Search Results (1,035)

Enzyme technology, characterized by high efficiency, environmental compatibility, and precise controllability, has become a pivotal biocatalytic approach for quality enhancement and nutritional improvement in modern food industries. This review summarizes recent advances and underlying mechanisms of enzyme applications in food processing optimization, nutritional enhancement, and functional food development. In terms of process optimization, enzymes such as transglutaminase, laccase, and peroxidase enhance protein crosslinking, thereby markedly improving the texture and stability of dairy products, meat products, and plant-based protein systems. Proteases and lipases play essential roles in flavor development, maturation, and modulation of sensory attributes. From a nutritional perspective, enzymatic hydrolysis significantly improves the bioavailability of proteins, minerals, and dietary fibers, while simultaneously degrading antinutritional factors and harmful compounds, including phytic acid, tannins, food allergens, and acrylamide, thus contributing to improved food safety and nutritional balance. With respect to functional innovation, enzyme-directed production of bioactive peptides has demonstrated notable antihypertensive, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. In addition, enzymatic synthesis of functional oligosaccharides and rare sugars, glycosylation-based modification of polyphenols, and enzyme-assisted extraction of plant bioactive compounds provide novel strategies and technological support for the development of functional foods. Owing to their high specificity and eco-friendly nature, enzyme technologies are driving food and nutrition sciences toward more precise, personalized, and sustainable development pathways. Despite these advances, critical research gaps remain, particularly in the limited mechanistic understanding of enzyme behavior in complex food matrices, the insufficient integration of multi-omics data with enzymatic process design, and the challenges associated with translating laboratory-scale enzymatic strategies into robust, data-driven, and scalable industrial applications. Full article

Non-toxic Jatropha curcas cake is a by-product rich in protein that can be used in the food industry. Proteolytic kinetics were used to identify and quantify its antioxidant, antidiabetic, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory, and hypocholesterolemic capacities. J. curcas cake was subjected to two systems of solid-state fermentation (SSF) hydrolysis by Pleurotus ostreatus (FPO) or Ganoderma lucidum (FGL), recording every 6 d until 24 d had passed. The maximum proteolytic capacity in FPO was reached on day 6 of the study, whereas FGL was achieved at 12 d. The FPO and FGL electrophoresis gels revealed the presence of 28 bands corresponding to peptides with molecular weights of less than 10 kDa in both systems analyzed. The highest FRAP values were obtained at 12 d for FPO and at the start of SSF for FGL. The highest antidiabetic capacity of FPO was obtained at 18 d and that of FGL at 24 d. The best antihypertensive activity obtained for FPO and FGL was observed at 6 d. FPO’s highest hypocholesterolemic activity was observed at the start of the SSF, while FGL’s was obtained at 24 d, which is the first report of the hypocholesterolemic activity of J. curcas. It should be noted that fermentation with G. lucidum outperformed fermentation with P. ostreatus, confirming its greater multi-bioactivity. The authors consider this method easy, practical, and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for obtaining bioactive peptides. Full article

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling technology has developed into a mature system, providing a key paradigm for the circular utilization of polyester waste. Its pathways are primarily divided into mechanical recycling and chemical recycling. Mechanical recycling converts waste PET into rPET through physical processes such as efficient sorting, deep cleaning, and melt extrusion. However, the resulting product often faces issues of decreased intrinsic viscosity and thermal oxidative degradation. Chemical recycling, particularly depolymerization techniques like saccharification, hydrolysis, and methanolysis, can reduce PET waste back to monomers. After purification, these monomers can be repolymerized into virgin-quality PET, achieving a closed-loop cycle. However, this approach faces challenges related to cost and process complexity. Against this backdrop, this paper further explores potential recycling methods for polyethylene terephthalate-1,4-cyclohexanedimethyleneterephthalate (PETG). This paper argues that the experience of PET recycling provides a crucial foundation for addressing PETG challenges but is not a direct solution. Future development directions include: developing intelligent sorting technologies, creating highly efficient selective catalysts to optimize depolymerization reactions, and other initiatives. These measures are essential for establishing an efficient recycling system for complex polyester waste. Full article

The review critically discusses the methodological approach used to characterize the mechanism and to assess kinetic parameters in catalytic processes promoted by surfactant-based nanozymes. Using the hydrolysis of carboxylic and phosphoric esters as model reactions, it quantitatively analyzes several examples in which the catalytic system consists either of aggregates formed by non-functional surfactants or of surfactants bearing one or more reactive functions, ranging from classical nucleophiles to transition metal ions. This analysis highlights both the importance of the design of the kinetic experiments and of the selection of the appropriate experimental conditions, and the need to apply the correct model and set of kinetic equations in the interpretation of the data, in order to obtain kinetic parameters with true chemical significance. Improper kinetic modeling may lead to misleading rate enhancements and false claims of very high activity of the system studied. The aim of the review is not to provide a general overview of micelle and liposome-promoted catalysis, but rather to offer methodological tools to correctly assess rate accelerations with these systems. Full article

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens has heightened the urgency for novel antibacterial agents. The bacterial cell wall usually comprises peptidoglycan, which presents a prime target for antibacterial drug development due to its indispensable role in maintaining cellular integrity. Conventional antibiotics such as β-lactams and glycopeptides hinder peptidoglycan synthesis through competitive binding of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and sequestration of lipid-linked precursor molecules. Nevertheless, prevalent resistance mechanisms including target modification, β-lactamase hydrolysis, and multi-drug efflux pumps have limited their clinical utility. This comprehensive analysis explicates the molecular machinery underlying bacterial cell wall assembly, evaluates both explored and unexplored enzymatic nodes within this pathway, and highlights the transformative impact of high-resolution structural elucidation in accelerating structure-guided drug discovery. Novel targets such as GlmS, GlmM, GlmU, Mur ligases, D,L-transpeptidases are assessed for their inclusiveness for the discovery of next-generation antibiotics. Additionally, cell wall inhibitors are also examined for their mechanisms of action and evolutionary constraints on MDR development. High-resolution crystallographic data provide valuable insights into molecular blueprints for structure-guided optimization of pharmacophores, enhancing binding affinity and circumventing resistance determinants. This review proposes a roadmap for future innovation, advocating for the convergence of computational biology platforms, machine learning-driven compound screening, and nanoscale delivery systems to improve therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetics. The synergy of structural insights and cutting-edge technologies offers a multidisciplinary framework for revitalizing the antibacterial arsenal and combating MDR infections efficiently. Full article

To prepare and characterize low-bitter angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides from sesame protein, a triple-enzyme hydrolysis system was optimized using mixture design and response surface methodology. The resulting hydrolysate was separated by ultrafiltration and medium-pressure chromatography, followed by identification through nano-liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Finally, the mechanism of typical low-bitter ACE-inhibitory peptides was elucidated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Results showed that the optimal enzyme activity ratio of 1:0.94:1.07 for Alcalase, trypsin, and Flavourzyme, combined with optimized hydrolysis conditions (E/S ratio of 126,793.03 nkat/g, pH 8.40, 4.82 h hydrolysis time, and 45 °C), resulted in a peptide yield of 93.19 ± 0.14%, ACE-inhibitory rate of 95.92 ± 0.23%, and bitter value of 3.15 ± 0.09. APQLGR and APWLR exhibited high ACE-inhibitory activity and minimal bitterness among the seventeen identified peptides. Although both peptides bound to the S1 pocket and Zn²⁺ catalytic site of ACE, APWLR exhibited an additional interaction with the S2 pocket. Both peptides were predicted to antagonize the bitter taste receptor T2R14 by forming stable complexes with key residues, but two complexes exhibited distinct mechanisms of stabilization. This work demonstrates a method for producing dual-functional peptides from sesame protein, paving the way for their application in functional foods. Full article

Pectin-derived oligosaccharides (POS) are emerging as promising functional prebiotics with growing industrial interest. This study reports a synergistic fungal pectinolytic biocatalytic system comprising endopolygalacturonase (EndoPG) and pectin methylesterase (PET11) from Aspergillus aculeatinus BCC 17849 for the controlled depolymerization of pomelo (Citrus maxima) albedo pectin. PET11-mediated demethylation increased substrate accessibility, thereby enhancing EndoPG-catalyzed hydrolysis and resulting in higher POS yields than those obtained with single-enzyme systems. The highest production of short-chain POS, comprising GalA, di-GalA, and tri-GalA (681 mg/g substrate), was achieved at an EndoPG:PET11 dosage ratio of 15:5. The resulting POS fraction significantly promoted the growth of five probiotic strains, including Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria species, and enhanced probiotic adherence to intestinal epithelial cells. In particular, Lactobacillus acidophilus TBRC 5030 exhibited the highest adhesion level (35.24 ± 6.43%) in the presence of 2.0 mg/mL POS. Overall, this work demonstrated that enzyme-assisted demethylation coupled with targeted endo-hydrolysis enables effective tailoring of POS chain length, providing a promising biocatalytic strategy for pectin valorization into prebiotic ingredients. Full article

Pile fermentation is a crucial process for developing the characteristic mellow taste and aged aroma of dark tea, yet the internal quality transformation mechanism of this process is still unclear. This study employed a high-sensitivity analytical platform based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to systematically investigate the dynamic interplay between key chemical components, enzyme activities, and volatile compounds during the pile fermentation of primary dark tea. Our findings revealed a significant decrease in ester-type catechins, crude protein, and protopectin, alongside a notable accumulation of non-ester-type catechins, gallic acid, and soluble components. The multi-enzyme system—comprising PPO/POD, pectinase/cellulase, and protease—cooperatively drove the oxidation of phenols, cell wall degradation, and the release of aromatic precursors. This was complemented by GC-MS analysis, which identified and quantified 103 volatile compounds across nine chemical classes. The total content of volatile compounds increased significantly, with alcohols, esters, and aldehydes/ketones being the dominant groups. Floral and fruity compounds such as linalool and geraniol accumulated continuously, while esters exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease. Notably, carotenoid degradation products, including β-ionone, were significantly enriched during the later stages. This study revealed a “oxidation–hydrolysis–reconstruction” metabolic mechanism co-driven by microbial activity and a multi-enzyme system, providing a theoretical foundation for the precise regulation of pile fermentation and targeted quality improvement of primary dark tea. Full article

Alkaline pretreatment of wheat straw could significantly augment enzymatic hydrolysis for producing fermentable sugars, which is a pivotal process for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into advanced biofuels, biomaterials, or biochemicals. Yet, the enzymatic conversion process system is complex and multivariate, and study on the interaction mechanism of the key parameters in enzymatic hydrolysis is still lacking. Therefore, in this work, multivariate data analysis (MDA) (i.e., principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square (PLS)) was conducted to reveal the inherent relationship and the significance of these factors in a modified alkali pretreatment system. A robust model, developed from 140 enzymatic hydrolysis datasets, was validated with an additional 20 datasets, demonstrating the predictive prowess of the PLS model. MDA identified that cellulase dosage, mechanical refining, dye adsorption value, and solid content were paramount variables. The integration of cellulase and xylanase notably elevated sugar yields and the conversion rates of carbohydrates, surpassing those of single enzyme treatments. The model’s predictive accuracy, reflected in the close alignment between observed and predicted data, underscores its suitability for optimizing and controlling the enzymatic hydrolysis process. This study paves a way for data-driven strategies to enhance industrial bioprocessing of lignocellulosic feedstocks. Full article

The rapid growth of the palm oil industry produces large amounts of palm oil mill effluent (POME), which contains high organic content and is challenging to treat using conventional ponding systems. These traditional systems often fail to meet discharge standards for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). This study tested anaerobic biofilm reactors enhanced with biochips and chemically treated palm oil fuel ash (TPOFA) to improve POME degradation and biogas production. Two 3 L reactors were operated at the same feed-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio: a control (C) and a combination of both (P + B). Biochips helped microbes attach and form biofilms, while TPOFA acted as an adsorbent, creating better conditions for anaerobic breakdown. The P + B reactor outperformed others, achieving over 95% COD removal, high microbial biomass (MLVSS: 24,500 mg/L), and the highest biogas yield at 917 mL per day. Microbial analysis showed dominant groups, including phyla groups of Halobacterota, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes. Class Methanosarcina in archaeal phylum of Halobaterota was key in converting acetate to methane. Bacteroidota primarily aided organic matter breakdown and nutrient removal, while Firmicutes supported hydrolysis and electron transfer. Less abundant Desulfobacterota also helped by interacting with methanogenic archaea. Overall, combining biochips with TPOFA in anaerobic biofilm reactors offers an effective, sustainable method for treating POME and recovering renewable energy through biogas. Full article

The effect of mixed soy and whey protein in the matrix on properties and digestion characteristics of emulsion-filled gels was investigated. Different matrix protein concentrations (8–14%) with a composite soy and whey protein (SW) ratio of 5:5 were screened using gel hardness. The better-performing gel (13%) was selected for matrix composition studies. Soy and whey composite protein mixed at different ratios (S/W = 0/10, 3/7, 5/5, 7/3, and 10/0) was dispersed into another soy-whey (S/W = 6/4) composite emulsion and gelled thermally. Different hybrid protein ratios in the matrix can alter the textural and rheological properties and, consequently, the digestion kinetics of mixed plant-animal gel systems. The storage modulus was highest at an S/W ratio of 0/10. The hardness of gel with the S/W ratio matrix of 0/10 was 3.10 and 9.60 times higher than that of 5/5 and 10/0 (p < 0.05). The SW ratio did not affect water-holding capacity or springiness (p > 0.05). All the gels had swelling ability below 10% except SW 10/0 (around 60%). Gels with an S/W of 5/5 exhibited a lower hydrolysis degree and rate during gastric digestion, while the reverse occurred during intestinal digestion. The compact gel network might limit pepsin’s accessibility to cleavage sites. Full article

Pulses are recognized as sustainable foods due to their high nutritional density, low environmental footprint, and versatility as plant-based ingredients. Fermentation has emerged as a powerful bioprocessing tool to further enhance nutritional, sensory, techno-functional, and health-promoting properties of pulses. This review summarizes recent advances in the fermentation of commonly consumed pulses using lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, molds, and co-fermentation microorganism consortia, focusing on the biochemical mechanisms underlying changes in their nutritional and bioactive potential. Microbial metabolism (i.e., α-galactosidase and phytase activity) reduces antinutritional factors, such as raffinose family oligosaccharides and phytic acid, while promoting the release of bound nutrients and bioactive compounds as phenolics, increasing their bioaccessibility and bioactivity. Microbial amylases change the carbohydrate profile by decreasing simple sugars, modifying starch digestibility, and favoring resistant starch production. Microbial lipases remodel lipids, improving the fatty-acid distribution and nutritional value. Protein hydrolysis by microbial proteases enhances digestibility and generates bioactive peptides with antioxidant and antihypertensive properties, among others. Co-fermentation systems offer additional opportunities to tailor metabolic outcomes, facilitating positive symbiotic interactions between microorganisms. Overall, fermentation represents a key technology to unlock the full potential of pulses as next-generation ingredients, supporting the development of nutritious, functional, and sustainable foods for future food systems. Full article

As the global population continues to expand and demand for protein increases, alternative proteins (e.g., edible insect proteins, microalgae proteins, fungal or bacterial proteins) have emerged as a significant area of research interest due to their high nutritional value and sustainability. However, these novel protein sources may contain allergenic components, such as tropomyosin and arginine kinase in insects, phycocyanin in microalgae, and ribosomal proteins in fungi, which may trigger allergic reactions and cross-reactivity with traditional allergens. In this review, we systematically retrieved published studies from databases including PubMed and Web of Science, employing keywords such as microbial proteins, edible insects, and allergenicity. Articles were screened based on their relevance to allergenic properties and processing effects, with selected studies subjected to thematic analysis. The present paper reviews the allergenic properties of edible Insects, microalgae, and microorganisms’ proteins and their molecular mechanisms, and explores the effects of various processing techniques (e.g., heat treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, high-pressure treatment, and glycosylation) on the reduction of allergenic activity. It was determined that the impact of processing methodologies is contingent on protein structure, with certain techniques having the potential to augment sensitization through epitope exposure. Furthermore, there are still gaps in the current research on the reduction in allergenicity of microbial and algal allergens, and future research should focus on the in-depth characterization of allergenic protein structures and the development of novel sensitization reduction techniques. This review provides a significant reference point for the safe development and rational application of edible insects, microalgae, and microorganisms proteins, which is of great importance for the development of sustainable food systems. Full article

Exceptionally high chlorine contents (up to 1.57%) occur in the Middle Jurassic coal seams of the Sha’erhu area, Turpan–Hami Basin, Northwest China, making this coalfield one of the most Cl-enriched coal occurrences reported in China. However, the occurrence modes and enrichment pathways of chlorine in such coals remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, we integrated coal quality analyses, mineralogical characterization (XRD and SEM–EDS), geochemical measurements (XRF and ICP–MS), and an integrated Sequential Chemical Extraction Procedure–High-Temperature Combustion Hydrolysis approach to systematically elucidate the occurrence forms and enrichment processes of chlorine in the Sha’erhu coals. The results indicate that chlorine predominantly occurs in water-soluble form (78.3%–84.7% of total Cl), followed by a minor adsorbed fraction, whereas carbonate-bound and organic/silicate-bound Cl are negligible. The mineral assemblages and geochemical indicators jointly suggest that the coal seams were deposited in a semi-closed, strongly evaporative lacustrine–peat mire system, which subsequently experienced structurally controlled brine intrusion. Chlorine enrichment is attributed to the combined effects of primary evaporative concentration, externally sourced brines migrating through tectonic conduits, and diagenetic fluid activities. This study provides an important case for understanding the genesis of High-chlorine coals in continental basins. Full article

This study deals with the successful exploitation of easily available and renewable potato peel waste (PPW) as an excellent feedstock in the production of PHA using Ralstonia eutropha. The process entailed the extraction of bioactive components from PPW by use of solvent-based procedures and screening of their antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. The extracted PPW biomass was subject to acid hydrolysis using different concentrations of sulfuric acid for hydrolysis and solubilization of sugar components. The obtained liquid (acid) hydrolysates were initially assessed to biosynthesize PHA. Activated charcoal-based detoxification of acid hydrolysates was observed to be more efficient in promoting bacterial growth and accumulation of PHA. Acid-pretreated PPW biomass was further enzymatically hydrolysed to accomplish full saccharification and used to produce PHA. The effects of provision of nutrients and employing stress state conditions were assessed to improve bacterial growth and PHA accumulation. In both hydrolysates under optimal conditions, R. eutropha demonstrated the highest biomass productivity of 7.41 g/L and 7.75 g/L, PHA accumulation of 66% and 67% and PHA yield of 4.85 g/L and 5.19 g/L, respectively. XRD, FT-IR, TGA and DSC analysis of produced PHA were studied. The results showed that the produced PHA displayed similar physicochemical and thermal properties to commercially available PHB. Overall, this work illustrates the possibilities of abundantly available PPW, which can be transformed into bioactive compounds and high-value bioplastics via a coupled bioprocess. This approach can develop process economics and sustainability within a cyclic biorefinery system and serve further industry applications. Full article