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Oxidative stress and sarcopenia are increasingly perceived as interdependent processes that significantly affect the course of cardiovascular diseases. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species leads to muscle cell damage, mitochondrial disorders, and chronic inflammation, which promote progressive loss of muscle mass and function. Methods: The aim of the study was to analyze the mechanisms linking oxidative stress and sarcopenia in the course of cardiovascular diseases. Our scoping review initially identified 854 articles, of which 3 were ultimately included in the review (after removing duplicates (n = 118), 736 articles remained; after re-screening the articles according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria (n = 302), 434 articles remained; 196 publications lacked full text and were excluded, leaving 238 articles). Results: An examination of the available literature indicates a potential association between increased oxidative stress and the possible development of sarcopenia in individuals with cardiovascular diseases. The studies identified in this review suggest that elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, together with reduced antioxidant capacity, may contribute to muscle fiber damage, mitochondrial disturbances, and the activation of chronic inflammatory processes, which could in turn be involved in the accelerated decline of muscle mass and strength. Conclusions: These results confirm that oxidative stress is a key pathophysiological element linking both disease entities and may be an important target of therapeutic interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)

17 pages, 743 KB

Open AccessReview

Reconstructing Liver Fibrosis: 3D Human Models, Microbiome Interfaces, and Therapeutic Innovation

by Dileep G. Nair, Divya B. Nair and Ralf Weiskirchen

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48020165 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

Liver fibrosis is a significant consequence of severe liver injury resulting from viral hepatitis, alcohol, and metabolic dysfunction. Progressive fibrosis and ultimate cirrhosis are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, generally irreversible and poorly targeted by current therapies. Traditional in vitro models and animal models mostly fail to fully recapitulate human multicellular crosstalk, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and the chronic, immune modulated nature of the disease. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models including organoids, spheroids, bioprinted constructs, and organ-on-a-chip systems are advantageous for reconstructing cellular diversity and mechanical microenvironments to understand pathophysiology and aid in drug discovery. Emerging multi-organ models are capable of incorporating microbiome derived cues and using multi-omics readouts and imaging-enabled mechanistic dissection for more predictive anti-fibrotic screening. These technologies align well with the recent Modernization 3.0 regulation and New Approach Methodologies by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recent EU Pharmaceutical Reform. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis, the current landscape of 3D human liver models, and examines how microbiome interfaces modulate fibrogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Biology Methods in Hepatology Research, 2nd Edition)

21 pages, 2342 KB

Open AccessArticle

On-Demand All-Red Interval (ODAR): Evaluation and Implementation in Software-in-the-Loop Simulation

by Ismet Goksad Erdagi, Slavica Gavric, Marko Vukojevic and Aleksandar Stevanovic

Information 2026, 17(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/info17020142 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study evaluates the On-Demand All-Red Interval (ODAR) at signalized intersections to address red-light running (RLR) issues. Traditional fixed all-red intervals fail to adapt to dynamic traffic conditions, leading to potential safety risks and unnecessary delays. This study introduces a novel approach for dynamically extending the all-red interval on demand to enhance intersection efficiency while maintaining safety by eliminating unnecessary clearance intervals when no risk exists. Utilizing software-in-the-loop simulation, the study assesses the effectiveness of the ODAR method compared to conventional fixed-duration and Dynamic All-Red Extension (DARE) methods, allowing realistic controller testing without field deployment. The ODAR method adapts to real-time traffic conditions by incorporating vehicle speed and signal timing, ensuring vehicles with high collision risk clear the intersection safely. The study is conducted using a microsimulation model based on the Washington Street arterial network in Lake County, Illinois, validated against real traffic conditions. The results demonstrate that ODAR increases throughput and, in specific scenarios, reduces delays and stop occurrences compared to FAR and DARE strategies, based on a field-calibrated microsimulation dataset of a real-world arterial corridor. Importantly, these efficiency improvements are achieved while maintaining comparable intersection safety outcomes, as measured by red-light-running events, conflict frequency, and conflict severity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Strategies for Advancing Smart, Sustainable, and Resilient Infrastructures and Mobility Systems)

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35 pages, 1099 KB

Open AccessReview

Review of Reagent-Free Electronic Waste Recycling: Technology, Energy, Materials and Spatial Effects

by Natalya Kulenova, Marzhan Sadenova and Stanislav Boldyryev

Recycling 2026, 11(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling11020027 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

The rapid increase in e-waste has become a significant global concern, influenced by swift technological advancements, shorter product lifecycles, and rising consumer demand. This situation leads to considerable environmental and health hazards, primarily due to the presence of toxic materials, energy demands, and the inadvertent loss of valuable resources when waste is not adequately managed. This review synthesises contemporary theories related to sustainable e-waste management, featuring concepts such as principles of the circular economy, energy efficiency and innovative recycling technologies. The review explores a range of actions, including regulatory strategies, mechanical pre-treatment methods, focusing on reagent-free recovery techniques, and the utilisation of digital solutions to enhance traceability and operational efficiency. The findings indicate substantial improvements in formal e-waste collection rates in areas with strong legislative frameworks, enhanced metal recovery efficiencies through refined hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical techniques and minimised environmental footprints through reagent-free and energy-conserving practices. The review emphasises the importance of viewing e-waste recycling not just as a waste management issue but as a fundamental element of resource security and sustainable industrial practices. By assessing recent developments, this work advocates for closed-loop recycling as an essential driver in the global shift towards a resilient, low-carbon, energy-efficient and circular economy. Full article

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14 pages, 836 KB

Open AccessReview

Oral Environment of Esophageal Cancer Patients, the Incidence of Complications, and Long-Term Prognoses

by Yusuke Sato, Hiroki Nikawa, Akiyuki Wakita, Yushi Nagaki, Hiroshi Takano and Kazuhiro Imai

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020086 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

Recent studies have increasingly indicated that postoperative complications after esophagectomy are correlated with poor long-term prognoses, making it crucial to prevent such complications. Based on our studies, we believe that central to this issue is the finding that among esophageal cancer patients who experience postoperative complications and have poor long-term prognoses there is a high incidence of poor oral environments. Here we review the results of our basic and clinical research studies, as well as evidence from other institutions, on the oral environment of esophageal cancer patients and its association with the incidence of complications and long-term prognoses. We hope these findings, which suggest “improving the oral environment of esophageal cancer patients can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve long-term prognoses”, will gain consensus and lead to safer esophageal cancer surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Anticancer Strategies, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 15892 KB

Open AccessArticle

NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibition by Xuanfei Baidu Decoction Attenuates Pulmonary Inflammation and Collagen Deposition in Silicosis

by Qianru Zhao, Junhong Wang, Ziwei Yan, Tao Liu, Lin Ma, Jing Qian, Yu Wang and Rui Shao

Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(2), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19020253 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Silicosis is a chronic disease caused by long-term exposure to high levels of silica dust, which leads to extensive nodular fibrosis in the lungs. The disease is currently a serious occupational health hazard globally. Xuanfei Baidu decoction (XFBD) is a mature Chinese herbal medicine in China that has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in mouse experiments, making it a promising candidate for addressing the persistent inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis. Methods: Silicosis was induced in male C57BL/6J mice using crystalline silica (CS). XFBD’s early anti-inflammatory role was verified in vitro in peritoneal macrophages (PMs) and in vivo in silicosis mice, while its late anti-collagen deposition and anti-fibrotic activities were further investigated. Results: In vitro, XFBD effectively inhibits the activation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in CS-induced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed PMs, decreases the release of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and modulates the phenotypic transition of macrophages from the M2 to the M1 phenotype. In vivo studies further validated that XFBD significantly downregulates the expression of NLRP3 and Cleaved-Caspase-1 proteins in the lung tissues of mice afflicted with silicosis. Additionally, XFBD enhanced pulmonary function, inhibited collagen deposition and pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis mice, and reversed epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by regulating key EMT-related proteins to slow fibrosis. Conclusions: The beneficial effects of XFBD on CS-induced pulmonary fibrosis can be attributed to the induction of macrophage polarization-mediated anti-inflammatory responses during the early stage of fibrotic development, as well as its anti-collagen deposition and anti-fibrotic activities during the intermediate stage of fibrotic development. This study provides preclinical evidence supporting XFBD as a promising candidate for prevention or adjunctive therapy, and its multi-target, time-phase mechanism offers a novel rationale and theoretical foundation for the development of new strategies against silicosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)

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31 pages, 3611 KB

Open AccessReview

Smart Secondary Metabolites in Marine Environments: The Case of Elatol

by Angélica R. Soares, Nathalia Nocchi, Ana R. Díaz-Marrero, Renato C. Pereira and José J. Fernández

Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(2), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24020061 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

The concept of “Smart Secondary Metabolites” is introduced here to describe a privileged class of natural products defined by structural originality, biosynthetic adaptability, and broad interaction potential with biological systems. Elatol, a halogenated sesquiterpene chiefly produced by Laurencia red seaweeds and occasionally accumulated by their consumers, exemplifies this concept with remarkable clarity. Its biosynthesis unfolds from farnesyl diphosphate via γ-bisabolane cations, bromochlorination, and stereoselective cyclization to chamigrene scaffolds, generating both (+)- and (–)-enantiomers, two metabolites with clearly distinct potential ecological roles and pharmacological profiles. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on elatol’s distribution, biosynthetic origins, ecological relevance, and therapeutic potential. Elatol serves as a multifunctional chemical mediator, fulfilling defensive, communicative, and regulatory roles whose intensity shifts in response to herbivory, biofouling, temperature, and salinity. In parallel, its potent activities against infectious, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases highlight its growing value as a drug lead, reflected in a rising number of patent claims. Altogether, elatol emerges as a model Smart Secondary Metabolite whose ecological sophistication and biochemical versatility position it as a promising scaffold for marine-derived drug discovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacognostic Potential of Seaweed Extracts and Metabolites)

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25 pages, 17748 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Mixed Reality Tool with Automatic Speech Recognition for 3D CAD Based Visualization and Automatic Dimension Generation in the Industry 5.0 Shipyard

by Aida Vidal-Balea, Antón Valladares-Poncela, Javier Vilar-Martínez, Tiago M. Fernández-Caramés and Paula Fraga-Lamas

Multimodal Technol. Interact. 2026, 10(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/mti10020013 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

Industry 5.0 is composed of a variety of complex tasks and challenging processes requiring specialized labor and multidisciplinary coordination. Specifically, when it comes to shipbuilding, shipyards leverage advanced technologies, seeking to replace operations that continue to rely on traditional methods, such as 2D blueprints and paper-based documentation, which can lead to inefficiencies and alignment errors in precision-dependent tasks. For this reason, this article focuses on embracing Mixed Reality (MR) technologies to address these challenges in the context of electrical outfitting tasks. The design, development and evaluation of a MR application tailored for HoloLens 2 smart glasses aims to streamline the workflow for operators, reducing reliance on paper-based documentation and enhancing the precision of assembly processes. The proposed system allows for the precise positioning of 3D models in the real environment, ensuring accurate alignment during assembly. Additionally, it incorporates automatic dimension generation between objects in the scene. To further enhance usability, the application integrates a Galician on-device Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system, allowing operators to interact seamlessly with the MR interface using voice commands. The whole system has been exhaustively tested, both through usability and functionality evaluations, which validate MR as a viable tool for shipyard assembly and inspection tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multimodal Interaction Design in Immersive Learning and Training Environments)

17 pages, 569 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Pet Diets: A Leading Effective Altruism Issue

by Andrew Knight

Animals 2026, 16(3), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16030460 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

While animal-derived ingredients continue to dominate pet food, mounting animal welfare and environmental pressures are starting to reshape the market—opening the door to plant-based and cultivated meat alternatives for dogs and cats. This study assessed the effective altruism case for more sustainable pet food options, using the scale, neglectedness, and tractability framework, and found strong alignment across all three dimensions. By 2018, at least 9% of farmed land animals were fed to companion dogs and cats globally, with more consumed by average dogs (13) than by average people (9) annually. A global transition to nutritionally sound vegan pet diets could spare seven billion farmed land animals and many billions of marine animals from slaughter and could feed 519 million additional people using food energy savings. Such a transition for dogs alone could eliminate 1.5 times the quantity of greenhouse gases produced annually by the UK and free up land larger than Mexico. Yet, sustainable pet food is a highly neglected issue in terms of funding, time, and talent. The issue appears tractable; 13–18% of dog and cat guardians would consider vegan pet diets if their concerns about them were addressed. Assuming only one dog or cat per guardian, at least 70 million dogs and 86 million cats worldwide could potentially be transitioned to vegan diets, with the true figures probably several times higher. Sustainable pet diets, therefore, represent a highly impactful yet overlooked opportunity to reduce farmed animal consumption, mitigate associated environmental impacts, and improve food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Public Policy, Politics and Law)

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31 pages, 1328 KB

Open AccessReview

Current Trends and Future Prospects of Biochar Use to Improve Anaerobic Digestion: An Up-to-Date Critical Review

by Marta García-Prats, Daniel González and Antoni Sánchez

Molecules 2026, 31(3), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31030503 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

Biochar supplementation has gained a lot of interest in recent years as a strategy to improve anaerobic digestion. As a result, research on the field has expanded in diverse directions, yet a clear pathway is not being followed, which can lead to unexpected or contradictory results. This review analyzed the most recent literature (2020–2024) on this topic and identified three major research trends: (i) investigating the mechanisms behind biochar enhancement of anaerobic digestion (analysis of microbial communities, interspecies electron transfer, metabolic pathways, enzymatic activity, gene expression, extracellular polymeric substances, quorum sensing, and antibiotic resistance genes); (ii) maximizing biochar applications in anaerobic digestion through the use of novel tools (biochar engineering, modeling and optimization, and integration of anaerobic digestion and other technologies); (iii) advancing towards the large-scale implementation of biochar addition to anaerobic digestion (continuous operation, biochar effects on digestate, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment). By investigating these topics, key knowledge gaps and challenges to be addressed in future research were defined and discussed. This review aims to provide a clear and insightful picture of the current state and future prospects of scientific research in this field, which may be of great relevance given the current rise in this technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Recycling of Biomass Resources: Biofuels and Biochemicals)

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30 pages, 1800 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning Framework for Fault Detection and Diagnosis in Rotating Machinery

by Miguel M. Fernandes, João M. C. Sousa and Luís F. Mendonça

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(3), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14030291 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

Rotating machinery are essential elements in industrial systems and strongly present aboard vessels and maritime platforms, whose unexpected failure can lead to significant economic and operational losses, both for the maritime industry and for industry in general. Condition Monitoring (CM), through the analysis of specific parameters, aims to assess equipment health and enable the early detection of deviations from normal operating conditions. Among existing techniques, vibration analysis stands out for its effectiveness. However, when applied to naval environments, it requires human resources and equipment that are not always prepared or available. Aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0, maintenance has been integrating technologies that enhance data collection and analysis, becoming more autonomous and intelligent. The integration of Machine Learning (ML) into CM offers an alternative to conventional approaches, enabling systems to learn real operating behavior and recognize fault patterns with high accuracy and reduced human intervention. Addressing a real industrial challenge, this paper proposes an automatic framework for fault detection and diagnosis using ML models. As a case study, vibration data from rotating machinery were analyzed, encompassing common faults such as unbalance, misalignment, and the combination of both. The obtained results highlight the potential of the proposed framework for CM in maritime environments, modernizing it with new trends and making it more autonomous, efficient, and less dependent on specialized knowledge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Marine Engineering Equipment and Structures)

26 pages, 24395 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Learning-Based Ink Droplet State Recognition for Continuous Inkjet Printing

by Jianbin Xiong, Jing Wang, Qi Wang, Jianxiang Yang, Xiangjun Dong, Weikun Dai and Qianguang Zhang

J. Sens. Actuator Netw. 2026, 15(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/jsan15010016 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

The high-quality droplet formation in continuous inkjet printing (CIJ) is crucial for precise character deposition on product surfaces. This process, where a piezoelectric transducer perturbs a high-speed ink stream to generate micro-droplets, is highly sensitive to parameters like ink pressure and transducer amplitude. Suboptimal conditions lead to satellite droplet formation and charge transfer issues, adversely affecting print quality and necessitating reliable monitoring. Replacing inefficient manual inspection, this study develops MBSim-YOLO, a deep learning-based method for automated droplet detection. The proposed model enhances the YOLOv8 architecture by integrating MobileNetv3 to reduce computational complexity, a Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN) for effective multi-scale feature fusion, and a Simple Attention Module (SimAM) to enhance feature representation robustness. A dataset was constructed using images captured by a CCD camera during the droplet ejection process. Experimental results demonstrate that MBSim-YOLO reduces the parameter count by 78.81% compared to the original YOLOv8. At an Intersection over Union (IoU) threshold of 0.5, the model achieved a precision of 98.2%, a recall of 99.1%, and a mean average precision (mAP) of 98.9%. These findings confirm that MBSim-YOLO achieves an optimal balance between high detection accuracy and lightweight performance, offering a viable and efficient solution for real-time, automated quality monitoring in industrial continuous inkjet printing applications. Full article

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22 pages, 7755 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Insights into lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA Networks Regulating Angiogenesis and Metastasis in Prostate Cancer

by Jonathan Puente-Rivera, Stephanie I. Nuñez Olvera, Ameyatzin Ereth Robles-Chávez, Nayeli Goreti Nieto-Velázquez and María Elizbeth Alvarez-Sánchez

BioTech 2026, 15(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech15010012 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men and is often characterized by aggressive growth and bone metastasis. Angiogenesis plays a central role in tumor progression and dissemination. This study aimed to explore the regulatory roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in angiogenesis and metastasis during PCa progression. Publicly available RNA-seq datasets were analyzed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between metastatic (N1) and nonmetastatic (N0) PCa. Bioinformatic tools were used to reconstruct co-regulatory networks involving miRNAs, lncRNAs, and angiogenesis-related mRNAs. RT-qPCR was performed on serum-derived liquid biopsies from N0 and N1 patients and healthy controls to validate the key regulatory axes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that miRNAs such as hsa-miR-183-5p and hsa-miR-216a-5p were upregulated in N1 PCa and associated with pro-angiogenic signaling, whereas hsa-miR-206 and hsa-miR-184, known for their anti-angiogenic functions, were downregulated. Network analysis identified the LINC00261–miR-206–HIF1A axis as the central regulatory module. RT-qPCR validation confirmed the significant downregulation of LINC00261 and miR-206, along with HIF1A overexpression in N1 samples compared to N0 and controls (p < 0.001), supporting in silico predictions. These findings highlight the role of ncRNA-mediated regulation of PCa angiogenesis and metastasis. The LINC00261–miR-206–HIF1A axis may serve as a promising noninvasive biomarker and potential therapeutic target. The integration of computational and experimental data provides a strong rationale for the further functional validation of advanced PCa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Omics Approaches for Precision Biotech: Tools, Applications and Future Perspectives)

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15 pages, 1969 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the G-Protein-Coupled Receptor T2R14 on Proliferation and Cell Population Growth in Oral Cancer Cells

by Yongqiang Chen, Manikanta Kella, Kayla Austin, Rajinder P. Bhullar and Prashen Chelikani

Cells 2026, 15(3), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15030279 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

Oral cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths and significantly affects the quality of life of patients. However, many of its mechanisms remain unclear, and its treatment needs improvement. The G-protein-coupled receptor taste receptor type 2 member 14 (T2R14 or TAS2R14) is expressed in various cancer types. However, few studies have investigated its roles in oral cancer, and its effects on oral cancer cell proliferation and growth are unknown. This study aimed to examine T2R14’s impact on proliferation and cell population growth (CPG) of oral cancer cells. TAS2R14 gene knockout was performed, and cell numbers, cell viability, and colony formation were measured. This study showed that TAS2R14 knockout in oral cancer cells significantly decreased calcium mobilization, increased cell numbers, colony formation, the proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and the phosphorylation of mechanistic target of rapamycin, but did not affect cell viability. These observations are consistent with the clinical data that higher TAS2R14 mRNA expression is associated with better survival of patients with oral cancer. Therefore, T2R14 downregulation increased oral cancer CPG, suggesting a tumor-suppressor-like role. The study’s findings could improve our understanding of T2R14 mechanisms and help develop strategies to advance oral cancer treatment by targeting T2R14. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Diseases)

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21 pages, 4614 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Mechanisms of Flavor and Quality Development in Braised Pork: A Study on Volatile Profiles, Texture Dynamics, Nucleotide Catabolism, and Protein Oxidation

by Zhuowen Wang, Jinxuan Cao, Jinpeng Wang, Yuemei Zhang, Wendi Teng, Shuai Zhuang and Ying Wang

Foods 2026, 15(3), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15030503 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the evolution of quality and flavor characteristics of braised pork during the cooking process and clarify the underlying formation mechanisms. Texture analysis revealed that shear force and hardness initially increased during blanching but decreased substantially with an extended stewing time. Low-field NMR indicated a progressive shift in water distribution from immobilized to free states, correlating with cooking loss and tenderness development. GC-MS and E-nose analyses showed significant increases in volatile compound diversity and concentrations, with aldehydes and ketones identified as dominant contributors to the evolving aroma profile. Throughout the processing, an enhancement in protein oxidation and nucleotide degradation was observed. Notably, significant increases were detected in the umami amino acids aspartic acid and glutamic acid, as well as in the umami nucleotide inosine monophosphate (IMP). These changes collectively contributed to the development of the characteristic taste profile. These findings indicate that the superior eating quality evolution and flavor development of braised pork during cooking are governed by the coordinated changes in texture, water distribution, lipid oxidation, and taste-active compounds. The interplay between these factors occurs at different stages of processing, leading to the complex, non-linear enhancement of flavor and texture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on the Effects of Novel Processing Technologies on Meat Flavor and Quality Characteristics)

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