Search Results (1,264)

The growing demand for sustainable protein sources has boosted interest in Andean pseudocereals, particularly quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule), and kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus), due to their complete nutritional profile, high digestibility, and low allergenic potential. Their inclusion in vegetarian and vegan diets represents a viable alternative that can replace animal proteins without compromising on nutritional quality. This study presents a critical review of indexed scientific literature analyzing essential amino acid composition, protein quality values—such as PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score) and DIAAS (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score)—and the impact of various processing technologies on the functionality of Andean proteins. Results show that these grains contain between 13 and 18 g of protein per 100 g of dry product and provide adequate levels of lysine, methionine, and threonine, meeting FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) requirements for adult nutrition. Processes such as germination, fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis, and extrusion have demonstrated improvements in both amino acid bioavailability and functional properties of proteins, enabling their application in gluten-free breads, meat analogs, and functional beverages. Furthermore, emerging strategies such as nanotechnology, bioactive peptide generation, and gene editing via CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)—a precise genome editing tool—open new possibilities for enhancing the nutritional and functional value of pseudocereals in the food industry. Taken together, the findings consolidate the strategic role of Andean grains as key ingredients in the development of sustainable, functional, and plant-based foods. Full article

Chicken meat represents the most widely consumed source of animal protein globally. The identification of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that affect muscle development provides new selection targets for poultry breeding. In this study, muscle samples from high- and low-breast-weight chickens were collected and sequenced for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and mRNAs. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we found 95 lncRNAs and 46 circRNAs that were significantly associated with breast muscle traits. Subsequently, 51 candidate lncRNAs and 22 candidate circRNAs were screened through differential expression analysis. Finally, by constructing an ncRNA–mRNA regulatory network and performing pathway enrichment analysis, we identified four lncRNAs (e.g., MSTRG.9172.1) and seven circRNAs (e.g., novel_circ_009419) as key regulatory molecules. Functional analysis revealed that these molecules modulate genes such as CD28, CCND2, TIAM1, and RRM2 through pathways including the actin cytoskeleton, p53 signaling pathway, and other pathways. In conclusion, this study provides clearer insight into the epigenetic regulatory network involved in chicken breast muscle development and offers important molecular markers for chicken genetic selection. Full article

Sesame oil extraction byproduct (SOEB) contains a high percentage of protein (49.81 g/100 g), making it a suitable plant-based source for producing protein hydrolysates with nutraceutical potential. In this study, albumins, globulins, glutelins, and prolamins fractions were extracted and characterized from SOEB. These fractions were then enzymatically hydrolyzed with alcalase, yielding high soluble protein content (>90%) and hydrolysis degrees ranging from 34.66 to 45.10%. The hydrolysates were fractionated by molecular weight (<5 kDa, 3–5 kDa, 1–3 kDa, and <1 kDa). These fractions demonstrated potential for inhibiting the DPPH radical (25.19–95.79%) and the α-glucosidase enzyme (40.14–55.63%), particularly the fractions with molecular weight <1 kDa. We identified 28 peptides, with molecular weights between 332.20 and 1096.63 Da, which showed potent antioxidant activities (IC₅₀ = 90.18 µg/mL), as well as inhibitory effects on key enzymes such as α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 61.48 µg/mL), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (IC₅₀ = 12.12 µg/mL), and pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ = 6.14 mg/mL). These results demonstrate the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity potential of SOEB peptides, highlighting their use in the formulation of new functional foods or nutraceuticals. Full article

The consumption of animal- and plant-based protein food is increasing as the world population grows. Alternative protein sources that are nutritious, safe and sustainable are needed. There is a growing research interest in integrating wheat-based staple foods, such as pasta, with new ingredients that could also provide nutritional and health benefits. Despite their unquestionable nutritional value, new pasta formulations need to be evaluated in terms of technological/sensory quality. In this study, we assessed the quality and flavour of traditional egg pasta fortified with two alternative protein sources: hazelnut flour and cricket powder. It is known that a quality pasta tends to lose fewer solids during cooking. In parallel with classical evaluation of cooking and sensory characteristics, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy of the metabolites released during the cooking process and volatile fingerprint analysis with quartz microbalance (QMB) electronic nose (E-nose) were performed. These approaches showed results complementary to those obtained from classical quality and sensory analyses, thus demonstrating the potential of ¹H NMR and E-nose in pasta quality assessment. Overall, the pasta fortification with cricket powder and hazelnut flour affected the matrix mobility by modulating the release of chemical components into the water during cooking and overcooking processes; moreover, it significantly altered the pasta sensory profile in terms of aroma and texture. This finding highlights the complexity of balancing technological improvement with sensory appeal in food product development. Full article

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella poses a significant threat to global public health and food safety, necessitating the urgent search for new strategies to replace conventional antibiotics. Phages are viruses that can directly target bacteria and have garnered attention in recent years for their development as antibiotic alternatives. In this study, 4458 samples were collected from farms, supermarkets, and human feces, yielding 65 strains of Salmonella, which were serotyped using multiplex PCR. Subsequently, a lytic phage was isolated and identified using the dominant serotype of Salmonella as the host bacterium. We further explored the biological characteristics of this phage through host range, growth properties, and genomic analysis. Finally, we analyzed the potential of the phage to block the cross-host transmission of Salmonella, combining PFGE Salmonella classification, strain sources, and phage lytic phenotypes. The results showed that phage gmqsjt-1 could lyse 69.23% (45/65) of Salmonella, of which 75.56% (34/45) were resistant strains. The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) for gmqsjt-1 was 0.01, with a latent period of about 10 min, maintaining high activity within the temperature range of 30 to 60 °C and pH range of 2 to 13. No virulence or resistance genes were detected in the gmqsjt-1 genome, which carries two tail spike proteins (contain FAD binding_2 superfamily, the Tail spike TSP1/Gp66 N-terminal domain, and the Pectin lyase fold) and a holin–lysozyme–spanin lytic system. Phylogenetic classification indicates that phage gmqsjt-1 belongs to a new genus and species of an unnamed family within the class Caudoviricetes. PFGE classification results show a high genetic relationship among human, farm animal, and food source Salmonella, and the comprehensive lytic phenotype reveals that phage gmqsjt-1 can lyse Salmonella with high genetic correlation. These results suggest that this novel lytic Salmonella phage has the potential to inhibit cross-host transmission of Salmonella, making it a promising candidate for developing alternative agents to control Salmonella contamination sources (farms), thereby reducing the risk of human infection with Salmonella through ensuring food system safety. Full article

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious and lethal disease caused by classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and it is also a notifiable disease according to the World Organization for Animal Health. Owing to the continuous growth of the international trade in pigs and pig products, pig farming has become the pillar industry of the global livestock industry and is the most important source of animal protein for mankind. As a single-stranded RNA virus, CSFV can avoid being recognized and cleared by the host immune system through a variety of immune evasion strategies so that it persists in the host body and causes multisystemic pathology. CSF has also become one of the most serious infectious diseases affecting the pig industry, resulting in considerable economic losses to the pig industry. Therefore, understanding the main immune evasion mechanism of CSFV is very important for the prevention and control of CSF infection. This article reviews the main immune evasion mechanisms of CSFV, including the suppression of nonspecific immune responses; evasion of adaptive immune responses; and the regulation of host cell apoptosis and cell autophagy. CSFV affects type I interferon regulatory signals; the JAK-STAT signaling pathway; the RIG-I and NF-κB signaling pathways; immune cell function; the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway; and the endoplasmic reticulum stress apoptosis pathway; the PI3K-Akt signaling mediated AMPK-mTOR macroautophagy pathway through its structural proteins E^rns and E1 and E2; and the nonstructural proteins N^pro, NS4B, and NS5A to achieve immune evasion. As our understanding of CSFV immune strategies continues to deepen, we believe that this understanding will provide new strategies for the development of new vaccines and novel diagnostic methods in the future. Full article

Background: Nitrogen balance studies have traditionally been used to estimate protein requirements in adults. However, ethical and practical constraints have made new studies increasingly difficult to conduct. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compile and analyze the most comprehensive individual-level dataset to date. Methods: We included 31 studies that reported nitrogen intake and excretion data for healthy adults. Studies were selected based on strict eligibility criteria that required data from at least three intake levels per individual. Nitrogen requirements were estimated using regression analysis. In total, data from 395 individuals were analyzed. We used a random effects model for the meta-analysis. Subgroup comparisons and meta-regression were conducted based on sex, age, climate, and protein source. Results: The overall mean nitrogen requirement was 104.2 mg N/kg/day. No significant differences were found by sex, age group (<60 vs. ≥60 years), climate (temperate vs. tropical), or protein source (animal, plant, or mixed). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses did not reveal consistent moderator effects. Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² > 90%). Conclusions: This analysis provides the most extensive compilation of individual-level nitrogen balance data to date. While the average nitrogen requirement was consistent with previous estimates, the high heterogeneity limits definitive conclusions. Nonetheless, this dataset provides a valuable foundation for revising protein intake recommendations and guiding future research on human nitrogen metabolism in the absence of new studies. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max), as an important crop for both oil and grains, is a major source of high-quality plant proteins for humans. Among various natural disasters affecting soybean production, waterlogging is one of the key factors leading to yield reduction. It can cause root rot and seedling death, and in severe cases, even total crop failure. Given the significant differences in responses to waterlogging stress among different soybean varieties, traditional single-trait indicators are insufficient to comprehensively evaluate flood tolerance. In this study, relative seedling length (RSL) was used as a comprehensive evaluation index for flood tolerance. Using a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) population derived from SN14 and ZYD00006, we successfully identified seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with seed waterlogging tolerance. By integrating RNA-Seq transcriptome sequencing and phenotypic data, the functions of candidate genes were systematically verified. Phenotypic analysis indicated that Suinong14 had significantly better flood tolerance than ZYD00006. Further research revealed that the Glyma.05G160800 gene showed a significantly up-regulated expression pattern in Suinong14; qPCR analysis revealed that this gene exhibits higher expression levels in submergence-tolerant varieties. Haplotype analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between different haplotypes and phenotypic traits. The QTLs identified in this study can provide a theoretical basis for future molecular-assisted breeding of flood-tolerant varieties. Additionally, the functional study of Glyma.05G161800 in regulating seed flood tolerance can offer new insights into the molecular mechanism of seed flood tolerance. These findings could accelerate the development of submergence-tolerant rice varieties, enhancing crop productivity and stability in flood-prone regions. Full article

Over the years, macromycete fungi have been used as a source of food, part of religious rites and rituals, and as a medicinal remedy. Species with strong health-promoting potential include Hericium erinaceus, Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipes, and Inonotus obliquus. These species contain many bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, endo- and exogenous amino acids, polyphenols, terpenoids, sterols, B vitamins, minerals, and lovastatin. The level of some biologically active substances is species-specific, e.g., hericenones and erinacines, which have neuroprotective properties, and supporting the production of nerve growth factor in the brain for Hericium erinaceus. Due to their high health-promoting potential, mushrooms and substances isolated from them have found applications in livestock nutrition, improving their welfare and productivity. This phenomenon may be of particular importance in the nutrition of laying hens and broiler chickens, where an increase in pathogen resistance to antibiotics has been observed in recent years. Gallus gallus domesticus is a key farm animal for meat and egg production, so the search for new compounds to support bird health is important for food safety. Studies conducted to date indicate that feed supplementation with mushrooms has a beneficial effect on, among other things, bird weight gain; bone mineralisation; and meat and egg quality, including the lipid profile and protein content and shell thickness, and promotes the development of beneficial microbiota, thereby increasing immunity. Full article

The worldwide increase in antifungal resistance, particularly in Candida sp., requires the exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Natural compounds have been a rich source of antimicrobial molecules, where peptides constitute the class of the most bioactive components. Therefore, this study looks into the target-specific binding efficacy of insect-derived antifungal peptides (n = 37) as possible alternatives to traditional antifungal treatments. Using computational methods, namely the HPEPDOCK and HDOCK platforms, molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interactions between selected key fungal targets, lanosterol 14-demethylase, or LDM (PDB ID: 5V5Z), secreted aspartic proteinase-5, or Sap-5 (PDB ID: 2QZX), N-myristoyl transferase, or NMT (PDB ID: 1NMT), and dihydrofolate reductase, or DHFR, of C. albicans. The three-dimensional peptide structure was modelled through the PEP-FOLD 3.5 tool. Further, we predicted the physicochemical properties of these peptides through the ProtParam and PEPTIDE 2.0 tools to assess their drug-likeness and potential for therapeutic applications. In silico results show that Blap-6 from Blaps rhynchopeter and Gomesin from Acanthoscurria gomesiana have the most antifungal potential against all four targeted proteins in Candida sp. Additionally, a molecular dynamics simulation study of LDM-Blap-6 was carried out at 100 nanoseconds. The overall predictions showed that both have strong binding abilities and are good candidates for drug development. In in vitro studies, Gomesin achieved complete biofilm eradication in three out of four Candida species, while Blap-6 showed moderate but consistent reduction across all species. C. tropicalis demonstrated relative resistance to complete eradication by both peptides. The present study provides evidence to support the antifungal activity of certain insect peptides, with potential to be used as alternative drugs or as a template for a new synthetic or modified peptide in pursuit of effective therapies against Candida spp. Full article

Legumes are vital sources of protein, dietary fibre and nutrients, making them crucial for global food security and sustainable agriculture. However, their widespread acceptance and consumption are often limited by undesirable sensory characteristics, such as “a beany flavour”, bitterness or variable textures. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms governing appearance, aroma, taste, flavour, texture and palatability in legumes, aiming to enhance their sensory appeal. This review highlights the transformative power of multi-omics approaches in dissecting these intricate biological pathways and facilitating the targeted enhancement of legume sensory qualities. By integrating data from genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, the genetic and biochemical networks that directly dictate sensory perception can be comprehensively unveiled. The insights gained from these integrated multi-omics studies are proving instrumental in developing strategies for sensory enhancement. They enable the identification of key biomarkers for desirable traits, facilitating more efficient marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) in breeding programs. Furthermore, a molecular understanding of sensory pathways opens avenues for precise gene editing (e.g., using CRISPR-Cas9) to modify specific genes, reduce off-flavour compounds or optimise texture. Beyond genetic improvements, multi-omics data also inform the optimisation of post-harvest handling and processing methods (e.g., germination and fermentation) to enhance desirable sensory profiles and mitigate undesirable ones. This holistic approach, spanning from the genetic blueprint to the final sensory experience, will accelerate the development of new legume cultivars and products with enhanced palatability, thereby fostering increased consumption and ultimately contributing to healthier diets and more resilient food systems worldwide. Full article

Alternative proteins denote non-traditional, high-protein foods. These innovative sources aim to compete with conventional animal products by providing protein-rich, sustainable, nutritious, and flavorful options. Currently, five main categories of alternative proteins are being developed: plant-based proteins, cultured meat, single-cell proteins, edible insects, and seaweed. Nonetheless, several chemical and microbiological food safety hazards are associated with these alternatives Incorporating novel protein sources into food products may heighten the prevalence of existing food allergies. This could arise from extracting proteins from their natural matrices and utilizing them at significantly higher concentrations. Additionally, the introduction of new proteins may lead to the development of novel food allergies. Proteins that are currently seldom or never consumed may cause primary sensitisation or trigger cross-reactivity with known allergens. To date, alternative proteins have not been thoroughly studied for their allergenic potential, and there is no standardised method for assessing this risk. This review aims to explore non-traditional protein sources, discussing their nutritional and functional properties, as well as their potential allergenicity based on available research. We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Embase databases. We used specific keywords and MESH terms. A total of 157 studies were included in the review. The studies reviewed in our analysis reveal significant limitations, such as inconsistent methodologies, limited participant numbers, and a lack of long-term data, which hinder the ability to make clear conclusions regarding the safety of these new proteins for individuals with allergies. To address current challenge, future research should integrate food science, regulatory perspectives and advanced technologies. Full article

The goal of this study was to build an understanding of the quality of Idesia polycarpa fruit Maxim from different ecotypes and to identify the best cultivars, with a view to providing a reference and theoretical basis for the selection and cultivation of I. polycarpa. In this study, we systematically evaluated the fruit quality characteristics of five seed sources, namely SH, SG1, GG, HX, and SG2, at four developmental stages, M1-M4, through a principal component analysis, a correlation analysis, and a significance test. Comparisons between the ecotype yielded that GG was significantly better than the other ecotype in oil content (28.7%) and fresh weight per cluster (155.56 g), while HX exhibited higher SOD content (278.18 U/g) and soluble protein content (27.50 mg·g⁻¹), suggesting a higher level of stress tolerance. The results of the correlation analysis showed that POD was significantly negatively correlated with oil content (r = −0.633) and SOD (r = −0.617) activities, indicating that the antioxidant enzyme system may affect oil accumulation. The results of the principal component analysis showed that the cumulative contribution of the first four principal components reached 89.72%, of which principal component 1 mainly reflected yield-related traits, and principal component 2 was significantly correlated with oil content and soluble protein. Through the evaluation and screening of the five ecotypes, we determined that GG can be utilized as a good single plant in the selection and improvement of new cultivars; our findings can provide theoretical support for the selection of good cultivars of I. polycarpa seed in the central region of Henan. Full article

In the context of a rapidly expanding global population, mulberry leaf protein emerges as an emerging source of plant protein, with most applications currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL), presenting substantial potential for application in functional foods and nutraceuticals. This paper analyzes three key advantages of mulberry leaf protein. Firstly, the abundant and inexpensive production of mulberry leaves establishes a solid foundation for large-scale protein extraction. Secondly, advancements in the preparation processes and production technology for mulberry leaf protein have further enhanced its viability. Thirdly, mulberry leaf protein boasts excellent nutritional value and outstanding functional properties, along with multiple biological activities, including antioxidant effects, aging delay, and blood-pressure-lowering activity. These superior qualities considerably broaden its range of applications. Furthermore, this paper evaluates existing research (before 30 June 2025) while exploring prospective avenues for future investigation. The findings of this review are important for enhancing the understanding of the potential applications of mulberry leaf protein in food science and nutrition. The aim is to provide new ideas for the efficient utilization of mulberry leaf protein resources and the establishment of a global food security system. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable, functional ingredients in the food industry has driven interest in marine-derived biopolymers. Among marine sources, microalgae represent a promising yet underexplored reservoir of bioactive gel-forming compounds, particularly extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), both sulfated and non-sulfated, as well as proteins that exhibit unique gelling, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties. This study focuses on microalgal species with demonstrated potential to produce viscoelastic, shear-thinning gels, making them suitable for applications in food stabilization, texture modification, and nutraceutical delivery. Recent advances in biotechnology and cultivation methods have improved access to high-value strains, which exhibit promising physicochemical properties for the development of novel food textures, structured formulations, and sustainable food packaging materials. Furthermore, these microalgae-derived gels offer additional health benefits, such as antioxidant and prebiotic activities, aligning with current trends toward functional foods containing prebiotic materials. Key challenges in large-scale production, including low EPS productivity, high processing costs, and lack of regulatory frameworks, are critically discussed. Despite these barriers, advances in cultivation technologies and biorefinery approaches offer new avenues for commercial application. Overall, microalgal gels hold significant promise as sustainable, multifunctional ingredients for clean-label food formulations. Full article