Search Results (5,003)

Background/Objectives: The increasing use of pea protein in plant-based foods raises concerns about IgE-mediated reactions, particularly in individuals sensitized to peanut. Knowledge on clinically relevant pea allergens and the impact of heat processing remains limited. This study investigated how thermal treatment affects the IgE binding and functional allergenicity of pea proteins in children with a confirmed pea allergy, with or without a concomitant peanut allergy. Methods: Serum from 11 patients was analyzed using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and an indirect basophil activation test (iBAT). Results: All patients showed IgE binding to Pis s 1 and PA2a/b in raw pea extract, with variable sensitization to Pis s 2 and mitogenic lectin. Heating (120 °C, 5 min) markedly reduced IgE binding and eliminated detectable IgE to Legumin S and ML. Despite this reduction, basophil sensitivity did not decrease; in several patients, EC50 values significantly decreased, indicating increased basophil responsiveness to heated pea. Patients with IgE profiles dominated by Pis s 1 and PA2a/b were most likely to show enhanced basophil activation after heating. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that heat-stable vicilin subunits and albumins can maintain functional allergenicity despite reduced IgE recognition, underscoring the need for diagnostic approaches that incorporate processed food allergens. 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

Antibiotic resistance has become a significant challenge for global health. Exploring novel antimicrobial compounds as alternatives to antibiotics is increasingly prominent in combating resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), produced by various organisms, are considered natural antibiotic candidates that can be used against multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The snakin family of plant-based AMPs is a promising candidate for use in the agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industries due to its antimicrobial activity against both phytopathogenic and clinical species. This review summarizes current AMP databases and the snakin family of plant AMPs deposited in the Universal Protein Resource, UniProt. It also provides knowledge about potential uses of this family in biotechnology. Full article

Mycoprotein production by Pleurotus salmoneostramineus was evaluated using the bread industry by-products wheat bran hydrolysate (WBH) and stale bread hydrolysate (SBH) as carbon sources, with mung bean protein isolate hydrolysate (MBH) as a nitrogen source, within a circular bioeconomy framework. Enzymatic hydrolysis effectively converted these food industry waste streams into fermentable substrates with complementary nutritional profiles: SBH provided the highest total sugar content (57.53 g/L), while MBH contributed the highest total nitrogen (3.58 g/L) and essential amino acid content (215.05 mg/100 mL). Of 11 WBH:SBH ratio formulations evaluated under static cultivation, WB4 (WBH:SBH 70:30; C/N 27.32:1) was identified as the optimal carbon source formulation, producing the highest biomass (3.46 g/L) and protein content (23.19 g/100 g) after 14 days. Subsequent nitrogen source optimization under dynamic cultivation (200 rpm, 5 days) showed that MBH supplementation at 5 g/L produced the highest biomass (16.59 g/L), protein content (66.71 g/100 g), and absolute protein production (11.07 g/L). The amino acid profile of mycoprotein produced under optimized conditions met or exceeded the FAO/WHO-recommended essential amino acid requirements for older children, adolescents, and adults; the essential amino acid content (354.72 mg/g protein) was comparable to soy protein isolate and exceeded that of wheat gluten. Mycelial morphology shifted from filamentous networks under static conditions to fragmented clump structures under dynamic cultivation with MBH supplementation. These findings indicate the feasibility of producing nutritionally complete mycoprotein from food industry waste streams, with potential applications in plant-based food formulations. Full article

Freshwater snails, specifically those belonging to the genus Bellamya, are increasingly recognized as important components of sustainable aquaculture and aquatic ecosystem management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on their ecological roles, aquaculture practices, utilization, and associated risks to evaluate their potential as a multifunctional resource. Available evidence shows that Bellamya species function as bioindicators of environmental change and contribute to water purification through grazing, nutrient cycling, and interactions with aquatic plants. In aquaculture, diverse production systems, including rice–snail co-culture and pond-based farming, have been developed, demonstrating high resource-use efficiency and economic value. In addition to their nutritional importance as a protein source, freshwater snails provide opportunities for value-added products in food, biomaterials, and health-related applications. However, challenges remain, including parasite transmission, the bioaccumulation of environmental pollutants, genetic resource degradation, and ecological carrying capacity constraints under intensive farming. Future development depends on advances in breeding, nutrition, and intelligent farming technologies, as well as improved environmental monitoring and regulatory frameworks. Overall, freshwater snail aquaculture represents a promising pathway for integrating food production with ecosystem restoration, but its sustainable expansion requires coordinated efforts in research, management, and industry development. Full article

Background: Polyamines, including putrescine (PU), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM), are ubiquitous bioactive compounds essential for cell proliferation, genomic stability, autophagy, and the regulation of oxidative and inflammatory responses. Growing evidence, particularly for SPD, suggests that polyamine-rich diets may protect against age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disorders. As endogenous polyamine synthesis declines with age, dietary intake becomes increasingly important, especially in older adults. Methods: This study estimated each polyamine (PU, SPD and SPM) and total polyamine intake in the Spanish population using food consumption data from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Intakes were evaluated across four age groups, and major dietary sources were identified. Results: Total polyamine intake increased with age, reaching 393 µmol/day in adults over 65 years. PU accounted for 49% of total intake, followed by SPD (29%) and SPM (22%). Plant-based foods were the primary contributors to SPD intake, particularly vegetables (36%), fruits (26%), and cereals (18%). PU intake was also predominantly plant-derived, mainly from fruits (58%) and vegetables (23%), whereas SPM intake was largely associated with meat products (59%). A theoretical Mediterranean diet model yielded a slightly higher total polyamine intake of 406.6 µmol/day and a substantially greater SPD intake than that observed in older adults (193.99 µmol/day versus 121.62 µmol/day). Conclusions: Overall, estimated polyamine intake in the Spanish population fell below the optimal level of 540 µmol/day proposed in the literature. These findings highlight the need for public health strategies promoting consumption of polyamine-rich foods, particularly vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits, to support healthy aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Full article

Development of innovative functional foods is a key sports nutrition strategy to enhance physical performance, support recovery, and promote overall health. Plant-based protein-rich products have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal-protein sources, offering nutritional benefits and reducing environmental impact. This study aimed to develop high-protein plant-based cookies using a conventional formulation enriched with carrot, broccoli, and legume flour, and to evaluate their effects in a preclinical model. The nutritional composition was determined using standard food analysis methods and microbiological assays were conducted to ensure safety. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to either a standard diet group or a cookie-supplemented group. The intervention consisted of daily administration of cookies at a dose of 5.3 g/kg body weight for 15 days. Physiological and biochemical parameters, including body weight, glucose, lipid profile, renal function, muscle thickness, and grip strength, were assessed. Despite no significant differences in glucose and lipid profiles between groups, increased muscle thickness (pubococcygeus and gastrocnemius), improved grip strength and higher levels of urea and creatinine were observed in the supplemented group. These findings indicate that high-protein plant-based cookies are safe in preclinical conditions and may promote functional benefits such as enhanced muscle strength and lean mass development. Therefore, they represent a promising and sustainable functional food for sports nutrition applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dairy yogurts are a source of protein and micronutrients in the Canadian diet. However, Canada’s Food Guide emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods, which is facilitated by a greater availability of dairy alternatives on the market. The nutritional composition of these products varies and can differ from dairy foods such as yogurt, which contain high-quality protein and micronutrients. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dairy yogurt consumption as part of a diet on any given day on nutrient intakes in Canadians across ages. Methods: The 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)—Nutrition first day 24 h recalls of males and females > 1 years of age (n = 17,308) and of yogurt consumers (n = 3788) were examined to estimate nutrient intakes arising from yogurt consumption. Respondents were allocated into four groups defined by their daily yogurt intake in grams (i.e., Group I/non-yogurt consumers: <1 g; Group II: 1–90 g; Group III: 90–115 g; Group IV: >115 g). Results/Conclusions: The results of this study provide timely data on Canadian yogurt consumption across the ages and show that those consuming yogurt have higher intakes of essential nutrients, such as protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and dietary fibre. The data from this study emphasize the importance of yogurt in the context of a healthy eating pattern and emphasize the need to encourage consumption of yogurt within Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy. Full article

The increasing volume of plant-based waste generated by the agri-food sector represents both an environmental challenge and an underexploited biotechnological resource. These wastes, rich in lignocellulosic compounds, constitute a natural habitat for specialized microorganisms. The aim of this article is to provide a critical review of the potential use of such wastes—specifically straw, pomace, and manure—in two complementary ways: (1) as a specific source for isolating new microbial strains with high biodegradation capacity and plant-growth-promoting potential, and (2) as a low-cost substrate for their propagation, e.g., in solid-state fermentation processes. This dual perspective represents a novel, integrative approach, as previous reviews typically address these aspects in isolation rather than considering their synergistic potential. The article discusses the relationship between the chemical composition of selected wastes (straw, pomace, manure) and the targeted selection of desirable microbiological traits. Particular emphasis is placed on advanced, integrated approaches for assessing microbial potential, combining phenotyping (zymography, activity assays), genomics (whole-genome sequencing—WGS, identification of CAZyme genes and biosynthetic gene clusters), and metabolomics (metabolite profiling, 3D MSI imaging). The limitations of individual methods are critically evaluated, and key research gaps are identified, including the need for in situ validation of omics-based findings and the development of stable microbial consortia with predictable performance under variable environmental conditions. These gaps are discussed in the broader context of circular bioeconomy and sustainable agriculture, highlighting the strategic relevance of integrating waste valorization with microbiome-based biotechnological innovations. Full article

Heavy metal pollution remains a major global environmental challenge due to persistent ecological risks and potential threats to food safety. Microbial remediation and phytoremediation represent sustainable alternatives to conventional treatments; however, their effectiveness is strongly influenced by number of factors including nutrient availability. This review critically examines how nutritional regulation governs microbial metabolism, plant physiological responses, and rhizosphere interactions to enhance heavy metal transformation and removal. Metal bioavailability depends on type, concentration, soil pH, redox potential, and microbial processes. Interventions including fertilizers, chelating agents, inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria enhance phytoremediation processes through regulating plant nutrient and heavy metal uptake, while selection between ammonium/nitrate changes rhizosphere pH consequently affects plant metal uptake. Similarly, nutrients, i.e., phosphate, iron, zinc and manganese competitively affect metal uptake. Organic amendments enhance phytostabilization, especially for selenium and mercury, while enhancing chromium reduction. Sulfur-reducing bacteria precipitate metals as insoluble sulfides with 90% efficiency. In addition, soil amendments including plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and metal-chelating agents can be strategically used to enhance the phytoextraction from metal from contaminated soils. We suggest that the future integration of modern approaches such as multi-omics and cisgenesis supported by artificial intelligence tools can help to accurately predict the efficiency of nutrient regulation strategies and their remediation outcomes, thereby supporting evidence-based soil management Full article

Soil salinization is one of the most severe forms of land degradation in arid and semi-arid regions, posing substantial threats to agroecosystem stability and food security. In this study, saline–alkali soil collected from the Wuding River Basin in Yulin, Shaanxi Province was used to construct a three-factor amendment system comprising superabsorbent polymers (SAP), biochar, and humic acid. A systematic assessment was conducted to elucidate their combined effects on soil water–salt transport and crop growth. Results from one-dimensional constant-head infiltration experiments using indoor soil columns demonstrated that the application of amendments significantly increased cumulative infiltration and improved the uniformity of wetting-front advancement. Specifically, the treatments regulated the redistribution of salts within the soil profile; while surface salinity reduction varied, the leaching efficiency was significantly enhanced in the A2B2C2 treatment. Soil bulk density (BD) showed dynamic fluctuations during the growth cycle, peaking at 1.628 cm⁻³ during the branching stage, while high-rate biochar (A3) reduced BD by up to 13.64% compared to the control by the initial flowering stage. Fitting results based on the Philip and Kostiakov models further indicated that the combined amendment strategy—particularly the A2B2C2 treatment (30 kg/ha SAP, 15,000 kg/ha biochar, and 600 kg/ha humic acid)—markedly enhanced both the initial infiltration rate and the steady infiltration capacity. Field experiments corroborated the indoor findings: plant height and dry biomass of Melilotus officinalis (L.)Lam. were significantly higher under amendment treatments than in the control, driven by improved water availability, mitigated salt stress, and enhanced soil structure. Single-factor and multi-factor interaction analyses revealed that SAP exerted pronounced effects during early growth stages, whereas biochar and humic acid contributed more substantially during the middle to late stages through sustained regulatory functions. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the combined application of SAP, biochar, and humic acid improves the water–salt regime of saline–alkali soils through a coupled “water–salt–structure–plant” mechanism, ultimately enhancing crop productivity. This study provides both theoretical insights and practical guidance for the amelioration of saline–alkali soils. Full article

Fish-derived products are extensively acknowledged for their substantial role in fostering balanced diets and supporting a healthy way of life. This research is aimed at formulating, analyzing and evaluating a fish-based food product. The methodology adopted in this study adheres to contemporary food safety standards, prioritizing the utilization of minimal technological processes and natural ingredients, a focus that is gaining prominence within contemporary industrial practices. Thus, the proposal for a formulation obtained by integrating powders and extracts from plant byproducts (Citrus) represents a concrete application direction with real potential for commercialization. The product has been enriched with biocomponents derived from orange peel, namely orange extract (OE) and orange peel powder (PPO). The research focused on product development and the in situ evaluation of the effects of OE and PPO. The physicochemical composition, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant activity were evaluated, along with the microbiological status under post-opening refrigeration conditions, in order to simulate actual consumer use. In addition, the product’s color parameters and sensory attributes were analyzed. The results highlight significant potential for the development of a clean-label fish-based product, characterized by a simplified and easily implementable formulation, aligned with current production and consumption requirements. Compared to the control sample, both OE and PPO significantly influenced the analyzed parameters. Differences in physicochemical composition were observed in the experimental samples. In addition, PPO increased the antioxidant activity of the samples and the profile of bioactive compounds. Microbiological analysis, performed on day 0 and after 3 and 7 days of storage at 4 °C showed opening, confirmed the absence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in all samples and had an influence on the growth of fungi. The acceptability of fish-based products is often limited by odor perception, which is one of the main factors leading to consumer rejection. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that citrus-enriched samples were distinguished by the perception of particular sensory attributes. This formulation presents a practical solution to address this constraint, thereby enhancing the product’s sensory acceptability. The integration of OE and PPO yielded a more harmonized sensory profile, as evidenced by elevated hedonic scores and an intermediate placement in both principal component analysis (PCA) and external preference mapping. This research furnishes a thorough characterization of a fish-based food product, underscoring its potential as a viable option for balanced dietary regimens. Simultaneously, the findings support the product’s adherence to sustainability principles through the utilization of bioactive compounds sourced from plant byproducts, thus satisfying contemporary requirements for foods that possess an optimal nutritional profile and a diminished environmental footprint. Full article

Food security forms a vital foundation of national security. As core elements in food production, water and land resources play an irreplaceable role in ensuring the food supply. This study analyzes the water and land resources demand for food consumption by residents in nine Yellow River provinces from 2000 to 2023. We define the Baseline (S1), Dietary guideline (S2), Policy-oriented (S3), and Projection (S4) dietary structures and assess future resource gaps under these diets and propose optimized allocation. The results show that both urban and rural diets have shifted from predominantly plant-based to more diverse patterns. From 2000 to 2023, the cropland needed for plant-based foods decreased by 29.87%, while that for animal-source foods increased by 132.84%. The green water and blue water footprints of food consumption rose by 1.46 billion m³ and 17.73 billion m³, respectively. Considering potential land availability, by 2030, cropland requirements under dietary scenarios S2 and S3 can largely be met. The production water footprint gaps for S1, S2, S3, and S4 are 106.30, 29.73, 32.60, and 140.87 billion m³, respectively. S2 and S3 better support coordinated development of dietary needs and water–land resources, while S4 aligns more with rising demand for animal-based foods. Full article

Botrytis cinerea is a major phytopathogen responsible for significant postharvest losses in plant-derived foods. The increasing resistance to synthetic fungicides has driven the search for sustainable alternatives, including enzyme-based biofungicides. In this study, the proteolytic fraction P1G10 from Vasconcellea pubescens latex was encapsulated in an alginate–chitosan (ALG-CS) matrix to improve its stability and antifungal performance. The encapsulated formulation (ALG-CS-P1G10) retained ~95% enzymatic activity after 8 h under stress conditions (37 °C, 1350 lux), compared with 67% for the free enzyme. In vitro assays demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of B. cinerea growth, with an IC₅₀ value of ~11 mg/mL determined using a logistic model. At this concentration, the formulation reduced fungal adhesion by more than 80% and increased sensitivity to cell wall-disrupting agents (Congo Red and Calcofluor White), pointing to alterations in cell wall integrity. Importantly, the encapsulated system provided a more stable and sustained antifungal effect, consistent with a controlled-release mechanism. These results demonstrate that coupling enzyme stabilization with controlled release can improve the functional performance of protease-based antifungal systems, offering a promising strategy for the development of biofungicides in postharvest applications. Full article

This systematic review was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA 2020 statement to synthesize evidence published between January 2020 and January 2025 on food-derived antihypertensive peptides, with emphasis on mechanisms of action, molecular stability, bioavailability, and functional food applications. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using combined terms related to bioactive or ACE-inhibitory peptides, stability or bioavailability, and alternative protein sources. Original peer-reviewed studies in English evaluating antihypertensive or ACE-inhibitory peptides from plant, marine, insect, fungal, dairy, or terrestrial animal matrices were considered eligible when they reported experimental evidence on activity, stability, transport, or in vivo efficacy. Three reviewers independently screened records and extracted data. A total of 177 studies were included. Plant and marine matrices accounted for approximately 72% of the evidence base, with a strong focus on low-molecular-weight peptides (<3 kDa) and multistage validation pipelines integrating in silico screening, in vitro enzymatic assays, Caco-2 transport models, ex vivo assays, and spontaneously hypertensive rat studies. Overall, the evidence supports the antihypertensive potential of selected food-derived peptides, particularly through ACE inhibition and related vascular mechanisms. Encapsulation and advanced delivery approaches improved peptide stability and bioavailability in several studies. Food-derived antihypertensive peptides represent promising candidates for functional foods and nutraceuticals; however, greater methodological standardization, formal risk-of-bias assessment in primary studies, and well-designed human trials remain necessary to strengthen translation into practice. Full article