Search Results (9,431)

Fungal secondary metabolites are valuable sources of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials. This study evaluated the submerged fermentation of Penicillium crustosum OR889307 supplemented with lemon peel as a co-substrate to enhance the production of bioactive compounds. Lemon peel was selected for its phenolic precursors and sustainable availability as an agro-industrial byproduct. Crude extracts, aqueous and organic fractions, and molecular-weight partitions were assessed for antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay and for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Semi-purified extracts from co-substrate fermentations exhibited enhanced bioactivity, showing MIC values of 185 µg/mL against P. aeruginosa and 225 µg/mL against MRSA, along with strong ABTS radical-scavenging capacity (238.95 ± 2.17 µmol TE). RP-HPLC-ESI-MS profiling revealed phenolic acids, flavanones, flavonols, and lignans, including ferulic acid 4-O-glucoside, bisdemethoxycurcumin, secoisolariciresinol, and quercetin 3-O-xylosyl-glucuronide. These findings demonstrate that lemon peel supplementation promotes the biosynthesis of antimicrobial and antioxidant metabolites by P. crustosum. This approach supports sustainable agro-waste valorization and offers a promising strategy for obtaining natural bioactive compounds with potential applications in food preservation and health-related formulations. Full article

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a globally important crop for sugar and bioenergy production. However, genetic improvement through conventional breeding is constrained by long breeding cycles, low genetic gain, and considerable operational complexity arising from its highly allopolyploid and aneuploid genome. With the increasing global demand for sustainable food and renewable energy, sugarcane breeding programs must accelerate the development of high-yielding, stress-tolerant cultivars through the integration of advanced biotechnological tools with traditional breeding approaches. Recent advances in genetic engineering, genomic selection (GS), and high-throughput omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics, have substantially enhanced the efficiency of trait improvement related to growth, development, yield, and stress resilience. The integration of multi-omics data enables the dissection of regulatory networks linking genotype to phenotype, improves predictive accuracy, and provides deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits. These integrative approaches support more informed selection decisions and accelerate genetic gain in sugarcane breeding programs. This review synthesizes recent technological developments and their practical applications in sugarcane improvement. It highlights the strategic implementation of transgenic and genome-editing technologies, genomic selection, and multi-omics integration to enhance yield potential and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby contributing to sustainable sugarcane production and global food and bioenergy security. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in freshwater systems; consequently, fish ingest them either accidentally or intentionally. Once ingested, MPs can translocate to various organs and cause physiological effects. Most studies have focused on tropical and marine fishes, and many have used mass-based methods that measure exposure only by the total mass of microplastics, ignoring particle number and size. These studies have also rarely examined MP effects or fate after a depuration period, limiting our understanding of MP impacts on temperate fishes, hindering the harmonisation of toxicological studies, and complicating assessments of food safety for cultured and wild fish. This study investigated the physiological impacts of dietary exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs; 1–10 µm) in Salmo trutta fed a diet with ~5.4 × 10⁶ PS-MPs g⁻¹ feed for 21 days, followed by a 90-day depuration period. PS-MPs translocation from the intestine to the liver and muscle was investigated. Enzymatic biomarkers of oxidative stress and metabolism were analysed in the liver, digestive enzyme activity was assessed in the intestine, and inflammatory enzyme responses were evaluated in both liver and intestinal tissues. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, was quantified in blood, muscle, and liver samples. Results show that 1–5 µm PS-MPs translocated to the liver and muscle, while 10 µm particles largely remained in the intestine, with a small fraction detected in muscle tissue but not in the liver. Most biochemical markers were unaffected; however, both trypsin and peroxidase activities significantly decreased after 21 days, and lipid peroxidation increased in blood following 90 days of depuration. PS-MPs persisted in muscle following 90 days of depuration. These findings demonstrate that dietary exposure to PS-MPs in the size range 1–10 µm leads to selective physiological alterations in S. trutta and results in persistent accumulation of MPs in organs, especially muscle tissue consumed by humans, highlighting a clear concern for food safety. Full article

The house cricket, Acheta domesticus, is found globally. It is an agricultural pest causing economic damage to a wide variety of crops including cereal seedlings, vegetable crops, fruit plants, and stored grains. Additionally, crickets act as mechanical vectors of pathogens by harboring bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins, causing foodborne illnesses. They can contaminate stored grains, packaged foods, or animal feed due to deposition of their feces, lowering the quality of the food and creating food safety risks. Synthetic insect repellents, such as pyrethroids and carbamates, have been used previously in integrated pest management practices to control crickets. Though successful as repellents, they have been associated with health and environmental risks and concerns. The use of organic green repellents, such as plant essential oils, may be a viable alternative in pest management practices. In this study, we tested the effects of 27 plant-based essential oils on the behavior of A. domesticus. A. domesticus were introduced into an open arena to allow them unrestricted movement. A transparent plastic bottle containing an essential oil treatment was placed in the arena to allow voluntary entry by the crickets. Following a predetermined observation period, the number of crickets that entered the bottle was recorded, and percent entry was calculated as the proportion of individuals inside the bottle relative to the total number in the arena. Analysis of the percentage entry into the bottles allowed for a comparative assessment of repellency of the selected essential oils examined in this study. Essential oils that elicited high levels of entry into the bottle were categorized as having weak or no repellency, while those that demonstrated reduced entry were classified as moderate or strong repellents. Our results indicated that A. domesticus responded with strong repellent behavior to nearly half of the essential oils tested, while four essential oils and two synthetic repellents evoked no significant repellent responses. Four strong repellent essential oils, namely peppermint, rosemary, cinnamon, and lemongrass, were tested at different concentrations and showed a clear dose-dependent repellent effect. The results suggest that selected essential oils can be useful in the development of more natural “green” insect repellents. Full article

Aspergillus fumigatus, a saprophytic fungus, causes aspergillosis, primarily affecting the immunocompromised. The efficacy of triazole antifungals is compromised by resistance that has developed both clinically and environmentally. Widespread agricultural use of similar triazole fungicides selects for resistant genotypes, leading to potential food contamination and compromising treatment. This study assessed the presence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in minimally processed food items commonly consumed in Brazil. A total of 25 commercial samples, including black pepper, yerba mate, and green coffee beans, were collected from different regions. Forty-two A. fumigatus isolates were recovered and screened for susceptibility to agricultural and clinical triazoles by determining EC₅₀ values for tebuconazole (0.04–0.7 µg/mL), itraconazole (0.06–0.5 µg/mL), and voriconazole (0.07–0.15 µg/mL). Sequence analysis of the CYP51A gene revealed the presence of M172V mutation, none of which are associated with resistance. Microsatellite genotyping indicated high genotypic diversity and genetic relatedness among isolates from different food sources. Although no azole-resistant phenotypes were identified, the consistent recovery of A. fumigatus from products not directly exposed to azole fungicides highlights the need for continued surveillance. Agricultural environments remain critical hotspots for the emergence and dissemination of resistance, reinforcing the importance of integrated One Health strategies in antifungal resistance monitoring. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common pathogen that threatens healthcare and food safety. Vine tea extract (VTE) and its major active component, dihydromyricetin (DMY), show antibacterial activity. However, their mechanisms of action are not fully understood. In this study, we combined proteomics and lipidomics, with RT–qPCR validation of selected differentially expressed genes, to investigate how DMY and VTE affect S. aureus. Proteomics identified 210 and 535 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the DMY-treated and VTE-treated groups, respectively. These DEPs were mainly enriched in cell wall- and membrane-associated pathways. DMY markedly increased proteins involved in fatty acid degradation, glyceride metabolism, and cell wall synthesis. In contrast, VTE increased proteins related to heme/iron acquisition and cell wall degradation. In addition, VTE altered proteins involved in pyrimidine metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, suggesting that non-DMY components in VTE may contribute to the antibacterial activity through additional pathways. Lipidomics further indicated membrane lipid remodeling, including increased fatty acid unsaturation and shorter acyl chain length. Collectively, DMY and VTE may inhibit S. aureus growth by remodeling membrane lipids and disturbing cell wall–cell membrane homeostasis. These findings provide mechanistic support for further development of DMY and VTE as natural antimicrobial candidates. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.), a vital crop for global food and economic security, faces intensifying biotic and abiotic stresses driven by climate change, including drought, heat, and erratic rainfall. This review synthesizes emerging biotechnology-driven strategies designed to enhance maize resilience under these shifting environmental conditions. We present an integrated framework that encompasses CRISPR/Cas9 and next-generation genome editing, Genomic Selection (GS), Environmental Genomic Selection (EGS), and multi-omics platforms—spanning transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics. These approaches have significantly deepened our understanding of complex stress-adaptive traits and genotype-by-environment interactions, revealing precise targets for breeding climate-resilient cultivars. Furthermore, we highlight enabling technologies such as high-throughput phenotyping, artificial intelligence (AI), and nanoparticle-based gene delivery—including novel in planta and transformation-free protocols—that are accelerating translational breeding. Despite these technical breakthroughs, barriers such as genotype-dependent transformation efficiency, regulatory landscapes, and implementation costs in resource-limited settings remain. Bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and field deployment will require coordinated policy support and global collaboration. By integrating molecular breakthroughs with practical deployment strategies, this review offers a comprehensive roadmap for developing sustainable, climate-resilient maize varieties to meet future agricultural demands. Full article

A method for quality inspection of food packaging based on hybrid imaging and machine-learning techniques is presented. The proposed inspection system integrates thermal and visible-light imaging, enabling detection and classification of faults such as weak seals, creases and contamination. For the purpose of the study data acquisition is automated with the use of an industrial manipulator, ensuring repeatability and consistent positioning of samples. Using the acquired images, the temperature distribution in the sealing area and selected process parameters, a predictive model for burst-pressure testing was developed. The proposed workflow includes attribute selection, hyperparameter optimization and the application of regression algorithms. The proof-of-concept results demonstrate a strong alignment between predicted and measured values, as well as high model stability. The best-performing model, ElasticNet, achieved an R² of 0.815 and an MAE of 0.028 kgf/cm², confirming its potential for non-destructive quality control of packaging. Full article

Leccinum is an ecologically significant and taxonomically complex genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi widely distributed across boreal, temperate, Mediterranean, and selected tropical regions. Despite its ecological, nutritional, and applied importance, no comprehensive review has previously synthesized global knowledge on this genus. This work provides the first integrative assessment of Leccinum research, combining a bibliometric analysis of 293 peer-reviewed publications with an in-depth qualitative synthesis of ecological, biochemical, and environmental findings. Bibliometric results show increasing scientific attention since the mid-20th century, with major contributions from Europe, Asia, and North America, and dominant research themes spanning taxonomy, ecology, chemistry, and environmental sciences. The literature review highlights substantial advances in phylogenetic understanding, species diversity, and host specificity. Leccinum forms ectomycorrhizal associations with over 60 woody host genera, underscoring its functional importance in forest ecosystems. Nutritionally, Leccinum species are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, bioactive polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and umami-related peptides, with demonstrated antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antitumor activities. At the same time, the genus exhibits notable bioaccumulation capacity for heavy metals (particularly Hg, Cd, and Pb) and radionuclides, making it both a valuable food source and a sensitive environmental bioindicator. Applications in biotechnology, environmental remediation, forest restoration, and functional food development are emerging but remain insufficiently explored. Identified research gaps include the need for global-scale phylogenomic frameworks, expanded geographic sampling, standardized biochemical analyses, and deeper investigation into physiological mechanisms and applied uses. This review provides the first holistic synthesis of Leccinum, offering an integrated perspective on its taxonomy, ecology, nutritional composition, environmental significance, and practical applications. The findings serve as a foundation for future mycological, ecological, and biotechnological research on this diverse and understudied fungal genus. Full article

This study aims to develop a tailored Quality Management System (QMS) model for SMEs in the food sector, acknowledging their limited resources, the complexity of existing quality standards, and the pressing need for a contextualized, practical framework. The research adopts the Framework for Analysis, Comparison, and Testing of Standards (FACTS), comprising three main stages: a systematic review of relevant literature, expert validation through panel discussions, and preliminary field testing involving selected food SMEs. The study proposes a seven-variable QMS model designed around the PDCA cycle. The variables include leadership, philosophy-based, strategic planning, customers, quality infrastructure, quality assurance, and performance assessment. Empirical findings suggest that the model aligns well with the operational realities and strategic needs of food SMEs. It is perceived as user-friendly, adaptable, and feasible for stepwise implementation, without requiring substantial investment or intensive external support. Validation through field implementation revealed strong acceptance among SME practitioners and stakeholders. The proposed model offers a practical roadmap for food SMEs to establish an internal quality system that is both adaptive to their unique contexts and measurable in its outcomes. Full article

The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in adolescence is high due to their widespread availability and accessibility and has been linked to increased cardiometabolic risk. In the Autonomous City of Melilla, an environment with particular cultural and religious characteristics, it is relevant to analyze the relationship of UPFs with metabolic markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is a cross-sectional pilot study on 31 Muslim adolescents aged 15 to 17 years. The NOVA food classification was used to identify UPFs. The final sample comprised Muslim adolescents because written consent for venous blood sampling was obtained only from Muslim families/legal guardians. Separate multiple linear regression models adjusted for sex were fitted to examine the associations between UPF intake (%E/day) and each cardiometabolic and inflammatory marker. Higher UPF intake was positively associated with BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, waist-to-height indicator (ICA), and fasting glucose after controlling for the false discovery rate (q < 0.05). Regarding the inflammatory component, Muslim girls had elevated levels of IL-7, IL-10, and IL-13, and Muslim boys had higher levels of MIP-1β. In addition, IL-8 correlated positively with waist circumference, BMI, and the HDL/LDL ratio, while MCP-1 was negatively associated with Apo A1, total cholesterol, and HDL. In this exploratory pilot study, higher intake of UPF appears to be associated with greater central adiposity and higher fasting glucose; these hypothesis-generating findings warrant confirmation in larger, representative samples and may inform culturally adapted nutritional screening in Melilla. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing trend of foodborne zoonotic pathogens exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing threat to food safety and public health in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Resistant strains of foodborne zoonotic pathogens compromise treatment efficacy, raise illness, and threaten sustainable food systems in human and animal health. However, regional understanding and policy response are limited due to the fragmentation of data and the inadequacy of surveillance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to achieve the following: (1) estimate the pooled prevalence of AMR, including multidrug resistance (MDR) in selected foodborne pathogens; (2) compare subgroup variations across countries, pathogen species, and antibiotic classes; and (3) evaluate temporal trends. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, studies published between 2010 and June 2025 reporting AMR and MDR in Salmonella, Campylobacter, or E. coli from food or animal sources in SSA were systematically reviewed. Data on pathogen prevalence, AMR profile, and MDR were extracted. Random-effects meta-analysis using R software was implemented to estimate the pooled prevalence and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity across countries, antibiotic class, and bacterial species. Results: Ninety studies from 16 sub-Saharan African countries were included, encompassing 104,086 positive isolates. The pooled foodborne pathogen prevalence was 53.1% (95% CI: 51.5–54.7), AMR prevalence was 61.6% (95% CI: 59.4–63.9), and MDR prevalence was 9.1% (95% CI: 8.3–10.0). The highest resistance was reported in Campylobacter spp. (43.6%), followed by Salmonella spp. (29.1%) and E. coli (22.8%). High heterogeneity was observed across studies (I² = 95–99%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: It is concluded that substantial AMR burden exists in food systems, highlighting an urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and policy harmonization in SSA. Strengthening laboratory capacity, enforcing prudent antimicrobial use, and promoting regional data sharing are critical for the management of antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Domoic acid (DA) is a neurotoxic terpenoid compound produced by certain marine algae. It accumulates through the food web and poses a significant threat to humans and animals by selectively targeting hippocampal neurons, leading to neuronal degeneration, necrosis, and subsequent memory impairment. The primary mechanism involves its potent agonism at glutamate receptors, which induces excessive calcium influx, resulting in excitotoxic cell swelling and death. Recent studies have further elucidated the critical role of downstream oxidative stress and other pathogenic factors in DA-induced neurotoxicity. These insights into its multifaceted mechanism have paved the way for novel therapeutic strategies, highlighting promising directions for future treatment development. Full article

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound isolated from Curcuma longa, which is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties: particularly its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its practical incorporation into functional foods, especially aqueous dairy beverages, is severely hindered by its extremely low water solubility, poor chemical stability (notably at the near-neutral pH of milk), and very limited oral bioavailability. This review provides a critical synthesis of the literature published in the last two decades, with a focus on the development and application of food-grade oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions to advanced colloidal delivery systems. It covers the fundamental principles of nanoemulsion formulation, including the selection of the oil phase, surfactants, and stabilizers, as well as both high-energy and low-energy fabrication techniques. It further examines the integration of these nano-delivery systems into dairy matrices (milk, yogurt, cheese), highlighting key interactions between nanoemulsion droplets and native dairy constituents such as casein micelles and whey proteins. Critically, findings indicate that nanoencapsulation not only enhances curcumin’s solubility but also protects it from chemical degradation during industrial processes, including pasteurization and sterilization. Moreover, the dairy matrix structure plays a key role in modulating curcumin bioaccessibility, with fortified products frequently exhibiting enhanced stability, shelf life, and sensory attributes. Finally, key technological challenges addressed the heterogeneous global regulatory landscape surrounding biopolymers and future trends: most notably, the growing shift toward “clean-label” biopolymer-based delivery systems. Full article

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a characteristic of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Despite recommendations to select low- or non-fat dairy foods over full-fat dairy foods for metabolic health, recent research suggests potential anti-inflammatory benefits of dairy fat consumption. We aimed to compare the systemic inflammatory tone (i.e., circulating inflammatory biomarker concentrations and ex vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cell inflammatory responses) of individuals with prediabetes after consuming diets with full-fat (3.25%) or non-fat yogurt. We hypothesized that short-term consumption of three daily full-fat yogurt servings beneficially affects inflammatory tone. Thirteen participants aged 45–75 years completed an eight-week randomized, double-masked, controlled crossover study. The two, three-week experimental diets comprised three daily servings of full-fat or non-fat yogurt and were each preceded by a one-week run-in diet. Following each diet, circulating inflammatory biomarkers and cytokine concentrations in the supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells under control or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated conditions were measured. Compared with non-fat yogurt intake, circulating immature granulocyte concentrations were lower following full-fat yogurt intake, but there were no other differences in leukocyte concentrations. Circulating concentrations of cytokines or other inflammatory markers did not differ by diet. Cell supernatant interleukin-1β concentrations were lower following the full-fat yogurt diet under unstimulated conditions but were not different between diets under stimulated conditions. There were no differences by diet in supernatant concentrations of other cytokines under unstimulated or stimulated conditions. Together, minimal differences in inflammatory tone were observed following the short-term consumption of three daily servings of full-fat or non-fat yogurt in individuals with prediabetes. Full article