Search Results (4,664)

Improving rice yield and optimizing rice quality are of great significance for ensuring food security. In modern rice production, mechanical transplanting has become the dominant transplanting method. Precise regulation of plant spacing and row spacing contributes to the formation of different transplanting densities, which further exerts effects on photosynthetic spikelets filling, yield formation and quality development of rice. Two-year field experiments were conducted with two conventional japonica rice cultivars of contrasting yield levels under four transplanting hill spacings at a uniform row spacing of 30 cm. The results showed that rice cultivars with higher seed-setting rate with an increase ranging from 1.44 to 1.91% and larger grain weight with an increase ranging from 13.17 to 13.40% presented more prominent yield potential. In addition, high-yield rice cultivars possessed more excellent photosynthetic carbon metabolism characteristics, which effectively improved the spikelets filling process of rice kernels. Superior photosynthetic carbon metabolism characteristics were conducive to increasing head rice rate and reducing chalkiness, while maintaining the duration of spikelets filling benefited the improvement of rice taste value. Narrowing the transplanting plant spacing reduced the physiological enzyme activities in rice leaves and grains, weakened photosynthetic carbon metabolism and hindered spikelets filling, which further decreased head rice rate and protein content but increased chalkiness. Notably, rice taste value also showed an increasing trend. The taste value of superior spikelets (SSs) of the two rice cultivars increased by 1.97–5.11% and 0.98–2.60% respectively, and that of inferior spikelets (ISs) increased by 1.37–3.64% and 1.62–4.12% respectively. Reducing transplanting plant spacing also significantly increased the number of effective panicles, resulting in an increase in population spikelet number. The final yield of the two rice cultivars increased by 5.38–11.62% and 5.23–11.03% respectively. Full article

Lupinus is recognized as a nutrient-dense legume rich in protein, raw fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids, contributing significantly to human nutrition and health. In Ecuador, the Andean Crops and Plant Genetic Resources program of INIAP maintains a germplasm bank comprising 257 uncharacterized accessions. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and phytochemical composition of ten promising sweet Lupin genotypes (L. mutabilis) exhibiting good agronomic characteristics, resistance and/or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, superior grain quality and significantly reduced seed alkaloid content in experimental trails. These genotypes were compared with two accessions of L. albus and L. angustifolius used as control genotypes. Except for carbohydrate content, L. mutabilis genotypes exhibited similar or superior nutritional profiles compared to genotype controls with high protein (44.7%), fat (19.91%), and ash (4.16%) contents and reduced alkaloid concentrations, notably, two genotypes LmAnds16 and LmFRs43 with 0.04%. However, it exhibited the highest polyphenol (8.84 mg·g⁻¹) and flavonoid (0.67 mg·g⁻¹) concentrations and antioxidant activity for ABTS (19.94 µmol TE·g⁻¹) and FRAP (300.30 µmol TE·g⁻¹) on a dry weight basis (DW). These results are important for the generation of new varieties of Lupinus focused on its nutritional quality and to produce nutraceutical and functional foods. Full article

Hot-pressed peanut protein isolate (HPPI), severely denatured during oil extraction, exhibits limited interfacial functionality, restricting its application in structured emulsions. In this study, high-voltage pulsed electric field (PEF) was employed to modulate the structural and interfacial properties of HPPI, a sustainable food biopolymer. PEF treatment induced conformational rearrangement, including a shift in secondary structure from α-helix to β-sheet and increased exposure of hydrophobic residues. These structural changes reduced particle size and increased surface charge, with optimal modification at 2.5 kV/cm. Consequently, interfacial activity was significantly improved, as evidenced by decreased interfacial tension and increased dilatational modulus, indicating a more elastic interfacial film was formed. The modified protein (2.5 kV/cm) effectively stabilized high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) with typical gel-like viscoelastic features, achieving optimal stability at 2.0 wt% protein concentration, 75% oil phase fraction, and NaCl concentrations below 100 mM. Overall, PEF treatment enhances the interfacial functionality of HPPI by modulating its structure and interfacial film properties, thereby facilitating the fabrication of biopolymer-based food-grade HIPEs for practical food applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Essential Oils (EO), complex mixtures of organic compounds, exhibit a wide range of properties useful in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, perfumery and agri-food fields. In particular, well-recognized EO anti-inflammatory properties push towards the investigation of the mechanisms underlying them. One of the signaling pathways targeted by EOs is the Janus Kinase Signal of Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT), whose hyperactivation is associated with inflammation, immune diseases and tumor progression. Methods: A comprehensive search on the major bibliographic databases was conducted; current findings and recent insights about the role of EOs in modulating the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway were collected. Results: EOs derived from different plant species showed efficacy in attenuating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators and in inhibiting phosphorylation of both JAK and STAT proteins. These results could be due to the EO’s multi-component nature and to the synergistic interaction occurring within these complex mixtures, both reflecting multi-target effects and modulations. Limitations concerning formulations, lack of standardization, efficacy and safety profiles, sustainable and eco-friendly approaches, and the gap between the literature and translation to the clinic were addressed. Conclusions: EOs represent emergent, promising and high-value candidates able to modulate the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway. Full article

Global food waste management necessitates circular bioeconomy solutions to transform organic residues into high-value nutrients to address nutritional demands. This study investigated the valorization of two abundant waste streams, stale bread and sunflower oil through solid state fermentation using food-grade filamentous fungi. Three strains, Neurospora intermedia, Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oryzae were evaluated for the bioconversion of stale bread. Oil supplementation levels of 10, 20 and 30% (g/100 g dry matter) using both fresh and spent sunflower oil were tested to assess changes in proximate composition, characterizing fungal growth dynamics and mycelial development. Furthermore, modifications in fatty acid profiles and hydrolytic enzyme activities were analyzed to determine species responses to oil source and concentration. The results demonstrated that N. intermedia achieved peak protein levels of 36% (g/100 g) alongside efficient starch catabolism, while 10% fresh oil supplementation induced a significant protein increase (26%) in A. oryzae. Regarding lipid accumulation, 10% spent oil supported higher fat content in R. oryzae (19%) compared to fresh oil (17%). PUFA/SFA ratio reached its maximum in A. oryzae with the highest of 5.91 ± 0.56 under 10% fresh oil. Enzymatic analysis identified A. oryzae as the most efficient lipase producer, reaching a maximum activity of approximately 0.10 U/g at 10% spent oil supplementation. Conversely, R. oryzae lipase activity peaked at 20% supplementation (0.08 U/g), reflecting its high capacity for lipid accumulation. These findings establish a potent bioprocess for upcycling mixed food wastes into enhanced functional ingredients for sustainable food and feed systems. Full article

Soybean seeds have long been regarded as “storehouses of high-quality proteins”. The breakdown of dietary proteins by digestive proteases is essential for achieving adequate protein digestibility in animals and humans. However, plants have evolved a diverse array of protease inhibitors that regulate or restrict protease activity. In soybean, these inhibitors are concentrated primarily within the 2S protein fraction. Trypsin inhibitors (TIs) of Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) and Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI) are the most impactful due to their strong anti-tryptic activity, which interferes with digestive proteases in humans and animals. Elevated TI levels render raw soybeans unsuitable for direct food or feed use unless thermal or processing inactivation treatments are applied. Elimination or reduction in KTI and BBI using classical and biotechnology-based breeding efforts is a promising strategy. Soybean germplasm harboring BBI null alleles has not been reported. Breeding only for low or null KTI content in soybean would not be sufficient for practical applications. Hybridizing IT105782 × PI 547656 and using the reported Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers represents an effective classical breeding strategy. Simultaneous CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of key KTI and BBI genes is expected to enable the development of soybean lines with substantially reduced TI levels, an outcome that cannot be readily achieved through classical introgression of null alleles, as naturally occurring null BBI alleles have not yet been identified. Moreover, this approach avoids the linkage drag associated with donor-derived null KTI alleles. However, this approach remains challenging due to functional redundancy and compensatory effects among KTI and BBI family members, extensive sequence homology among KTI and BBI genes that complicates the minimization of off-target effects, and the genotype dependency of Agrobacterium-mediated soybean transformation. Microtiter plate AACCI/AOCS could be one practical option for measuring TIA in breeding programs in terms of precision. Potential trade-offs associated with reduced trypsin inhibitor levels, including possible effects on plant defense and stress resistance, should be investigated in future studies, as these aspects have received little attention in previous research. Full article

The increasing global demand for dietary protein has intensified the search for functional and sustainable plant-based ingredients. Chickpea flour is a promising candidate owing to its high nutritional quality and rich bioactive content. This study evaluated the use of microfluidization as a non-thermal strategy to enhance the physicochemical and functional properties of chickpea flour. Microfluidization induced particle fragmentation and led to protein denaturation, producing more irregular and porous surface morphologies. These structural modifications increased surface hydrophobicity, enhancing emulsifying and foaming capacities. Enhanced surface hydrophobicity also led to marked improvements in oil-holding capacity (up to 210% increase over control, after microfluidization at 200 MPa for three passes), likely due to stronger interactions with non-polar solvents. In parallel, microfluidization facilitated greater protein-water interactions, resulting in a 210% increase in protein solubility and 40% improvement in water-holding capacity after microfluidization at 200 MPa for one pass, compared to control. Increased surface area additionally contributed to higher in vitro protein digestibility (about 45% higher than control for all microfluidized samples) and the formation of a stronger network. Overall, these results demonstrate that microfluidization is an effective approach for improving the functional performance of whole chickpea flour, supporting its potential application in plant-based food systems. Full article

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is increasingly being recognized for the production of functional food ingredients and nutraceutical products with broad applications in human nutrition. Its nutrient-rich seeds are of particular interest for their nutritional profile. Moreover, its inflorescences and trichomes provide sources of nutrient-rich proteins, bioactive compounds, and functional substances for food formulations. Agronomic practices, environmental factors, and genotype considerably influence the hemp nutritional profile; thus, continued interdisciplinary research is needed to standardize quality across supply chains. X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) combined with 3D image analysis is an emerging non-destructive technique in high-resolution plant phenotyping. The aim of this work was to show the contribution of X-ray micro-CT to the quantitative characterization of the internal hemp seed structure and of the trichomes. The 3D image analysis approach used allowed us to determine many morphometric traits of the different seed parts and of the trichomes. Among them, volume ratios of the different seed parts and the density and morphological characteristics of the trichomes of two cultivars were accurately quantified. Overall, this work showed the contribution of X-ray micro-CT in 3D morphometric characterization of the hemp achene structure and trichomes. The obtained seed morphometric traits could be correlated in future applications with nutritional and/or physiological properties of different hemp varieties in order to support different aspects of the whole hemp supply chain such as the dehulling process, oil and protein recovery, seed quality evaluation, and genotype screening, to which trichome characterization could also contribute. Full article

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are renewable and biodegradable nanomaterials that can stabilize Pickering emulsions through steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion. However, pristine CNCs show limited interfacial anchoring because of their strong hydrophilicity and high surface charge density, making the emulsions susceptible to coalescence, phase separation, and structural instability under environmental stresses. This review summarizes two major strategies for stabilizing and functionally regulating CNC-based Pickering emulsions: chemical modification and synergistic stabilization. Chemical modification regulates CNC surface charge, wettability, interfacial anchoring, and functional group composition through oxidation, amination, esterification, graft copolymerization, desulfation, and etherification, whereas synergistic stabilization constructs composite interfacial films or continuous-phase networks through noncovalent interactions between CNCs and proteins, polysaccharides, cyclodextrins, surfactants, inorganic nanomaterials, or functional molecules. The ability of these emulsion systems to compartmentalize oil-soluble bioactives within structured droplets also provides a basis for improving bioactive stability and release behavior in food-related formulations. These strategies improve emulsion stability and introduce antibacterial, antioxidant, responsive, and controlled-release properties, highlighting the potential of CNC-based Pickering emulsions in active food systems, including food preservation, active packaging, and the stabilization, protection, and release regulation of food bioactives. Remaining challenges in green preparation, structural regulation, release mechanisms, scalable production, and practical evaluation are also discussed. Full article

Rice–crayfish co-culture is a dominant aquaculture mode in China, while the regional heterogeneity in crayfish nutritional quality remains insufficiently clarified. This study collected rice-field-cultured crayfish samples from six major producing provinces (Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, and Anhui) to systematically evaluate their meat yield, conventional nutritional components, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and mineral element contents. Significant regional differences were observed in all measured indicators. Jiangsu crayfish showed the highest meat yield (22.97% in females, 20.72% in males), crude protein (18.5%), and total amino acids (16.59 g/100 g). Jiangxi samples had the highest crude fat (0.7%), ash (1.5%), and calcium (1280 mg/kg). Anhui crayfish exhibited the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (47.30%). Hubei recorded the highest total eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (22.41%). Henan crayfish were highest in EPA (19.6%) and manganese (3.72 mg/kg), while Hunan samples had the highest iron (9.06 mg/kg). Valine was identified as the first limiting amino acid in all provinces, with secondary limiting amino acids varying regionally. Despite regional differences in specific nutritional indices, crayfish from all six provinces consistently exhibited high protein, low fat, balanced amino acid profiles, abundant unsaturated fatty acids, and rich essential minerals, with all measured nutritional mineral contents within national food safety limits. The findings provided empirical data and a scientific basis for crayfish quality evaluation, origin characteristic analysis, and targeted nutritional optimization of farming formulas, as well as for the differentiated development of regional crayfish industries. Full article

Plant-based food systems increasingly rely on heat-induced gelation of protein–starch mixtures, yet no focused synthesis has linked legume protein composition to mixed gel structure and function. This review critically analyses heat-induced gelation mechanisms in legume protein–starch systems, using the legumin-to-vicilin (L:V) ratio and starch origin as integrating design parameters. Legume storage proteins range from legumin-rich faba bean and Lupinus angustifolius, which form dense, disulfide-stabilised networks with high storage moduli, to vicilin-dominated mung bean, which produces weaker gels reliant on starch reinforcement. Pulse starches, characterised by high amylose content (24–45%), C-type crystallinity, and rapid amylose retrogradation upon cooling, act as a parallel gel-forming phase whose contribution scales inversely with protein network strength. Four protein–starch interaction modes, namely segregative phase separation, water competition, granule filler effects, and molecular complexation, jointly determine microstructure and rheological behaviour. A three-axis compositional framework defined by the L:V ratio, starch amylose content, and protein-to-starch ratio maps the gel design space. Variables favouring plant-based meat analogue performance, including high elastic modulus, yield stress, and hardness, are systematically opposed by dysphagia food requirements, including low yield stress, adequate lubrication, and soft fracture. This demonstrates that both application domains traverse the same compositional space in opposite directions. Critical research gaps include chickpea and lentil performance in meat analogue systems, mechanistic modelling of protein-matrix-mediated starch digestibility, and retrogradation kinetics during food storage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Semaglutide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog for type 2 diabetes and obesity, requires sensitive and high-throughput bioanalytical methods to support pharmacokinetic studies. However, previously reported liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) assays have been limited by lengthy run times (~18 min) and suboptimal sensitivity. This study aimed to develop and validate a rapid, sensitive LC–MS/MS method for quantifying semaglutide in plasma. Methods: Plasma samples (50 μL) were prepared by acetone-mediated protein precipitation followed by solid-phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Cadenza CD-C18 MF column within 9 min, using positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode with the transitions m/z 1029.4 → 110.1 for semaglutide and m/z 938.9 → 109.9 for liraglutide (internal standard). Validation followed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bioanalytical guidelines. Results: The assay showed a lower limit of quantification of 1 ng/mL with linearity across 1–500 ng/mL (R² = 0.9999), with sharp peak shape and no carryover. Intra- and inter-day accuracies were 95.69–103.76% and 94.93–100.08%, with precision ≤4.50% and ≤5.88%. Recovery (93.05–107.95%) and matrix effects (96.34–104.12%) were consistent across quality control levels, and the analyte was stable under all tested conditions. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in Sprague–Dawley rats following subcutaneous administration of 50 μg semaglutide. Conclusions: The validated method offers shorter analysis time, improved sensitivity, and reduced sample volume compared with previously reported assays, supporting its application in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies of semaglutide and related GLP-1 analogs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sapropterin dihydrochloride is an established treatment option for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) who demonstrate responsiveness, but uncertainty persists regarding dosing frequency, timing relative to meals, the influence of dietary composition, and efficacy of different formulations. Despite widespread use in the UK, real-world administration behaviours have not previously been characterised. This study aimed to characterise sapropterin administration behaviours among people with PKU in the UK. Methods: A 31-item questionnaire was developed and disseminated via the National Society for Phenylketonuria website and social media channels. The survey captured demographic information, dosing schedules, formulation use, administration techniques, co-ingestion with food, and changes in natural protein tolerance following initiation of generic sapropterin. Results: 124 current sapropterin users completed the survey. Most respondents were caregivers of children or adolescents (68.5% aged 0–18 years). Once-daily dosing was most common (66.1%, n = 82), typically administered at breakfast, followed by twice-daily (32.3%, n = 40) and three-times-daily (1.6%, n = 2). Tablets were the predominant formulation (92.7%, n = 115); 50.4% (n = 58/115) swallowed tablets whole, while the remaining (49.6%, n = 57/115) crushed or dissolved them in water or juice. Nine respondents (7.3%, n = 9/124) used powder sachets. Most participants (75%, n = 93/124) took sapropterin with food, with both low-fat (36.6%, n = 34/93) and high-fat (26.9%, n = 24/93) meals reported. Over a third of participants (33.9%, n = 42/124) tolerated a natural protein intake >30 g/day when this was measured, and a further 15.3% (n = 19) were able to maintain a fully unrestricted protein intake without protein substitute supplementation. The magnitude of protein intake improvement was significantly greater among adults (p < 0.001), those with higher baseline natural protein intake (≥30 exchanges/day) (p < 0.001), and individuals who swallowed sapropterin tablets whole (p = 0.038). Although 71.8% (n = 89/124) were pleased with their increased natural protein allowance, many expressed a desire for further improvement. Conclusions: Substantial heterogeneity in dosing schedules, formulation handling, and co-ingestion practices highlights the absence of standardised guidance. These findings emphasise the need for clearer clinical recommendations to optimise treatment effectiveness and support consistent, equitable care. Full article

The increased global prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is a chronic relapsing inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that creates a substantial socioeconomic burden. Existing pharmacotherapeutic treatments primarily target inflammatory signaling cascades and have disadvantages because of the side effects of drugs, reduced long-term efficacy, and high cost, necessitating the development of safe and sustainable adjunctive therapies. This review synthesizes mechanistic advances regarding dietary polysaccharides as bioactive agents that may have the capacity to induce remodeling of inflamed gastrointestinal tract in colitis and could be an adjunctive strategy as functional food ingredients due to their various biological activities in the management of colitis. Polysaccharides alleviate colitis through several interconnected pathways. First, they correct the gut dysbiosis by enriching beneficial taxa such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia muciniphila. Second, fermentation of polysaccharides produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, which serve as the primary energy source for colonocytes. Third, they restore intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins such as ZO-1, occludin, and claudin, also performing pro-inflammatory cascade inhibition and elimination of oxidative stress via Nrf2/HO-1 activation The relationship between structural properties of polysaccharides based on molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and biological functions of chemically modified dietary polysaccharides in colitis is studied. Dietary polysaccharides are explored here not as replacements for pharmacotherapy but as potential adjunctive or functional food-based interventions that may complement existing treatments as safe, multitargeted, and cost-effective interventions in prevention or long-term management of colitis and IBD. This review presents dietary polysaccharides function not as passive dietary fibers but as bioactive, multi-targeted, structurally dependent agents capable of restoring intestinal homeostasis, suggesting them as potentially safe, adjunctive interventions. Full article

Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq. (sand rice) is a drought-tolerant psammophytic species with high potential as a climate-resilient food crop due to its nutritional value and adaptation to arid environments. This study evaluates morphometric and biochemical variation in seeds from five natural populations across the deserts of Kazakhstan to assess their breeding potential. Seed morphometric traits showed moderate variability (CVs of 4.71–17.98%), with strong positive correlations among seed length, width, and thousand-seed weight, indicating coordinated development. In contrast, biochemical traits, particularly amino acid composition, exhibited substantially higher variability (CV up to 174.9%), reflecting metabolic flexibility under different environmental conditions. Among the amino acids reliably quantified in this study, histidine was the most abundant, while cysteine, tyrosine, and alanine showed high variability. Total protein content remained relatively stable, reaching up to 34.96% in superior accessions. Multivariate analyses revealed significant population differentiation: Akt1 was the most distinct, whereas Alm1 exhibited superior seed size and mass. Weak correlations between morphometric and biochemical traits suggest their partial independence. Integrated multivariate evaluation identified Akt2 and Alm1 as the most promising populations for breeding. Overall, the observed variation highlights strong potential to select genotypes that combine improved seed size with favorable biochemical characteristics, based on the five amino acids quantified above the LOQ, thereby supporting breeding and domestication efforts. Full article