Search Results (86)

Traditional chemical hair dyes are associated with potential health risks, while botanical alternatives are often hampered by poor stability and limited color longevity. In this study, discarded squid ink was used to prepare bionic hair colorants of high performance. By synergizing ultrasound disruption with enzymatic hydrolysis, the crude ink aggregates were transformed into highly uniform squid ink melanin nanoparticles (SIMNPs) with size and zeta potential of ~174 nm and −37.5 mV, respectively. This effectively improved the solubility but reduced the steric limitation of natural melanin. To overcome the weak affinity between melanin and human hair, a biomimetic interface where Fe(III) ions act as supramolecular bridges was further engineered to stably bind the SIMNPs to hair keratin. Under optimized conditions (pH 8.0, 45 °C, and 80 min), the dyed hair achieved a natural deep black with a total color difference (ΔE*) of 68.79 ± 0.29, which was maintained at 63.19 ± 0.27 even after 13 consecutive water washing cycles. Unlike destructive oxidative dyes, this SIMNP dyeing system assisted by coordination-driven assembly preserved the native α-helical architecture and disulfide bond networks of hair keratin. Furthermore, the deposited SIMNP layer effectively protected hair fibers from ultraviolet (UV) damage due to its powerful UV-shielding capacity. Crucially, in vitro and in vivo evaluations confirmed the exceptional biosafety of this formulation, demonstrating robust cellular tolerance and absence of murine skin irritation. The work demonstrates a green, low-damage paradigm for the development of bio-based hair colorants of high performance and presents a promising pathway for the high-value utilization of marine by-products. Full article

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a long-established biotechnological approach gaining renewed interest for its ability to enhance nutrient availability and improve the functional properties of agro-industrial by-products. This strategy is particularly relevant for early post-weaning piglets, which are highly susceptible to weaning stress due to an immature digestive system and a gut microbiota not yet adapted to solid feed. In this study, the fermentation parameters of flaxseed cake were optimized using a Plackett–Burman experimental design. Protease activity was selected as the response variable due to its relevance for improving protein degradation and potential digestibility in fermented feed ingredients. Accordingly, based on the statistical analysis, the conditions selected for the in vivo trial were 1% molasses, 0.5% yeast extract, 0.05% CaCl₂, 0.5% NaCl, 7.5% inoculum (4.12 × 10⁹ CFU/mL), 60% moisture, and 72 h fermentation. Fermentation time was identified as the main factor positively influencing protease production, while higher CaCl₂ concentrations and inoculum levels negatively affected enzyme activity. Optimization increased protease activity, microbial viability and free amino acid content. In addition, SSF reorganizes the carbohydrate profile by reducing structural fiber fractions, with neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreasing by 27% and 29%, respectively, while simultaneously increasing soluble carbohydrates by 14.67%. Phytic acid content being also reduced by 23.81%. A pilot nutritional trial on post-weaned piglets (35 days old) showed that including 8% fermented flaxseed cakes (FFSC group) improved body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and diarrhea score, without affecting average daily feed intake, compared with 8% unfermented flaxseed cakes (FSC group). These performance improvements were accompanied by changes in fermentation metabolites and gut microbial composition. Lower isovalerate concentrations suggested reduced proteolysis, while higher propionate levels may contribute to increased blood glucose availability in the FFSC group. These changes coincided with a shift in microbial composition, characterized by a reduced abundance of methanogenic archaea and increased abundances of taxa such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and members of the Lachnospiraceae and Eubacteriaceae families. Full article

Acute and chronic wounds are a major clinical burden, with persistent inflammation, impaired fibroblast function, defective angiogenesis, and disordered extracellular matrix deposition. The translational potential of existing in vitro models is limited by their poor durability and physiological relevance. The present paper aims to develop a robust in vitro organotypic model to simulate the early phases of both acute and chronic wounds and to validate it by testing the biocompatibility of clinically available wound dressings. Human fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cell lines were cultured at a ratio of 1:1 for 48 h, either on uncoated tissue culture plastic or on tissue culture plastic coated with a synthetic substrate (PhenoDrive-Y) that biomimics the extracellular matrix and promotes cell organization into tissue-like structures on a 2D plane (i.e., angiogenesis sprouting and fibroblast organization around it). Wound conditions were then created by damaging the formed structures using a conventional scratch procedure and introducing U937 human macrophage cells to the model to simulate either the onset of an acute wound or that of a chronic wound through the simultaneous spiking of the culture with relevant cytokines, i.e., IL-6 and TNF-α. The formation of new tissue-like structures in the scratch area was quantified by the extent of scratch closure after a further 24 h of incubation. Morphological analysis of wound healing was performed by light microscopy, while angiogenesis was assessed by CD31 immunostaining by confocal microscopy. The deposition of components of the extracellular matrix was determined both qualitatively and quantitatively by Picrosirius Red staining for collagen production and by Alcian Blue staining for glycosoaminoglycan synthesis on the adhering cells and their supernatants. Macrophage polarization into either M1 or M2 phenotype was studied by immunostaining with iNOS (M1) and CD206 (M2) antibodies by confocal microscopy. The model was validated by studying the gap closure areas in simulated acute and chronic wound-like conditions when incubated with clinically available wound dressings, N-A Ultra and Kaltostat. PhenoDrive-Y allowed the formation of tissue-like structures on the 2D tissue culture plane as opposed to the formation of cell monolayers on the uncoated tissue culture plastic. Upon mechanical damage, cell migration was significantly different; uncoated control co-cultures achieved complete closure as an indistinct monolayer by 24 h, while the organotypic wound models showed a slower percentage of damage closure. A further delay in the closure of the damaged area was observed when chronic wound-like conditions were simulated. Angiogenesis in chronic wound conditions was considerably impaired compared to the acute conditions. The analysis of the extracellular matrix component synthesis, specifically collagen and polysaccharides, revealed the deposition of dense, organized collagen fibers in the acute wound model, in contrast to the thin, fragmented collagen fibers and intracellular polysaccharides observed under chronic wound-like conditions. This corresponded to a statistically significant increase in the levels of both collagen and polysaccharides detected as soluble molecules in the supernatants. Macrophage polarization showed no statistically significant differences in the acute and chronic wound models, though iNOS did significantly decrease after N-A application in acute and chronic models. However, acute wound-like conditions showed a restoration of the vascularized tissue-like structures after treatment with these types of dressings, albeit through different organizational pathways, whereas only minimal improvement was noted under chronic wound conditions, particularly in the case of the N-A dressing. The organotypic dermis model for the onsets of acute and chronic wounds emerges as a highly versatile tool to understand healing mechanisms in the absence or presence of co-morbidities and to assess the biocompatibility of wound dressings as well as the safety, efficacy and dosage of drugs. Full article

Polymer modification is a well-established strategy for improving the performance and extending the service life of cementitious and other construction materials, with direct implications for environmental sustainability and infrastructure resilience. Among these polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a non-ionic, water-soluble, and highly compatible polymer, has emerged as a uniquely versatile additive for mitigating degradation in aggressive environments. This review provides a critical and comprehensive synthesis of the state-of-the-art research on PVP’s roles in cement, mortar, concrete, and asphalt systems. The novelty of this work lies in its mechanistic integration and system-level interpretation, which consolidate fragmented knowledge across multiple domains—ranging from rheology and durability to nanotechnology and interfacial engineering—into a unified and coherent framework. Through cross-study comparison, this approach establishes a comprehensive understanding of PVP’s role in cementitious systems while outlining clear pathways for future research and practical implementation. This review provides the first integrated framework that connects PVP’s molecular structure, adsorption behavior, and ion-coordination mechanisms to its macroscopic influence on rheology, hydration, microstructure, and long-term durability. The review critically analyzes the underlying mechanisms, including physical pore-filling and crack-bridging, as well as chemical ion-coordination, which collectively govern PVP’s performance. Key quantitative findings are consolidated, showing that optimal PVP addition can reduce water absorption by over 35%, increase fracture toughness by ~47%, and, when used as an interfacial modifier, enhance the strain capacity of fiber-reinforced composites by over 100%. Reported benefits include improved workability, enhanced mechanical performance and toughness, superior durability under chemical and frost exposure, and the development of functional materials such as self-sensing concretes and photocatalytic coatings that support structural health monitoring and pollution mitigation. Overall, this review synthesizes current knowledge, consolidates experimental evidence in tabular form, and identifies future opportunities for leveraging PVP in the design of sustainable, low-impact, and environmentally resilient construction materials and infrastructures. Full article

This study synthesizes two highly water-soluble copolymers, p(SA-co-SMAS) and p(SA-co-SMAS-co-AMPS) using sodium alginate (SA), sodium 2-methylprop-2-ene-1-sulfonate (SMAS), and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS, with or without addition) as precursors. Under ball milling, these copolymers are blended with aluminum sulfate and glass fibers to produce two series of cement admixtures. Compared to systems without admixtures or with pure aluminum sulfate as sole admixture, the admixture obtained from p(SA-co-SMAS) and aluminum sulfate significantly shortens the initial setting time (4.47 vs. 33.59 and 29.51 min) and final setting time (8.46 vs. 45.26 and 35.12 min), while markedly improving compressive strength (9.2 vs. 3.5 and 4.3 MPa) and flexural strength (3.5 vs. 1.0 and 1.1 MPa). This enhancement is attributed to the formation of a unique boehmite (AlO(OH)) phase in synthesized admixture, which rapidly reacts with tricalcium silicate, gypsum, and water in cement to form ettringite (Ca₆Al₂(SO₄)₃(OH)₁₂·26H₂O). The ettringite interlocks with the two-dimensional C–S–H gel, creating a stable three-dimensional network. Further blending this admixture with 200-mesh glass fibers yields a new admixture containing Al₄SO₄(OH)₁₀·36H₂O. Compared to boehmite, this phase further reduces setting times and increases average compressive strength (10.2 vs. 9.2 MPa). The admixture derived from p(SA-co-SMAS-co-AMPS) and aluminum sulfate shows even better performance: setting times are further shortened and flexural strength is significantly enhanced, owing to the presence of the more effective Al₄SO₄(OH)₁₀·36H₂O phase. Incorporating 200-mesh glass fibers into this system results in the shortest setting times (initial: 2.24 min, final: 5.73 min) and an excellent 24 h compressive strength (9.4 MPa), likely due to a unique and unexpected pore-filling effect. In contrast to conventional uses of sodium alginate as a retarder, glass fibers as mere reinforcements, and aluminum sulfate as a strength-impairing accelerator, this work demonstrates a synergistic strategy, which enables an ultra-rapid and high-strength cement setting process, offering highly significant scientific and practical value. Full article

In this work, highly water-soluble silk fibroin (SF) is first prepared by recrystallizing degummed silkworm cocoon fibers in concentrated CaCl₂ solution (replacing the conventional Ajisawa’s reagent), and then used as both stabilizing and reducing agents to synthesize copper nanoclusters (Cu@SF NCs) at pH = 11. Due to the existence of unreacted Cu²⁺ ions, the resulting SF-templated Cu NCs form slight aggregates, yielding a purple-colored solution with blue fluorescence. Interestingly, upon adding the pesticide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), the Cu NCs aggregates disassemble and the fluorescence is significantly enhanced, creating a “fluorescence-on” sensor for 2,4-D with a detection limit of 0.65 μM. In contrast, the pollutant p-nitrophenol (p-NP) quenches the fluorescence of Cu NCs via a fluorescence resonance energy transfer mechanism (with a detection limit as low as 1.35 nM), which is attributed to the large overlap between absorption spectrum of p-NP and excitation spectrum of Cu NCs. Other tested analytes (i.e., pyrifenox, carbofuran and melamine) produce negligible fluorescence changes. The distinct sensing mechanisms are elucidated with experimental evidence and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The evolutions of fluorescence as a function of incubation time and analyte concentration are systematically investigated, demonstrating a versatile platform for sensitive and selective detection of target analytes. These findings provide an effective strategy for optimizing the optical properties of metal nanoclusters and improving their performance in environmental applications. Full article

Wheat germ (WG) oil is highly used in cosmetics and pharmaceutics for its high tocopherol content. The present study explored and optimized the ultrasound-assisted extraction of oil and bioactive compounds from stabilized wheat germ at a laboratory scale. Optimum conditions were 15 s, 36% amplitude, and 10:1 solvent-to-solid ratio. The yield (5.1%) and the ether-soluble fraction (87.92%) obtained were remarkable considering the short extraction time, and the solvent used was absolute ethanol. Sonication did not have a significant impact on oil oxidation parameters (acidity and peroxide value), tocopherol content (1499 μg toc/g extract), and antiradical scavenging activity of the extracts (71% DPPH loss). The total fiber content (16%) and type of the remaining solids were not affected as well. Protein solubility increased with sonication. Altogether, these findings propose ultrasound-assisted extraction of oil from wheat germ as a promising alternative to conventional techniques. Full article

Bamboo has evolved a highly optimized structural system in its culms, which this study transfers into lightweight fiber composite trusses fabricated by coreless filament winding. Focusing on the structural segmentation involving diaphragms of the biological role model, this design principle was integrated into the additive manufacturing process using a multi-stage winding, a tiling approach, and a water-soluble winding fixture. Through a FE-assisted analytical abstraction procedure, the transition to a carbon fiber material system was considered by determining a geometrical configuration optimized for structural mass, bending deflection, and radial buckling. Samples were fabricated from CFRP and experimentally tested in four-point bending. In mass-specific terms, integrating diaphragms into wound fiber composite samples improved failure load by 36%, ultimate load by 62%, and energy absorption by a factor of 7, at a reduction of only 14% in stiffness. Benchmarking against steel and PVC demonstrated superior mass-specific performance, although mōsō bamboo still outperformed all technical solutions, except in energy absorption. Full article

Lignin obtained in acidic conditions is a waste product in various technological processes like sulfite pulping, organosolv pulping, or bioethanol production. Knowing the structure of the lignin enables its use in high-value-added applications. In this paper, the lignin structure isolated from Pinus sylvestris L. and Populus deltoides × maximowiczii wood in acidic conditions was investigated. Two methods of lignin isolation (Klason method and a method using a sulfuric and phosphoric acid mixture) were compared. Additionally, lignin acetylation was performed. The lignin samples were analyzed using different instrumental techniques, such as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the studies carried out, it was found out that the lignin isolated from pine and poplar wood in acidic conditions had a highly condensed structure. This was evidenced by the high-weight average molar mass of lignin (up to 118,700 g/mol) and the precipitates, aggregates, and agglomerates on its surface. Moreover, the characteristic signals of condensed lignin in ATR-FTIR analysis (band with wavenumber of 767 cm⁻¹) and their decrease/disappearance (band that usually occurs with a wavenumber of about 814 cm⁻¹) were observed. Lignin acetylation and analysis in the 0.5% LiCl/DMAc system have proven particularly effective in the case of the condensed poplar lignin. The beneficial effect of lignin acetylation was confirmed by SEM analysis. The high-molecular-weight condensed lignin, despite some of its problematic properties connected mainly with solubility, is a valuable substance that can be used for different applications (carbon fibers or as an additive for thermoplastic blends), which was confirmed by the studies in this paper and the findings of other scientists. Full article

This study presents a new ternary copolymer synthesized via aqueous free-radical polymerization from sodium humate, sodium 2-methylprop-2-ene-1-sulfonate (SMAS), and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS). The resulting highly water-soluble, three-dimensional porous copolymer is complexed with aluminum sulfate to form a composite admixture containing AlO(OH), which acts as a highly effective accelerator for cement hydration. This system significantly shortens the initial and final setting times to averages of 2.62 min and 4.53 min, respectively, and enhances early-age mechanical strength (1.7 MPa compressive, 1.4 MPa flexural at 6 h). These improvements are correlated with the formation of key crystalline phases, including Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄ and Ca₃Al₂O₆·xH₂O gel. Incorporation of 50-mesh carbon fibers further reduces setting times (2.21 min initial, 3.93 min final) and increases 24 h strength (5.2 MPa compressive, 2.7 MPa flexural), despite a slight reduction in early strength (at 6 h). In contrast, 200-mesh carbon fibers extend the initial setting time and diminish early strength, associated with the formation of less effective gel phases such as Ca₃Al₂O₆·xH₂O, (CaO)_x(Al₂O₃)₁₁, and Ca₄Al₂O₇·xH₂O. Among these, the Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄ phase demonstrates superior performance, while finer carbon fibers show limited effectiveness in bridging hydration products. Conventionally employed as retarders or reinforcing agents, humate-based polymers and carbon fibers are shown here to function as dual-functional admixtures—serving as efficient setting accelerators while enhancing mechanical properties through tailored material design. This strategy offers a promising pathway for developing advanced multifunctional cement admixtures. Full article

Stenocereus fruits are appreciated for their flavor and color, and their cultivation is highly sustainable, as they grow in arid zones without the need for fertilizers or agrochemicals. However, their nutritional and bioactive composition remains underexplored. This study evaluated the physicochemical and nutritional properties, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant capacity (AOX) of Stenocereus thurberi (red, white, purple, and orange), Stenocereus martinezzi (red), and Stenocereus gummosus (red). All fruits exhibited low total soluble solids (12.6 ± 0.2–14.7 ± 0.3 °Brix), acidity (0.81 ± 0.03–1.12 ± 0.03%), and moderate dietary fiber content (3.71 ± 0.05–4.86 ± 0.09%). S. martinezzi stood out for its high levels of betalains (33.7 ± 0.65 mg/100 g_fw), vitamin E (84.7 ± 0.2 µg/100 g_fw), and vitamin C (147.6 ± 11.4 mg/100 g_fw). At the same time, potassium, magnesium, and calcium were the predominant minerals in all samples. S. gummosus showed the highest total soluble phenols (120.6 ± 2.2 mg/100 g_fw) and was also notable for its flavonoid content. Flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic, and hydroxybenzoic acids were detected in all fruits. Red fruits had the highest AOX levels, followed by white, orange, and purple varieties. In conclusion, these fruits are nutritious, low in sugars, and rich in bioactive compounds, suggesting their potential as functional foods, particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic degenerative diseases. Full article

A database (110 treatment means from 23 studies) was derived from the peer-reviewed literature to evaluate the effects of various measures of dietary fiber on growth performance of feedlot cattle. The measures of diet fibrousness were the percentage of traditional roughage sources in the diet, the percentage of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) supplied by traditional roughages, and the total dietary concentration of NDF. The growth performance variables evaluated were dry matter intake, average daily gain, gain–feed ratio, and hot carcass weight. Mixed-model regression methods were used to adjust for random slope and intercept effects associated with studies, and study-adjusted data were evaluated to assess the effects of each of the measures of fibrousness on each of the measures of growth performance. The quality of the regression relationships was assessed by determining the significance of slope and intercept estimates, the root mean square error and the associated coefficient of variation, and the coefficient of determination (r²). In contrast to a previous analysis of literature data, 60% of the studies in the present database included fibrous byproducts (primarily wet corn gluten feed and wet or dry distillers grains plus solubles). Among the growth performance variables, measures of fibrousness were most highly correlated with dry matter intake (total consumed per day or percentage of average body weight), and among the measures of fibrousness, total dietary NDF concentration consistently accounted for the largest percentage of variation in growth performance variables. For dry matter intake as a percentage of body weight, total dietary NDF concentration accounted for 63.3% of the variation in dry matter intake, compared with 19.6% and 29.9% for NDF from roughage and percentage of roughage in the diet, respectively. Similarly, total dietary NDF concentration accounted for 58.1% of the variation in total dry matter consumed per day, compared with NDF from roughage (18.3%) and the dietary percentage of roughage (25.9%). For each 1% increase in total dietary NDF, dry matter intake increased by approximately 0.023% of body weight or 0.11 kg/d. Average daily gain and hot carcass weight were not strongly associated with measures of fibrousness (r² values ranged from 0.001 to 0.122), reflecting the ability of feedlot cattle to compensate for lower dietary energy concentrations as NDF increased in the diet, at least within the ranges of NDF evaluated in the current database. As expected, with increased dry matter intake and little change in average daily gain, the gain–feed ratio was negatively associated with measures of fibrousness, with an r² value of 0.296 for the total dietary NDF concentration. Although more research is needed on the role of physically effective NDF in feedlot diets, present data confirm previous observations about the relationship between the total dietary NDF concentration and dry matter intake, extending this relationship to feedlot diets that contain substantial proportions of fibrous byproducts. The total dietary NDF concentration in feedlot diets should be an effective basis for exchanging dietary ingredients to maintain a similar growth performance of feedlot cattle. Full article

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) is highly perishable postharvest. Even under refrigerated storage conditions, its shelf life typically lasts only about one week. This study developed a novel antibacterial food packaging membrane to extend its shelf life and explored the underlying preservation mechanisms. A composite fiber membrane was fabricated via solution blow spinning (SBS) using polyethylene oxide (PEO) and oxidized sesbania gum (OSG) incorporated with ε-polylysine (ε-PL). The composite membrane demonstrated exceptional antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus by disrupting cell wall and membrane integrity, as evidenced by increased protein leakage, alkaline phosphatase activity, and electrical conductivity. Morphological observations through scanning electron microscopy confirmed extensive cellular damage and bactericidal effects. During nine days of ambient storage, the PEO/OSG/PL membrane significantly maintained the postharvest quality of wax apples. This was evidenced by a lower decay index (2.22 ± 0.19) and weight loss rate (5.32 ± 0.16%) compared to the control group, alongside better preservation of firmness (4.11 ± 0.08 N) and color stability. The treatment suppressed respiratory rate and delayed the degradation of soluble solids and titratable acidity. Furthermore, it enhanced antioxidant capacity through higher peroxidase activity and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation, indicating attenuated oxidative stress. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the membrane treatment modulated critical metabolic pathways, particularly phenylalanine metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism. These metabolic adjustments contributed to enhanced defense responses and delayed senescence. The results show that the PEO/OSG/ε-PL fiber membrane acts as an effective active packaging material by inhibiting microbial growth and regulating metabolism. This provides a potential method to extend the shelf life of perishable fruits. Full article

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) has emerged as a significant biomarker associated with tumor progression, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis in various cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, and lymphoma. Current diagnostic methods for ALDH1A1, such as flow cytometry and ELISA, are limited by long detection times, the need for labeling, and a reduced sensitivity in complex biological matrices. This study presents a novel optical fiber biosensor based on magnesium silicate nanoparticle-doped fibers for the label-free detection of ALDH1A1. The biosensor design incorporated protein G for enhanced antibody orientation and binding efficiency and anti-ALDH1A1 antibodies for specific recognition. Several sensor configurations were fabricated using a semi-distributed interferometer (SDI) format, and their performances were evaluated across a wide concentration range (10 fM–100 nM) in both phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and fetal bovine serum (FBS). Our findings demonstrated that the inclusion of protein G significantly improved sensor sensitivity and reproducibility, achieving a limit of detection (LoD) of 172 fM in PBS. The sensor also maintained a positive response trend in FBS, indicating its potential applicability in clinically relevant samples. This work introduces the first reported optical fiber biosensor for soluble ALDH1A1 detection, offering a rapid, label-free, and highly sensitive approach suitable for future use in cancer diagnostics. Full article

Chitosan coatings have been demonstrated to be a highly effective and safe approach to extending the shelf life of food. This study, for the first time, evaluates the effectiveness of bamboo-leaf flavonoids (BLFs) added to a chitosan coating to delay the spoilage of strawberries, blueberries, and bamboo shoots. The addition of BLFs improved the tensile strength of the coatings. Chitosan coating incorporated with 0.1% BLFs had the highest tensile strength (36.38 ± 2.69 MPa). BLFs conferred antioxidant properties to chitosan coatings as determined by DPPH radical scavenging activity. Key quality parameters were measured over the storage period of strawberries, blueberries, and bamboo shoots. The coating significantly affected the impact of storage time on some variables. Chitosan/BLF coatings were particularly effective in limiting changes over time in weight loss, spoilage percentage, and vitamin C content (strawberries and blueberries), as well as crude fiber content (bamboo shoots), although their effect on titratable acid, soluble solids, and soluble protein content was less pronounced. The chitosan/BLFs composite coating demonstrated superior efficacy over pure chitosan in delaying spoilage. In conclusion, the chitosan/BLF coating could be useful for maintaining the quality of strawberries, blueberries, and bamboo shoots. Full article