Search Results (4,706)

Sensing represents one of the most rapidly developing areas of modern life sciences, spreading from the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in living systems, food, and beverages to hazardous substances in liquid and gaseous environments. However, the development of efficient and low-cost multimodal sensors with easy-to-read functionality is still very challenging. In this paper, stable aqueous colloidal suspensions (ζ-potential was between −30 and −40 mV) of ultrasmall (~7 nm) plasmonic Si-Au and SiC-Au nanocomposites were formed. Two variants of pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL)—direct ablation and laser co-fragmentation—were used for this purpose. The co-fragmentation approach led to a considerable decrease in hydrodynamic diameter (~78 nm) and bandgap widening to approximately 1.6 eV. All plasmonic nanocomposites exhibited efficient multi-band blue emission peaking at ~430 nm upon Xe lamp excitation. Co-fragmentation route considerably (~1 order of magnitude) increased the PL efficiency of the nanocomposites in comparison with the laser-ablated ones, accompanied by a negligible amount of dangling bonds. These silicon-based nanostructures significantly affected the optical response of rhodamine 6G, depending on the synthesis route. In particular, directly ablated nanoparticles revealed a stronger influence on the optical response of dye molecules. The observed findings suggest using such types of semiconductor-plasmonic nanocomposites for multimodal plasmonic and colorimetric sensing integrated with luminescent detection capability. Full article

The genus Aeromonas is widely distributed in aquatic environments, where it is a frequent fish pathogen. It has also been described in association with human infections, with most cases caused by A. caviae, A. veronii biovar sobria, and A. hydrophila. More recently, A. dhakensis has emerged as an increasingly important human pathogen. Transmission occurs primarily through ingestion or contacts with aquatic sources, or by consuming contaminated food, particularly from aquatic origins. Growing resistance in Aeromonas has been reported for penicillins (including their combinations with classical β-lactamase inhibitors), cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Among the β-lactam antibiotics, only fourth-generation cephalosporins remain almost uniformly active. Furthermore, the co-occurrence of resistance genes for third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems within the same isolates is increasing. Recently, the presence of mobile genes conferring colistin resistance has also been documented, with resistance rates sometimes exceeding 30%. This evolution of colistin resistance is likely linked to its use in aquaculture, and together with the rise in β-lactam resistance, may be transforming Aeromonas into a significant reservoir of resistance genes that could potentially be transferred to species more commonly associated with human infections, such as the Enterobacterales. Full article

Background: Antibiotic drug resistance is a serious global health problem that threatens therapeutics against infectious diseases. As antibiotics become less effective every year, our objective was to evaluate the adjuvant activity of methanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera seed combined with antibiotics of clinical use against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from street food samples searching for a new alternative to treat infectious diseases commonly treated with antibiotics. Methods: Secondary metabolites of M. oleifera seeds were obtained through maceration (methanol 80%) and detected following qualitative phytochemical assays. MIC, MBC and tolerance level were determined using microdilution tests. Antimicrobial activity was tested by sensitivity analysis, and the adjuvant activity was explored in combination with twelve antibiotics against the E. coli samples. Results: Alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and polyphenols were detected. MIC and MBC values ranged from 31.3 to 62 mg/mL and 62–125 mg/mL, respectively. The extract showed low antimicrobial activity against the multidrug-resistant E. coli, but the inhibitory capacity of ampicillin, cephalexin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was significantly increased when combined with the plant extract. In contrast, the activity of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, tetracycline, polymyxin, and nalidixic acid decreased with the extract. Conclusion: Methanolic extracts of M. oleifera seeds represent a potential adjuvant for beta-lactams in the face of the growing problem of global antimicrobial resistance. This study represents the first steps in exploring the adjuvant capacity of plants against resistant environmental pathogens in Mexico. Full article

Nanotechnology offers powerful new tools to enhance food quality monitoring and safety assurance. In the food industry, nanoscale materials (e.g., metal, metal oxide, carbon, and polymeric nanomaterials) are being integrated into sensory systems to detect spoilage, contamination, and intentional food tampering with unprecedented sensitivity. Nanosensors can rapidly identify foodborne pathogens, toxins, and chemical changes that signal spoilage, overcoming the limitations of conventional assays that are often slow, costly, or require expert operation. These advances translate into improved food safety and extended shelf-life by allowing early intervention (for example, via antimicrobial nano-coatings) to prevent spoilage. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the types of nanomaterials used in food sensory applications and their mechanisms of action. We examine current applications in detecting food spoilage indicators and adulterants, as well as recent innovations in smart packaging and continuous freshness monitoring. The advantages of nanomaterials—including heightened analytical sensitivity, specificity, and the ability to combine sensing with active preservative functions—are highlighted alongside important toxicological and regulatory considerations. Overall, nanomaterials are driving the development of smarter food packaging and sensor systems that promise safer foods, reduced waste, and empowered consumers. However, realizing this potential will require addressing safety concerns and establishing clear regulations to ensure responsible deployment of nano-enabled food sensing technologies. Representative figures of merit include Au/AgNP melamine tests with LOD 0.04–0.07 mg L⁻¹ and minute-scale readout, a smartphone Au@carbon-QD assay with LOD 3.6 nM, Fe₃O₄/DPV detection of Sudan I at 0.001 µM (linear 0.01–20 µM), and a reusable Au–Fe₃O₄ piezo-electrochemical immunosensor for aflatoxin B1 with LOD 0.07 ng mL⁻¹ (≈15 × reuse), alongside freshness labels that track TVB-N/amine in near-real time and e-nose arrays distinguishing spoilage stages. Full article

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely employed exogenous plasticizer, has become pervasive in the environment and living organisms due to its extensive use in food packaging, medical devices, and daily consumer products, and is established as a typical endocrine-disrupting chemical. Growing evidence indicates a strong association between DEHP exposure and the incidence of chronic bone disorders, including osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA), and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenic effects across these diseases remain poorly defined. In this study, we applied an environmental network toxicology approach to integrate predicted protein targets of DEHP with known disease-associated targets of the three bone disorders using multiple databases. Through Venn analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, we identified core targets and key signaling pathways. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were further employed to validate the binding modes and stability between DEHP and the core targets, thereby elucidating common and distinct mechanisms of DEHP across these bone diseases. A total of 109 overlapping targets of DEHP and the three bone diseases were identified, among which 7 core targets—AKT1, SRC, ESR1, CASP3, MMP9, BCL2, and BCL2L1—were common to all three disorders. These are implicated in critical biological processes such as apoptosis regulation, inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and estrogen signaling. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Ras, TNF, and estrogen signaling pathways across all three diseases. Molecular docking and MD simulations confirmed stable binding of DEHP to key targets including AKT1, ESR1, and MMP9, supporting its potential to disrupt bone metabolic homeostasis via multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms. Further analysis indicated that DEHP exerts both shared and disease-specific effects: it disrupts osteoblast/osteoclast balance in OP, amplifies inflammatory responses and matrix degradation in OA, and contributes to impaired angiogenesis and osteocyte necrosis in ONFH. This study systematically reveals how DEHP disrupts bone homeostasis through a multi-target and multi-pathway network, constructing a cross-disease osteotoxicity framework. It is the first to delineate the common and distinct molecular mechanisms of DEHP in OP, OA, and ONFH. Although these insights are derived from computational models and require further experimental validation, they provide a novel theoretical basis for combined intervention strategies targeting multiple bone diseases and for environmental health risk assessment. Full article

Aspergillus flavus is both an agricultural and clinical pathogen, notable for its ability to contaminate crops with aflatoxins and cause invasive aspergillosis. The increasing emergence of azole resistance in A. flavus poses a serious challenge to food safety and human health. Although mutations in ergosterol biosynthesis genes have been reported in resistant isolates, their functional contributions remain largely unvalidated. In this study, we investigated the role of the CYP51A Y119F mutation in azole resistance. Site-directed mutants were generated using PCR-based gene editing, and their susceptibility to antifungal agents was assessed through Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution and agar diffusion assays. The Y119F mutation reduced susceptibility specifically to voriconazole and isavuconazole, while susceptibility to itraconazole and posaconazole remained unchanged. To explore the structural basis of this phenotype, molecular dynamics simulations were performed. The mutant protein exhibited greater fluctuations and reduced conformational stability compared to the wild-type enzyme. Tunnel analysis further indicated that the Y119F substitution caused narrowing and shortening of the main access tunnels to the heme-binding pocket, likely impairing azole access and binding. The combined biochemical and structural analyses suggest that Y119F represents a primary resistance-conferring mutation that modifies the structural dynamics of CYP51A. Full article

To address the challenges in preventing and controlling mastitis caused by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in large-scale dairy farms, as well as the issues of traditional disinfection protocols relying on experience and exhibiting significant efficacy fluctuations, this study aimed to systematically explore optimal disinfection strategies adapted to different scenarios and seasons. Five common commercial disinfectants in China were selected to target the two aforementioned pathogenic strains. Experiments were conducted under three typical scenarios—bacterial suspension, stainless steel carriers (simulating milking equipment), and cow dung cubicle bedding—and three temperature conditions (4 °C, 25 °C, 37 °C, simulating seasonal temperatures). A series of tests were performed, including neutralizer identification tests, determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), quantitative suspension and carrier spray disinfection tests, and monitoring of bacterial growth and decline in cow dung cubicle bedding. These tests were used to quantitatively analyze the regulatory mechanisms of disinfectant concentration, action time, and environmental temperature on disinfection efficacy. The Compound Glutaral Solution (CGS) exhibited the best overall performance, with strong temperature stability across all scenarios and high-efficiency bactericidal activity even at low concentrations. Additionally, the combined system of the CGS and bleaching powder (BP) achieved the optimal effect in controlling bacterial rebound in the cow dung cubicle bedding scenario. This study clarified the scenario-specific adaptation rules of different disinfectants and established a scenario-specific precision disinfection strategy for dairy farms. It provides a scientific basis for improving the level of mastitis prevention and control and optimizing biosafety systems, while also offering references for the disinfection of hard surfaces in fields such as healthcare and food processing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Due to the rising problem of antimicrobial resistance, there is increasing attention in the scientific community towards alternative approaches to combat Antimicrobial-Resistant (AMR) pathogens that do not involve the use of antibiotics. In this regard, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have promoted experimentation with predatory bacteria to fight antibiotic resistance. With the aim of identifying predatory bacteria suitable for the control of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, in this work we isolated a strain of Halobacteriovorax from an estuarine aquatic environment using a CTX-M-producing E. coli strain as prey and characterized it with respect to optimal physico-chemical parameters for growth and predation. Furthermore, we studied its predatory capacity against other E. coli strains and Multi-Drug-Resistant (MDR) Salmonella. Finally, we conducted challenge experiments to evaluate the growth of predator and prey over time. Methods: The Halobacteriovorax strain, designated HE7, was identified by 16S rRNA analysis. To isolate Halobacteriovorax and to evaluate its predatory ability towards different preys, the double-layer agar plating technique was applied. Results: HE7 showed in vitro predatory activity against all MDR strains of E. coli and Salmonella tested. In the 10⁷ predator/10³ prey and 10⁷ predator/10⁷ prey challenges, HE7 after 6 h achieved the total killing and a reduction of about 6 logs in the prey, respectively, maintaining this effect for up to 24 h. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight that HE7, but more generally Halobacteriovorax, could find application both alone and in an integrated context of antimicrobial strategies as an alternative to antibiotics. Full article

Aptamer-based biosensors have emerged as an important and promising technology for applications in food safety, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical analysis. Obtained via Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) screening, these recognition elements exhibit antibody-comparable affinity and specificity, alongside superior chemical stability, easy synthesis, and broad target adaptability. Substantial advances in the field have been marked by the systematic development of food contaminant-specific aptamers, elucidation of their binding mechanisms, and construction of versatile biosensing platforms. The integration of these aptamers with conventional electrochemical and optical sensors has substantially enhanced detection sensitivity and lowered detection limits, particularly for trace-level analytes in complex food matrices. Furthermore, the integration of aptamer technology with novel nanomaterials has facilitated the development of high-performance detection platforms for a wide range of food contaminants, including heavy metals, antibiotics, foodborne pathogens, mycotoxins, pesticides, and food additives. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in SELEX techniques for aptamer screening, highlights the application of aptamer-based biosensors in detecting these contaminants, and discusses current challenges and future prospects in the field of food safety, which establishes a comprehensive framework to advance aptamer-based biosensing technologies for rapid detection and early warning in food safety monitoring. Full article

Staphylococcus spp. present a dual role in cheese production as some species are pathogenic, while others bring beneficial characteristics. Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are of concern due to their ability to produce enterotoxins linked to foodborne outbreaks. These toxins, encoded by staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes, cause gastroenteritis, especially vomiting. Many members of the genus harbor a plethora of virulence genes and are able to form biofilms. The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), complicates control. In contrast, some members of the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) group, such as Staphylococcus carnosus, Staphylococcus condimenti, Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus piscifermentans, Staphylococcus succinus, and Staphylococcus xylosus, contribute to ripening, influencing flavor and texture. Some are even considered safe and studied for their ability to inhibit pathogens. Expression of enterotoxin genes in Staphylococcus, particularly S. aureus, is influenced by environmental factors and can be regulated by different mechanisms including quorum sensing. Understanding gene expression in conditions found during cheese production and ripening can help in formulating effective interventions. Risks posed by enterotoxin-producing Staphylococcus in cheese are evident, with numerous outbreaks reported worldwide. Moreover, several species present risks to both animal and human health. Effective control measures include adherence to microbiological criteria in foods, animal health monitoring, good manufacturing practices (GMP), temperature control, proper ripening conditions and hygiene. This review compiles and discusses existing knowledge on CoPS and CoNS in cheeses, providing a framework for evaluating their risks and benefits and guiding future studies in cheese microbiology. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a cornerstone of food security and livestock production in Paraguay. However, its productivity and grain safety are increasingly threatened by Fusarium species because of their pathogenic capacity and ability to produce mycotoxins. In this study, symptomatic maize leaves collected from commercial fields in Pirapó, Itapúa, during the 2022 growing season were processed to isolate and characterize fungal pathogens. Three isolates displaying typical Fusarium morphology were obtained and examined through macroscopic and microscopic traits. Molecular identification was conducted using translation elongation factor 1-α 1-α (TEF) sequences, followed by phylogenetic inference using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The Paraguayan isolates (PYF-MZE22-01, -02, -03) clustered with the ex-type strain Fusarium awaxy CBS139380 in a strongly supported clade, confirming species identity. This finding constitutes the first record of F. awaxy associated with maize in Paraguay, thereby expanding its known geographical distribution. Considering that members of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex are recognized producers of regulated mycotoxins, the detection of F. awaxy raises concerns regarding its pathogenic potential and possible implications for food safety. These results underscore the importance of integrating molecular diagnostics, toxigenic profiling, and surveillance programs to monitor emerging Fusarium taxa in South American agroecosystems. Full article

Camphora tenuipilis, a unique aromatic plant in the traditional Xishuangbanna dish “Duo Sheng” (raw minced meat dish), lacks scientific evidence to support its traditional use and potential application as a natural preservative/antioxidant. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the chemical composition and bioactivities of its leaf essential oils (EOs), verifying its traditional use, and exploring the bioactivities specific to different chemotypes. Leaf samples were collected from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), Chinese Academy of Sciences, and local markets. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 53 compounds, leading to the classification of the EOs into five chemotypes: linalool, geraniol, citral, elemicin, and methyl cinnamate. Notably, the elemicin-type EO (YC02, with an elemicin content of 94.56 ± 0.98%) exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties. The EOs demonstrated antibacterial activity against four foodborne pathogens: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus; except for YC04, the other EOs effectively inhibited pathogen growth to varying extents. Cytotoxicity tests revealed half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) for HaCaT cells ranging from 0.163 to 0.847 mg/mL. This study scientifically validates the traditional use of C. tenuipilis in “Duo Sheng” and supports its potential as a natural food preservative, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents. Full article

MXene, owing to its high electrical conductivity, large specific surface area, and abundant surface functional groups, has been widely applied in the detection of foodborne pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to review recent developments in the emerging material MXene for the detection and killing of foodborne pathogens, which is expected to facilitate the further development and utilization of MXene. This work comprehensively reviews advances in MXene applications for detecting and killing foodborne pathogens. Firstly, applications of MXene in electrochemical sensors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), fluorescence platforms, and fluorescence–electrochemical dual-mode sensing systems are introduced. Subsequently, the sterilization mechanisms of MXene are described, followed by a detailed explanation of its practical applications in active food packaging, surface modification of food processing equipment, and instant sterilization techniques. Finally, conclusions, challenges, and future prospects in the area of MXene for the detection and killing of foodborne pathogens are discussed in depth. Significantly, this review uniquely summarizes applications of MXene in the detection and sterilization of foodborne pathogens, offering new perspectives on its use in food safety. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease, and current treatments are limited by significant side effects. Deer bone, which is rich in proteins and various active compounds, possesses anti-inflammatory and bone-health-promoting properties. However, its fermented product’s effects on RA treatment remain unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of probiotic-fermented deer bone aqueous extract (BbF) in an adjuvant arthritis (AA) rat model, combined with LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage models. In vivo experiments showed that BbF significantly reduced paw swelling, arthritis index, and improved bone mineral density. BbF also alleviated synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration. It suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, etc.) and inhibited macrophage migration and invasion. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of the Notch signaling pathway, and Western blot confirmed the downregulation of Notch3, Notch4, DLL4, and Jagged1 proteins. BbF also restored gut microbiota homeostasis, increasing beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes and Clostridia, while decreasing potential pathogens like Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Escherichia-Shigella. Furthermore, BbF enhanced short-chain fatty acids (SCFCs) production, including butyrate and caproic acid. These results indicate that BbF alleviates RA by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway and regulating gut microbiota, providing new insights for the development of functional foods with immune-modulatory properties. Full article

Plant pathogenic fungi pose a persistent global threat to food security, causing severe yield losses in staple crops and increasing dependence on chemical fungicides. However, the ecological and toxicological drawbacks of synthetic fungicides have intensified the search for safer, plant-derived alternatives. This review synthesizes current advances on the antifungal mechanisms of plant essential oils (EOs) and their prospects for biofungicide development. The literature reveals that the antifungal activity of EOs arises from their diverse phytochemical composition, principally terpenes, phenolics, and aldehydes that target multiple fungal cellular sites. These compounds disrupt membrane integrity through ergosterol depletion, inhibit chitin and β-glucan synthesis, interfere with mitochondrial energy metabolism, and induce oxidative stress, leading to lipid peroxidation and cell death. Morphological and transcriptomic evidence confirms that EOs alter hyphal growth, spore germination, and key gene expression pathways associated with fungal virulence. Furthermore, emerging nanotechnological and encapsulation strategies enhance EO stability, bioavailability, and field persistence, addressing major barriers to their large-scale agricultural application. The integration of EO-based biofungicides within sustainable and precision agriculture frameworks offers a promising route to reduce chemical inputs, mitigate resistance development, and promote ecological balance. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research linking phytochemistry, nanotechnology, and agronomy to translate EO-based antifungal mechanisms into next-generation, environmentally compatible crop protection systems. Full article