Search Results (1,315)

The development of sustainable, nutrient-dense food systems requires a comprehensive understanding of how microalgae influence the mechanical properties of starch hydrogels. While certain microalgae are common food additives, a critical research gap remains regarding their effect on the rheological behavior and structural integrity of potato starch gels specifically. This study addressed this gap by evaluating the mechanical, microstructural and optical impacts of Arthrospira platensis (commonly known as Spirulina) and Chlorella vulgaris at 0.5%, 1% and 2% (w/w). Utilizing steady-shear flow tests, colorimetry, NIR spectroscopy and microscopy, we characterized changes in steady rheological parameters, color, chemical changes and microstructure of fortified hydrogels. Results indicated that filamentous Arthrospira platensis reinforces the matrix, significantly increasing yield stress from 10.2 Pa in the control to 32.4 Pa at 2% inclusion. In contrast, spherical Chlorella vulgaris appears to act as a structural filler, reducing yield stress to 4.8 Pa at 2%. Microscopy confirmed these morphological influences, showing Arthrospira platensis filaments entangling granules while Chlorella cells integrated into inter-granular spaces. Colorimetry revealed significant darkening (L* decreased from 31.59 to 18.54 at 2% Spirulina addition) and significant greening (p < 0.05). NIR spectroscopy demonstrated potential physical interactions via vibrational markers at 5172 cm⁻¹ and 5646 cm⁻¹, indicating water matrix redistribution within the system. This research demonstrates how incorporating Spirulina and Chlorella vulgaris provides a viable approach for modifying the physical properties of starch-based matrices. The findings indicate that Spirulina enhances flow resistance and structural stability under steady shear, whereas Chlorella vulgaris reduces flow barriers, thereby increasing the spreadability of these composite food systems. Full article

Peanut butter combines nutritional density with two hazard profiles that are often discussed separately: persistence of enteric pathogens in a low-moisture, lipid-rich matrix and pre-processing contamination with aflatoxins. This structured narrative review synthesizes evidence identified in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between January and June 2026 and asks whether food-matrix characteristics change not only nutrient release but also the reliability and timing of safety controls. The evidence is strongest for prolonged survival and matrix-enhanced heat resistance of Salmonella, the heterogeneous distribution of aflatoxins among kernels, and the limited corrective value of roasting for contaminated lots. Direct studies that measure nutritional and safety outcomes within the same peanut butter formulation are scarce; the proposed framework is therefore an integrative interpretation rather than a quantitatively validated model. In our assessment, the practical value of the matrix concept lies in three decisions: controlling aflatoxins before grinding, validating microbial lethality in the actual product, and protecting post-lethality areas from recontamination. These conclusions support hazard-specific risk management that preserves nutritional and sensory quality without treating shelf stability as evidence of microbiological safety. Full article

Global warming-induced temperature increases adversely affect plant growth, exacerbating agricultural risks and threatening global food security. These challenges are particularly acute for important crops like non-heading Chinese cabbage (NHCC; Brassica campestris L. syn. B. rapa), a nutritionally and economically significant leafy vegetable cultivated worldwide. While breeding for thermotolerance has been explored to stabilize summer supplies, these efforts remain insufficient under complex field conditions, necessitating cost-effective and practical alternatives. Here, we demonstrate that biochar derived from enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) spent mushroom substrate (SMS-BC) significantly alleviates heat-induced growth suppression in greenhouse-cultivated NHCC. SMS-BC alters the soil nutrient profile and enhances available phosphorus and potassium through its unique feedstock properties, including its filamentous architecture and surface functional groups. Furthermore, SMS-BC may reshape microbial community composition of NHCC under heat stress. Our findings establish SMS-derived biochar as an effective soil amendment for alleviating heat stress-induced growth suppression in NHCC. Full article

Agriculture plays a key role in global food production, whereas organic waste management remains an important environmental challenge. Organic residue-derived compost represents a sustainable strategy for nutrient recycling, soil fertility improvement, and reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers in horticultural systems. This study systematically reviewed the scientific literature on the application of compost in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) cultivation to evaluate its effects on agronomic performance and production systems. A database search from 2004 to July 2025 identified 86 studies that met the predefined eligibility criteria. The analysis showed an increasing trend in research over the last two decades, with publications peaking in 2021. Most studies were conducted in Latin America, particularly in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, highlighting the relevance of the cherry tomato crop. The application of compost was associated with improved plant growth, nutrient availability, and crop productivity. The production cycles ranged from 37 to 220 days, with shorter cycles commonly observed in tropical environments. Rice husk compost is among the most frequently used organic amendments. Overall, compost represents an effective strategy to enhance agronomic performance and promote sustainable cherry tomato production worldwide. Full article

Amino acids and nucleobases, as essential nutrients for lactic acid bacteria (LAB), play a pivotal role in their growth and metabolism. However, their specific effects on pediocin production and the underlying regulatory mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to identify exogenous amino acids and nucleobases that enhance pediocin production by Pediococcus pentosaceus SNSS18, and further analyze their induction mechanisms. Alanine, cysteine, aspartate, methionine, adenine, and uracil significantly promoted pediocin production (p < 0.05), achieving a maximum increase of 60.75% in antibacterial activity compared with the control. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of the pediocin PA-1 biosynthesis operon (pedABCD) and the LuxS/AI-2 quorum-sensing (QS) system in P. pentosaceus SNSS18. Notably, methionine (0.5 g/L), cysteine (0.5 g/L), aspartate (1 g/L), and uracil (1.5 g/L) enhanced AI-2 signal activity and upregulated the expression of key QS genes (luxS and pfs), suggesting that their promotive effects are likely linked to the LuxS/AI-2 QS system. Exogenous supplementation with AI-2 further verified that the LuxS/AI-2 QS system is a key pathway regulating pediocin production in P. pentosaceus SNSS18. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the promotive effects of alanine and adenine remain to be elucidated. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of pediocin biosynthesis and highlight the potential of exogenous amino acid and nucleobase supplementation to markedly enhance pediocin production for food biopreservation, while supporting the development of P. pentosaceus SNSS18 as a probiotic strain. Full article

Perennial wild relatives of annual crops possess traits associated with stress tolerance, efficient nutrient uptake, and increased soil carbon sequestration. They therefore represent valuable genetic resources for developing perennial crops that may reduce environmental and climate impacts and enhance food security. We evaluated 151 introgression lines (ILs) derived from crosses between barley and the perennial relative Hordeum bulbosum, each carrying unique H. bulbosum chromosome segments in a barley genetic background. Growth and regrowth after harvest were evaluated in two field trials, established by spring and fall planting in separate years in central Sweden, and under simulated two-year seasonal cycles in a climate chamber. In the climate chamber, 54% of the ILs exhibited strong regrowth, and two-thirds of these ILs showed reproductive growth across two seasonal cycles. In the field, most ILs showed regrowth after harvest but did not survive the cold winter. The parental genetic background had a strong effect from the barley parent on several growth and reproductive traits, but some ILs exhibited phenotypes not expected based on the barley parent. Of the divergent ILs with high regrowth, identified by PCA combining all studied traits, H. bulbosum introgressions at chromosome arms 2HL and 4HL were highly represented among ILs with cultivar Emir as a barley parent, and introgressions at 1HL among ILs with cultivar Morex as a parent. Perennial growth was observed only under mild conditions, indicating that perenniality of these ILs in a cold-temperate climate requires not only regrowth capacity but also adaptation to photoperiod, vernalization, and frost. ILs with high regrowth and reproductive growth may be used in crossing efforts with cold-tolerant germplasm to support the development of perennial barley. Full article

Wheat is a major staple crop, and improving its productivity and grain quality is essential to meet rising global food demand. Biostimulants have attracted growing interest because they can enhance nutrient use efficiency, improve tolerance to environmental stresses, and support crop performance without acting as conventional fertilizers, yet a focused synthesis of their effects on wheat remains limited. Following a systematic search of Scopus and Web of Science (2000–2026), this review synthesizes 52 primary studies on microbial and non-microbial biostimulants in common and durum wheat, addressing grain yield, nutritional quality, and resilience to drought, salinity, heavy metals, and temperature extremes. Across studies, 88% reported significant positive effects and none reported a consistent negative effect; grain yield increases ranged from +6% to +123%, with parallel improvements in grain protein and micronutrient biofortification, notably zinc and iron. Microbial biostimulants, especially bacteria and microbial consortia, produced the largest but most variable gains, whereas non-microbial products gave more moderate and consistent responses. Benefits were greatest under low nitrogen, drought, and saline conditions and in nutrient-poor soils, and were modulated by wheat genotype and product dose. Biostimulants are promising tools for sustainable wheat production, though standardized field trials and reporting are still needed. Full article

Caloric restriction (CR), defined as a 30–60% decrease in ad libitum food intake without malnutrition, has emerged as one of the most robust non-pharmacological interventions for promoting metabolic health and longevity in various species, including yeast, worms, flies, rodents, and perhaps non-human primates. In addition, CR has been shown to reduce the incidence of age-related disorders (for example, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders) in mammals. Among the key organs influenced by CR, the pancreas—particularly the insulin-producing β-cells—plays a central role in maintaining glucose homeostasis and metabolic balance. A growing body of evidence suggests that CR exerts its beneficial effects, at least in part, through the modulation of nutrient-sensing pathways and epigenetic regulators. Sirtuins, a family of NAD⁺-dependent deacetylases and ADP-ribosyltransferases, have gained attention as pivotal molecular mediators of CR. By responding to changes in cellular energy status, sirtuins regulate diverse processes including gene expression, oxidative stress response, mitochondrial function, and autophagy. In the pancreas, sirtuins such as SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6 have been implicated in preserving β-cell function, enhancing insulin secretion, and protecting against metabolic stress and inflammation. This review critically examines current evidence regarding the role of individual sirtuins in mediating the pancreatic response to caloric restriction, with particular emphasis on β-cell physiology, insulin secretion, mitochondrial function, autophagy, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling. We further discuss how these molecular mechanisms contribute to systemic metabolic homeostasis and may influence healthy longevity. Importantly, we integrate experimental findings with emerging clinical evidence demonstrating the recovery of β-cell function following dietary energy restriction and identify current controversies, limitations, and key knowledge gaps that should guide future translational research. Collectively, available evidence suggests that sirtuins represent central molecular links between caloric restriction and β-cell adaptation, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for preserving pancreatic function and preventing metabolic disease. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies, collectively known as hidden hunger, affect more than two billion people worldwide and remain a major challenge for sustainable agriculture, global food security and human nutrition. Crop biofortification has emerged as a sustainable agricultural strategy to enhance the concentration and bioavailability of essential micronutrients in edible plant tissues while reducing reliance on post-harvest fortification and dietary supplementation. This review provides an integrated analysis of the soil, plant physiological, agronomic and molecular processes governing biofortification efficiency in agricultural systems. Particular emphasis is placed on how soil formation, mineralogy, nutrient speciation, organic matter and rhizosphere interactions regulate micronutrient availability, root uptake, translocation and accumulation in crops. The review further examines plant physiological mechanisms involved in nutrient acquisition and partitioning, together with the contribution of beneficial microorganisms, precision agriculture and digital technologies to improving nutrient-use efficiency under diverse agricultural conditions. Conventional breeding, agronomic biofortification, transgenic approaches and genome-editing technologies are critically evaluated as complementary strategies for developing nutrient-enriched and climate-resilient crop varieties. Particular attention is also given to nutrient bioavailability, post-harvest stability and consumer acceptance, which ultimately determine the nutritional effectiveness of biofortified crops. Furthermore, the review discusses how climate change modifies soil properties, plant physiology and crop productivity, thereby influencing micronutrient availability, nutrient accumulation and the long-term effectiveness of biofortification programmes. By integrating advances in soil science, plant physiology, agronomy and molecular biology, this review identifies current challenges, knowledge gaps and future research priorities for developing resilient biofortification strategies capable of supporting sustainable agricultural systems and improving global nutritional security. Full article

Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that threatens global food security by significantly inhibiting seed germination and early seedling establishment. Salinity disrupts all three phases of seed germination: Phase I (imbibition), where reduced water absorption capacity reduces seed hydration and delays metabolic reactivation; Phase II (lag phase), where ionic toxicity and oxidative stress impair enzyme activity, reserve mobilization, and cellular metabolism; and Phase III (radicle protrusion), where limited cell division and length prevent radicle emergence and seedling establishment. These disturbances reduce germination percentage, germination rate, germination index, germination energy, and plant vigor, while increasing average germination time. At the morpho-physiological level, salinity impairs water absorption, membrane stability, photosynthetic pigment accumulation, and root–shoot development. Biochemically, excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA) causes cellular damage and metabolic dysfunction. At the molecular level, salinity alters the expression of the aquaporin gene family (PIPs, TIPs, NIPs, and SIPs), suppresses starch mobilization by reducing α-amylase, enhances abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, and inhibits gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis, all of which cause inhibition of germination and early growth. As a result, an effective strategy is needed to improve seed germination under saline conditions. Therefore, the second focus of this review is to critically evaluate the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanobiochar (NBC) as emerging tools to mitigate salinity stress during seed germination. Current evidence suggests that NPs and NBC enhance water absorption, maintain membrane strength, improve nutrient availability, promote antioxidant defense systems, and regulate osmotic adjustment in saline environments. Furthermore, these nanomaterials alter key molecular pathways involved in aquaporin expression, hormonal homeostasis, and reserve mobilization, thereby promoting successful germination and seedling establishment. By combining recent advances in physiological, biochemical, and molecular research, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of salinity-induced germination disruption and highlights the potential of NP- and NBC-based approaches to improve crop establishment under saline conditions. Full article

Climate change represents a major global challenge that threatens agricultural productivity, ecosystem stability, and food security by intensifying abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. Solanaceous crops, which are economically and nutritionally important worldwide, are highly sensitive to these stresses, leading to oxidative damage, impaired photosynthesis, and reduced yield and quality. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate these adverse effects. Due to their unique physicochemical properties, nanoparticles (NPs) enhance nutrient uptake, improve water-use efficiency, and regulate plant metabolic processes. They also activate antioxidant defense systems, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), and improve the delivery efficiency of growth regulators and bioactive compounds. This review synthesizes recent literature on abiotic stress responses in solanaceous crops and evaluates the role of nanoparticles as mitigation strategies, focusing on physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. The scope includes drought, salinity, and temperature stresses, as well as nano-enabled applications such as nano-carriers and nano-sensors. Overall, nanoparticle applications improve plant tolerance by enhancing antioxidant activity, regulating stress-responsive pathways, and improving resource-use efficiency, thereby contributing to increased crop productivity under climate change conditions. However, challenges related to nanoparticle toxicity and environmental risks remain, emphasizing the need for optimized and safe application strategies. These findings highlight the potential of nanotechnology as a sustainable tool to enhance the resilience and productivity of solanaceous crops under changing climatic conditions. This review highlights that nanoparticles can enhance abiotic stress tolerance in solanaceous crops by improving antioxidant activity, photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and water-use efficiency under adverse environmental conditions. Overall, nanotechnology represents a promising strategy for sustainable crop production under climate change, although further studies are needed to ensure its environmental safety and long-term applicability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of abiotic stress effects on solanaceous crops and highlights the role of nanoparticles as a sustainable tool to enhance plant tolerance, productivity, and resilience under climate change conditions. Full article

Eggs are a widely consumed and nutritionally valuable food, increasingly recognized for their potential to deliver not only essential nutrients but also health-promoting phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. However, the presence and variability of these compounds in eggs remains poorly understood, particularly in pasture-raised systems where hens have access to fresh forage. This review explores the current state of knowledge regarding the transfer of phytochemicals from forage to eggs, highlighting the factors that influence their deposition and the implications for egg nutrient quality, hen health, and consumer health. Forage composition, which varies by plant species, season, and management practices, plays an important role in determining phytochemical intake of the hen, and consequently the egg content. While evidence suggests pasture access enhances yolk carotenoid levels and may contribute to polyphenol deposition, little is known about farm-to-farm variation and the degree of nutrient transfer. As pasture-based egg systems continue to gain popularity, understanding and optimizing phytochemical transfer from diet to egg could improve the consistency and nutritional value of eggs while supporting sustainable food production goals. Full article

Biofortification of wheat has emerged as a sustainable strategy to combat global micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiency, while simultaneously improving grain protein quality. Among available approaches, mutation breeding has gained renewed attention as a non-transgenic tool capable of generating novel genetic variability for nutritional enhancement. This review is based on a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature retrieved from major scientific databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2005 and 2025 were critically evaluated to compare the effectiveness, advantages, limitations, and future prospects of wheat biofortification approaches. This review critically evaluates the role of mutation breeding in wheat biofortification and compares its effectiveness with conventional breeding, agronomic biofortification, and genome editing technologies. Evidence from published studies indicates that gamma-induced mutant lines have achieved significant increases in grain Fe and Zn concentrations, as well as improvements in storage protein composition, without regulatory constraints associated with transgenic methods. However, variability in genetic stability, potential yield penalties, and genotype × environment interactions remain important limitations. Overall, integrating mutation breeding with advanced molecular tools and agronomic practices offers a promising strategy for developing nutrient-enriched wheat varieties and enhancing global food and nutritional security. Full article

Nano-priming has emerged as a novel technology for improving seed germination, vigour, and stress tolerance, and enhancing nutrient uptake in cereal grains, especially rice and wheat. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of 6302 publications obtained by a Boolean search query from the Scopus database, executed in November 2025. The dataset was further refined by using strict inclusion–exclusion criteria and mapped for the intellectual, geographic, and collaborative structure of the research on the topic under study at the global level. Country-level research productivity, subject-area distribution, annual publication trajectories, source-level publication patterns, and co-authorship networks are part of this study. The analysis revealed a highly skewed global publication distribution dominated by China, India, and Pakistan, which are major global hubs for nanotechnology-assisted seed treatment research, on the nano-priming of seeds. Agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, materials science, and nanotechnology emerged as dominant interdisciplinary contributors to nano-priming research. Annual publication trends continue to show an exponential rise since 2013, driven by growing interests in nanotechnology-enabled crop improvement. Co-authorship analysis revealed dense collaborative clusters centred in South and East Asia, interconnected through key bridging authors. The bibliometric evaluation, together with evidence-based synthesis of experimental studies, highlighted zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, silver, iron oxide, chitosan, and carbon-based nanomaterials as the main hotspots driving physiological enhancement in rice and wheat through enzymatic activation, nutrient uptake, and stress-resilience pathways. Nanotechnology-based seed treatments in rice and wheat offer a promising and sustainable approach to enhance crop productivity, stress tolerance, nutrient-use efficiency, and global food security under changing environmental conditions. Full article

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a highly nutritious legume with significant potential as a food plant. With the advent of climate change and the challenge of feeding a growing population, strategies to produce high-nutrient crops are of utmost importance. In this context, this study describes how light intensity and wavelength affect the embryonic axis of chickpea sprout metabolism, using untargeted metabolomics. Chickpea sprouts were grown under varying light wavelengths (red—650, green—550, and blue—450 nm) at two intensities (75 and 275 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). Analyses were restricted to the embryonic axis (hypocotyl), excluding the cotyledons, which are a reserve-rich tissue. Results showed that high-intensity red light (RH) increased phenolic content by more than 300% compared to controls. Green and blue light treatments significantly increased the protein content by more than twice that of the dark control. Antioxidant activity was significantly higher in sprouts grown under high-intensity blue light (BH). Additionally, the results suggested that pathway regulation is affected not only by wavelength but also by light intensity, with greater significance and effect under BH and RH treatments in isoflavonoid biosynthesis. High quercetin concentration found under BH is hypothesized to explain the high antioxidant activity when compared to the rest. For instance, these findings highlight the potential of light manipulation to modulate and enhance the nutritional and functional qualities of chickpea sprouts’ embryonic axis, contributing to food security and human health. Further studies need to be conducted to answer whether these metabolite changes directly translate to the nutritional quality of the whole edible sprouts. Full article