerogels. In this study, vanillin (Van) crosslinked gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol (Gel−PVA) aerogels were prepared by vacuum freeze-drying method. The effects of different addition levels of Van on FTIR spectra, microstructures and physicochemical properties including water stability, mechanical properties, thermal stability and thermal insulation properties of aerogels were characterized, and antimicrobial activity of aerogels were validated. The results showed that Van exerted its crosslinking function through Schiff base bonding with Gel and hydrogen bonding with Gel and PVA. Although Van addition caused a slight decline in the thermal insulation performance and the obvious increase in pore diameter of aerogels, moderate Van crosslinking contributed to water stability, mechanical properties and thermal stability of aerogels. Besides, Van crosslinked Gel−PVA aerogel could effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli and B. cinerea. This suggests that the aerogel has promising applications in antimicrobial food packaging.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by dysregulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism through which a degraded sweet corn cob polysaccharide (UE-DSCCP-A) mitigates T2DM by modulating hepatic lipid metabolism. Biochemical indices pertinent to lipid metabolism were assessed, and liver pathology was examined in T2DM mice following UE-DSCCP-A treatment. Additionally, metabolomics, PCR, and Western blot analyses were employed to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved. These findings indicated that UE-DSCCP-A ameliorated hepatic lipid metabolism disorders, decreased lipid accumulation, and mitigated hepatic fibrosis. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that UE-DSCCP-A modulated pathways associated with steroid biosynthesis and bile acid synthesis and metabolism in T2DM mice. The bile acid assay results demonstrated that UE-DSCCP-A treatment reduced bile acid levels in both the serum and liver but increased fecal bile acid levels in T2DM mice. Furthermore, alterations in bile acid distribution within the liver were observed. UE-DSCCP-A has the capacity to activate the hepatic FXR-SHP pathway as well as the gut-liver axis involving FXR-FGF15-FGFR4 signaling. Consequently, UE-DSCCP-A is capable of modulating critical target genes and proteins associated with bile acid synthesis and metabolism, regulating steroid biosynthesis, and influencing bile acid synthesis and transport within the liver. Additionally, it has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism disorders in individuals with T2DM. Thus, UE-DSCCP-A represents a promising candidate for functional foods with inherent hypoglycemic properties.

Glycidol (CAS: 556-52-5), a known carcinogen and genotoxicant, is often found in refined vegetable oils. Human exposure predominantly occurs through consumption of these oils and their byproducts, which contain glycidyl esters (GEs). Upon ingestion, GEs are metabolized to release glycidol, posing substantial health hazards. Historical studies have reported the tumorigenic properties of glycidol across various organs in mice models, encompassing the stomach, liver, lungs, brain, mammary gland, and skin. In this study, we employed a Balb/c mice model to investigate the hepatotoxic effects of glycidol following exposure to escalating doses (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg bw/day). The hepatotoxicity was evidenced by a significant elevation in liver enzymes (ALT, AST), indicative of liver cell damage. Furthermore, biochemical analysis revealed heightened levels of oxidative stress indicators (SOD, MDA, GSH) and the upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins, underscoring the cellular stress response. The induction of hepatocyte apoptosis served as a direct marker of liver damage caused by glycidol exposure. Additionally, glycidol altered the composition of intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which unbalanced homeostasis. Gut barrier integrity markers (ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin, TLR4, LPS) indicated increased permeability of harmful substances to the liver via the gut-liver axis, which exacerbated hepatic injury. These findings highlight glycidol's disruption of gut homeostasis and its hepatotoxic potential.