Food Science and Biotechnology最新文献

Dopamine (DA) plays a critical role in brain function and is implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. This study investigated the neurochemical effects of Pueraria lobata (PL) and its bioactive compound, Puerarin (PUE), on dopaminergic neurotransmission. Using Institute of Cancer Research mice and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, we assessed neurotransmitter levels and DA-related protein expression. PL administration elevated 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) levels in the nucleus accumbens and increased the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and DA transporter (DAT), while downregulating the DA receptor subtypes DRD1 and DRD2, indicating a potential enhancement in dopaminergic signaling. In contrast, PUE treatment reduced TH expression and downregulated DRD1 and DRD2 expression without altering DAT levels, indicating a suppressive effect on the dopaminergic system. These findings demonstrate that PL and PUE exert distinct modulatory effects on dopaminergic signaling—PL enhancing and PUE inhibiting DA activity—highlighting their potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative disorders associated with dopaminergic dysfunction.

This work investigates the effects of ethanol pretreatment on the kinetics of air drying of beetroot at 70 °C, a temperature commonly used in the dehydration process to preserve color and phytochemical integrity. Three parameters of pretreatment – ethanol concentration, temperature, and duration – were assessed at five different levels to evaluate their impact on both drying time and rate. The analytical solution obtained from the diffusion model was utilized. However, this study also considers moisture diffusivity as a criterion for assessing the effects of pretreatment, factoring in elements such as shrinkage and moisture variability. The results indicated that pretreatment significantly enhanced drying rates and positively influenced diffusivity, while the reduction in volume was comparatively minor when juxtaposed with untreated samples. The optimal conditions for pretreatment were achieved at 55 °C, utilizing pure ethanol for 30 min, which led to a 30% reduction in drying time and a 36.6% increase in diffusivity.

This study evaluated the effects of five extraction methods (fresh pressing, cold pressing, hot pressing, solvent extraction, and aqueous extraction) on the quality of Idesia polycarpa oil (IPO). The results revealed that the solvent–extracted oil (SEO) exhibited the highest efficiency. However, the fresh–pressed oil (FPO) exhibited outstanding quality characteristics. Specifically, the acid value and peroxide value of FPO were the lowest, and the retention rate of beneficial trace components such as α–tocopherol, squalene, β–sitosterol, stigmasterol, and carotenoids were rather prominent. It is worth noting that the five IPOs were similar in fatty acid composition and content (all rich in unsaturated fatty acids mainly composed of linoleic acid). Through analysis of volatile components and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares–Discriminant, 14 key biomarkers were identified. There were significant differences in the antioxidant capacity of five IPOs, and the aqueous–extracted oil (AEO) stands out the most, indicating that AEO is more effective at resisting radicals produced during oxidation. In conclusion, this study offers valuable data references for selecting extraction processes rationally in the oil industry.

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This study aimed to develop a non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain with enhanced glutathione production using UV-induced random mutagenesis. Among 30 wild-type strains, S. cerevisiae KACC 48331 was selected for its high glutathione production. A #14 mutant with significantly higher glutathione content was isolated via acrolein resistance screening. Optimal batch fermentation was established at 20 °C and pH 4.5 using a cost-effective medium of molasses and corn steep liquor (CSL). In fed-batch fermentation, the #14 mutant achieved 1.98 g/L of glutathione using molasses and CSL as carbon and nitrogen sources, comparable to yields from expensive complex media containing peptone and yeast extract. Notably, over 99% of the glutathione produced was in the reduced, biologically active form. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using non-GMO yeast and industrial by-products for sustainable and economical glutathione production.

This work investigated the chemical and biological properties of natural components for enhancing postharvest preservation of guava. GC–MS analysis revealed that the principal constituent in Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil (PAEO) is carvarol (54.67%), while Limnophila aromatic powder (LAP) is composed of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. PAEO and LAP demonstrated strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Notably, PAEO exhibited inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria, whereas LAP was an effective inhibitor of Gram-negative bacteria. The incorporation of PAEO and LAP in Aloe vera gel (AVG) extended the shelf life, reduced weight loss, and maintained total soluble solids (TSS) over the storage period. Under optimized formulation (28.5% AVG, 0.1 ppm PAEO, and 1.0 ppm LAP), the quality of guavas was preserved for up to 17 days at room temperature and 28 days under refrigeration. The synergistic effect of AVG, PAEO, and LAP was demonstrated as crucial for the preservation efficacy.

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This study improved the biofunctional properties of Poncirus trifoliata fruit ethanol extract (PFEP) via fermentation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). The fermentation endpoint was determined on day 8 (FP), with peak acidity (2.83%) and viable LGG cells (6.42 log CFU/mL). FP reduced lipid accumulation and leptin secretion by 69.56 and 96.1%, respectively, at a 1/100 dilution in 3T3-L1 cells. The expressions of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) decreased by 82.79 and 98.33%, respectively. In HepG2 cells, lipid accumulation and total cholesterol levels were reduced by 33.01 and 24.92%, respectively, accompanied by downregulation of SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase (FAS), SREBP-2, and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR). UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed increased levels of flavonoids and six new metabolite peaks in FP. LGG fermentation effectively enhanced the anti-obesity and lipid-lowering activities of PFEP, suggesting its potential as a functional food ingredient.

Hair loss, marked by thinning hair, reduced density, and increased scalp visibility, is a growing concern. The hair growth cycle is regulated by a dynamic balance between stimulatory growth and inhibitory cytokines. While placenta extracts have demonstrated regenerative, anti-aging, and immunomodulatory effects, their potential role in promoting hair follicle regeneration remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the effects of low molecular weight porcine placenta peptides (Placenderm®) on hair growth. In hDPCs, Placenderm® enhanced cell proliferation and modulated gene expression by upregulating growth-promoting markers and downregulating inhibitory markers. In C57BL/6 mice model, administration of Placenderm® accelerated hair regrowth, prolonged the anagen phase, and led to notable improvements in hair follicle number, size, thickness, and luster. These findings suggest that Placenderm® promotes follicular regeneration by restoring the balance between growth factors and inhibitory cytokines, highlighting its potential as a safe and effective functional food ingredient for hair health applications.

Tofu, a traditional food made from soybeans, has been widely consumed in the world but tofu production generates significant by-products such as tofu whey, and other residues. In the present study, Aquaforte, derived from tofu whey, was investigated for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in combating oxidative stress-induced damage in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Antioxidant capacities were assessed through antioxidant properties were evaluated through DPPH and ABTS assays in which the Aquaforte samples demonstrated superior efficacy. In AAPH induced oxidative stress model, Aquaforte significantly suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, enhanced cell viability, and accelerated cellular migration in the wound healing assay, suggesting its potential in tissue regeneration. Furthermore, Aquaforte reduced the formation of senescence-associated heterochromatin foci. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that Aquaforte decreased interlukin-6 expression and upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. This research contributes to sustainable upcycling by valorizing tofu whey by-products into beneficial bioactive compounds.

To assess the influence of guest compound hydrophobicity on encapsulation using citric acid-modified starch nanoparticles (mSNPs), saturated fatty acids with varying chain lengths (C:4–18) were subjected to nanoprecipitation using mSNPs at concentrations of 1, 3, and 5%. The interactions between fatty acids and mSNPs were characterized through transmission electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, revealing the formation of spherical aggregates facilitated by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Higher mSNP content and fatty acids with longer chains resulted in larger composite sizes. Additionally, with an increase in the fatty acid chain length, the amount of bound fatty acids in the composites decreased, while the absolute zeta potential and hydrophobicity of the composites increased. In simulated intestinal fluid, the release of fatty acids from the composites exhibited a gradual pattern, with a delayed release rate observed for fatty acids with longer chain lengths.

Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the forward extraction of soy 11S globulin using sucrose-enhanced reverse micelles (RMs). Under optimal conditions (sucrose 0.012 mol/L, W₀, 18, pH 8.0, KCl 0.17 mol/L, 45 °C, 30 min, solid/liquid ratio 2.5 g/L), the extraction yield reached 76.07%. Compared with alkaline extraction-isoelectric precipitation, the RMs-sucrose method significantly improved protein purity (96.81%), solubility (100%), emulsifying activity, foaming properties, water absorption (2.80 g/g), and oil absorption (4.78 g/g). While surface hydrophobicity and emulsifying stability were reduced, the RMs-sucrose systems system preserved protein structure and modified surface properties, enabling superior functional performance. This approach demonstrates potential for scalable extraction of high-functionality soy 11S globulin.