Search Results (2,336)

Xylanases are enzymes used in the conversion of lignocellulosic substances to fuels, digestion of animal feed, food and textile industries and as bleaching agents in paper production. The present study evaluated the production of a thermostable xylanase of the thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora heterothallica by solid-state fermentation of agro-industrial residues (sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane straw, wheat bran, and a mixture of the three substrates (1:1:1 w/w). Different cultivation parameters for the production of the enzyme were evaluated. The highest production of xylanase occurred in the mixture of the three substrates, after 4 days of cultivation. The activity of the enzyme was higher in the following conditions: water at pH 5.0 and incubation temperature of the fungus at 40 °C, with initial substrate moisture at 80%. The enzyme presented higher activity in the pH range between 5.0 and 6.5, with a peak at pH 5.0 and over 90% stability over a wide pH range (3.5 to 9.5). The optimum temperature was 65 °C and the enzyme showed 100% stability for 1 h, up to 60 °C. The results demonstrate that agro-industrial residues are efficient substrates for xylanase production, allowing the production of an enzyme with high stability under pH and temperature variations, a feature essential for its application in industrial processes. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary sodium butyrate supplementation on blood gas profiles, biochemical parameters, and untargeted plasma metabolomics in tumbler pigeons. Eighty tumbler pigeons of similar age, body weight, and training intensity were randomly allocated into four groups: a control group without sodium butyrate supplementation (CON) and three sodium butyrate-supplemented groups receiving 6 mg/d (T1), 12 mg/d (T2), and 18 mg/d (T3), respectively. All birds were maintained under identical husbandry conditions and fed the same basal diet throughout a 40-day experimental period consisting of a 10-day acclimation phase and a 30-day feeding trial. Results showed that dietary sodium butyrate supplementation significantly improved dry matter digestibility, with T2 and T3 exhibiting higher values than CON (p < 0.05), while metabolizable energy utilization was significantly increased in T3 compared with CON (p < 0.05). Sodium butyrate supplementation also significantly altered several blood gas parameters associated with acid–base balance and gas exchange. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities were enhanced, with SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and T-AOC activities significantly increased in supplemented groups compared with CON (p < 0.01). Furthermore, sodium butyrate supplementation significantly modulated inflammatory responses, increasing IL-10 concentrations (p < 0.01) while decreasing IL-6 and IL-8 levels (p < 0.01). Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed significant alterations in pathways related to lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and inflammatory regulation. In conclusion, dietary sodium butyrate supplementation influenced nutrient utilization, blood physiological parameters, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory status, and plasma metabolic profiles in tumbler pigeons. Among the tested supplementation levels, 18 mg/d sodium butyrate was associated with the most favorable overall physiological responses. These findings provide a basis for future investigations into the physiological and metabolic effects of sodium butyrate supplementation in competitive pigeons. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary Bacillus subtilis supplementation on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, expression of antioxidant- and inflammation-related genes, and gut microbiota in juvenile GIFT (Oreochromis niloticus). The juvenile GIFT (total 540, initial body weight: 16.17 ± 1.32 g) were randomly divided into six groups and fed diets containing 0, 1 × 10⁷, 1 × 10⁸, 1 × 10⁹, 1 × 10¹⁰, or 1 × 10¹¹ CFU/kg B. subtilis for 60 days. Compared with the control group (0 CFU/kg B. subtilis), dietary B. subtilis significantly improved final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and daily growth index and reduced feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Supplementation also significantly increased intestinal amylase, lipase, and trypsin activities (p < 0.05). In addition, the expression of several antioxidant-related genes was upregulated, whereas pro-inflammatory gene expression was generally downregulated in the intestine, liver, and head kidney. Gut microbiota analysis indicated that B. subtilis supplementation altered community composition, increased Firmicutes’ abundance, and reduced Proteobacteria abundance. Among all supplementation levels evaluated, the diet containing 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg B. subtilis produced the most favorable overall beneficial effects under the conditions of the present study. Full article

A chickpea-based milk beverage containing both plant and animal proteins represents an excellent substrate for the production of biologically active peptides through fermentation. Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increases its nutritional value compared to the unfermented beverage while improving the digestibility and bioavailability of essential nutrients via proteolytic enzyme activity. This study investigated the production of bioactive peptides in fermented chickpea water extract using ten bacterial strains isolated from plant and animal sources. The proteolytic activity of each strain was quantified using the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) method, and the presence of proteolytic genes was confirmed via agarose gel electrophoresis. Peptides released during fermentation were identified through two-dimensional electrophoresis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and tandem mass spectrometry. To predict the potential biological activities of the studied peptide sequences, a series of in silico analyses were performed using specialized bioinformatics tools. The identified peptides were predicted to exhibit antioxidant, antihypertensive, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antituberculosis, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. Based on the results, L. fermentum SB-2 and L. sakei SD-8, were selected as promising candidates for bioactive peptide production in a chickpea water extract-based milk beverage and were subsequently applied in the beverage prototype. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of free and protected acid protease on productive performance, milk composition, metabolic profile, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal environment in lactating Jersey cows. Fifteen multiparous cows (67 ± 7.5 days in milk; 27.5 ± 3.5 kg/day) were assigned to a 3 × 3 Latin square (5 squares) design with 21-day periods. Treatments consisted of: control (no enzyme), free protease (4.4 g/day), and protected protease (4.4 g/day). The protected form was developed using alginate-based encapsulation to enhance enzyme stability under ruminal conditions. Protease inclusion did not affect dry matter intake, milk yield, or feed efficiency (p > 0.05). However, free protease increased lactation persistency (p = 0.05) and improved fat-corrected and energy-corrected milk yields (p ≤ 0.02), with intermediate responses observed for protected protease. Milk fat and protein contents were higher in enzyme-fed cows (p ≤ 0.05), while other compositional parameters remained unchanged. Apparent crude protein digestibility was greater in cows receiving free protease (p = 0.037), with no effects on dry matter or fiber digestibility. Protease intake increased total volatile fatty acid concentrations and major fermentation products (acetate, propionate, and butyrate; p ≤ 0.01), indicating enhanced ruminal fermentation. Blood metabolites showed increased total protein and globulin levels in cows fed free protease (p ≤ 0.05), suggesting improved protein metabolism. Microbiota analysis revealed no differences in alpha or beta diversity; however, specific microbial taxa and predicted metabolic pathways were modulated by treatments, particularly in post-ruminal compartments. In conclusion, exogenous protease, especially in free form, improved protein utilization and corrected milk production without disrupting microbial stability. These findings highlight the potential of protease as a nutritional strategy to enhance efficiency in dairy systems through targeted modulation of ruminal function and nutrient metabolism. Full article

This study investigated the covalent grafting of ferulic acid (FA) onto high-amylose corn starch (HACS) through controlled moist heat treatment as a strategy to regulate starch structure and digestibility. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) analyses confirmed the formation of ester linkages between HACS and FA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that FA grafting induced a rougher granule surface and increased porosity, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated altered gelatinization behavior and thermal stability. In vitro digestion analysis showed that the rapidly digestible starch content decreased from 23% to 15%, whereas the resistant starch (RS) content increased to 48% after FA grafting. Molecular docking suggested that FA could interact with α-amylase and that covalent modification may reduce enzyme accessibility to starch chains, thereby limiting starch hydrolysis. These findings demonstrate that FA grafting effectively reshapes the structural and digestive properties of HACS and provides a promising approach for developing resistant starch-rich functional food ingredients. Full article

Understanding the early life history of the endangered largemouth bronze gudgeon (C. guichenoti) is crucial for optimizing artificial rearing and conservation strategies. To provide a unified scientific basis for these efforts, this study characterized the ontogeny of C. guichenoti larvae from hatching to 30 days post-hatch (dph) by integrating analyses of allometric growth, digestive histology, and enzyme activities. Morphometric analysis revealed that total length increased exponentially with age. Positive allometric growth was observed in swimming organs (pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins) and eye diameter, indicating a priority in developing locomotion and sensory capabilities for survival in lotic environments. Histological examination showed that the digestive tract became patent by 4 dph, and functional structures were established by 5 dph, coinciding with yolk sac absorption and the initiation of exogenous feeding. The digestive system reached near-adult maturity by 20 dph. Enzyme activity profiles showed that trypsin activity increased continuously, peaking at 30 dph, while amylase and alkaline phosphatase peaked at 20 dph. Lipase activity remained low until a slight increase at 30 dph. These results indicate that C. guichenoti larvae adopt a “locomotion-first” strategy, with the digestive system becoming functional at 5 dph and maturing by 20 dph. These findings collectively define the critical windows for artificial propagation, specifically guiding the timing of initial feeding and feed formulation. Full article

Developing functional foods that address both oxidative stress and physiological challenges like dysphagia is a critical frontier in personalized nutrition. This study investigates the multi-component synergy of Fu Ling Yin Zi (FLYZ), a traditional dietary therapy, and translates its functional properties into a 3D-printed dysphagia-friendly food. Using response surface methodology, the optimal FLYZ formulation was established at a 5:1:5 ratio of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf., Amygdalus communis Vas, and Citrus reticulata. Network pharmacology and molecular docking suggested that FLYZ’s active compounds (e.g., nobiletin, stigmasterol, tangeretin, l-SPD, glabridin, estrone) may mitigate oxidative stress via multiple targets (PTGS2, AKT1, TNF, ESR1, MMP9, and MAOA), with pathway analysis pointing to a potential role of the AKT1/GSK3β/HIF-1α axis. Subsequent in vitro cellular assays demonstrated that FLYZ enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced intracellular ROS, and modulated the expression of associated genes, supporting a potential link to this pathway. To actualize these functional benefits for patients with swallowing difficulties, a novel 3D-printing ink incorporating FLYZ and walnut oil within a hydrogel matrix (3% xanthan gum, 3% pectin, 1.5% carrageenan) was developed. The printed constructs exhibited excellent shape fidelity and, based on standardized IDDSI fork and spoon tests, were categorized as level 4 (pureed/extremely thick). Furthermore, a simulated in vitro digestion model showed that the colloidal network significantly protected FLYZ’s polyphenols and flavonoids, markedly improving their bioaccessibility and post-digestion antioxidant capacity. Collectively, this work establishes an integrated approach that combines predictive molecular profiling with advanced 3D food printing, thereby supporting the development of future foods tailored for personalized nutrition. Full article

As important silkworm varieties reared on artificial diet, Youshi No. 1 (YS) and Guangshi No. 1 (GS) showed remarkable differences in physiological characteristics. GS had significantly better performance than YS in body weight, cocooning ability, food intake, feed utilization efficiency, and digestive enzyme activities. We further performed metabolomics and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to analyze their metabolic profiles and midgut microbiota. More than 40 differential metabolites were screened out, and four metabolic pathways related to feeding divergence were determined via KEGG enrichment, among which L-valine was enriched in multiple pathways. Significant structural differences were also observed in midgut microbiota, and Bacillus was positively correlated with pantothenic acid and valine metabolism. These correlational results disclosed that differential metabolites and gut microbiota might underlie the phenotypic variations between the two varieties. Integrated analysis combined with functional verification experiments demonstrated that supplementation of 1% L-valine or specific Bacillus strains in an artificial diet was associated with the improvement of the growth performance, cocoon quality, and feed utilization efficiency of the YS silkworm variety. Full article

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a polyphenol-rich berry increasingly recognized as a functional food ingredient for postprandial glycemic management. However, it remains unclear whether its polyphenols can modulate intestinal glucose transport in addition to inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. In this study, blue honeysuckle polyphenol extract (BHPE) was characterized by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, and its effects on α-glucosidase activity and intestinal glucose transport were evaluated using enzyme kinetics, fluorescence quenching, molecular docking, and differentiated Caco-2 monolayers. A total of 24 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, with anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid derivatives as the major constituents. BHPE exhibited a mixed-type, static-quenching inhibition of α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 75.05 μg/mL). Furthermore, molecular docking revealed that key constituents, including cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, and proanthocyanidin B1, bind the enzyme via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. In Caco-2 cell monolayers, BHPE reduced glucose transport by up to 51.56% under simulated postprandial conditions and coordinately downregulated SGLT1 and GLUT2 mRNA expression to 0.58- and 0.51-fold, respectively. These findings extend the bioactivity profile of blue honeysuckle polyphenols from enzyme-level inhibition to functional regulation at the intestinal epithelial barrier, highlighting their potential as multi-target natural ingredients for the attenuation of postprandial hyperglycemia. Full article

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are essential precursors in chemical synthesis for various chemicals, polymers, pharmaceuticals, and fragrance compounds. Acidogenic anaerobic digestion (or arrested methanogenesis) is a promising method to stabilize organic wastes and convert them to value-added products such as VFAs. However, the VFAs’ accumulation could in turn suppress the fermentation process through product inhibition and limit the titer of VFA in the digestate. Therefore, in situ separation and recovery of VFAs from the fermentate is crucial to constructing an effective continuous VFA-producing system. Recent research has been dedicated to addressing these issues and advancing the utilization of biobased VFAs, particularly through process-intensified strategies employing novel green solvents such as natural deep eutectic solvents. Furthermore, in situ conversion of VFAs into esters is another potential strategy for VFA removal. However, VFA esterification in an aqueous medium is challenging due to the abundant water driving the reaction toward hydrolysis. Recent advances in free or immobilized enzyme catalysis in solvents have demonstrated improved ester yield by providing a hydrophobic space for the esterification reaction in aqueous solution. In this review, we present an overview of critical aspects on the state-of-the-art of green solvent-based process intensification strategies, including feedstock selection and pretreatment, operating condition optimization, advances in membrane- and solvent-based recovery methods, and biocatalytic in situ esterification. Lastly, we provide perspectives toward cost-effective, continuous, high-solid, environmental-benign, and industrial-relevant VFA production applications. Full article

With increasing interest in food products enriched with dietary fiber and probiotics, there is a growing need for functional ingredients that can serve both as fiber sources and as suitable components of probiotic foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of enzymatically hydrolyzed cranberry pomace as a dietary fiber source in probiotic smoothies and to assess its effects on physicochemical and sensory properties, as well as probiotic viability during storage and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Smoothies were prepared using cranberry pomace hydrolyzed with the commercial enzymes Celluclast^® 1.5 L or Viscozyme^® L and were supplemented with Bifidobacterium animalis DSM 20105 and Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 20079. Physicochemical parameters, sensory properties, probiotic viability during 28 days of storage at 4 °C, and survival during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion were assessed. Smoothies containing Viscozyme^® L-treated pomace showed lower pH values and higher total titratable acidity, although acidity remained stable throughout storage. Pomace-enriched smoothies were perceived as more acidic and thicker but less sweet, whereas the formulation with Celluclast^® 1.5 L-treated pomace received the most favorable scores for color, cranberry taste, acidity, and overall acceptability. Probiotic viability during storage was strain-dependent. B. animalis DSM 20105 remained above 6 log₁₀ CFU/g after 28 days, whereas L. acidophilus DSM 20079 declined below this level during the first week. During simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, a reduction in B. animalis viability was observed; however, viable counts remained above 6 log₁₀ CFU/g in the control smoothie and in the formulation containing Celluclast^® 1.5 L-treated pomace. Overall, the smoothie containing Celluclast^® 1.5 L-treated pomace showed the most favorable overall performance under the storage and digestion conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Betanin (Bet), a natural compound, exhibits potent antioxidant and metabolic regulatory properties, yet its effect on cellular glucose utilization remains unclear. This study investigated, for the first time, the impact of Bet on glucose consumption and the activation of key carbohydrate–catabolic pathways in human erythrocytes. Methods: In vitro assays were performed to evaluate enzyme inhibition and activation. Human erythrocytes were incubated with Bet to assess glucose consumption. Enzyme activities were measured spectrophotometrically, and molecular docking was used to analyze binding interactions. Results: Our results demonstrate that Bet inhibits digestive enzymes in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal inhibition at 90 µg/mL for pancreatic lipase and 70 µg/mL for α-amylase, showing IC₅₀ values of 48.8 and 31.9 µg/mL, respectively, supported by strong binding affinities of −9.3 and −8.9 Kcal/mol. These interactions are stronger than those of orlistat (−6.9 Kcal/mol) and acarbose (−7.7 Kcal/mol). Bet also induced the activity of AMPK with an IC₅₀ of 1.83 µg/mL and a BE of −7.90 Kcal/mol, compared to the specific AMPK activator A-769662, which had an IC₅₀ of 1.29 µg/mL and a binding energy of −10.0 Kcal/mol. Consequently, Bet stimulated key glycolytic enzymes, reaching maximal activation (~62%) at 1.4 µg/mL for hexokinase (HK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and at 1.6 µg/mL for pyruvate kinase (PK), supported by binding energies of −7.2, −7.5, and −9.0 Kcal/mol and AC₅₀ values of 0.87, 0.98, and 0.91 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, Bet enhanced key Krebs cycle enzymes (IDH, SDH, MDH, LDH) in a dose-dependent manner, with AC₅₀ values of 0.76, 0.80, 0.72, and 0.52 µg/mL and strong binding energies (−7.8, −7.8, and −8.4 Kcal/mol), reaching maximal activation near 1.4 µg/mL. Bet also increased glucose consumption by human erythrocytes. Conclusions: Bet enhances glucose utilization by inhibiting digestive enzymes and activating intracellular metabolic pathways, suggest potential metabolic regulatory effects. Full article

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that plays important roles in growth, digestion, antioxidant defense, immunity, and inflammation regulation in fish. This study investigated the effects of graded dietary Zn levels on growth performance, serum biochemistry, digestive enzyme activity, zinc transporter expression, antioxidant capacity, immune responses, and inflammatory regulation in juvenile black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus). Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain 27.95, 34.38, 44.90, 66.52, 116.14, and 199.56 mg/kg Zn by supplementing ZnSO₄·7H₂O. Juvenile fish with an initial weight of 2.88 ± 0.12 g were fed the experimental diets for 60 days in triplicate tanks. Growth performance increased with dietary Zn and then plateaued at 44.90–199.56 mg/kg; broken-line regression estimated the optimal dietary Zn requirement at 44.6 mg/kg. Adequate Zn supplementation also reduced whole-body lipid content, increased digestive enzyme activities, improved serum HDL-C and ALP levels, and decreased AST and ALT activities. In addition, adequate dietary Zn (44.90 mg/kg) significantly modulated the expression of zinc transporter genes in the liver and intestine. Adequate dietary Zn supplementation enhanced antioxidant capacity by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, improved intestinal immunity, and strengthened barrier function by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins. Moreover, adequate dietary Zn could alleviate inflammatory responses by upregulating anti-inflammatory factors and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines via the MAPK14 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that dietary zinc at 44.60 mg/kg is sufficient to promote growth, antioxidant status, immune function, and intestinal health in juvenile black carp. Full article

The use of exogenous enzymes in feedlot cattle nutrition has been investigated as a strategy to increase nutrient utilization efficiency and productive performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of including arazyme, an exogenous metalloprotease, in the diet of feedlot beef cattle on zootechnical performance, hematological parameters, serum biochemical biomarkers, ruminal fermentation, and apparent nutrient digestibility. Twelve male Holstein cattle, with an average initial body weight of 352.5 ± 20.6 kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments: control (no additive) and basal diet with arazyme (0.67 g/kg of dry matter consumed) for 63 days. The diet was formulated with a forage/concentrate ratio of 40:60. Although the sample size was small, the inclusion of arazyme proved effective under these conditions, with animals receiving the enzyme showing greater total weight gain, higher average daily gain, and better feed conversion, without affecting dry matter intake. No significant changes were observed in hematological parameters or in most serum biochemical biomarkers, indicating an absence of adverse effects on the metabolic or hepatic health of the animals. Higher total concentrations of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, particularly acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, as well as a higher ruminal pH on day 63, may be related to the enzyme’s action. Additionally, the apparent digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber was higher. Therefore, the inclusion of arazyme in the diet of feedlot cattle may be a promising alternative for improving digestive efficiency and intensifying ruminal fermentation, potentially resulting in improved productive performance. Future research with a larger number of replicates and different doses of the additive is necessary to understand its action. Full article