NPJ Science of Food最新文献

This study explored how heat treatment (20-80 °C) and surfactants affect the structure and interfacial properties of goat milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins. Heating to 80 °C increased protein particle size but reduced colloidal stability, inducing a molten globule-like state with altered secondary structure. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) revealed an increase in overall protein size and compressed colloidal calcium phosphate-casein clusters. Ionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB)) dissociated aggregates and formed core-shell complexes, enhancing surface activity and thermal stability. The nonionic surfactant polysorbate 20 (PS20) adsorbed onto the MFGM surface with minimal structural disruption due to steric hindrance. Moderate heating and nonionic surfactants are promising for industrial MFGM protein applications. This study provides the first SAXS-based structural insights, recommending moderate heat and nonionic surfactants for optimal industrial MFGM proteins handling.

This study investigates the regulatory effect of ozone-induced Schiff base crosslinking on the structure and properties of a chitosan/waxy rice starch composite system. By varying the ozone treatment duration (0-60 min), changes in chemical structure, crystalline characteristics, thermal stability, and gel properties were systematically analyzed. Structural characterizations including FTIR and NMR confirmed the formation of Schiff base bonds and structural rearrangement. SEM and rheological analysis indicated that ozone optimized the pore structure and rheological properties of the gel, endowing it with excellent extensibility and coating performance. Results indicate that short-term ozonation (≤30 min) promotes crosslinking between carbonyl and amino groups, significantly enhancing the composite's molecular weight, crystallinity, and thermal stability. Conversely, excessive oxidation (≥45 min) causes chain scission and performance degradation. This study elucidates the structural evolution mechanism of chitosan/starch composites under ozone treatment, providing theoretical foundations for designing green, controllable crosslinking and edible functional materials.

This study investigated pea-mung bean composites protein (PMX) produced via High-moisture extrusion (HME) with shiitake mushroom powder (XM, 0-30%). XM addition significantly altered the PMX 's structure and properties: hardness ranged between 1526 and 1642 g, texturization degree between 1.28 and 1.54, expansion ratio decreased to 0.814, and bulk density increased to 1.58 g/cm³. Water and oil holding capacities peaked (3.27 g/g and 1.88 g/g, respectively) at 20% XM. Molecularly, XM increased disulfide bonds (up to 8.42 μmol/g), modified ionic, and enhanced rheological properties (G'/G″) and thermal stability at 20% XM. FTIR indicated higher ordered secondary structures (56.6%) at this level, while SEM revealed a dense, anisotropic fibrous structure. Flavor improved as XM masked undesirable pea protein off-notes (e.g., 1-octen-3-ol) and increased beneficial aldehydes/alcohols (e.g., benzaldehyde) and flavor-active amino acids (glutamate: 3.21 mg/g). PCA identified 20% XM as optimal for sensory quality, beyond which natural aromas were masked. Overall, 20% XM synergistically optimized fiber structure, cross-linking, hydration, and flavor for good texture.

High-throughput sequencing-based whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is highly effective for identifying viral pathogens in microbial research. However, applying WGS directly to foodborne viruses remains challenging because food matrices contain PCR inhibitors and viral titers are typically much lower than those found in clinical specimens. This study aimed to develop a WGS method for analyzing the hepatitis A virus (HAV) genome in clams using the Illumina MiSeq platform. To enhance the HAV WGS method, we applied four approaches to HAV-positive clam field samples: size-exclusion chromatography for sample preparation, a specialized RNA extraction method, optimized cDNA synthesis, and the selection of DNA polymerase. Nine complete HAV genomes were obtained from clams. The obtained HAV genomes and their genetic characteristics were then compared based on phylogeny. Before optimization, only four clam samples yielded detectable amplification; however, following optimization, two additional samples became amplifiable, resulting in six samples suitable for downstream WGS analysis. The developed WGS method was able to sequence low contamination levels of 2.91-3.61 log₁₀ genome copies/mL, achieving coverage of 97.5% and 92.6%. Notably, this study confirmed an average sequencing depth of up to 82.20× and a minimum depth of 25.19×. As a result of sequencing, one HAV-IA, and eight HAV-IB genotypes were identified from six clam samples including the multiple strains. The sequence identity between the strains from clams and serum was 97.80% for HAV-IA and 95.2-97.80% for HAV-IB. This method of viral WGS in food samples may contribute to rapid genotyping, understanding virus evolution, and enhancing epidemiological surveillance in foodborne virus outbreaks.

Astaxanthin (AXT), a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, has garnered significant attention as a multifunctional nutraceutical. However, its poor aqueous solubility, chemical instability, and low gastrointestinal bioavailability have limited its clinical and functional food applications. In recent years, food-grade nanoparticle systems, particularly lipid-based and polymeric nanocarriers, have emerged as promising platforms to enhance the oral bioavailability and targeted delivery of AXT. This review critically explores the latest advances in bioprocessing strategies for the formulation of AXT-loaded nanoparticles using food-safe materials, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, liposomes, protein-based carriers, and biodegradable polymers like chitosan and alginate. Key aspects, including preparation techniques, encapsulation efficiency, physicochemical stability, controlled release, and intestinal absorption mechanisms, are discussed. Furthermore, the review highlights the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticle-mediated AXT delivery in addressing multiple health targets, such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Regulatory perspectives, safety considerations, and challenges related to industrial scalability are also addressed. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of food-grade nanocarriers as a transformative approach for the oral delivery of AXT, paving the way for its successful integration into functional foods.

The human gut microbiota serves as a critical hub for host metabolic and immune regulation. Disruption of its homeostasis is closely associated with diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), metabolic syndrome, and colorectal cancer. Modern dietary and environmental factors are known to exacerbate this dysbiosis, highlighting the need for innovative interventions capable of modulating the gut ecosystem. Within this context, this review explores the potential of edible fungi, focusing on culinary mushrooms (e.g., Lentinula edodes) and medicinal fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum and Phellinus linteus, which are widely studied in Asia for their health benefits. While consumed as functional foods for their nutritional properties in some countries, they are used in traditional medicine in others. This review examines the role of their bioactive components (e.g., polysaccharides, terpenoids) in remodeling the gut microbiome, thereby highlighting their application in functional foods and dietary interventions. This review systematically examines the pathological mechanisms underlying gut dysbiosis and elucidates how bioactive fungal components (e.g., β-glucans, ganoderic acids) improve intestinal barrier function and immune homeostasis by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota, enhancing the production of SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids), and inhibiting the colonization of pathogens. Current evidence, primarily from preclinical studies, suggests that bioactive fungal components, such as β-glucans from Ganoderma lucidum and polysaccharides from Trametes versicolor, may impart health benefits against metabolic disorders and neoplasms. These benefits are mediated through the modulation of microbiota-derived metabolites (e.g., SCFAs) and epigenetic remodeling mechanisms (e.g., HDAC (Histone Deacetylase) inhibition), suggesting their potential application in functional foods and nutritional strategies. metabolites (e.g., SCFAs) and epigenetic remodeling mechanisms (e.g., HDAC inhibition). However, critical gaps persist, particularly in translating these preclinical findings to humans. Key challenges include understanding their bioavailability, establishing human-relevant dose-response relationships, and elucidating spatiotemporal dynamics within microbiota-host interaction networks. Addressing these gaps requires integration with multi-omics technologies and well-designed clinical trials. Multi-omics and organoid models should be integrated by future research to advance precision medicine applications of fungal-derived therapies.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in human milk play a crucial role in infant development and health. These molecules are well-known to regulate gene expression and are involved in various biological processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on miRNAs in human milk and infant formulas, emphasizing their potential impact on infant health and the future directions for research in this field. Understanding the roles and functions of miRNAs for infants' health will not only disclose innovative aspects of breastfeeding, but it might pave the way for novel diagnostic and medicinal possibilities as well.

Premium greentea has gained worldwide popularity in recent years, but the dynamic changes in its aroma have presented sensory challenges for a long time. This research explored dynamic perception and emotional responses to the smell of representative premium green teas through the application of the Temporal Dominance Of Sensations (TDS) and Temporal Dominance of Emotions (TDE) methodologies. The results revealed that the key dominant attributes of four premium green teas were defined as "tender", "high", "floral", "chestnut" and "fresh". Positive sentiments in consumers were evoked by continuous sniffing of these aroma from premium green tea. Furthermore, the sensory drivers that elicit specific emotional responses were found. A "rich" emotion was induced by a "chestnut" aroma, while an "unexpected" emotion was induced by a "high" aroma. The increase in the "fresh" aroma as the temperature decreased was unexpected for consumers, which enhanced their experience and brought pleasure. This study could be used as a valuable reference for the odour regulation of new tea products.

The study of organic residues on archaeological objects offers invaluable insights into past human behaviours, including diet, trade, storage, and ritual practices. Here, we present an innovative analytical approach that combines attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) with machine learning techniques to extract spectral signatures for identifying organic residues within complex inorganic matrix, primarily depositional materials in archaeological contexts. The methodology was applied to the study of six unglazed ceramic artefacts coming from a sealed context of a taberna looking onto the Forum area of the archaeological site of Peltuinum Roman city, central Italy. The probable commercial nature of the taberna and the porous, unglazed pottery supported the high probability of organic residue preservation. The analysis successfully identified lipidic residues in two objects: a few African type D sealed earth plate fragments with black staining and a few common pottery olla fragments. These residues were notable for the absence of proteins and polysaccharides. Infra-red spectroscopy together with machine learning extracts organic spectral features at 2921, 2853, 1737 cm^-1, indicative of resins, suggesting its use in food preparation or ritual activity. Furthermore, additional markers at 2951, 2918, 2852, 1701, 1558, 1462, 1247, and 1160 cm^-1 were attributed to a degraded oil, likely associated with ancient culinary or ritual practices. The findings underscore the value of a non-destructive methodology, enhanced by machine learning, for the detection of organic residues in complex archaeological contexts, especially where molecular signals are masked by interference from archaeological soils. This advanced approach provides a reproducible and chemical-free strategy for the detection of organic spectral features in ancient pottery, significantly enhancing the reliability and efficiency of archaeological organic residue analysis.

Probiotics have been widely used as an adjuvant therapy to treat or prevent various diseases. However, therapeutic effect is usually contingent on the ability of the probiotic cells to adhere to and colonize the gastrointestinal tract. Pediococcus pentosaceus Li05 has previously been shown anti-inflammatory effect, however, its mucoadhesive ability limited further application. In this study, MUC2 antibody was used as an adhesin and conjugated to the surface of Li05 (M-Li05) and our results demonstrated that the adhesion and colonization resistance were significantly improved in vitro. Moreover, competitive adhesion experiments in mice demonstrated that Li05 outcompeted Citrobacter rodentium; an effect even more pronounced with M-Li05. The study also showed that M-Li05 significantly reduced colonic histological injury, alleviated inflammation and decreased pathogens colonization in the C. rodentium-infected and DSS-induced colitis mouse model. In summary, the results demonstrated that M-Li05 showed promise for future application as a therapeutic strategy for colitis.