Search Results (4,539)

This study developed high-oxygen-barrier active bilayer packaging films by combining corona-treated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with chitosan/glycerol (CS/Gl) and carvacrol@natural zeolite (CV@NZ) nanohybrid layers using industrially scalable processes. LDPE film was surface-activated via ambient-pressure corona treatment (0.75 s/cm² at 45 kV, 30 W) and assembled with solution-cast CS/Gl or CS/Gl/CV@NZ monolayers via hot-pressing (110 °C, 1 min). Corona treatment enabled robust interfacial adhesion, evidenced by statistical equivalence between monolayer and bilayer mechanical properties. Incorporation of 10 wt.% CV@NZ nanohybrid increased elastic modulus by 60% (to ≈2970 MPa) and tensile strength by 30% (to ≈50 MPa). The LDPE-CS/Gl film achieved a 64-fold reduction in oxygen permeability; CV@NZ incorporation maintained excellent barrier performance (22-fold reduction). Antioxidant potency increased 16-fold upon CV@NZ incorporation. The LDPE-CS/Gl/CV@NZ film demonstrated exceptional antibacterial activity (5.08–5.30 log reductions; >99.999% kill) against both Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli—substantially exceeding additive effects—confirming synergistic action between chitosan and carvacrol. In fresh minced pork preservation (8 days, 4 °C), the active film achieved a 1.73 log reduction in Total Viable Count (98.2% inhibition) and extended microbiological shelf life from 6 to beyond 8 days (33% increase). The bilayer configuration utilizes only 40% of the total thickness as biopolymer, aligning with circular economy principles. Unlike conventional high-barrier films (e.g., PA/PE) which require complex compatibilization for recycling, the water-soluble chitosan layer in this bilayer design can be readily separated from the LDPE backbone, enabling recovery of a pure polymer stream. This work demonstrates a feasible pathway for developing next-generation active packaging that combines a high oxygen barrier, potent antioxidant activity, and exceptional antimicrobial efficacy through industrially scalable manufacturing. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect and cryoprotective mechanism of melatonin (MT) on the physiological functions of Lactobacillus plantarum FQR during freezing and freeze-drying. Results indicated that the addition of 5 mg/mL MT as a cryoprotectant maximized the freeze-drying survival rate to 32.04 ± 2.14%. MT effectively alleviated low-temperature and freeze-drying stress by reducing extracellular alkaline phosphatase activity, enhancing intracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity, and decreasing extracellular β-galactosidase activity without significant differences. Higher survival rates in defining medium further suggested that MT reduced damage to cell wall and membrane structures during lyophilisation, decreased membrane permeability, and preserved cellular physiological functions. In addition, MT supported cellular energy metabolism and protein synthesis, enhanced transmembrane potential to facilitate ATP transport, and helped maintain intracellular and extracellular pH balance. The prepared freeze-drying protectant containing 69.80 mg/mL exopolysaccharides (EPS) and 4.25 mg/mL MT showed better protective effects than the control group. MT also increased bound water content, lowered the freezing point of the solution, and inhibited ice crystal formation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that amino acid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and ABC transport systems were the primary pathways affected by MT treatment. These findings demonstrate that MT improves freeze-drying tolerance by maintaining membrane integrity, regulating cellular metabolism, and enhancing oxidative stress resistance. Given its natural biosynthetic origin, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, and absence of residual solvents or allergenic proteins, MT can be safely considered for incorporation into food and nutraceutical products. This study underscores the practical relevance of MT as a functional component in compound cryoprotectants, providing a feasible strategy to enhance the viability, stability, and industrial applicability of Lactobacillus plantarum during freeze-drying and storage. Full article

Microbial contamination of fresh fruits remains a major food safety concern due to the ability of pathogenic bacteria to persist on fruit surfaces during storage. This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of ExAF-E1, a postbiotic formulation derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains UTNGt28L and UTNGt2, against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli L1PEag1 and Staphylococcus epidermidis L4MStp5 on goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.). Fruits were artificially contaminated, treated, and stored for 7 days at room temperature (RT) and refrigerated (4 °C), with analyses conducted in quadruplicate. At RT, ExAF-E1 significantly reduced total aerobic counts (TAC) and pathogen loads (p < 0.05), achieving early reductions of ~0.4–0.5 log CFU/g in TAC and ~1.0–1.5 log CFU/g in pathogens, with inhibition maintained through day 7. In contrast, the commercial disinfectant (CD) showed transient reductions, with microbial levels not significantly different from the control at later stages (p > 0.05). Under refrigeration, ExAF-E1 produced greater and persistent reductions, reaching ~1.0–1.2 log CFU/g in TAC and ~1.5–2.5 log CFU/g in pathogens by day 7 (p < 0.05), whereas CD exhibited strong initial reductions followed by partial regrowth. Fruit quality parameters (pH, TA, TSS, TPC, AOX, AAC) were not significantly affected by treatments (p > 0.05). Ultrastructural analyses using transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed disruption of bacterial cell envelope integrity, including membrane damage, cytoplasmic leakage, and morphological deformation. These findings demonstrate that ExAF-E1 provides rapid and sustained antimicrobial activity under both storage conditions while preserving fruit quality, supporting its application as a postharvest strategy for improving the microbial safety of fresh produce. Full article

Background: Parabens are frequently utilized as preservatives in processed foods; nevertheless, the primary dietary factors contributing to exposure in northern Thailand remain undetermined. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 adults in Northern Thailand. Dietary intake was assessed using self-reported food consumption data combined with previously measured paraben concentrations. Due to the skewed distribution of intake, participants were classified into lower and higher exposure groups. LASSO regression was applied for variable selection, followed by multivariable logistic regression to identify dietary predictors of exposure. Results: Several processed food items were significantly associated with higher paraben exposure, including soft drinks, potato chips, and canned fish. No demographic factors were significantly associated with exposure. The final model demonstrated good explanatory power and classification performance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that routine consumption of certain processed foods and beverages may play a larger role in exposure than individual characteristics, and they highlight practical targets, particularly soft drinks, potato chips, and canned fish, for community-based health-promotion strategies aimed at reducing unnecessary preservative intake. Full article

Background: Plant essential oils are extensively utilized for their antimicrobial properties; however, the specific antifungal mechanisms of certain compounds are not well characterized. Geraniol, a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol approved for use in foods, demonstrates potential efficacy against spoilage fungi, yet detailed mechanistic insights are lacking. Methods: In this study, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of geraniol against P. polonicum. We assessed the underlying mechanisms by evaluating membrane integrity, intracellular leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], peroxidase [POD], catalase [CAT]), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, ATP content, and ATPase activity. Inoculated yam slices were exposed to geraniol vapor, and we monitored sensory, physicochemical, enzymatic, and microbial parameters. Results: Geraniol exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration/minimum fungicidal concentration (MIC/MFC) of 0.3 mL/L. It disrupted cellular membranes, induced leakage, generated ROS, and caused lipid peroxidation, leading to elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, geraniol activated antioxidant enzymes and impaired energy metabolism. Fumigation with geraniol dose-dependently delayed the deterioration of yam, reduced weight loss, preserved texture and color, inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and POD activities, enhanced CAT and SOD activities, lowered MDA levels, and suppressed bacterial growth. Conclusions: Geraniol inhibits P. polonicum through multiple mechanisms, including membrane disruption, oxidative stress, and interference with energy metabolism, thereby effectively preserving the quality of fresh-cut yam and demonstrating potential as a natural preservative. Full article

Coffee is among the most widely consumed beverages globally being cultivated in nearly 80 countries. Its processing generates large quantities of by-products, including mucilage, pulp/husks, silverskin, parchment, and spent coffee grounds. Although traditionally treated as waste, these residues are increasingly recognized as valuable resources rich in bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidant, antimicrobial, and health-promoting properties. This review explores the antimicrobial potential of coffee by-products, with particular emphasis on their chemical composition and mechanisms of action. Compounds such as caffeine, chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, and melanoidins have demonstrated inhibitory effects against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Many of these compounds, which originate from plant’s defensive system or result from Maillard reactions, are known to disrupt microbial membranes, inhibit DNA repair, and interfere with pathogen metabolism. However, the available literature on their antimicrobial effectiveness remains limited. In the context of the rising worldwide concern over antimicrobial resistance, coffee by-products represent a sustainable and promising source of novel antimicrobial agents. Their valorization may support advances in food preservation, pharmaceutical innovation, and waste management practices, contributing to the implementation of a circular economy framework in the coffee industry while promoting environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Full article

This study evaluated a post-cut treatment combining sanitization, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) coating, and chokeberry pomace extract for preserving fresh-cut sweet peppers during 7 days of refrigerated storage. Sliced peppers of two cultivars, Sunny F₁ (yellow) and Yecla F₁ (red), were assigned to five treatments: water washing (control), BioActiW 2000 Food sanitizer (BAW), BAW followed by CMC coating (BAW + CMC), CMC coating with 3.5% chokeberry extract (CMC + AE), and 3.5% aqueous chokeberry extract (AAE). Samples were stored at 5 ± 1 °C and assessed for physicochemical, microbiological, sensory, and postharvest quality attributes. The response was cultivar-dependent. Coating-based treatments reduced polyphenol and L-ascorbic acid contents, although chokeberry-containing formulations mitigated these losses relative to BAW + CMC. Total sugars and carotenoids were not significantly affected. In both cultivars, BAW and BAW + CMC best limited mesophilic bacteria and yeast growth, reduced softening, and decreased weight loss. AAE applied without prior sanitization increased microbial counts in Sunny F₁. Sensory analysis showed cultivar-specific acceptance: Sunny F₁ tolerated CMC + AE and BAW + CMC better, whereas Yecla F₁ was more sensitive to off-flavors linked to the extract. These results indicate that sanitization is essential for microbiological stability, while CMC can provide an additional barrier effect. Chokeberry pomace extract showed mixed effects and appears to be a formulation component whose usefulness depends on cultivar and treatment conditions. Full article

Matcha, a finely milled powdered green tea originating from Japan, is characterized by a unique cultivation method in which tea plants are shaded prior to harvest. This practice enhances the accumulation of chlorophyll, caffeine, L-theanine, and other bioactive compounds. In addition, specialized post-harvest processing, including careful hand-picking, gentle steaming, drying, and traditional stone grinding, helps preserve the nutritional and biochemical integrity of the tea leaves. This review examines the relationship between cultivation and processing techniques and the resulting bioactive composition of matcha. It also summarizes current scientific evidence regarding the potential health-promoting properties of matcha and its major constituents. The analysis is based on available scientific literature, including both in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the biological activity of matcha and green tea catechins. Particular attention is given to studies evaluating their effects on metabolic parameters such as glucose levels, lipid profile, body weight regulation, and gut microbiota composition. In addition, the potential influence of matcha-derived compounds on neurological function, systemic physiological processes and anticancer potential is discussed. Furthermore, matcha is increasingly recognized as a functional food ingredient and has been incorporated into a variety of products, including bakery goods, dairy products, functional beverages, and nutraceutical formulations. The collected findings suggest that matcha may exert a broad spectrum of beneficial biological effects due to its high concentration of polyphenols, amino acids, and antioxidants. Nevertheless, despite promising experimental and preclinical data, further well-designed clinical studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and long-term health effects associated with regular matcha consumption. Full article

Limnospira platensis is a promising sustainable biomass for functional food production. During cultivation, it secretes extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) with underutilized potential as food ingredients. This study aimed to strategically fractionate Spirulina EPS (SEPS) by molecular weight (MW: <30, 30–100, >100 kDa) to elucidate their structure-function relationships for targeted food applications. We found distinct functional diversification: The mid-MW fraction (SEPS-2, 30–100 kDa) was an amphiphilic glycoprotein complex with potential interfacial activity. The high-MW fraction (SEPS-3, >100 kDa) formed a dense, glucose-rich glucan network, suggesting utility as a natural thickener or texturizer. In contrast, the low-MW fraction (SEPS-1, <30 kDa), rich in deoxy-sugars, exhibited superior antioxidant capacity, indicating potential as a bioactive preservative or nutraceutical. Spectroscopic and morphological analyses linked these structural differences to their physicochemical properties. Notably, the 30–100 kDa fraction transitions from a cultivation byproduct to a functional food architect, where its interfacial properties can be leveraged to engineer stable, clean-label emulsion-based food products. This work provides a foundation for the valorization of L. platensis EPS, demonstrating how MW-directed fractionation can unlock tailored functionalities-from bioactive agents to structural polymers-for the development of next-generation foods from circular bioeconomy streams. Full article

Grape pomace, the main solid by-product of winemaking, is a promising feedstock for the recovery of trans-resveratrol, a high-value stilbene of increasing interest for food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. However, its efficient isolation remains challenging because of matrix complexity, the co-occurrence of structurally related stilbenes and polyphenols, and the chemical instability of trans-resveratrol. This review critically examines recent advances in the recovery of trans-resveratrol from grape pomace, while also incorporating relevant findings from other grapevine-derived matrices to distinguish matrix-specific recovery potential and to place grape pomace within the broader context of grapevine by-product valorization from extraction intensification and selective purification to analytical determination. Various extraction technologies, including ultrasound-, microwave-, and enzyme-assisted extraction, natural deep eutectic solvents, and subcritical water extraction, are assessed alongside conventional solvent extraction with emphasis on yield, selectivity, solvent compatibility, and process feasibility. Downstream separation methods such as liquid–liquid partitioning, solid-phase isolation, adsorbent resins, counter-current chromatography, molecularly imprinted polymers, and foam fractionation are compared in terms of selectivity, enrichment efficiency, solvent demand, and scale-up potential. Although significant progress has been achieved, major challenges remain regarding process integration, solvent sustainability, product stability, and industrial feasibility. Combining mild extraction with selective downstream purification is essential for producing stable, high-purity trans-resveratrol fractions suitable for future use in functional ingredients, natural preservation strategies, and other value-added applications within sustainable food systems. Full article

Cognitive impairment induced by a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD) is associated with gut–liver–brain axis dysfunction, yet whether polysaccharide intervention can modulate this axis to achieve cognitive rescue remains unexplored. This study investigated whether Elaeagnus angustifolia polysaccharide (EAP) is associated with protection against HFFD-induced cognitive decline by modulating this axis. Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 15/group) received Control, HFFD, HFFD + LEAP (300 mg/kg/day EAP), or HFFD + HEAP (800 mg/kg/day EAP) for 14 weeks. HEAP improved spatial memory, reducing escape latency by 31.2% on day 5 (p < 0.01). Multi-omics and histopathological analyses revealed that EAP was dose-dependently associated with restructuring of the gut microbiota, expanding Muribaculaceae and other SCFA-producers while suppressing pathobionts, thereby reversing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio from 1.71 to 0.94 (p < 0.01). Elevated cecal, hepatic, and cerebral acetate, propionate, and butyrate (p < 0.01) were associated with improved intestinal barrier integrity, attenuated systemic LPS translocation, and reduced hepatic inflammation and changes consistent with normalization toward control levels of PPARα/γ signaling. These peripheral improvements were accompanied by changes in the hippocampus, where EAP suppressed IBA-1 microglial activation (from 4.5-fold to 2.1-fold of control, p < 0.01) and IL-6/TNF-α signaling, changes in neurotransmitter balance (Glu, 5-HT, DA), and preserved postsynaptic density ultrastructure and PSD-95 expression (p < 0.01). These findings support a role for EAP in modulating the gut–liver–brain axis and may help prevent diet-related cognitive impairment, supporting its development as a microbiome-targeted functional food ingredient. Full article

Agriculture faces significant challenges from crop diseases, which threaten global food security and cause substantial economic losses annually. While deep learning has advanced plant disease detection, existing models often struggle with generalization across heterogeneous environments and real-time deployment constraints, hindering their practical application in diverse agricultural settings. This paper proposes AD-DETR, an enhanced real-time detection transformer framework specifically designed for agricultural scenarios. The model incorporates three key innovations to address these issues. First, the Multi-Scale Align Network (MSANet) achieves adaptive feature alignment through an Adapt Fusion Align (AFA) block, effectively preserving disease detail information across varying scales. Second, the Spatial–Spectral Attentive Feature Fusion (SSAFF) module integrates frequency-domain processing with attention mechanisms, enhancing feature representation quality by combining spatial and spectral information. Third, the IPIoUv2 loss function improves bounding-box regression accuracy through an internal perception mechanism and scale-adaptive weighting. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate that AD-DETR achieves strong performance, with 90.2% mean average precision at $IoU=0.5$ on the Crop Disease dataset and 97.4% on the PlantDoc dataset. It maintains high efficiency with 16.4 million parameters, 47.2 GFLOPs computational complexity, and inference speeds of 230–242 frames per second. These results indicate that AD-DETR is robust to domain shift and suitable for resource-constrained applications, such as real-time monitoring on mobile and edge platforms. Full article

Bromalites (trace fossils produced by food processing) from the early Eocene Willwood Formation of Wyoming contain abundant glyptosaurid lizard skeletal elements. They clearly represent bromalites as they are discrete, three-dimensional, disarticulated accumulations of biological materials. Furthermore, they contain abundant skeletal elements, principally osteoderms, that exhibit no indication of digestion, so they can be identified as regurgitalites. The Willwood specimens represent orniothoregurgitalites, specifically strigilites, the regurgitalites of owls. These strigilites are assigned to Sauresus osteodermus igen. et isp. nov. This ichnotaxon is characterized by an elongate, sub-cylindrical or sub-ovoid bromalite pellet with irregular surface texture that is composed of a micritic matrix and contains abundant, well-preserved skeletal elements of glyptosaurids, principally osteoderms. The strigilites were probably produced by Primoptynx poliotauros that used its feet to kill glyptosaurids. The lizard, rather than rodent, content of the strigilite supports the hypothesis that Eocene owls were diurnal in habit and only became nocturnal in the Oligocene. Full article