Search Results (301)

Consumer trust plays a critical role in the successful adoption of emerging food technologies. This study investigates how trust in five key food technologies—genetically modified organisms (GMO), 3D-printed food, lab-grown meat, nanotechnology, and functional foods—varies across two culturally distinct countries: Croatia and India. Utilizing a quantitative approach with responses from 538 participants, the research explores how demographic factors such as country of residence, gender, and urban-rural setting influence consumer attitudes. Statistical analysis was conducted using MANOVA and one-way ANOVA to test seven hypotheses regarding trust levels. The results revealed significant cross-national differences, with Indian consumers expressing higher trust across all technologies studied. In contrast, variables such as gender and place of residence showed limited or context-dependent influence. These findings underscore the importance of cultural context in shaping consumer trust and point to the need for targeted communication and policy strategies in promoting food innovation. The study contributes to the growing body of research on food technology adoption by emphasizing trust as a culturally embedded and demographically nuanced phenomenon. Full article

This study investigates the impact of epigenetic modification on Saccharomyces cerevisiae using sodium butyrate (SB), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), to enhance sensory characteristics in beer fermentation. Epigenetics offers a non-GMO approach to modifying gene expression, with potential for cost-effective strain development in brewing. A commercial ale yeast was cultured under different SB exposure regimes and used to ferment wort. Sensory evaluation was conducted with untrained participants, alongside GC-MS and enzymatic assays for ethanol, glycerol, and residual sugars. While no significant differences were found in ethanol production or smoothness and creaminess—likely due to uniform wort composition—flavor and taste scores varied between treatments. Notably, yeast pre-treated with SB but fermented without additional SB (1G W/O) received the highest flavor acceptability. Treatments involving SB during fermentation showed reduced sensory scores, likely due to butyric off-notes. Higher alcohol levels remained within acceptable thresholds and were more likely influenced by wort amino acid content than epigenetic modification. Though SB had a limited impact on metabolic pathways, this study highlights the feasibility of using dietary epigenetic modifiers to develop novel yeast strains with improved sensory profiles in beer or other fermented beverages and warrants further investigation with alternative compounds. Full article

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, providing vital nutrients and contributing to global food security. Fungal pathogens that interact with fruits and vegetables reduce their quality and shelf life and lead to economic losses and risks to human health through the production of mycotoxins. Chemical fungicides, used to control postharvest pathogens, are posing serious environmental and health risks, driving interest in safer alternative strategies. Biocontrol methods using antagonistic microbes, such as yeasts, are eco-friendly, sustainable, and the most promising, but they often have limited efficacy and specificity in diverse produce. There is growing interest in the innovative enhancement of biocontrol strategies. The present review shows that inducing, enhancing, co-application, encapsulation, and post-application treatments are common enhancement techniques, while environmental, host, and pathogen characteristics, antagonistic microbial traits, and chemical inputs are the major gearing factors for the best application methods. These methods do not involve genetic modification, which is adequate to reduce the proliferation of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) while optimizing antagonistic microbial performance by promoting growth, inducing host resistance, enhancing antifungal properties, improving adhesion, and boosting stress tolerance. Most enhancers fall under groups of nutritional additives, protective carriers, growth stimulants, and encapsulants. Integrating these enhancers and best methods promises reduced postharvest losses, supports sustainable agriculture, and addresses economic losses and food security challenges. This study highlights the role of organic and natural elicitors, their application methods, their mechanisms in improving BCAs (Biological Control Agents), and their overall efficiency. This review concisely compiles recent strategies, calling for further research to revolutionize fungal pathogen management, reduce food waste, and promote responsible farming practices. Full article

Introduction: Gut dysbiosis has been associated with the development of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although previous studies suggest microbial alterations in SLE, evidence at the species level and its clinical relevance remain limited. This study aimed to characterise the gut microbiota at species level in SLE patients and evaluate its association with clinical features. Materials and methods: A total of 57 SLE patients and 57 matched controls were included. Faecal samples were collected using the OMNIgene-GUT kit, and microbial DNA was extracted with the Maxwell RSC PureFood GMO kit. Metagenomic sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform, and the data was analysed with QIIME2. Microbial diversity and relative abundance were assessed using the phyloseq package, and differentially abundant taxa were identified using DESeq2. Clinical subgroups among SLE patients were identified via k-means clustering. Results: SLE patients exhibited significantly different beta diversity compared to controls (p = 0.001), with increased abundance of Pseudomonadota (3.81% vs. 6.80%, p < 0.05) and decreased Bacteroidota (53.42% vs. 38.04%, p < 0.05). Only 10 bacterial species were consistently present across all SLE samples, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides dorei, and Lactobacillus gasseri. Hypertensive patients and those treated with corticosteroids presented a marked depletion of key microbial taxa. Conversely, Belimumab-treated patients displayed a distinct microbiota enriched in species such as Alistipes shahii and Prevotella corporis. Conclusions: This study confirms significant gut microbiota alterations in SLE and pinpoints microbial profiles associated with clinical subgroups. These findings suggest gut dysbiosis may contribute to SLE pathogenesis and indicate biomarkers for disease stratification. Full article

Background: Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), a nutrient-rich leguminous crop high in protein, lipids, and minerals, is extensively cultivated worldwide. The chemical composition of soybean seeds depends not only on the genetic characteristics of the cultivar but also on environmental conditions and agricultural practices. In recent years, biostimulants have gained increasing importance in crop production due to their ability to enhance physiological processes in plants and potentially influence nutrient accumulation. This study aimed to investigate how cultivar and biostimulant type influence the chemical composition of soybean seeds under varying weather conditions in Central Europe. Methods: A three-year field experiment (2017–2019) was conducted in eastern Poland (Central Europe) using a split-plot design. The experimental factors included three non-GMO soybean cultivars (Abelina, Merlin, and SG Anser) and two foliar biostimulants (Asahi SL and Improver). In addition to classical ANOVA, the multivariate analysis of the impact of the investigated factors included principal component analysis (PCA). Results: The applied factors significantly affected seed contents of fat, protein, dry matter, ash, fibre, and macronutrients (N, P, K). Cv. Merlin had the highest fat (22.65%) and fibre content (9.33%), while Abelina showed the highest protein (37.06%) and dry matter content (94.42%). Biostimulant application increased the accumulation of several seed components. Asahi SL significantly enhanced fat content (by 0.69%), protein content (by over 1.5%), and dry matter content (by nearly 0.2%) compared to the control. Improver was more effective in increasing nitrogen (by 0.24%), phosphorus (by 0.5%), and potassium (by 0.15%) contents. Weather conditions throughout the growing seasons significantly altered the impact of the biostimulants. The PCA analysis revealed distinct relationships among the chemical properties of seeds, meteorological factors, and the applied biostimulants. Full article

Improving the efficacy of microbial biocontrol agents is a pivotal strategy for sustainable management of rice blast and sheath blight caused by Pyricularia oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani, respectively, in Vietnam. In this study, Trichoderma sp. TVN-A0 and Trichoderma sp. TVN-H0 were irradiated by gamma to generate mutants for screening the enhanced antagonistic activity against P. oryzae and R. solani. The potential mutants were screened by antifungal metabolite production via the cellophane membrane assay (I_CM), antagonistic performance through dual culture confrontation assays (I_DC), volatile organic compound bioassays (I_VOCs), and chitinase activity. As a result, among five potential mutants derived from each wild-type strain (AM1-AM5 and HM1-HM5), mutant AM2 originated from TVN-A0, and mutant HM2 derived from TVN-H0 demonstrated the highest inhibition rates and chitinase activities. The AM2 exhibited I_CM of 96.71% against R. solani, 92.57% against P. oryzae, I_DC of 87.76%, and I_VOCs of 83.57%, while HM2 possessed I_CM of 95.33% against R. solani, 85.28% against P. oryzae, I_DC of 91.24%, and I_VOCs of 79.33%. The genetic differences among mutants and their parents were investigated by RAPD. The non-GMO AM2 and HM2 mutants are promising candidates for biocontrol of the diseases caused by P. oryzae and R. solani in Vietnam. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an essential crop for global food, feed, and industrial applications, but its production is increasingly challenged by climate change and environmental stresses. Traditional breeding and transgenic approaches have contributed to improvements in yield and quality; however, limitations in genetic diversity and regulatory hurdles for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) underscore the need for innovative strategies to address these challenges. Genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, have revolutionized soybean molecular breeding by enabling precise modifications of genes related to key agronomic traits such as yield, seed composition, and stress tolerance. These advances have accelerated the development of soybean varieties with enhanced nutritional value and adaptability. Recent progress includes improvements in editing efficiency, specificity, and the ability to target multiple genes simultaneously. However, the application of genome editing remains concentrated in a few model cultivars, and challenges persist in optimizing transformation protocols, minimizing off-target effects, and validating edited traits under field conditions. Future directions involve expanding the genetic base, integrating genome editing with synthetic biology, and addressing regulatory and public acceptance issues. Overall, genome editing offers significant potential for sustainable soybean improvement, supporting food security and agricultural resilience in the face of global challenges. Full article

Background: Obesity-associated liver dysfunction is a key feature of metabolic syndrome. Marine by-products, such as fish oils, offer promising dietary interventions. In this study, we aimed to assess the anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects of herring–saury by-product-derived fermented fish oil—Gwamegi oil (GmO)—and the same oil fermented with Lactobacillus brevis KCCM13538P (GmOLb) in a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods: GmO was extracted and fermented. Anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects were assessed using in vitro and in vivo studies. For the in vivo study, female C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD supplemented with lard (control), GmO, or GmOLb for 60 days. Metabolic and liver function parameters were assessed. Results: In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, GmOLb significantly reduced lipid accumulation and intracellular triglyceride (TG) levels compared with GmO. In HFD-fed mice, GmOLb significantly reduced body weight gain, ovarian fat mass, serum TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, leptin concentration, atherogenic indices, and cardiac risk factor ratio. Furthermore, it reduced liver damage indicators, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels. Conclusions: Fermenting herring–saury oil with L. brevis KCCM13538P enhanced its anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects in HFD-fed mice. GmOLb shows strong potential as a functional dietary lipid for preventing and managing metabolic disorders. Full article

This study examines the performance of a GaN HEMT with a 150 nm gate length, fabricated on silicon carbide, across various operational modes, including direct current (DC), radio frequency (RF), and small-signal parameters. The evaluation of DC, RF, and small-signal performance under diverse bias conditions remains a relatively unexplored area of study for this specific technology. The DC characteristics revealed relatively little I_ds at zero gate and drain voltages, and the current grew as V_gs increased. Essential measurements include I_dss at 109 mA and I_dssm at 26 mA, while the peak g_m was 62 mS. Because transconductance is sensitive to variations in V_gs and V_ds, it shows “Vth _roll-off,” where Vth decreases as V_ds increases. The transfer characteristics corroborated this trend, illustrating the impact of drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) on threshold voltage (Vth) values, which spanned from −5.06 V to −5.71 V across varying drain-source voltages (V_ds). The equivalent-circuit technique revealed substantial non-linear behaviors in capacitances such as C_gs and C_gd concerning V_gs and V_ds, while also identifying extrinsic factors including parasitic capacitances and resistances. Series resistances (R_gs and R_gd) decreased as V_gs increased, thereby enhancing device conductivity. As V_gs approached neutrality, particularly at elevated V_ds levels, the intrinsic transconductance (g_mo) and time constants (τ_gm, τ_gs, and τ_gd) exhibited enhanced performance. f_t and f_max, which are essential for high-frequency applications, rose with decreasing V_gs and increasing V_ds. When V_gs approached −3 V, the S₂₁ and Y₂₁ readings demonstrated improved signal transmission, with peak S₂₁ values of approximately 11.2 dB. The stability factor (K), which increased with V_ds, highlighted the device’s operational limits. The robust correlation between simulation and experimental data validated the equivalent-circuit model, which is essential for enhancing design and creating RF circuits. Further examination of bias conditions would enhance understanding of the device’s performance. Full article

The diversification of plant protein sources is a strategic priority for European food systems, particularly under the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies. In this study, dual production of full-fat soy (FFS) and expanded soybean cake (ESC) was evaluated using non-GMO soybeans cultivated under semi-organic conditions in Central Poland. Two agronomic systems—post-emergence mechanical weeding with rotary harrow weed control (P1) and conventional herbicide-based control (P2)—were compared over a four-year period. The P1 system produced consistently higher yields (e.g., 35.6 dt/ha in 2024 vs. 33.4 dt/ha in P2) and larger seed size (TSW: up to 223 g). Barothermal and press-assisted processing yielded FFS with protein content of 32.4–34.5% and oil content of 20.8–22.4%, while ESC exhibited enhanced characteristics: higher protein (37.4–39.0%), lower oil (11.6–13.3%), and elevated dietary fiber (15.8–16.3%). ESC also showed reduced anti-nutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid) and remained microbiologically and oxidatively stable over six months. The semi-organic P1 system offers a scalable, low-input approach to local soy production, while the dual-product model supports circular, zero-waste protein systems aligned with EU sustainability targets. Full article

With the growth of international trade, concerns over the safety of imported agricultural products in South Korea have intensified due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, radiation contamination risks, and the prevalence of GMOs. In response, this study develops two composite indices—the Agricultural Product Safety Index (APSI) and the Imported Food Safety Index (IFSI)—to quantitatively assess food safety risks across major exporting countries and apply them to Korea’s import structure. The indices integrate production and distribution risk indicators based on publicly available data and adhere to five key principles, including applicability, reliability, boundedness, independence, and representativeness. Empirical results from 2014 to 2021 indicate that Australia consistently demonstrates the highest food safety level, followed by the United States, Argentina, Ukraine, and Brazil. While the indices provide a structured and transparent framework for monitoring import-related safety, their scope is limited to selected countries and excludes biological hazards due to data limitations. Future research should expand the geographical coverage and incorporate empirical validation techniques. These findings contribute to the development of evidence-based policy instruments aimed at enhancing food safety governance in global supply chains. Full article

Bestrophinopathies are a group of inherited retinal diseases caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene. The protein encoded by this gene, bestorphin-1 (hBest1), is a calcium-dependent transmembrane channel localized on the basolateral membrane of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. We have already demonstrated the surface behavior and organization of recombinant hBest1 and its interactions with membrane lipids such as 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol (Chol) in models of biological membranes, which affect the hBest1 structure–function relationship. The main aim of our current investigation is to integrate pure hBest1 protein into lipid bilayer nanostructures. We synthesized and characterized various hBest1-containing nanostructures based on 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), SM, glycerol monooleate (GMO) and Chol in different ratios and determined their cytotoxicity and incorporation into cell membranes and/or cells by immunofluorescence staining. Our results show that these newly designed nanoparticles are not cytotoxic and that their incorporation into MDCK II cell membranes (used as a model system) may provide a mechanism that could be applied to RPE cells expressing mutated hBest1 in order to restore their ion transport functions, affected by mutated and malfunctioning hBest1 molecules. Full article

A novel bivalent oral vaccine candidate against H5N1 and H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) was developed using Lactobacillus surface display technology without genetic modification. The hemagglutinin subunit 1 (HA1) antigens from both subtypes were fused to the surface layer-binding domain of Lactobacillus crispatus K313, expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified. Wild-type Lactobacillus johnsonii H31, isolated from chicken intestine, served as a delivery vehicle by adsorbing and stably displaying the HA1 proteins on its surface. This approach eliminates the need for bacterial engineering while utilizing lactobacilli’s natural capacity to protect surface-displayed antigens, as evidenced by HA1’s protease resistance. Mouse immunization studies demonstrated induction of strong systemic IgG and mucosal IgA responses against both H5N1 and H9N2 HA1. The system offers several advantages, including safety through non-GMO probiotics, potential for multivalent vaccine expansion, and intrinsic antigen protection by lactobacilli. These findings suggest this platform could enable development of cost-effective, multivalent AIV vaccines. Full article

Yeast genetic improvement is entering a transformative phase, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and synthetic microbial communities with conventional methods such as sexual breeding and random mutagenesis. These advancements have substantially expanded the potential for innovative re-engineering of yeast, ranging from single-strain cultures to complex polymicrobial consortia. This review compares traditional genetic manipulation techniques with cutting-edge approaches, highlighting recent breakthroughs in their application to beer and wine fermentation. Among the innovative strategies, adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) stands out as a non-GMO method capable of rewiring complex fitness-related phenotypes through iterative selection. In contrast, GMO-based synthetic biology approaches, including the most recent developments in CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, enable efficient and scalable genome editing, including multiplexed modifications. These innovations are expected to accelerate product development, reduce costs, and enhance the environmental sustainability of brewing and winemaking. However, despite their technological potential, GMO-based strategies continue to face significant regulatory and market challenges, which limit their widespread adoption in the fermentation industry. Full article

This study investigates the mechanisms underlying the diffusion of risk information about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Drawing upon social contagion theory, we examine how endogenous and exogenous mechanisms shape users’ information-sharing behaviors. An analysis of 388,722 reposts from 2444 original GMO risk-related texts enabled the construction of a comprehensive sharing network, with computational text-mining techniques employed to detect users’ attitudes toward GMOs. To bridge the gap between descriptive and inferential network analysis, we employ a Shannon entropy-based approach to quantify the uncertainty and concentration of attitudinal differences and similarities among sharing and non-sharing dyads, providing an information-theoretic foundation for understanding positional and differential homophily. The entropy-based analysis reveals that information-sharing ties are characterized by lower entropy in attitude differences, indicating greater attitudinal alignment among sharing users, especially among GMO opponents. Building on these findings, the Exponential Random Graph Model (ERGM) further demonstrates that both endogenous network mechanisms (reciprocity, preferential attachment, and triadic closure) and positional homophily influence GMO risk information sharing and dissemination. A key finding is the presence of a differential homophily effect, where GMO opponents exhibit stronger homophilic tendencies than non-opponents. Despite the prevalence of homophily, this paper uncovers substantial cross-attitude interactions, challenging simplistic notions of echo chambers in GMO risk communication. By integrating entropy and ERGM analyses, this study advances a more nuanced, information-theoretic understanding of how digital platforms mediate public perceptions and debates surrounding controversial socio-scientific issues, offering valuable implications for developing effective risk communication strategies in increasingly polarized online spaces. Full article