Food frontiers最新文献

Histamine, produced through the decarboxylation of histidine by microbial histidine decarboxylase during the transportation and processing of aquatic products, serves as a critical biomarker for evaluating spoilage and freshness. However, conventional detection methods for histamine, such as HPLC and ELISA, are often hampered by lengthy procedures, complex protocols, and specialized equipment requirements. These limitations underscore the urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and field-deployable alternatives. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a transformative solution, offering unparalleled advantages including single-molecule sensitivity, minimal sample preparation, and rapid analysis, thereby positioning it as a leading nondestructive tool for real-time food safety monitoring. This review systematically examines recent progress in SERS-based histamine detection for aquatic products, detailing the fundamental principles, substrate design innovations, and synergistic integration with complementary technologies (e.g., microfluidics, machine learning) to enhance reproducibility and reduce detection limits. By critically analyzing current challenges—such as substrate uniformity and matrix interference—we propose future directions for SERS technology, including scalable substrate fabrication, portable device development, and standardized protocols. These advancements hold significant potential to revolutionize quality control across the aquatic product supply chain, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial implementation.

The market for ready-to-eat (RTE) crustaceans has been expanding in recent years. Conventional heating (CH) (boiling and steaming) has been used for decades for the processing of RTE crustaceans. However, some disadvantages, such as lack of uniformity of heating, low heat transfer efficiency, and generation of a large amount of wastewater, have been highlighted. To optimize the processing for safe and high-quality RTE crustaceans, the identification of major hazards is necessary and the interventions of green, sustainable, and novel technologies attract increasing attention. In this review, important biological and chemical hazards in crustaceans are discussed. CH and promising novel thermal and nonthermal processing technologies are reviewed with their basic mechanisms and research advances in RTE crustacean processing. Then, challenges and future work are proposed. Biological hazards, including Listeria monocytogenes, norovirus, Salmonella, and Vibrio spp., are of great concern for raw crustaceans. L. monocytogenes is a persistent hazard that places a burden on crustacean processing environments. Most chemical hazards are caused by indigenous habitats, including heavy metals, biotoxins, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Thermal technologies such as sous vide, moderate electric field, and microwave are promising in RTE crustacean processing. Individual effects on microbial hazards of nonthermal technologies like high-pressure processing (HPP) and ultrasound (US) are limited. Synergistic effects of less intensity of nonthermal treatment with thermal processes such as HPP- and US-assisted cooking showed great potential and advantages. However, more research is still needed to scale up their use in an industrial setting.

The intestine, a critical barrier against environmental threats, is vulnerable to damage from high-fat diets (HFD), which disrupt its multilayered structure, increase permeability, trigger inflammation, and elevate metabolic disease risks. This study focuses on the role of the gut–immune axis in the development of obesity, particularly the influence of sialic acid on it. By establishing a HFD-induced obesity mouse model, we investigated and compared the effects of three forms of sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid [Neu5Ac], 3ʹ-sialyllactose [3ʹ-SL], and fresh stewed edible bird's nest [EBN]) in counteracting the damage caused by an HFD to the mouse intestine. The study found that sialic acid intervention can improve chronic inflammation and metabolic imbalance in HFD-induced obese mice, which is related to its protective effect on the intestinal mucus barrier and changes in intestinal microbiota and their metabolites. Notably, under the same intervention duration and with equivalent doses of sialic acid, bound sialic acids (3ʹ-SL and EBN) more effectively increased serum sialic acid levels, improved colonic immune signaling pathways, and reduced serum inflammatory factor levels. These findings suggest that bound sialic acid possesses higher utilization efficiency and provides stronger protection against HFD-induced chronic inflammation damage to the intestinal. In addition to sialic acid, EBN contains substantial amounts of protein, which is likely responsible for its distinct gut microbiota structure compared to Neu5Ac and 3ʹ-SL, as well as its superior ability to improve glycolipid metabolism homeostasis. Future studies should further validate the specific contribution of edible bird's nest protein.

The blood–brain barrier (BBB), a selective interface regulating cerebral substance exchange, plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function and metabolic balance. While tea consumption has been traditionally associated with health benefits, its specific effects on BBB integrity warrant systematic investigation. This review demonstrates that tea bioactive compounds can cross the BBB through systemic absorption and metabolism, with their permeability determined by physicochemical properties, including molecular weight and lipophilicity. Notably, the tea bioactive compounds exhibit strong functional properties but low bioavailability. On one hand, tea can directly modulate the development of the BBB through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Wnt, and Notch1 signaling pathways, and delay BBB aging and dysfunction by alleviating CNS inflammation, oxidative stress, and p-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity. On the other hand, tea indirectly influences BBB homeostasis via gut microbiota-mediated pathways, by regulating circadian rhythm disruptions, reducing psychosocial stress, and preventing metabolic syndrome. The review also discusses potential strategies to enhance tea's BBB-protective effects, including optimization of tea leaf processing, beverage production, and nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds. These findings provide valuable insights into the tea–BBB interaction and establish a theoretical framework for future research. This framework will support the development of dietary interventions for brain health.

Silky fowl, a unique chicken breed, exhibits black skin, meat, and bones due to the presence of natural melanin pigments. In our study, melanin from silky fowl (MSF) was isolated using an enzymatic extraction procedure and identified as a unique natural antioxidant. Results showed that H₂O₂ triggered oxidative stress, but the internalization of MSF exerted protective effect on Caco-2 cells. MSF notably enhanced viability and reduced apoptosis in oxidative damage Caco-2 cells. In addition, MSF led to a notable antioxidant effect by increasing the activities of endogenous enzymes, such as SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, while reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as well as LDH and MDA contents. It also enhanced the barrier function of Caco-2 cells and upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins. Mechanistically, MSF reduced the p-Akt/Akt ratio and activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, thus promoting cell survival under oxidative stress. These findings suggest that silky fowl melanin exhibits potent antioxidant properties and holds potential as a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants in the functional food industry.

To investigate the effects of different processing methods of sojae semen praeparatum (SSP) on constipation, we prepared SSP through fermentation using Rhizopus chinensis and Bacillus sp. DU-106 as a starter culture, and examined its laxative effects and mechanisms in loperamide-induced constipated Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The results showed that SSP effectively alleviated loperamide-induced constipation compared to the model control group. Specifically, SSP intake increased fecal water content, decreased fecal hardness, shortened small intestinal transit time, improved intestinal propulsion, and restored colonic epithelial integrity. It elevated serum levels of gastrointestinal hormones (substance P, motilin, gastrin, and serotonin) and regulated colonic NOS and ATPase activity. RT-qPCR and Western blot (WB) results showed that after SSP intervention, the mRNA levels of ADRB2, IP3R, PKC, PLCβ, and SERCA, as well as the protein expression levels of ADRB2, IP3R, PKC, PLCβ, p-PKC, and SERCA, were all significantly down-regulated. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that SSP restored gut microbiota composition, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bacteroidota, Lactobacillus, Weissella, and Blautia, while reducing Actinobacteriota and Staphylococcus. SSP also elevated total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and increased the abundance of NK4A214 group, and Blautia, thereby promoting gut motility and SCFA production, while reducing diarrhea-associated harmful Staphylococcus. These results demonstrate that dual-fermented SSP may alleviate constipation in rats by modulating calcium signaling pathways and the gut microbiota. This study provides a novel direction for the value-added processing and innovative application of traditional SSP, while also establishing a theoretical foundation for developing SSP-derived functional products.

As the world faces an escalating protein crisis amid climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity, edible insects have emerged as a transformative solution for sustainable food and feed systems. With over 2000 known edible species, insects offer a nutrient-rich alternative to conventional livestock, providing protein levels between 30% and 85%, essential amino acids, beneficial fats, and bioavailable micronutrients often exceeding those found in meat or fish. Compared to traditional farming, edible insect production emits up to 100 times fewer greenhouse gases and requires 50%–90% less land and water, aligning closely with global circular bioeconomy goals. Economically, the global edible insect protein market was valued at USD 483.1 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2 billion by 2030. Yet, large-scale adoption faces critical barriers, including cultural resistance, food safety concerns, and fragmented regulatory landscapes. Risks such as microbial contamination, allergenicity, and heavy metal accumulation demand stringent food safety protocols and harmonized international standards. Meanwhile, innovations in AI-assisted farming, CRISPR-based breeding, and automated processing are rapidly enhancing production efficiency, though further investment and validation are required. This review provides an overview of the nutritional, environmental, economic, technological, and safety dimensions of insects as food and feed. It also explores consumer perceptions and policy frameworks shaping adoption trends worldwide. By bridging current knowledge gaps and scaling inclusive innovation, edible insects hold immense promise for building resilient, ethical, and climate-smart food systems for the future.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by a cluster of interrelated risk factors including abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, represents a significant global health challenge. Its high prevalence and intricate pathogenesis require a multi-approach for its prevention and management. In recent years, a burgeoning interest has emerged in investigating bioactive compounds derived from natural food sources as prospective therapeutic agents against MetS or pre-MetS. This review provides a thorough examination of the current state of knowledge concerning the etiology, health implications, and health benefits of bioactive compounds from dietary sources against individual MetS components. Additionally, this review offers insights into the evolving role of microbial cell factories as efficient platforms for environmentally friendly production of these compounds using sustainable substrates, with two noteworthy industrial cases of resveratrol and caffeic acid as exemplification. The systematic analysis presented herein not only illuminates the potential of natural food-derived bioactive compounds in addressing MetS but also underscores the pivotal role of microbial cell factories in their production.

The immunosuppressive effect of corticosteroids has been widely used in treating rheumatoid arthritis. However, the current treatments for limited clinical efficacy and adverse reactions remain unsatisfactory. The consumption of natural polysaccharides exerts multiple beneficial health effects by modulating gut microbiota, which is considered a nutritional approach to addressing metabolic disorders. This study investigated the combined effects of Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides (BP, gavage) and dexamethasone (Dex, injection) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. As a novel immunotherapeutic strategy, the combined therapy showed an improved anti-rheumatic effect and reversed the immunosuppression status of CIA mice. BP adjuvant played a key role in the combined therapy, significantly altering the gut microbiota, inflammation, and gut barrier disruption in RA. These effects were largely associated with the recovered intestinal barrier function and homeostasis of the gut microbiota such as Muribaculaceae and Candidatus_Saccharimonas. Simultaneously, BP promoted the complex interplay between host immune function and gut microbiota by altering the metabolic profile, particularly amino acid and lipid metabolism. Overall, the combined therapy of BP and Dex demonstrated the synergistic effect in anti-rheumatoid and immunological efficacy by modulating the intestinal gut barrier function and microbiota.

Milk from Normande cows exhibits characteristically high protein and fat content, whereas Holstein milk is notable for its superior yield. However, compositional differences between these breeds remain inadequately explored. Thus, we employed physicochemical and multi-omics techniques (proteomic, lipidomic, and energy metabolomics) to compare the composition of raw milk from Normande and Holstein cows. Results demonstrated significantly higher levels in Normande milk for protein (3.97% ± 0.166%), fat (4.85% ± 1.325%), total solids (14.25% ± 1.284%), lactoferrin (104.30 ± 12.084 mg/L), and α-lactalbumin (α-LA) (1.65 ± 0.088 mg/L) compared to Holstein milk. Conversely, Holstein milk contained more sialic acid (33.74 g/100 g ± 0.892 g/100 g) than Normande milk (31.84 g/100 g ± 1.381 g/100 g). Lactopontin enhances bone health by promoting mineralization and remodeling, modulates immune responses, and supports intestinal barrier integrity. α-LA, a high-quality protein rich in essential amino acids (notably tryptophan and cysteine), exhibits high digestibility, facilitates tryptophan metabolism, and may improve mood, sleep, and cognitive function. Proteomic analysis revealed significant differential expression of 479 proteins, whereas lipidomic analysis identified 163 significantly differentiated lipids involved in 26 metabolic pathways, primarily related to glycerophospholipid metabolism. Normande milk contained 22 oligosaccharides (11 acidic and 11 neutral), whereas Holstein milk contained 21 oligosaccharides (12 acidic and 9 neutral). In conclusion, this study delineates distinct compositional profiles in raw milk from Normande and Holstein cows.