Search Results (1,850)

Walnut peptide Lys-Gly-His-Leu-Phe-Pro-Asn (KG-7) is a food-derived bioactive peptide with a high antioxidant capacity. We systematically evaluated the ameliorative effects of KG-7 on scopolamine-induced memory deficits in mice and its intestinal absorption mechanisms through integrating motion behavior analysis, molecular biochemistry research, and fluorescence imaging technology. Morris water maze tests revealed that KG-7 significantly improved the behavioral performance of these mice. Further mechanistic investigations demonstrated that KG-7 restored cholinergic function by reducing acetylcholinesterase activity and increasing acetylcholine levels. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and hippocampal immunohistochemistry confirmed that KG-7 alleviated neuronal damage by downregulating Hes1 overexpression, clarifying its behavioral improvement mechanism. In vitro fluorescence imaging showed that KG-7 reached peak accumulation in brain tissue 8 h post-administration, confirming its brain delivery. To elucidate the absorption mechanism, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed that KG-7 markedly reduced the expression of efflux transporter P-gp in the small intestine, thereby diminishing efflux activity, while weakened tight junction (Occludin, ZO-1) fluorescence indicated activation of the paracellular pathway. Western blot analysis confirmed that KG-7 enhanced paracellular absorption efficiency and reduced intestinal efflux by downregulating ZO-1, Occludin, and efflux transporters (P-gp, BCRP, and LRP1) alongside upregulating Claudin-2 expression. These findings provide a foundation for exploring walnut peptides that enhance memory and optimize absorption. Full article

The global poultry industry continues to face significant challenges due to Salmonella infections, which pose severe public health concerns and economic losses. Recently, the reemergence of antimicrobial resistance has led to the restriction of antibiotic use in poultry, especially as growth promoters, thus accelerating the search for sustainable alternatives. Among these, probiotics have gained attention as potential candidates for improving poultry health and mitigating Salmonella colonization in the gut. This review summarizes the key mechanisms through which probiotics exert anti-Salmonella effects, including competitive exclusion, production of antimicrobial substances, reinforcement of the intestinal barrier, and modulation of host immune responses. Commonly used probiotic strains in poultry such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus are discussed, alongside emerging candidates derived from non-poultry hosts that may offer additional functional benefits. Despite encouraging findings, the use of probiotics in poultry faces several challenges, including strain-specific efficacy, variation in results across studies, environmental influences, and regulatory limitations. Therefore, we further explore future directions that are aimed at improving probiotic application in poultry production, such as microbiome-guided strain selection, advanced delivery systems, and combination therapies. Advancing our understanding of probiotic-pathogen-host interactions will be essential for optimizing probiotic use to enhance poultry health, reduce zoonotic transmission of Salmonella, and contribute to safer and more sustainable food systems. Full article

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are gaining interest as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional organic solvents in the functional food sector. Their low volatility, biodegradability, and tunable polarity, combined with high affinity for phenolics, carotenoids, and other phytochemicals, make them particularly relevant for developing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients at a time of rising diet-related chronic disease burden. This review critically analyses the role of NADES along the functional food chain. We summarize their composition, preparation, and key physicochemical properties, and then examine the NADES-based extraction of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds from plants and food by-products in comparison with traditional solvent systems. The influence of NADES on the stability and biological activity of recovered compounds is discussed, together with their use in the formulation, stabilization, and delivery strategies for functional foods. Emerging data indicate that NADES often enhance extraction yields and may protect labile bioactives, leading to stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in vitro compared with ethanol or water extracts when normalized to phenolic content. At the same time, large-scale implementation is limited by challenges related to safety assessment, regulatory acceptance, viscosity, and recovery issues, and incomplete techno-economic data. This review highlights these constraints, identifies key knowledge gaps, and outlines research priorities required to translate NADES-based processes into scalable, safe, and health-promoting functional food applications. Full article

Fortified soybean sprouts have been proposed as a source of ferritin-iron in food for the treatment of anemia in inflammatory bowel disease. Eight products with the addition of the sprouts have been designed, and iron speciation was studied in them by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (total iron content) and spectrophotometry (ionic forms). Non-ionic iron content, considered ferritin-iron content, was calculated as the difference between total and inorganic iron content. The production of crispbread disrupted ferritin and caused the release of ferritin-iron. A loss of ~3% of ferritin-iron was noted in rice wafers containing a coarse fraction of sprouts, and 0–10% in instant products (‘kisiel’, ‘budyn’, and groats). Lost ferritin-iron was converted mostly into ferrous iron, except for crispbread, in which Fe(III) constituted ~30%. The designed products are valuable sources of iron, with a high content of plant ferritin. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies of iron and copper are global challenges that significantly undermine public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have paved the way for nano–micronutrient formulations that offer improved nutrient delivery over conventional supplements. Nano–micronutrients leverage sub-100 nm particle sizes, increased-surface area, and controlled-release mechanisms to enhance gastrointestinal absorption and bioavailability of iron and copper. This narrative review takes a nuanced approach to critically evaluate published literature comparing nano-formulations with traditional supplements, demonstrating that nano–micronutrients enable targeted cellular uptake, reduce interactions with anti-nutritional factors, and improve organoleptic properties of fortified foods. Evidence indicates that these formulations can markedly elevate clinical biomarkers such as serum ferritin and hemoglobin, while reducing required dosages and mitigating gastrointestinal side effects. However, challenges persist regarding long-term safety, production scalability, and regulatory oversight. Public acceptance remains contingent on transparent safety assessments and effective communication of benefits. Future research should focus on standardizing synthesis methods, developing green production processes, and integrating robust in vitro and in vivo models to elucidate long-term health impacts. Overall, nano–micronutrients of iron and copper hold transformative potential to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and improve human nutrition, provided technical and regulatory challenges are adequately addressed. Full article

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle to the development of brain-targeted drug delivery systems, restricting greater than 98% of small molecules (<500 Da) and virtually all large-molecule drugs from entering the brain tissues from the bloodstream, resulting in suboptimal drug doses and therapeutic failure in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the advent of nanotechnology has provided significant solutions to the BBB challenges, enabling particle size reduction, enhanced drug solubility, reduced premature drug degradation, extended and sustained drug release, enhanced drug transport across the BBB, increased drug target specificity and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. In corollary, a library of brain-targeted surface-functionalized nanotherapeutics has been widely reported in the current literature. These promising in vitro, in vivo and pre-clinical results from the existing literature provide quantitative evidence for the relative clinical utility of each of the techniques, indicating remarkable capacity for brain-targeted carrier systems; many of them are still being tested in human clinical trials. However, despite the recorded research successes in drug transport across the BBB, there are currently no clinically proven medications that can slow or reverse the progression of AD because most of the novel therapeutics have not been successful during the clinical trials. Therefore, the main option for the treatment of AD is symptomatic treatment using cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Although these therapies help to alleviate symptoms of AD and improve patients’ quality of life, they neither slow the progression of disease nor cure it. Thus, an effective disease-modifying therapy for the treatment of AD is an unmet clinical need. It is apparent that a deeper understanding of the structural complexity and controlling dynamic functions of the BBB in tandem with a comprehensive elucidation of AD pathogenesis are crucial to the development of novel nanocarriers for the effective treatment of AD. Therefore, this narrative review describes the contextual analysis of several promising strategies that enhance brain-targeted drug delivery across the BBB in AD treatment and recent research efforts on two major AD biomarkers that have revolutionized AD diagnosis, amyloid-beta plaques and phosphorylated tau protein tangle, as potential targets in AD drug development. This has led to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s approval of two intravenous (IV) anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, Lecanemab (Leqembi^®) and Donanemab (Kisunla^®), which were developed based on the Aβ cascade hypothesis for the treatment of early AD. This review also discusses the recent shift in the Aβ cascade hypothesis to Aβ oligomer (conformer), a soluble intermediate of Aβ, which is the most toxic mediator of AD and could be the most potent drug target in the future for a more accurate and effective drug development model for the treatment of AD. Furthermore, various promising nanoparticle-based drug carriers (therapeutic nanoparticles) that were developed from intensive research are discussed, including their clinical utility, challenges and prospects in the treatment of AD. Overall, it suffices to state that the advent of nanotechnology provided several innovative techniques for overcoming the BBB and improving drug delivery to the brain; however, their long-term biosafety is a relevant concern. Full article

Microalgae have emerged as sustainable biofactories producing diverse bioactive compounds with significant applications in nutrition and cosmetics. Their high metabolic versatility makes them promising alternatives to conventional resources for addressing global challenges such as malnutrition, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. This review provides an integrated perspective on microalgal bioactives, highlighting their role in functional foods, dietary supplements, and maternal and infant nutrition, as well as their incorporation into cosmetic formulations for anti-aging, photoprotection, hydration, and microbiome support. Mechanistic insights reveal antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and extracellular matrix-preserving effects, alongside UV absorption and barrier reinforcement. The review also discusses their biochemical diversity, mechanisms of action, safety, regulatory considerations, and emerging technologies for formulation and delivery. AI-driven and machine-learning approaches using microalgae for cosmetic and nutritional applications have also been discussed. Overall, microalgae serve as a cornerstone for next-generation nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, aligning with sustainability and circular-economy principles. Full article

The intricate and dynamic nature of agricultural supply chains imposes stringent demands on optimization methodologies, necessitating multi-objective considerations, privacy safeguards, and decision transparency to address pivotal challenges in ensuring food security and sustainable development. This study introduces a Dynamic Heterogeneous Multi-Objective Graph Neural Network (DHMO-GNN) model, meticulously tailored for optimizing agricultural supply chains. It integrates five core modules: data preprocessing and heterogeneous graph construction, dynamic graph neural networks, multi-objective optimization, interpretability enhancement, and federated learning collaboration. The model adeptly captures temporal dynamics through sequential attention mechanisms and incremental updates, harmonizes cost, delivery time, and carbon emissions via multi-task learning and Pareto optimization, augments decision transparency with GNNExplainer and SHAP, and surmounts data silos by leveraging federated learning alongside differential privacy. Empirical evaluations on the Chengdu Hongguang Town Farmers’ Market dataset demonstrate that the centralized DHMO-GNN variant achieves a hypervolume indicator (HV) of 0.849, surpassing baseline models; the federated variant exhibits only a 2.6% decline under privacy constraints, underscoring its robustness. Ablation studies further corroborate the synergistic contributions of each module. This research furnishes an efficacious and trustworthy framework for the intelligent management of agricultural supply chains, holding profound implications for advancing digital transformation and green development. Full article

Background: Rice is one of the world’s main staple crops, and improving its productivity and resilience is important to achieving food security under varying climatic conditions. Objectives: This systematic review synthesizes the existing evidence on the application, technical limitations, and potential of the development of genome editing technologies (CRISPR-Cas) in rice (Oryza sativa L.), as well as presents a novel approach called the CRISPR Trait Prioritization and Readiness Framework (CTPRF). Methods: Peer-reviewed articles that reported applications of genome editing based on the CRISPR-Cas system in the genome of rice for trait improvement or functional genomics were identified through searches fromPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar with studies published between 2012 and 2025. Studies were screened on predefined inclusion criteria related to experimental validation, reporting of editing efficiency, and clear phenotypic results. Data on CRISPR systems, target genes, methods of delivery, traits modified, and phenotypic results were extracted and synthesized by comparative analysis. Results: A wide variety of different CRISPR systems have been used in rice, and our results indicate that NHEJ-mediated knockouts are effective in average genotypes with editing efficiencies in the range of 70–90%, but HDR and prime editing are still under 10%. The CTPRF is being introduced as a strategic decision support tool to evaluate traits from four dimensions: technical feasibility, phenotypic predictability, impact potential, and regulatory pathway. We use this framework for case studies in pioneering countries (USA, Japan, China) and show how it can be useful for guiding research investment and policy. Conclusions: CRISPR-Cas technologies have transformed rice breeding, but their introduction requires overcoming genotype-dependent barriers to transformation and negotiating patchwork regulatory environments. The CTPRF offers a roadmap for the acceleration of the development of climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties for the action plan. Full article

To meet the challenge of microbial contamination of food, smart packaging materials with active controlled-release functions have become a research hotspot. In this study, a humidity-responsive antimicrobial composite film was constructed by introducing cinnamaldehyde@β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CIN@β-CD ICs) into a konjac glucomannan/polyvinyl alcohol/lithium chloride (KGM/PVA/LiCl) matrix. Characterization results showed that the CIN@β-CD ICs formed a dense structure through hydrogen bonding, which enhanced the thermal stability, mechanical strength (tensile strength: 20.83 MPa) and surface hydrophilicity (water contact angle < 60°) of the film. The film acted as a humidity-triggered release system for CIN, enabling controlled antimicrobial delivery: at high humidity (98% RH), the film rapidly swelled and accelerated the release of CIN, with a cumulative release rate of 87.29% over 7 days, whereas the release slowed significantly at low humidity (43% RH). The antimicrobial activity of the released CIN was strongly influenced by ambient humidity, with the effect enhanced under high humidity conditions. It is noteworthy that the film containing 0.2% ICs exhibited the optimal antimicrobial performance among the formulations studied. This study elucidates a mechanism for humidity-triggered release through multicomponent synergism, which provides a feasible strategy for the design of environmentally friendly, smart packaging materials with high antimicrobial activity. Full article

Synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by aberrant aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), a presynaptic protein with an intrinsic disorder nature. The transition of soluble monomers into oligomeric and fibrillar species represents a key molecular event driving neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence suggests that nutraceuticals, bioactive compounds derived from dietary sources, can modulate α-syn aggregation at multiple conformational stages. Polyphenols, alkaloids, ginsenosides, and food-derived peptides interfere with α-syn structure and assembly, suppressing the formation of toxic oligomer species and promoting the clearance of misfolded assemblies. Despite this potential, clinical translational of nutraceuticals is currently limited by poor systemic bioavailability and restricted central nervous system penetration due to blood–brain barrier constraints, which have largely confined research to preclinical studies. In this context, this review summarizes current knowledge of nutraceutical interventions targeting the conformational landscape of α-syn and highlighting both direct and indirect molecular mechanisms with involved in aggregation-prone species. Furthermore, we critically examine key challenges related to bioavailability and clinical translation, focusing on advanced delivery systems and precision-based approaches to enhance neuroprotective efficacy and support the potential of nutraceuticals as novel or adjunctive therapeutic strategies for PD. Full article

In the service-oriented modern society, logistics enterprises focusing solely on cost minimization can no longer meet market demands, as customers place greater emphasis on timely delivery and service satisfaction. Therefore, this paper constructs a multi-objective optimization model that simultaneously minimizes distribution costs and hierarchical customer delivery duration. From the perspective of symmetry, the two objectives form a symmetric complementary system, which reflects the mutually restrictive and trade-off relationship between the two objectives, thereby facilitating the achievement of a balance between enterprise benefits and customer satisfaction. An improved multi-objective grey wolf optimizer (IMOGWO) is proposed to solve the model, incorporating a chaotic mapping initialization mechanism, a cosine nonlinear convergence factor, and a learning factor-based hunting mechanism to enhance global optimization capability. The algorithm’s effectiveness is validated through comparisons on benchmark cases. Applied to a Zhengzhou food company, the solution improved distribution efficiency while prioritizing key clients, thereby enhancing service levels and stabilizing important customer relationships, providing a practical reference for logistics enterprises to increase revenue and undergo digital transformation. Full article

Natural bioactive peptides have emerged as pivotal candidates in modern science due to their multifaceted biological activities and versatile applications across biomedicine, biotechnology, and nutraceuticals. These molecules exhibit a broad pharmacological spectrum including antimicrobial, antiplatelet, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antitumor properties, positioning them as potent therapeutic agents and essential functional food constituents. Compared to synthetic alternatives, their inherent structural diversity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability offer a superior safety profile by minimizing systemic toxicity and adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the primary natural reservoirs of these peptides, which encompass terrestrial flora and fauna as well as marine organisms and microorganisms, while elucidating their complex mechanisms of action and structure–function relationships. Furthermore, we evaluate contemporary methodologies for peptide identification and optimization, such as high-throughput proteomics, computational modeling, and strategic chemical modifications aimed at enhancing metabolic stability and bioavailability. Although bottlenecks in extraction, scalable production, and proteolytic susceptibility persist, recent breakthroughs in recombinant technology and rational design are facilitating their industrial translation. Finally, we discuss future perspectives focused on the synergy between artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and sustainable circular economy strategies to maximize the therapeutic accessibility and functional efficacy of natural peptides. Full article

The aging population and increasing prevalence of oxidative stress-related diseases underscore the need for functional food and pharmaceutical formulations enriched with bioactive compounds. This study aimed to design sustainable emulsion systems incorporating enzymatically modified fats with enhanced functional and bioactive properties. Enzymatic interesterification was employed as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical catalysis, enabling the transformation of natural lipids without generating undesirable trans isomers. The lipid phase was formulated from blends of hemp oil, a plant-derived source rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with documented antioxidant potential, and mutton tallow, in an effort to valorize meat industry by-products. Systematic evaluation of emulsion stability, viscosity, and textural properties was conducted using Turbiscan analysis and texture profile analysis. The results demonstrated that xanthan gum concentration was the primary determinant of structural stability, physicochemical stability, and structural integrity of the emulsion systems. Formulation no. 38 (0.8% w/w xanthan gum) was identified as the statistically most stable system based on Turbiscan Stability Index values (TSI = 1.4). Although emulsions containing 1.0% w/w xanthan gum exhibited similarly low TSI values and slightly smaller final droplet diameters, formulation E38 showed the smallest increase in droplet size during storage (<1 µm), indicating superior resistance to structural changes over time. Fat composition showed minimal influence on emulsion behavior, suggesting that lipid selection should prioritize nutritional and bioactive value. These findings indicate that emulsions based on enzymatically modified fats and stabilized with natural polysaccharides can serve as physically stable systems with potential applicability in food, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations intended for bioactive compound delivery. Full article

In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 44 new drugs, reflecting a slight decrease compared to previous years but maintaining the overall trends in pharmaceutical innovation. Biologics accounted for 25% of approvals, including nine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), two antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and one fusion protein, with cancer remaining the primary therapeutic focus. TIDES, comprising three oligonucleotides and one peptide, continued to consolidate their presence in the market, with the three oligonucleotides featuring N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) for liver-targeted delivery. Small molecules dominate the remainder, with a high prevalence of N-aromatic moieties and fluorine atoms present in most of the molecules. Peptide manufacturing and sustainability concerns, including PFAS usage, remain key challenges. Despite these advances, the high cost of innovative therapies limits access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This report provides a structural and chemical analysis of the newly approved drugs, highlighting trends in molecular design, therapeutic areas, and technological innovations shaping modern drug discovery. Full article