Search Results (33)

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MS11, isolated from traditionally fermented yak milk in the high-altitude Gannan region of the eastern Tibetan Plateau, was investigated for its technological and functional potential in food applications. Using whole-genome sequencing combined with targeted experimental verification, this study clarified the genetic determinants and metabolic capacity associated with its production of folate, lactic acid, bacteriocin, and exopolysaccharides (EPS). The MS11 genome consists of one circular chromosome and three plasmids, totaling 3,318,231 bp with a GC content of 44.48%, and encodes 3155 predicted open reading frames. Complete biosynthetic gene clusters were identified for folate (7 genes), L-lactic acid (13 genes), bacteriocin (14 genes), and EPS (17 genes). Phenotypic assays confirmed the strain’s high metabolite productivity, including folate (0.6043 μg/mL), L-lactic acid (76.24 mg/mL), and EPS (544.2 mg/L). The cell-free fermented supernatant exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, supporting the functional relevance of its bacteriocin-associated gene cluster. To the best of our knowledge, this is the integrated genomic and experimental characterization demonstrating that a L. plantarum strain originating from a unique high-altitude fermented dairy niche can concurrently synthesize high levels of folate together with multiple beneficial metabolites. The multifunctional attributes of MS11—including nutrient fortification, acidification capacity, EPS formation, and antimicrobial activity—indicate substantial promise for its application as a composite starter culture, natural bio-preservative, and nutritionally enhanced probiotic in fermented food systems. Full article

The ornamental plant industry faces escalating threats from erratic climate patterns and post-harvest perishability. Phytomelatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) has emerged as a potent biostimulant capable of addressing these critical bottlenecks. This review synthesizes current knowledge on melatonin’s multifaceted roles in ornamental horticulture, clarifying the molecular pathways where it acts as both a direct Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenger and a signaling molecule orchestrating crosstalk with auxins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. We highlight applications in propagation, where melatonin synergizes with auxins to enhance rhizogenesis and promotes seed germination via hormopriming. Furthermore, we examine melatonin-mediated tolerance to abiotic stresses including drought, salinity, and temperature extremes emphasizing its role in preserving photosynthetic machinery and ion homeostasis. Crucially, the review addresses the post-harvest sector, demonstrating how melatonin extends vase life by repressing senescence-associated genes (SAGs) and antagonizing ethylene biosynthesis. Finally, we discuss future perspectives on genetic bio-fortification and commercial formulations, positioning phytomelatonin as a sustainable tool for securing the resilience and quality of ornamental crops. Full article

This study aims to foster a guideline for sustainable supply chain management for edible insect production through a comprehensive review and critical analysis of the current situation, focusing especially on Thailand’s perspective. It addresses the traditional culture and modern practice of insect consumption and how these factors affect current production for commercial purposes. The advantages of nutritional values and farming with edible insects over traditional livestock farming are highlighted. A threats, opportunities, weaknesses, and strengths (TOWS) matrix analysis, producing action-oriented strategies, was based on an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of Thailand’s edible insect industry. The strategies include enhancement of production and product quality, innovation of intelligent production techniques and agriculture, fortification of branding and product development, encouragement of research and development investment, and the promotion of local product identity. The analysis emphasizes the value of sustainable supply chain management and advocates for the advancement of the bio-circular green (BCG) economy strategy for the edible insect industry. It also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder collaboration and implementing regulations to ensure food safety and sustainable production. Full article

Saltwater crocodile (SC; Crocodylus porosus) bone, an underutilized by-product, can be converted into high-value bio-calcium (Biocal), serving as a potential source of calcium and minerals. This study aimed to produce SC bone Biocal as functional gel enhancer for fish bologna development and to increase calcium intake. The resulting bone powder was evaluated for physicochemical, microbiological, and molecular properties. Additionally, the textural, physicochemical, structural, and sensorial properties of the formulated fish bologna incorporating Biocal at varying levels (0–10% w/w) were also evaluated. Biocal, obtained as a fine white powder, had a 16.83% yield. Mineral analysis showed 26.25% calcium and 13.72% phosphorus, with no harmful metals or pathogens detected. X-ray diffraction confirmed hydroxyapatite with 69.92% crystallinity, while calcium bioavailability was measured at 22.30%. Amino acid analysis indicated high levels of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, essential for collagen support. The findings confirmed that SC bone Biocal is beneficial and safe for food fortification. Incorporating SC Biocal (2–10% w/w) significantly affected the fish bologna characteristics (p < 0.05). As the Biocal level increased, the gel strength, hardness, and shear force also increased. The addition of 6% (w/w) Biocal significantly improved the textural property, without a detrimental effect on the sensory attributes of the bologna gel (p < 0.05). SDS-PAGE analysis showed TGase-enhanced myosin heavy chain (MHC) cross-linking, particularly in combination with Biocal. Moreover, the enriched Biocal–bologna gel exhibited a finer and denser microstructure. Thus, SC Biocal, particularly at 6% (w/w), can serve as a functional gel enhancer in surimi-based products, without compromising organoleptic quality. Full article

Kombucha is widely recognized as a functional beverage with potential probiotic effects, yet maintaining probiotic viability remains a challenge due to the harsh conditions of fermentation. This study focuses on optimizing probiotic retention by identifying the most effective carrier for Lactobacillus rhamnosus using a multi-criteria decision-making approach. Five carrier materials—pea protein, whey protein, maltodextrin, inulin, and pectin—were assessed through three critical phases: evaluating encapsulated probiotic survival in different pH solutions, examining the impact of carriers on kombucha fermentation, and assessing probiotic stability during storage. The findings indicate that whey protein serves as the most effective carrier, offering superior bacterial protection and enhancing fermentation efficiency. Kinetic modeling further demonstrated a significant correlation between probiotic survival, pH, and titratable acidity, while artificial neural network models achieved high predictive accuracy (r² > 0.9). Functional analysis revealed that kombucha enriched with probiotic whey protein encapsulates exhibited improved bioactivity, including enhanced antidiabetic properties through α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition, antihypertensive effects via ACE inhibition, and antihypercholesterolemic activity through HMGCR inhibition. These findings suggest that probiotic fortification contributes to the beverage’s overall health-promoting potential. Sensory evaluation highlighted that while enriched kombucha exhibited slight modifications in texture and acidity, overall consumer acceptability remained high. The study underscores whey protein’s role as an optimal probiotic carrier, significantly enhancing kombucha’s probiotic stability and bio functional properties. The results contribute to advancements in functional beverage formulation, paving the way for the development of probiotic-enriched kombucha with improved stability, bioactivity, and consumer appeal. Full article

Curcuma longa powder was prepared by refractance window drying (RWD) and was fortified. Fortification of dried turmeric powder with folic acid and NaFeEDTA, along with its characterization, was achieved. Characterization techniques, such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, FESEM, and particle size analysis, have been considered to study the morphological, thermal, and crystalline properties of the resulting fortified turmeric. In vitro digestion studies were carried out to determine the retention of nutrients after fortification. The RW-dried and fortified turmeric powder exhibited a stable average particle size and PDI values in the range of 1500–1600 nm, for 0.25–0.29, respectively. The fortified turmeric powder exhibited enhanced crystalline properties with sharp and high intensity peaks for NaFeEDTA-fortified turmeric powder. In vitro digestion studies affirmed the bio-accessibility of the novel fortified turmeric powder at 9.77 mg/100 g and 12.74 mg/100 g for folic acid and NaFeEDTA fortification cases, respectively. Thus, the findings confirmed that there was no significant influence of fortification on the characteristics of folic acid and the NaFeEDTA-fortified RW-dried turmeric powder product. Full article

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health issue linked to various chronic diseases and overall mortality. It primarily arises from insufficient sunlight exposure, compounded by dietary limitations. Vitamin D fortification of commonly consumed foods has emerged as a viable public health intervention to address this deficiency. This review evaluates the impact of vitamin D food fortification on serum levels, intake, and health outcomes and explores the stability, bio-accessibility, bioavailability, and cost-effectiveness of such interventions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 2015 to 2024. The criteria included primary research on healthy adults that addressed the effects of vitamin D fortification on health, intake, and serum levels, as well as the fortification’s stability, bio-accessibility, bioavailability, and cost-effectiveness. Studies were extracted and analyzed according to PRISMA guidelines. The review included 31 studies from diverse geographic locations, revealing that fortifying dairy products, cereals, fats, oils, and other food items effectively increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. The fortification methods varied, with vitamin D3 showing superior efficacy over vitamin D2. Encapsulation techniques improved stability and bioavailability. Fortifying staple foods like milk and eggs proved cost-effective compared with pharmaceutical interventions. Vitamin D food fortification significantly enhances serum levels and intake, with dairy and cereals being the most frequently fortified. Standardized fortification guidelines are essential to ensure safety and efficacy. Ongoing evaluation and region-specific policies are crucial for effectively optimizing fortification strategies and addressing vitamin D deficiency. Full article

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a leading cause of anemia among Indian adolescent girls. Supplementation and fortification alone may not effectively reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, sustainable food-based synergies and processing techniques must be developed to enhance mineral bio-accessibility (BAC) and bio-availability from naturally iron-rich foods. Traditional processing techniques that reduce antinutrient content and enhance mineral BAC have the potential to further enhance mineral bioavailability. This study quantifies the impact of traditional processing on Fe content and BAC in Fe-rich foods. It also quantifies the BAC of contaminant Fe from cooking in iron utensils. Three seeds were roasted and boiled in iron and non-iron utensils, and germinated. Three green leafy vegetables (GLVs) were roasted and blanched. Iron content was assessed using ICP-AES and the BAC was determined using dialyzability assay. Statistical analysis was conducted using MINITAB software, and Tukey’s test was used to determine the difference between the means. The Fe content in raw seeds ranged from 5.6 to 6.6 mg/100 g, and GLVs contained 36–77 mg Fe/100 g (d.b). Processing significantly increased Fe content in seeds (p < 0.05), with a maximum increase of 68–258% in samples boiled in an Fe pan. Among the GLVs, only blanching led to a significant reduction (~65%) in Fe content. The BAC of Fe from seeds increased after roasting (46.6–63.6%) and germination (7.9–68%). In GLVs, the maximum increase in Fe BAC was obtained in blanched samples (102–203%). No notable difference in Fe BAC was observed between the seed samples processed in utensils made of Fe and non-Fe materials. The Fe content and its BAC in food are significantly impacted by processing. Iron utensils may increase Fe content, but the contaminant-Fe BAC is limited. Roasting might release Fe from the protein–Fe–phytate complex due to thermal treatment, while germination mobilizes antinutrients, which may improve Fe bioavailability. Blanching works favorably in case of GLVs which may be due to alterations in the soluble and insoluble dietary fiber ratio. These findings suggest that incorporating such processing techniques can be beneficial while formulating products with high Fe bioavailability to combat anemia. Full article

In this overview, the latest achievements in dietary origins, absorption mechanism, bioavailability assay, health advantages, cutting-edge encapsulation techniques, fortification approaches, and innovative highly sensitive sensor-based detection methods of vitamin B₁₂ (VB₁₂) were addressed. The cobalt-centered vitamin B is mainly found in animal products, posing challenges for strict vegetarians and vegans. Its bioavailability is highly influenced by intrinsic factor, absorption in the ileum, and liver reabsorption. VB₁₂ mainly contributes to blood cell synthesis, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health, and potentially reduces anemia and optic neuropathy. Microencapsulation techniques improve the stability and controlled release of VB₁₂. Co-microencapsulation of VB₁₂ with other vitamins and bioactive compounds enhances bioavailability and controlled release, providing versatile initiatives for improving bio-functionality. Nanotechnology, including nanovesicles, nanoemulsions, and nanoparticles can enhance the delivery, stability, and bioavailability of VB₁₂ in diverse applications, ranging from antimicrobial agents to skincare and oral insulin delivery. Staple food fortification with encapsulated and free VB₁₂ emerges as a prominent strategy to combat deficiency and promote nutritional value. Biosensing technologies, such as electrochemical and optical biosensors, offer rapid, portable, and sensitive VB₁₂ assessment. Carbon dot-based fluorescent nanosensors, nanocluster-based fluorescent probes, and electrochemical sensors show promise for precise detection, especially in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Full article

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal for crops in China, poses a significant threat to rice cultivation. It is crucial to identify the genotypes with robust resistance to heavy metals, including Cd, in rice. The experiment was conducted to examine the mitigation effect of silicon (Si) on Cd toxicity levels in Se-enriched Z3055B and non-Se-enriched G46B rice genotypes. A basal dose of Si improved the growth and the quality of rice significantly by reducing the Cd content in rice roots, stems, leaves and grains and increased the yield, biomass and selenium (Se) content of brown rice in both genotypes. Additionally, Se content in brown rice and polished rice was notably higher in Se-enriched rice than in non-Se-enriched rice, with the highest amount at 0.129 mg/kg and 0.085 mg/kg, respectively. The results demonstrated that a basal fertilizer concentration of 30 mg/kg of Si was more effective in reducing Cd transport from roots to shoots in Se-enriched rice than in non-Se-enriched rice genotypes. Therefore, it can be concluded that Se-enriched rice genotypes are a viable option for food crop production in Cd-contaminated areas. Full article

Salinity stress (SS) is major abiotic stress that is seriously limiting crop production across the globe. The application of organic amendments (OA) mitigate the effects of salinity and improves soil health and crop production on a sustainable basis. However, limited studies are conducted to determine the impact of farmyard manure (FYM) and press mud (PM) on the performance of rice crop. Therefore, we performed this study to determine the impacts of FYM and PM on the growth, physiological and biochemical attributes, yield, and grain bio-fortification of rice crop under SS. The experiment was comprised of SS levels; control, 6 and 12 dS m⁻¹ SS and OA; control, FYM: 5%, press mud 5% and combination of FYM (5%) + PM (5%). Soil salinity imposed deleterious impacts on the growth, yield, and grain quality of rice, however, OA appreciably offset the deleterious impacts of SS and improved the growth, yield, and grain bio-fortification of rice crop. The combined application of FYM + PM improved the growth and yield of rice through an increase in chlorophyll contents, leaf water contents, anti-oxidant activities (ascorbate peroxidise: APX; catalase: CAT, peroxidise: POD and ascorbic acid: AsA), K⁺ accumulation and decrease in Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), Na⁺ accumulation. Moreover, the combined application of FYM + PM significantly improved the grain protein (5.84% and 12.90%), grain iron (40.95% and 42.37%), and grain zinc contents (36.81% and 50.93%) at 6 and 12 dS m⁻¹ SS. Therefore, this study suggested that the application of FYM and PM augmented the growth, yield, physiology, biochemistry, and grain bio-fortification of rice and proved to be a good practice for better rice production in salt-affected soils. Full article

Bio-fortification is a new, viable, cost-effective, and long-term method of administering crucial minerals to a populace with limited exposure to diversified foods and other nutritional regimens. Nanotechnology entities aid in the improvement of traditional nutraceutical absorption, digestibility, and bio-availability. Nano-applications are employed in poultry systems utilizing readily accessible instruments and processes that have no negative impact on animal health and welfare. Nanotechnology is a sophisticated innovation in the realm of biomedical engineering that is used to diagnose and cure various poultry ailments. In the 21st century, zinc nanoparticles had received a lot of considerable interest due to their unusual features. ZnO NPs exhibit antibacterial properties; however, the qualities of nanoparticles (NPs) vary with their size and structure, rendering them adaptable to diverse uses. ZnO NPs have shown remarkable promise in bio-imaging and drug delivery due to their high bio-compatibility. The green synthesized nanoparticles have robust biological activities and are used in a variety of biological applications across industries. The current review also discusses the formulation and recent advancements of zinc oxide nanoparticles from plant sources (such as leaves, stems, bark, roots, rhizomes, fruits, flowers, and seeds) and their anti-cancerous activities, activities in wound healing, and drug delivery, followed by a detailed discussion of their mechanisms of action. Full article

Yoghurt is a delectable fermented milk product suitable for all ages. Chromium (Cr), a trace mineral is found in two forms: trivalent and hexavalent. Recent studies have shown that the Cr (III), or chromium picolinate (Cri), is beneficial for carbohydrate metabolism. Thus, Cr supplements are used to treat diabetes and manage blood sugar. However, the effect of the incorporation of Cri on starter growth and the quality of yoghurt still needs to be determined. In this study, we aim to produce Cr (CrPi)-fortified yoghurt to fulfil the proposed recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Cr (35–50 µg/day for adults). Additionally, it might act as a nutraceutical for persons with special medical conditions, such as patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus disease. In this respect, the effect of different concentrations of CrPi, (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 ppm) chromium chloride [Cr (III)] (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ppm), and potassium chromate [Cr (VI)] (1, 2 ppm) on the activity of yoghurt starter culture were investigated in vitro on de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) media. Compared to the control (without Cr), the obtained data revealed significant inhibition of the yoghurt starter culture by Cr (VI) at 2 ppm compared to Cr (III), which did not affect the bacterial growth up to 5 ppm and was comparable with CrPi [Cr (III)]. We also produced yoghurt supplemented with two doses of Cr (0.25 and 0.5 ppm). We did not observe any significant differences in the physicochemical, rheological, microbiological, and sensory properties of the Cr-fortified yoghurt and the control up to 2 weeks in cold storage. These results clearly indicate that CrPi (0.25 and 0.5 ppm) can be used to manufacture yoghurt with the RDA for intact Cr without affecting its quality. Full article

Festuca arundinacea Schreb. is a widely used type of forage due to its great ecological breadth and adaptability. An agricultural intervention that improves the selenium content in cultivated plants has been defined as bio-fortification, a complementary strategy to improve human and non-human animals’ nutrition. The advancement of science has led to an increased number of studies based on nanotechnologies, such as the development of nanoparticles (NPs) and their application in crop plants. Studies show that NPs have different physicochemical properties compared to bulk materials. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the behavior of F. arundinacea Schreb. plants cultivated with Se nanoparticles, (2) to identify the specific behavior of the agronomic and productive variables of the F. arundinacea Schreb. plants, and (3) to quantify the production and quality of the forage produced from the plant (the bioactive compounds’ concentrations, antioxidant activity, and the concentration of selenium). Three different treatments of SeNPs were established (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mg/mL). The effects of a foliar fertilization with SeNPs on the morphological parameters such as the root size, plant height, and biomass production were recorded, as well as the effects on the physicochemical parameters such as the crude protein (CP), lipids (L), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), carbohydrates (CH), the content of total phenols, total flavonoids, tannins, quantification of selenium and antioxidant activity 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between treatments in all the response variables. The best results were obtained with foliar application treatments with 3.0 and 4.5 mg/mL with respect to the root size (12.79 and 15.59 cm) and plant height (26.18 and 29.34 cm). The F. arundinacea Schreb. plants fertilized with 4.5 mg/L had selenium contents of 0.3215, 0.3191, and 0.3218 mg/Kg MS; total phenols of 249.56, 280.02, and 274 mg EAG/100 g DM; and total flavonoids of 63.56, 64.96, and 61.16 mg QE/100 g DM. The foliar biofortified treatment with a concentration of 4.5 mg/mL Se NPs had the highest antioxidant capacities (284.26, 278.35, and 289.96 mg/AAE/100 g). Full article

The food industry is quite interested in the use of (techno)-functional bioactive compounds from byproducts to develop ‘clean label’ foods in a circular economy. The aim of this review is to evaluate the state of the knowledge and scientific evidence on the use of green extraction technologies (ultrasound-, microwave-, and enzymatic-assisted) of bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel byproducts, and their potential application via the supplementation/fortification of vegetal matrixes to improve their quality, functional properties, and safety. Most studies are mainly focused on ultrasound extraction, which has been widely developed compared to microwave or enzymatic extractions, which should be studied in depth, including their combinations. After extraction, pomegranate peel byproducts (in the form of powders, liquid extracts, and/or encapsulated, among others) have been incorporated into several food matrixes, as a good tool to preserve ‘clean label’ foods without altering their composition and improving their functional properties. Future studies must clearly evaluate the energy efficiency/consumption, the cost, and the environmental impact leading to the sustainable extraction of the key bio-compounds. Moreover, predictive models are needed to optimize the phytochemical extraction and to help in decision-making along the supply chain. Full article