Search Results (2,649)

This study evaluated how a partial substitution of pea protein isolate (PPI) with brewer’s spent grain (BSG) or barley rootlets (BRs) affects high-moisture meat analogues (HMMAs). PPI was substituted with 10% and 20% with BSG or BRs, respectively. Extrudates were produced on a co-rotating twin-screw extruder at maximum temperatures of 140 °C and 160 °C. Extrudates were assessed for colour, moisture, firmness and fibre morphology. Furthermore, the technofunctional and nutritional properties of the raw materials were determined. Extrudates with BSG produced the darkest colour, whereas PPI and BR formulations exhibited the lightest. A stronger reddish tint was observed at 160 °C, while the colour within the yellow–blue spectrum was largely temperature-independent. Firmness was generally higher at 160 °C, consistent with lower end-product moisture. Side stream addition lowered protein content and weakened fibre formation, with the effect most pronounced for BRs. Overall, formulation was the dominant factor influencing lightness, while temperature modestly increased redness and firmness. Preliminary sensory evaluation supported these trends. Extrudates produced at 140 °C were perceived as having a more fibrous structure. Higher substitution levels resulted in a weaker, more crumbly texture. With respect to the environmental assessment, a 20% replacement of PPI with BRs or BSG reduced overall environmental impacts by up to 19% and climate impacts by up to 16%. With regard to the novel food status, the EU Novel Food Status Catalogue classifies BSG as not novel, whereas BRs are not novel only when used in food supplements. Any other food uses, other than as, or in, food supplements, might considered to be novel and consequently might need to be authorised under the novel food regulation framework prior to market placement. Full article

Naked oat (Avena nuda L.) is an important dual-purpose crop for grain and forage in cold regions; however, its high fatty acid content renders seeds prone to deterioration during storage. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on artificially aged naked oat seeds and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Non-aged seeds (Naged) were subjected to artificial aging at 45 °C and 100% relative humidity for 24 h (Aged), followed by priming with 30 mg L⁻¹ ZnO NPs for 6 h (Daged). Antioxidant enzyme activities were determined spectrophotometrically, and transcriptome sequencing was performed on an Illumina platform to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. We found that ZnO NPs increased catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities by 3–4-fold, restored germination rate from 75% to 98%, and enhanced seed vigor index. A total of 21,403 DEGs were detected, with 15,841 stably expressed in response to nano-priming. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst rapidly induced up-regulation of AP2/EREBP transcription factor family members, which subsequently activated antioxidant enzyme genes to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Metabolic pathway analysis demonstrated that the phenylpropanoid pathway was reprogrammed, characterized by down-regulated lignin biosynthesis and up-regulated flavonoid production, thereby enhancing ROS scavenging capacity. Additionally, the pentose phosphate pathway was activated to provide additional NADPH for antioxidant defense, and up-regulated ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) facilitated starch accumulation. Notably, the 40S ribosomal protein S13 exhibited the highest connectivity in protein–protein interaction networks, was up-regulated 2.1-fold, and was enriched in post-translational modification processes. These findings suggest that nano-priming with ZnO NPs represents a promising biotechnological strategy for enhancing seed vigor and storability in naked oat, with potential applications in sustainable agriculture and the seed industry. Full article

To investigate the differences in carbon and nitrogen metabolism between superior and inferior grains of southern soft and non-soft japonica rice and their relationships with appearance quality, the metabolic characteristics and appearance quality of superior and inferior grains during the grain-filling stage were compared between the two rice types. The results showed that, compared with non-soft japonica rice, the activities of AGPase and GBSS in superior grains of soft rice were significantly lower, whereas the activities of SSS, SBE, and DBE were significantly higher. The amylose content decreased by 32.68–44.72%, while amylopectin increased by 7.27–10.73%. The limitation in carbon metabolism was more pronounced in inferior grains, and the non-structural carbohydrate content was 9.33–17.33% lower than that in superior grains. In terms of nitrogen metabolism, GS activity decreased whereas GOGAT activity increased in superior grains, resulting in a 6.28–8.38% increase in protein content. The protein content of inferior grains was 1.75–6.44% higher than that of superior grains. In addition, the chalky grain rate and chalkiness degree of superior grains in soft rice were 79.00–481.03% higher than those in non-soft japonica rice, while the increases in inferior grains ranged from 67.51% to 136.31%. Correlation analysis indicated that the chalky grain rate of superior grains was positively correlated with starch content during the early grain-filling stage, whereas the chalkiness degree of inferior grains was positively correlated with protein content. These results suggest that differences in carbon and nitrogen metabolism between grain positions are closely associated with the formation of appearance quality. Full article

Pseudocereals are naturally gluten-free crops because they do not contain gluten-forming proteins which are present in other grains. The main pseudocereals used in bakery formulations are buckwheat, amaranth, and quinoa, because they have a balanced nutritional profile including high-quality proteins, dietary fiber, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiometabolic health-promoting effects. Due to their high nutritional value, they have increasingly been used as functional ingredients in bakery products, particularly for consumers with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or those seeking nutritionally enhanced foods. The present paper reviews recent advances on the nutritional, functional, and technological properties of these pseudocereals, focusing on their applications in bakery products. Their influence on dough behavior, product quality, and the nutritional improvement of bread, cakes, biscuits, muffins, and other baked goods is discussed. Also, different aspects of the use of pseudocereals in gluten-free products are presented. Mentions are also made of the fact that the increasing demand for healthier and gluten-free foods highlights the possibility of using pseudocereals as promising ingredients for the development of nutritionally enriched bakery products of acceptable technological and sensory quality. Full article

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is one of the major by-products of the brewing industry and an abundant lignocellulosic stream with potential for energy recovery and broader biorefinery use. This review evaluates the main BSG-to-energy pathways, including anaerobic digestion (AD), combustion/co-combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal processes (HTC/HTL), with emphasis on technical performance, environmental aspects, implementation constraints, and integration into brewery systems. Particular attention is given to the effect of BSG heterogeneity, high moisture content, protein and ash composition, and storage instability on process selection and operability. In addition to summarizing pathway-specific evidence, the manuscript proposes a harmonized comparative framework and an integrated technical–economic–environmental interpretation of BSG valorization options. The analysis shows that wet-feed-compatible pathways, especially AD and hydrothermal processing, are generally better aligned with the intrinsic properties of fresh BSG, whereas thermochemical routes usually require more intensive feedstock conditioning and tighter control of ash-related and gas cleaning risks. The review also highlights that long-term operational reliability, scale-up constraints, and utility integration are as important as nominal conversion efficiency when assessing practical deployment. Current evidence suggests that the most realistic implementation strategies are context-dependent and should be selected according to brewery scale, energy demand profile, available heat integration, and acceptable operational risk. Future research should prioritize harmonized reporting, long-term industrial validation, and the development of robust hybrid systems and brewery-integrated biorefinery configurations. Full article

Integrating agricultural remote sensing and phenomics for full-growth-period rice quality prediction is vital for early non-destructive screening and breeding; however, studies integrating genomic and multi-source phenotypic data across multiple environments remain limited. This study addressed this gap by integrating genomic SNP data, UAV-based spectral data, and individual multidimensional phenotypic data of 61 indica rice varieties (field and greenhouse environments). As a proof-of-concept study, feature selection methods (LASSO, MI, RFE, SPA) were used to mitigate overfitting and the “p >> n” problem, with further validation needed in larger populations. The results showed that amylose content is genetically dominated, protein content is genetically determined and influenced by gene-environment interactions, and chalkiness traits are determined by three combined factors. For amylose content, SNP data under the Random Forest model at the population level (phenomics data from field UAV remote sensing of variety populations) achieved optimal performance (R² = 0.92; MAE = 1.1; RMSE = 1.5), while the Stacking Ensemble method enhanced accuracy at the individual level (phenomics data from greenhouse single-plant phenotyping per variety). Chalky grain rate and chalkiness degree showed SNP-comparable prediction accuracy, with Stacking significantly improving performance at the population level (R² = 0.89 and 0.85, respectively). Protein content prediction remained relatively low (optimal R² = 0.56) due to strong environmental sensitivity and complex interactions. This framework extends traditional single-environment/single-data-source approaches, providing an effective strategy for early, high-throughput, non-destructive rice quality screening. Further validation with larger datasets, more growing seasons, or independent populations is required for reliable application in breeding-related practices. Full article

Rice grain yield and drought tolerance are critical for global food security. So far, only a few genes have been reported to regulate both traits simultaneously. Here, we characterize OsFLO1, a previously unreported FAD-linked oxidoreductase, as a dual regulator of grain development and drought stress tolerance in rice. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) revealed natural variation in OsFLO1, with haplotypes showing geographic adaptation to local rainfall. Functional analysis demonstrated that overexpression (OX) lines exhibited larger grains and improved panicle traits, while knockout (CR) lines showed reduced grain size and yield components despite increased tiller number. Regarding drought tolerance, OX lines of OsFLO1 enhanced drought tolerance, as evidenced by increased root length and antioxidant activities, whereas knockout (CR) lines displayed impaired stress responses. We further show that OsWRKY53 directly binds the OsFLO1 promoter, thereby activating its expression and coordinating both grain development and stress responses. Together, these results suggest that OsFLO1 functions as a key regulator coordinating grain development and drought tolerance, making it a promising target for improving rice productivity. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation is severely affected by Fusarium verticillioides, a highly adaptable systemic pathogen that causes serious yield losses, reduces grain quality, and produces toxic fumonisin, posing significant health risks to humans and livestock. A biological control approach to combating it was investigated. Streptomyces sp. BPTC-684 showed strong inhibitory activity (53.11%) against F. verticillioides BNGO-16, isolated from a diseased tissue sample. Based on physiological and biochemical characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, average nucleotide identity, and digital DNA–DNA hybridization, strain BPTC-684 is considered a candidate new species belonging to the genus Streptomyces. In silico analysis of Streptomyces sp. BPTC-684 showed that it expresses diverse biosynthetic gene clusters encoding potential bioactive compounds, notably antibiotics (kinamycin, antimycin, fuelimycins A-C, hangtaimycin, and deoxyhangtaimycin) and siderophores (desferrioxamines B and E). In addition, plant growth-promoting behaviors, such as indole-3-acetic acid production; phosphate solubilization; and the production of extracellular lytic enzymes that degrade cellulose, chitin, proteins, amylose, and xylan, were also discovered in Streptomyces sp. BPTC-684. The pot experiments demonstrated that plant height, fresh weight, and dry root weight were increased in strain BPTC-684 by 37.88%, 132.50%, and 223.81%, respectively, compared to F. verticillioides BNGO-16 on the 15th day of infection. These findings suggest that Streptomyces sp. BPTC-684 is a promising biological control agent for inhibiting fungal diseases and promoting maize growth. Full article

Winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important crop used for feed, food, malting, and bioethanol production. Recent research indicates that the seed mycobiome significantly influences seed health and usability, affecting its potential applications. This study examined the fungal species present in seven barley cultivars grown under two agrotechnical regimes. Fungal species were classified according to their effects on seeds and plants, and biodiversity indices were calculated for each group. Enhanced agrotechnical practices increased yields and improved grain quality. Higher DON concentrations were observed in low-yield treatments. Mycological analysis revealed that field fungi, particularly Fusarium, dominated the grain mycobiome and were associated with infection and reduced seed quality. High Dominance (Y), Margalef, and Shannon–Wiener indices for quality-deteriorating fungi correlated with lower yields, while the Dominance index (λ) for these fungi was negatively correlated with grain protein content. The prevalence of specific fungi on seeds depends on storage conditions and fungal adaptations, which may result in complementary consortia. Understanding these interactions can support the development of effective seed storage strategies and inform material classification and future use decisions. Full article

Protein content (PC) stability is crucial for wheat quality. This study utilized partial least squares regression and structural equation modeling to distinguish the physiological effects of “thermal intensity” versus “thermal accumulation” on spring wheat PC across Inner Mongolia. Environmental factors were the dominant drivers of variation. Notably, the Erguna region achieved the highest PC (18.53%) despite recording the lowest total growing degree days. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that thermal intensity during heading-to-anthesis exerted a strong positive effect on PC (path coefficient = 0.965), likely by enhancing nitrogen remobilization kinetics. Conversely, excessive thermal accumulation and sunshine duration during grain filling negatively impacted PC via a carbohydrate-driven “dilution effect”. These findings suggest that superior PC formation requires a specific spatiotemporal coupling: high thermal intensity prior to anthesis to prime nitrogen transport, combined with low thermal accumulation post-anthesis to restrict carbon dilution. This study provides a physiological basis for optimizing wheat quality zoning by decoupling heat magnitude from duration under future climate scenarios. Full article

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of low-nitrogen (LN) tolerance in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is crucial for developing cultivars with improved nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE). In this study, a LN-tolerant cultivar (‘Xin Chun 29’, XC29) and a LN-sensitive cultivar (‘Xin Chun 11’, XC11) were used to investigate miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation under LN stress. A total of 822 miRNAs were identified across root and grain tissues, including 104 known miRNAs and several tissue-specific candidates. In roots, tae-miR395a and tae-miR444a were significantly upregulated in XC29 under LN stress, putatively targeting an F-box ubiquitin ligase gene and glutathione reductase gene, respectively. In grains, the tae-miR156/SBP module was upregulated in XC29, whereas tae-miR1118 and tae-miR9778 were downregulated in XC11, potentially suppressing a receptor kinase gene and calmodulin gene. KEGG analysis revealed that target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were significantly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and nitrogen metabolism. Notably, within the hormone signaling category, the gibberellin (GA) branch was highlighted by the co-targeting of DELLA genes by tae-miR1130b-3p and tae-miR1120c-3p. To elucidate this regulatory hub, a putative miRNA-target network centered on DELLA proteins was constructed, further underscoring the centrality of gibberellin signaling in the LN adaptation process. These findings suggest potential key miRNA-target modules contributing to LN adaptive responses and may provide useful genetic resources for molecular design breeding of nitrogen-efficient wheat. Full article

This study investigated rice bran and green Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105) rice grains as alternative protein sources for plant-based yogurt. However, there is a lack of systematic investigation on the application of enzyme-extracted proteins from green KDML 105 rice and rice bran in fermented yogurt systems. Proteins were obtained via enzyme-assisted extraction to enhance yield and bioactive compound release prior to formulation. Physicochemical, compositional, rheological, bioactive, and sensory properties were evaluated. Yogurts by green rice protein extract (GRE) and green rice bran protein extract (GBE) formed softer gel networks than soy yogurt, exhibiting lower water-holding capacity and higher syneresis, reflecting differences in protein aggregation during fermentation. Nevertheless, green rice (GR) and green rice bran (GB) yogurts contained significantly higher protein levels (1.93–2.47-fold) than the control. They also demonstrated enhanced bioactive properties, with increased total phenolic content (1.07–1.51-fold), total flavonoid content (2.10–4.35-fold), DPPH radical scavenging activity (1.07–1.16-fold), and FRAP values (1.46–1.98-fold). Sensory evaluation indicated good acceptability, particularly for GR formulations, which achieved a mean score of 7 with favorable texture and flavor attributes. These findings highlight the technological feasibility of utilizing green rice and rice bran proteins as primary ingredients in rice-based fermented yogurt alternatives with improved bioactive functionality. Full article

Simultaneous achievement of high yield and excellent quality in rice is essential for food security and human health. The coordinated application of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) can effectively increase the grain yield (GY) and grain protein concentration (GPC) of rice. A two-season field experiment was conducted to investigate the synergistic effects of combined N and S application on the GY and GPC of rice. This study employed four N rates (0, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha⁻¹, designated as N0, N1, N2, and N3, respectively) and four S rates (0, 30, 45, and 60 kg ha⁻¹, designated as S0, S1, S2, and S3, respectively) using two rice cultivars: Jiujiuxiang (JJX) and Jiuxiangyou (JXY). The experimental results demonstrate that N and S exert significant effects on the GY and GPC of rice, with notable interactive effects between these two nutrient elements. The synergistic fertilization of N and S enhanced the GY by improving rice plant photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation while increasing GPC through elevated cysteine concentration in grains. Compared to the unfertilized treatment, the GY of the JJX cultivar showed increases of 68.3–143.2% (Season I) and 59.4–133.4% (Season II) under combined N and S applications, while the GY of the JXY cultivar increased by 53.2–144.1% (Season I) and 66.0–192.9% (Season II). Similarly, the GPC of the JJX cultivar showed increases of 7.5–43.4% (Season I) and 5.7–43.9% (Season II) under combined N and S applications, while the GPC of the JXY cultivar increased by 13.1–66.7% (Season I) and 13.3–61.0% (Season II). Overall, whether on the JJX or JXY cultivars, the application of 180 kg ha⁻¹ of N combined with 45 kg ha⁻¹ of S (i.e., the N2S2 treatment) synergistically enhances GY and GPC in rice. The synergistic fertilization of N and S synergistically enhances both rice yield and nutritional quality by regulating plant growth dynamics, which meet the requirements for healthy and sustainable development in rice production systems. Full article

This study delivers a comprehensive evaluation of tantalum-based coatings designed as protective surface layers for cardiovascular stents, focusing on their mechanical durability, corrosion resistance, and surface properties relevant to hemocompatibility. Coatings consisting of tantalum (Ta), tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅), and a bilayer Ta/Ta₂O₅ system were deposited onto 316L stainless steel using plasma-assisted reactive magnetron sputtering. Structural characterization confirmed a nanocrystalline β-phase for Ta, while Ta₂O₅ exhibited an amorphous, dense, grain-boundary-free morphology that provided superior crack resistance together with enhanced corrosion protection. The bilayer configuration demonstrated the highest overall performance by combining the hardness and mechanical support of Ta with the chemical inertness and stability of Ta₂O₅. This architecture achieved the greatest hardness (861.5 HV), improved toughness proxies expressed as H/E = 0.08 and H³/E² = 0.06 GPa, and a favorable modulus gradient that effectively reduced interfacial stress and increased adhesion. Electrochemical testing in Hanks’ Body Fluid showed a dramatic 1000-fold reduction in corrosion current when compared with uncoated stainless steel, surpassing the performance of both individual monolayers. Assessments of surface properties further demonstrated that hydrophilic, oxide-rich surfaces limited protein adsorption and platelet activation, with Ta₂O₅ and Ta/Ta₂O₅ coatings performing strongly. Overall, these findings indicate that Ta/Ta₂O₅ bilayers provide a multifunctional surface solution for next-generation stents. Full article

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) plays a central role in global food and nutritional security, yet its grain mineral and protein quality remain highly variable across varieties and environments. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of varieties, nitrogen (N) fertilization, foliar zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S) application, and seasonal variation on grain macro- and micronutrients (Ca, Mg, K, Zn) and protein content, adopting a system-level approach that integrates varieties, nutrient management, and seasonal variability. We hypothesized that aligning variety selection with precision nutrient management would improve grain nutritional quality while enhancing resilience to environmental variation. Significant differences among varieties (p < 0.05) were observed, with the spring-sown variety Durablank exhibiting the highest grain Zn concentration (34.70 mg kg⁻¹) compared with MV Pelsodur (23.0 mg kg⁻¹) and GK Julidur (23.8 mg kg⁻¹), representing a 50.87% varietal difference. Grain Ca, Mg, and K varied widely across varieties and seasons, with drought in 2022 increasing grain Zn, while the wetter 2023 season enhanced Mg and K accumulation. A clear yield–protein trade-off was found, where high-yielding MV Pelsodur maintained 14.3% protein while moderate-yielding Durablank reached 16.8%. Foliar Zn and S applications significantly increased grain Zn, particularly in Zn-efficient varieties. Nitrogen fertilization at 100 kg ha⁻¹ improved macronutrient accumulation by 12–20% compared with 60 kg N ha⁻¹. Significant varieties × N × season interactions (p < 0.01) highlight the need for adjusted varieties -specific nutrient management strategies. Overall, the findings demonstrate that integrating genetic selection with optimized fertilization and season-responsive management practices may contribute to improving grain nutritional quality of durum wheat. Full article