Advances in Preservation and Processing Technologies for Aquatic Products

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Foods of Marine Origin".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 21 August 2026 | Viewed by 887

Special Issue Editors

College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Interests: freezing and preservation technology for aquatic products

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Guest Editor
College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Interests: aquatic products; high-quality processing; high value utilization; flavor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The important contribution of aquatic products to global food security and nutrition is increasingly being recognized. Preservation and processing are critical stages within the aquatic products industry, where technological innovation can drive the healthy and rapid development of both aquaculture and circulation markets. However, challenges such as significant quality loss during circulation, low utilization rates in processing, and a limited variety of high-value products​ have become major bottlenecks constraining industry progress. Innovation in preservation and processing technologies is essential not only for enhancing the quality of aquatic products but also for boosting the competitiveness of the sector. This advancement plays a crucial role in promoting the high-value development of fisheries, holding considerable social and economic significance.

Dr. Qinxiu Sun
Dr. Naiyong Xiao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • aquatic products
  • freezing
  • preservation
  • processing
  • sterilization techniques
  • new processing technology
  • flavor
  • quality

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

28 pages, 9831 KB  
Article
Characterizing the Flavor Profile and Metabolite Discrepancies of Scallion Braised Sea Cucumber Body Wall by Flavoromics and Widely Targeted Metabolomics
by Xinran Li, Jiahui Song, Enhui Ma, Qiang Geng and Songyi Lin
Foods 2026, 15(8), 1452; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15081452 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 280
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive characterization of volatile and nonvolatile compounds in scallion-braised sea cucumber by integrating solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and widely targeted metabolomics. A total of 43 volatile compounds and 1792 nonvolatile metabolites were identified, with amino acids and [...] Read more.
This study provides a comprehensive characterization of volatile and nonvolatile compounds in scallion-braised sea cucumber by integrating solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and widely targeted metabolomics. A total of 43 volatile compounds and 1792 nonvolatile metabolites were identified, with amino acids and their derivatives being the most abundant. Multivariate statistical analysis identified 11 key aroma-active volatiles and 619 significantly differential metabolites. Correlation network analysis demonstrated that characteristic flavors were primarily formed through coordinated pathways involving protein degradation, lipid oxidation, and carbohydrate metabolism during high-temperature braising. Terpenoids from seasonings, lipid-derived aldehydes and furans, and Maillard reaction products jointly shaped the distinctive aroma profile. This work clarifies the molecular mechanisms of flavor formation in scallion-braised sea cucumber and provides theoretical support for improving flavor regulation, processing standardization, and product quality evaluation in commercial sea cucumber production. Full article
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22 pages, 6094 KB  
Article
A Polyelectrolyte Complexation Strategy Enabling Tough and Absorbent Chitosan-Based Xerogels via Simple Atmospheric Drying
by Jiangyang Su, Sijing Liang, Ouyang Zheng, Zongyuan Han, Naiyong Xiao, Yantao Yin, Shucheng Liu and Qinxiu Sun
Foods 2026, 15(7), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15071132 - 25 Mar 2026
Viewed by 383
Abstract
The structure collapse and performance degradation caused by traditional air-drying technology often hinder the practical application of bio-based xerogels as absorbent pads. In this study, chitosan (CS) and different types of polyanions (carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA), hyaluronic acid (HA), pectin (PT) [...] Read more.
The structure collapse and performance degradation caused by traditional air-drying technology often hinder the practical application of bio-based xerogels as absorbent pads. In this study, chitosan (CS) and different types of polyanions (carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA), hyaluronic acid (HA), pectin (PT) and xanthan gum (XG)) in different proportions were used to prepare an xerogel resistant to atmospheric pressure air drying collapse, and its potential as an absorption pad was systematically evaluated. The results showed that among all the treatments, CS/CMC xerogel at an optimal mass ratio of 1:3 demonstrated superior comprehensive properties. It exhibited minimal shrinkage (p < 0.05) and high porosity, coupled with an exceptional water absorption capacity (140% higher than CS/PT) and hardness (96% higher than CS/SA and CS/HA). FTIR and XRD revealed that strong electrostatic interactions and potential amide bond formation between CS and CMC resulted in a dense yet homogeneous network with low crystallinity. SEM imaging further corroborated a uniform thin-walled porous structure. This stable network contributed to high toughness, of CS/CMC significantly surpassing the brittle CS/XG and CS/PT xerogels (p < 0.05). CS/CMC xerogel is an ideal absorbent material with high absorption, stability, and controllable structure. Full article
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