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14 pages, 2283 KiB  
Article
Mechanistic Insights into Nano-Maillard Reaction Products Regulating the Quality of Dried Abalones
by Jialei Shi, Hongbo Ling, Yueling Wu, Deyang Li and Siqi Wang
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2726; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152726 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Broth cooking is a traditional pretreatment and ripening strategy for high-commercial-value dehydrated marine food, effectively enhancing its texture and rehydration properties. In this work, we characterized the structural information of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from beef scrap stock and investigated their effects [...] Read more.
Broth cooking is a traditional pretreatment and ripening strategy for high-commercial-value dehydrated marine food, effectively enhancing its texture and rehydration properties. In this work, we characterized the structural information of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from beef scrap stock and investigated their effects on the texture and rehydration performance of dehydrated abalone. The optical and structural properties of the MRPs were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectroscopy. These MRPs showed osmosis in abalone processing including pretreatment and drying. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) results revealed that MRP pretreatment improved the moisture migration and physicochemical properties of dehydrated abalone. These findings suggest that MRPs, owing to their high osmotic efficiency and nanoscale size, could serve as promising food additives and potential alternatives to traditional penetrating agents in the food industry, enhancing the rehydration performance of dried seafood and reducing quality deterioration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Foods of Marine Origin)
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14 pages, 5364 KiB  
Article
Study on the Microbial Inactivation and Quality Assurance of Ultrasonic-Assisted Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water for Mirror Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Fillets During Refrigerated Storage
by Qiang Zhong, Xiufang Xia and Fangfei Li
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2652; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152652 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 229
Abstract
The advancement of non-thermal disinfection technologies represents a critical pathway for ensuring food safety, meeting environmental sustainability requirements, and meeting consumer preferences for clean-label products. This study systematically evaluated the combined preservation effect of ultrasonic-assisted slightly acidic electrolyzed water (US+SAEW) on mirror carp [...] Read more.
The advancement of non-thermal disinfection technologies represents a critical pathway for ensuring food safety, meeting environmental sustainability requirements, and meeting consumer preferences for clean-label products. This study systematically evaluated the combined preservation effect of ultrasonic-assisted slightly acidic electrolyzed water (US+SAEW) on mirror carp fillets during refrigeration. Results demonstrated that US+SAEW exhibited superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to individual US or SAEW, achieving reductions of 0.73, 0.74, and 0.79 log CFU/g in total viable counts (TVC), Aeromonas bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria counts compared to the control, respectively. Furthermore, the combined intervention significantly suppressed microbial proliferation throughout the refrigeration period while simultaneously delaying protein and lipid degradation/oxidation induced by spoilage bacteria, thereby inhibiting the formation of alkaline nitrogenous compounds. Consequently, lower levels of pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), protein carbonyl, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were observed in US+SAEW compared to the other treatments. Multimodal characterization through low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), texture, and color analysis confirmed that US+SAEW effectively preserved quality characteristics, extending the shelf life of mirror carp fillets by four days. This study provides a novel non-thermal preservation strategy that combines microbial safety maintenance with quality retention, offering particular advantages for thermolabile food. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Muscle Foods Preservation and Packaging Technologies)
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18 pages, 4721 KiB  
Article
Study on Stability and Fluidity of HPMC-Modified Gangue Slurry with Industrial Validation
by Junyu Jin, Xufeng Jin, Yu Wang and Fang Qiao
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3461; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153461 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 318
Abstract
HPMC, regulating slurry properties, is widely used in cement-based materials. Research on the application of HPMC in gangue slurry is still in its early stages. Moreover, the interactive effects of various factors on gangue slurry performance have not been thoroughly investigated. The work [...] Read more.
HPMC, regulating slurry properties, is widely used in cement-based materials. Research on the application of HPMC in gangue slurry is still in its early stages. Moreover, the interactive effects of various factors on gangue slurry performance have not been thoroughly investigated. The work examined the effects of slurry concentration (X1), maximum gangue particle size (X2), and HPMC dosage (X3) on slurry performance using response surface methodology (RSM). The microstructure of the slurry was characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and polarized light microscopy (PLM), while low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) was employed to analyze water distribution. Additionally, industrial field tests were conducted. The results are presented below. (1) X1 and X3 exhibited a negative correlation with layering degree and slump flow, while X2 showed a positive correlation. Slurry concentration had the greatest impact on slurry performance, followed by maximum particle size and HPMC dosage. HPMC significantly improved slurry stability, imposing the minimum negative influence on fluidity. Interaction terms X1X2 and X1X3 significantly affected layering degree and slump flow, while X2X3 significantly affected layering degree instead of slump flow. (2) Derived from the RSM, the statistical models for layering degree and slump flow define the optimal slurry mix proportions. The gangue gradation index ranged from 0.40 to 0.428, with different gradations requiring specific slurry concentration and HPMC dosages. (3) HPMC promoted the formation of a 3D floc network structure of fine particles through adsorption-bridging effects. The spatial supporting effect of the floc network inhibited the sedimentation of coarse particles, which enhanced the stability of the slurry. Meanwhile, HPMC only converted a small amount of free water into floc water, which had a minimal impact on fluidity. HPMC addition achieved the synergistic optimization of slurry stability and fluidity. (4) Field industrial trials confirmed that HPMC-optimized gangue slurry demonstrated significant improvements in both stability and flowability. The optimized slurry achieved blockage-free pipeline transportation, with a maximum spreading radius exceeding 60 m in the goaf and a maximum single-borehole backfilling volume of 2200 m3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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23 pages, 6480 KiB  
Article
Mechanism Analysis and Evaluation of Formation Physical Property Damage in CO2 Flooding in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs of Ordos Basin, China
by Qinghua Shang, Yuxia Wang, Dengfeng Wei and Longlong Chen
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2320; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072320 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
Capturing CO2 emitted by coal chemical enterprises and injecting it into oil reservoirs not only effectively improves the recovery rate and development efficiency of tight oil reservoirs in the Ordos Basin but also addresses the carbon emission problem constraining the development of [...] Read more.
Capturing CO2 emitted by coal chemical enterprises and injecting it into oil reservoirs not only effectively improves the recovery rate and development efficiency of tight oil reservoirs in the Ordos Basin but also addresses the carbon emission problem constraining the development of the region. Since initiating field experiments in 2012, the Ordos Basin has become a significant base for CCUS (Carbon capture, Utilization, and Storage) technology application and demonstration in China. However, over the years, projects have primarily focused on enhancing the recovery rate of CO2 flooding, while issues such as potential reservoir damage and its extent have received insufficient attention. This oversight hinder the long-term development and promotion of CO2 flooding technology in the region. Experimental results were comprehensively analyzed using techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and ion chromography (IG). The findings indicate that under current reservoir temperature and pressure conditions, significant asphaltene deposition and calcium carbonate precipitation do not occur during CO2 flooding. The reservoir’s characteristics-high feldspar content, low carbon mineral content, and low clay mineral content determine that the primary mechanism affecting physical properties under CO2 flooding in the Chang 4 + 5 tight sandstone reservoir is not, as traditional understand, carbon mineral dissolution or primary clay mineral expansion and migration. Instead, feldspar corrosion and secondary particles migration are the fundamental reasons for the changes in reservoir properties. As permeability increases, micro pore blockage decreases, and the damaging effect of CO2 flooding on reservoir permeability diminishes. Permeability and micro pore structure are therefore significant factors determining the damage degree of CO2 flooding inflicts on tight reservoirs. In addition, temperature and pressure have a significant impact on the extent of reservoir damage caused by CO2 flooding in the study region. At a given reservoir temperature, increasing CO2 injection pressure can mitigate reservoir damage. It is recommended to avoid conducting CO2 flooding projects in reservoirs with severe pressure attenuation, low permeability, and narrow pore throats as much as possible to prevent serious damage to the reservoir. At the same time, the production pressure difference should be reasonably controlled during the production process to reduce the risk and degree of calcium carbonate precipitation near oil production wells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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17 pages, 2405 KiB  
Article
Development of Soy-Based Meat Analogues via Wet Twin-Screw Extrusion: Enhancing Textural and Structural Properties Through Whole Yeast Powder Supplementation
by Shikang Tang, Yidian Li, Xuejiao Wang, Linyan Zhou, Zhijia Liu, Lianzhou Jiang, Chaofan Guo and Junjie Yi
Foods 2025, 14(14), 2479; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142479 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
Amid growing global concerns about environmental sustainability and food security, plant-based meat substitutes have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional meat. However, current formulations, especially those based on soy protein isolate (SPI) often fail to replicate the desired texture and structural integrity. [...] Read more.
Amid growing global concerns about environmental sustainability and food security, plant-based meat substitutes have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional meat. However, current formulations, especially those based on soy protein isolate (SPI) often fail to replicate the desired texture and structural integrity. To address this limitation, this study aimed to evaluate the use of whole yeast powder (WYP) combined with SPI for producing plant-based meat analogues via high-moisture extrusion. Seven groups were designed: a control group with 0% WYP, five treatment groups with 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% WYP, and one reference group containing 20% yeast protein powder (YPP). Although lower in protein content than yeast protein powder (YPP), whole yeast powder exhibits superior water-binding capacity and network-forming ability owing to its complex matrix and fiber content. At a 20% inclusion level, whole yeast powder demonstrated a higher fibrous degree (1.84 ± 0.02 vs. 1.81 ± 0.04), greater hardness (574.93 ± 5.84 N vs. 531.18 ± 17.34 N), and increased disulfide bonding (95.33 ± 0.92 mg/mL vs. 78.41 ± 0.78 mg/mL) compared to 20% YPP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) revealed that whole yeast powder facilitated the formation of aligned fibrous networks and enhanced water binding. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed an increase in β-sheet content (0.267 ± 0.003 vs. 0.260 ± 0.003), which contributed to improved protein aggregation. Increasing the WYP content to 30–40% led to a decline in these parameters, including a reduced fibrous degree (1.69 ± 0.06 at 40% WYP) and weakened molecular interactions (p < 0.05). The findings highlight 20% WYP as the optimal substitution level, offering superior textural enhancement and fibrous structure formation compared to YPP. These results suggest that WYP is not only a cost-effective and processing-friendly alternative to YPP but also holds great promise for scalable industrial application in the plant-based meat sector. Its compatibility with extrusion processes and ability to improve sensory and structural attributes supports its relevance for sustainable meat analogue production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)
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31 pages, 3723 KiB  
Review
Chemical Profiling and Quality Assessment of Food Products Employing Magnetic Resonance Technologies
by Chandra Prakash and Rohit Mahar
Foods 2025, 14(14), 2417; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142417 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 625
Abstract
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are powerful techniques that have been employed to analyze foodstuffs comprehensively. These techniques offer in-depth information about the chemical composition, structure, and spatial distribution of components in a variety of food products. Quantitative NMR [...] Read more.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are powerful techniques that have been employed to analyze foodstuffs comprehensively. These techniques offer in-depth information about the chemical composition, structure, and spatial distribution of components in a variety of food products. Quantitative NMR is widely applied for precise quantification of metabolites, authentication of food products, and monitoring of food quality. Low-field 1H-NMR relaxometry is an important technique for investigating the most abundant components of intact foodstuffs based on relaxation times and amplitude of the NMR signals. In particular, information on water compartments, diffusion, and movement can be obtained by detecting proton signals because of H2O in foodstuffs. Saffron adulterations with calendula, safflower, turmeric, sandalwood, and tartrazine have been analyzed using benchtop NMR, an alternative to the high-field NMR approach. The fraudulent addition of Robusta to Arabica coffee was investigated by 1H-NMR Spectroscopy and the marker of Robusta coffee can be detected in the 1H-NMR spectrum. MRI images can be a reliable tool for appreciating morphological differences in vegetables and fruits. In kiwifruit, the effects of water loss and the states of water were investigated using MRI. It provides informative images regarding the spin density distribution of water molecules and the relationship between water and cellular tissues. 1H-NMR spectra of aqueous extract of kiwifruits affected by elephantiasis show a higher number of small oligosaccharides than healthy fruits do. One of the frauds that has been detected in the olive oil sector reflects the addition of hazelnut oils to olive oils. However, using the NMR methodology, it is possible to distinguish the two types of oils, since, in hazelnut oils, linolenic fatty chains and squalene are absent, which is also indicated by the 1H-NMR spectrum. NMR has been applied to detect milk adulterations, such as bovine milk being spiked with known levels of whey, urea, synthetic urine, and synthetic milk. In particular, T2 relaxation time has been found to be significantly affected by adulteration as it increases with adulterant percentage. The 1H spectrum of honey samples from two botanical species shows the presence of signals due to the specific markers of two botanical species. NMR generates large datasets due to the complexity of food matrices and, to deal with this, chemometrics (multivariate analysis) can be applied to monitor the changes in the constituents of foodstuffs, assess the self-life, and determine the effects of storage conditions. Multivariate analysis could help in managing and interpreting complex NMR data by reducing dimensionality and identifying patterns. NMR spectroscopy followed by multivariate analysis can be channelized for evaluating the nutritional profile of food products by quantifying vitamins, sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, and other nutrients. In this review, we summarize the importance of NMR spectroscopy in chemical profiling and quality assessment of food products employing magnetic resonance technologies and multivariate statistical analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative NMR and MRI Methods Applied for Foodstuffs)
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22 pages, 2066 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Oil Displacement by Polysaccharide Fermentation Broth of Athelia rolfsii Under Extreme Reservoir Conditions
by Haowei Fu, Jianlong Xiu, Lixin Huang, Lina Yi, Yuandong Ma and Sicai Wang
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2861; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132861 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 253
Abstract
In the development of high-temperature and high-salinity oil fields, biopolymer scleroglucan flooding technology faces significant challenges. Traditional scleroglucan products exhibit poor injectability and high extraction costs. This study investigated the application potential of the original fermentation broth of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by microorganisms [...] Read more.
In the development of high-temperature and high-salinity oil fields, biopolymer scleroglucan flooding technology faces significant challenges. Traditional scleroglucan products exhibit poor injectability and high extraction costs. This study investigated the application potential of the original fermentation broth of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by microorganisms in a simulated high-temperature and high-salinity oil reservoir environment. The polysaccharide was identified as scleroglucan through IR and NMR analysis. Its stability and rheological properties were comprehensively evaluated under extreme conditions, including temperatures up to 150 °C, pH levels ranging from 1 to 13, and salinities up to 22 × 104 mg/L. The results demonstrated that EPS maintained excellent viscosity and stability, particularly at 76.6 °C and 22 × 104 mg/L salinity, where its viscosity remained above 80% for 35 days. This highlights its significant viscoelasticity and stability in high-temperature and high-salinity oil reservoirs. Additionally, this study, for the first time, examined the rheological properties of the original fermentation broth of scleroglucan, specifically assessing its injectability and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) performance in a simulated Middle Eastern high-temperature, high-salinity, medium-low permeability reservoir environment. The findings revealed an effective EOR exceeding 15%, confirming the feasibility of using the original fermentation broth as a biopolymer for enhancing oil recovery in extreme reservoir conditions. Based on these experimental results, it is concluded that the original fermentation broth of Athelia rolfsii exhibits superior performance under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions in medium–low permeability reservoirs, offering a promising strategy for future biopolymer flooding in oil field development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Macromolecular Chemistry)
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16 pages, 1430 KiB  
Article
Contributions to Estimating the Water-Holding Capacity in Fresh Pork Hams Using NMR Relaxometry
by Víctor Remiro, María Isabel Cambero, María Dolores Romero-de-Ávila, David Castejón, José Segura and María Encarnación Fernández-Valle
Foods 2025, 14(13), 2329; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132329 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Determining the technological quality of fresh meat pieces is essential in the meat industry to ensure the production of high-quality products. For this purpose, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a non-destructive and non-invasive technique that appears as an alternative to traditional methodologies. The [...] Read more.
Determining the technological quality of fresh meat pieces is essential in the meat industry to ensure the production of high-quality products. For this purpose, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a non-destructive and non-invasive technique that appears as an alternative to traditional methodologies. The objective of this work is to determine the potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and time-domain (TD-NMR) relaxometry for determining the physicochemical characterization of fresh hams with different industrial destinations (both fresh and cured products, such as dry-cured ham). For this study, the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus muscles of 20 fresh hind legs from white pigs, classified into four categories according to their fat content, were analyzed. The semitendinosus muscle was selected as a model, and positive and negative correlations were obtained between different physicochemical parameters and the longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation times obtained by MRI and TD-NMR. Regression models using T1 and T2 were also developed to predict the muscle water-holding capacity (WHC) and drip loss, using high, medium, and low magnetic field NMR (R2 > 0.80). Therefore, MRI and TD-NMR could be considered as highly suitable and accurate non-destructive techniques for the WHC determination in the meat industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative NMR and MRI Methods Applied for Foodstuffs)
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15 pages, 2011 KiB  
Article
Impact of Low-Frequency Alternating Electromagnetic Fields on Postharvest Preservation of Satsuma Mandarins
by Qunhui Dong, Jiamiao Hu, Yihui Lu, Yujin Cao and Shaoling Lin
Foods 2025, 14(13), 2307; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132307 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Low-frequency alternating electromagnetic fields (LF-AEMF) represent an innovative processing technology with significant potential for extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by modulating key physiological processes. In this study, the impact of the LF-AEMF intensities (1300, 1800, and 2500 V) on the [...] Read more.
Low-frequency alternating electromagnetic fields (LF-AEMF) represent an innovative processing technology with significant potential for extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by modulating key physiological processes. In this study, the impact of the LF-AEMF intensities (1300, 1800, and 2500 V) on the postharvest preservation of satsuma mandarins was evaluated. Compared to the control group, the LF-AEMF-treated samples exhibited reduced weight loss (0.62% vs. 2.11%), respiration rate (32.73 vs. 40.08 mg/kg·h), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (40.80 vs. 34.87 nmol/g) after 40 days of storage. In addition, LF-AEMF treatment also effectively preserved titratable acidity (TA) (0.34% vs. 0.30%), vitamin C (Vc) content (7.77 vs. 7.05 g/100 g), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity (79.757 vs. 62.395 U/g). E-nose analysis and low-field NMR further revealed that the application of LF-AEMF effectively facilitated the superior preservation of the intrinsic flavor profile of the satsuma mandarins and mitigated the loss of free water within the fruit. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for the potential application of LF-AEMF in extending the storage life of citrus fruits, which may also be applicable to other seasonal fruits and vegetables that require long-term storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Packaging and Preservation)
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19 pages, 3587 KiB  
Article
Relations Between the Printability Descriptors of Mortar and NMR Relaxometry Data
by Mihai M. Rusu and Ioan Ardelean
Materials 2025, 18(13), 3070; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18133070 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 303
Abstract
Concrete printing technologies play a key role in the modernization of construction practices. One factor that mitigates their progress is the development of standards and characterization tools for concrete during printing. The aim of this work is to point out correlations between some [...] Read more.
Concrete printing technologies play a key role in the modernization of construction practices. One factor that mitigates their progress is the development of standards and characterization tools for concrete during printing. The aim of this work is to point out correlations between some printability descriptors of mortars and the data obtained from low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry techniques. In this context, the superposed effects of an acrylic-based superplasticizer and calcium nitrate accelerator were investigated. The mortars under study are based on white Portland cement, fine aggregates, and silica fume at fixed ratios. Extrusion tests and visual inspection of the filaments evaluate the extrudability and the printing window. The selected compositions were also investigated via transverse T2 and longitudinal T1 NMR relaxation times. The results indicate that both additives increase the printing window of the mortar, while the accelerator induces a faster increase in specific surface area of capillary pores S/V only after 30–60 min of hydration. Some correlations were found between the printing window and the range where the transverse relaxation rates 1/T2 and the pore surface-to-volume ratios S/V increase linearly. This suggests some promising connections between NMR techniques and the study of structural buildup of cementitious materials. Full article
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23 pages, 3772 KiB  
Article
Integrated Microbiome and Metabolomics Insights into Meat Quality Changes in Rice-Field Eel Slices During Refrigeration Storage: Effects of ε-Polylysine, Vitamin C, Epigallocatechin Gallate, and Phloretin
by Liu Shi, Lifeng Yang, Juan You, Wenjin Wu, Guangquan Xiong, Lan Wang and Tao Yin
Foods 2025, 14(13), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132236 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 477
Abstract
Rice-field eel (Monopterus albus) slices, an important aquatic product in Southeast Asia, are prone to spoilage and deterioration during cold chain storage. In this study, the effects of a composite preservative (ε-polylysine, Vitamin C (Vc), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and phloretin) on [...] Read more.
Rice-field eel (Monopterus albus) slices, an important aquatic product in Southeast Asia, are prone to spoilage and deterioration during cold chain storage. In this study, the effects of a composite preservative (ε-polylysine, Vitamin C (Vc), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and phloretin) on the muscle quality (color, texture, water holding capacity (WHC)) of rice-field eel slices during refrigeration storage at 4 °C for up to 7 days was investigated, and the underlying mechanism was elucidated by the integrated microbiome and metabolomics, in addition to Elisa and Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR). After 7 days of storage, the WHC, shear force, and a* decreased by 11.39%, 34.37%, and 49.20% in treated samples, and by 19.18%, 38.38%, and 54.87% in control samples, respectively. The addition of the composite preservative significantly increased Hexokinase, Pyruvate kinase, and Creatine kinase, while it decreased the total viable count (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and Lactic acid. Preservative treatment maintained the moisture content of the eel slices during storage and prevented bright red oxymyoglobin from transforming into brown metmyoglobin. Microbiota composition (especially Pseudomonas) and metabolic pathways (including amino acid and its metabolites, nucleotide and its metabolite, and organic acid and its derivatives, etc.) were obviously altered by the preservative treatment. Pseudomonas, tryptophan-aspartic acid (Trp-Asp), D-Glucose 6-phosphate, Succinic Acid, Biliverdin 1, 5-Diaminopentane, and Tyramine, etc., are potential biomarkers for the quality changes of eel slices during refrigeration. These findings provide an in-depth understanding of the improvement of the eel slice quality during refrigeration storage by the composite preservative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Foods of Marine Origin)
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29 pages, 4280 KiB  
Article
Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Coal Rocks Under Variable Moisture Content Increment Cycles Using LF-NMR Techniques
by Hongxin Xie, Yanpeng Zhao, Daoxia Qin, Hui Liu, Yaxin Xing, Zhiguo Cao, Yong Zhang, Liqiang Yu and Zetian Zhang
Water 2025, 17(13), 1884; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131884 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 631
Abstract
The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of moisture distribution causes the coal pillar dams in underground water reservoirs to undergo long-term dry–wet cycles (DWCs) under varying moisture content increments (MCIs). Accurately measuring the pore damage and fractal dimensions (Df) of coal rock by [...] Read more.
The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of moisture distribution causes the coal pillar dams in underground water reservoirs to undergo long-term dry–wet cycles (DWCs) under varying moisture content increments (MCIs). Accurately measuring the pore damage and fractal dimensions (Df) of coal rock by different MCIs under DWCs is a prerequisite for in-depth disclosure of the strength deterioration mechanism of underground reservoir coal pillar dams. This study employed low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) to quantitatively characterize the pore structural evolution and fractal dimension with different MCI variations (Δw = 4%, 6%, 8%) after one to five DWCs. The results indicate that increasing MCIs at constant DWC numbers (NDWC) induces significant increases in pore spectrum area, adsorption pore area, and seepage pore area. MRI visualization demonstrates a progressive migration of NMR signals from sample peripheries to internal regions, reflecting enhanced moisture infiltration with higher MCIs. Total porosity increases monotonically with MCIs across all tested cycles. Permeability, T2 cutoff (T2C), and Df of free pores exhibit distinct response patterns. A porosity-based damage model further reveals that the promoting effect of cycle numbers on pore development and expansion outweighs that of MCIs at NDWC = 5. This pore-scale analysis provides essential insights into the strength degradation mechanisms of coal pillar dams under hydro-mechanical coupling conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Hydraulic Engineering and Modelling)
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23 pages, 5181 KiB  
Article
Fractal Characterization and NMR Analysis of Curing-Dependent Pore Structures in Cemented Tailings Waste RockBackfill
by Jianhui Qiu, Xin Xiong and Keping Zhou
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(6), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9060367 - 4 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 548
Abstract
This study investigates the coupled effects of waste rock-to-tailings ratio (WTR) and curing temperature on the pore structure and mechanical performance of cemented tailings waste rock backfill (CTRB). Four WTRs (6:4, 7:3, 8:2, 9:1) and curing temperatures (20–50 °C) were tested. Low-field nuclear [...] Read more.
This study investigates the coupled effects of waste rock-to-tailings ratio (WTR) and curing temperature on the pore structure and mechanical performance of cemented tailings waste rock backfill (CTRB). Four WTRs (6:4, 7:3, 8:2, 9:1) and curing temperatures (20–50 °C) were tested. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to characterize pore size distributions and derive fractal dimensions (Da, Db, Dc) at micropore, mesopore, and macropore scales. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and elastic modulus (E) were also measured. The results reveal that (1) the micropore structure complexity was found to be a key indicator of structural refinement, while excessive temperature led to pore coarsening and strength reduction. Da = 2.01 reaches its peak at WTR = 7:3 and curing temperature = 40 °C; (2) at this condition, the UCS and E achieved 20.5 MPa and 1260 MPa, increasing by 45% and 38% over the baseline (WTR = 6:4, 20 °C); (3) when the temperature exceeded 40 °C, Da dropped significantly (e.g., to 1.51 at 50 °C for WTR = 7:3), indicating thermal over-curing and micropore coarsening; (4) correlation analysis showed strong negative relationships between total pore volume and mechanical strength (R = −0.87 for δavs.UCS), and a positive correlation between Da and UCS (R = 0.43). (5) multivariate regression models incorporating pore volume fractions, T2 relaxation times, and fractal dimensions predicted UCS and E with R2 > 0.98; (6) the hierarchical sensitivity of fractal dimensions follows the order micro-, meso-, macropores. This study provides new insights into the microstructure–mechanical performance relationship in CTRB and offers a theoretical and practical basis for the design of high-performance backfill materials in deep mining environments. Full article
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16 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Gluten-Free Bread Enriched with Potato and Cricket Powder: Comparative Study of the Effects of Protein on Physicochemical Properties Bonds and Molecular Interactions
by Jakub Królak, Jan Jakub Kucharski, Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski, Klaudia Dudek, Millena Ruszkowska, Paweł Jeżowski, Łukasz Masewicz, Przemysław Siejak and Hanna Maria Baranowska
Foods 2025, 14(11), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14111959 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 515
Abstract
The increasing demand for diverse foods and tailored nutrition encourages the development of innovative products, such as bread enriched with cricket powder (CP) or potato protein (PP). This study presents the preparation and analysis of gluten-free breads with CP and PP, focusing on [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for diverse foods and tailored nutrition encourages the development of innovative products, such as bread enriched with cricket powder (CP) or potato protein (PP). This study presents the preparation and analysis of gluten-free breads with CP and PP, focusing on their nutritional value and physical properties. Analytical methods included water activity measurement, bread volume, crumb color analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, low-field NMR relaxometry, and texture profile analysis. Ash content ranged from 0.60 ± 0.03% to 1.16 ± 0.11%, and caloric values ranged from 216.2 to 229.5 kcal/100 g. Water activity remained stable across all samples (0.975–0.976). Crumb color analysis showed the greatest change in CP samples (ΔE = 14.07), while PP had minimal impact (ΔE = 2.15). FTIR spectra revealed increased amide I and II bands, indicating higher protein content. NMR results demonstrated shorter T1, T21, and T22 times for CP, suggesting reduced water mobility and a denser structure, while PP samples showed higher values, indicating a looser, more hydrated matrix. Texture analysis confirmed that CP increased firmness and compactness, whereas PP enhanced springiness. These findings suggest that CP and PP can improve the nutritional and structural properties of gluten-free bread, offering valuable alternatives for modern dietary needs. Full article
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20 pages, 1965 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Effects of Wood Biochar on Soil Fertility, Heterotrophic Respiration and Organic Matter Composition
by Rossella Curcio, Raffaele Bilotti, Carmine Lia, Michele Compitiello, Silvana Cangemi, Mariavittoria Verrillo, Riccardo Spaccini and Pierluigi Mazzei
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101091 - 19 May 2025
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Abstract
Biochar may represent a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to recycle agroforestry wastes, sequester carbon and improve soil health. With the aim of proving these benefits in a real scenario, we treated several soil parcels with 0 (CTRL), 1 (LOW) and 3 (HIGH) kg/m [...] Read more.
Biochar may represent a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to recycle agroforestry wastes, sequester carbon and improve soil health. With the aim of proving these benefits in a real scenario, we treated several soil parcels with 0 (CTRL), 1 (LOW) and 3 (HIGH) kg/m2 of wood biochar, in open-field trials. The heterotrophic soil respiration (SR) was monitored continuously for two months via a Closed Dynamic Chamber (CDC) associated with an innovative pilot system, and the most important soil chemical parameters were measured 9 and 54 days after biochar application. Biochar induced an immediate dose-dependent increase in organic matter content and CEC (up to 41.6% and 36.8% more than CTRL, respectively), which tended to slightly and gradually decrease after 54 days. In all cases, biochar induced a more pronounced SR, although the most enhanced microbial response was detected for the LOW parcel (19.3% higher than CTRL). Fennels were grown in treated soils and only LOW microplots gave a significantly better response (weight and size). Finally, NMR, FT-IR and Pyr-GC/MS analyses of LOW SOM extracts revealed a relevant impact on the composition, which was accompanied by a higher content of carbohydrates, indole-based compounds and FAME species correlating with enhanced microbial activity. Our findings demonstrate that the proper biochar dose improves soil fertility by creating an environment favorable to plants and promoting microbial activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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