Search Results (225)

The meiotic spindle is essential for accurate chromosome segregation during oocyte maturation and fertilization, and its alteration might be considered a major contributor to age-related aneuploidy and reproductive failure. Spindle formation is inherently vulnerable to errors and contributes to the unusually high frequency of chromosome segregation defects observed in human eggs. Human oocytes are particularly prone to aneuploidy; the presence of an abnormal chromosome number, which represents one of the leading causes of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, implantation failure, and congenital disorders in neonates. Previous studies have reported a U-shaped relationship between maternal age and aneuploidy rates, with relatively higher rates observed in both very young females and in women of advanced maternal age. Conversely, aneuploidy rates appear comparatively lower during the intervening reproductive-age period, particularly between approximately 25 and 35 years of age. Because most aneuploid embryos fail to develop successfully after fertilization, chromosome segregation errors in oocytes have profound consequences for female reproductive success. Aneuploidy primarily arises from defects during meiotic chromosome segregation. Faithful chromosome segregation depends on the accurate assembly and function of the meiotic spindle, a dynamic microtubule-based structure that aligns and separates homologous chromosomes during meiosis I and sister chromatids during meiosis II. Growing evidence indicates that chromosome mis-segregation results from the combined effects of impaired sister chromatid cohesion, altered kinetochore architecture, defective microtubule dynamics, weakened spindle assembly checkpoint activity, and age-related metabolic decline. Together, these defects compromise spindle integrity and reduce the fidelity of chromosome separation. Furthermore, the intrinsic instability of the acentrosomal spindle increases the likelihood of incorrect microtubule–kinetochore attachments, a defect that becomes more prevalent with maternal aging due to progressive deterioration of chromosome organization and kinetochore function. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating meiotic spindle assembly and function in human oocytes and examines how their disruption contributes to chromosome segregation errors and embryonic aneuploidy. We discuss the interplay between spindle abnormalities and upstream cellular defects, distinguish meiotic from post-zygotic origins of chromosomal abnormalities, and evaluate the clinical significance of spindle assessment in assisted reproductive technologies. Finally, we critically examine emerging strategies aimed at preserving chromosome segregation fidelity, including approaches targeting mitochondrial function and spindle regulation, while distinguishing interventions supported by mechanistic evidence from those that remain preclinical or speculative. Full article

The freeze–thaw process in sperm cryopreservation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that impair motility, viability, and fertilizing capacity in fish, including the Javaen barb (Systomus rubripinnis), an endemic Indonesian cyprinid of conservation concern. Cryopreservation underpins gene bank development for aquatic genetic resources and supports biodiversity conservation alongside hatchery-based stock enhancement. This study evaluated five natural antioxidants: basil leaf extract (BLE), noni fruit extract (NFE), moringa leaf extract (MLE), sambiloto leaf extract (SLE), and honey–egg yolk (HEY). Each antioxidant was supplemented into the Kurokura’s cryopreservation extender across a graded concentration series (BLE 1–4%, NFE and MLE 0.5–1.5%, SLE 6–9%, and HEY 1–2% with a fixed 5% egg yolk) and compared with an antioxidant-free control. Radical scavenging capacity was measured by DPPH assay (IC₅₀: BLE 134.06, MLE 297.04, NFE 422.86, SLE 3010.46 ppm), and post-thaw motility, duration of motility, viability, abnormality, fertilization rate, and ATP bioluminescence were assessed. The most effective doses tested were doses of 1% for BLE, NFE, and MLE, 1.25% for HEY, and 7% for SLE. BLE at 1% gave the best overall profile (motility 85.00 ± 0.88%; duration 7.14 ± 0.38 min; viability 82.00 ± 1.86%; abnormality 18.26 ± 0.16%), significantly exceeding the control (65.00 ± 2.31%; 4.56 ± 0.33 min; 68.00 ± 2.42%; 23.54 ± 0.28%; p < 0.05), whereas SLE sustained the longest motility. All extracts supported fertilization rates above 82% versus 70.08 ± 3.82% in the control, and 1% BLE preserved post-thaw luminescence equivalent to fresh sperm (165,217 vs. 164,087 RLU), interpreted comparatively. These locally available, plant-derived antioxidants offer a low-cost route to germplasm conservation of Javaen barb, strengthening conservation hatchery and broodstock management, sustainable aquaculture production, and food security for inland fisheries communities. Full article

Animal-processing by-products contain collagen, myofibrillar proteins, blood proteins, whey proteins, and egg proteins that can be converted into peptide-rich food ingredients. Within a single application-oriented framework, this review integrates source heterogeneity, process control, peptide-profile characterization, tiered functional evidence, food-matrix performance, and regulatory substantiation. Evidence is evaluated for antioxidant, ACE-inhibitory, antimicrobial, DPP-IV-inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, mineral-binding, and taste-modulating functions, while distinguishing chemical assays, cell models, animal studies, human interventions, and tests in real-food matrices. Potential applications include functional foods, dietary supplements, natural preservation, flavor systems, texture modification, active packaging, and oral delivery. Translation remains limited by raw-material heterogeneity, batch variability, sensory defects, processing and gastrointestinal instability, uncertain bioavailability, incomplete safety assessment, and poorly defined regulatory claims. Future work should prioritize source traceability, peptide fingerprints, food-matrix validation, human exposure data, and scalable food-grade production. Compositionally defined peptide mixtures with reproducible functionality may be more practical than single highly purified sequences. Full article

Background: Chemical hair dyes provide effective and durable coloration but are frequently associated with hair damage and irritation. Therefore, this study aimed to develop herbal-based hair dye products that combine effective coloration with low irritation potential. Methods: The combination of Lawsonia inermis, Clitoria ternatea, and Indigofera tinctoria was incorporated into different formulations (solution, shampoo, and conditioner) and evaluated for physicochemical properties, accelerated stability, and hair dyeing performance. The effects of herbal mixture concentration (10, 20, and 30% w/w) were further investigated for hair dyeing, foaming properties, washing fastness, and color stability under ambient natural-light conditions. The most suitable shampoo was evaluated for irritation potential using the hen’s egg test–chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay, hair morphology by scanning electron microscopy, and hair chemical characteristics using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Results: Herbal hair dye formulations were successfully developed. Although the solution achieved the greatest hair dyeing performance, the shampoo provided more practical convenience. Increasing the herbal mixture concentration significantly enhanced dyeing performance, with the 30% w/w formulation producing the greatest dyeing performance, with stable color maintained after five washing cycles and excellent resistance to light-induced fading. Interestingly, the herbal shampoo exhibited significantly lower irritation potential than the chemical hair dye shampoo (irritation score: 4.9 ± 0.4 vs. 14.2 ± 0.4, p < 0.05) and better-preserved hair cuticle integrity. FT-IR analysis showed retention of major keratin-associated bands, indicating no complete disruption of the fundamental keratin structure. Conclusions: The herbal hair dye shampoo offers a promising alternative to conventional hair dye, providing effective and durable hair coloration with favorable preservation of hair surface morphology and lower irritation potential. Full article

This study aimed to optimize the spray-drying (SD) process for aquafaba and compare the physical and techno-functional properties of the resulting powder with those of its freeze-dried (FD) counterpart. A Box–Behnken design was employed to evaluate the effects of inlet air temperature (150–190 °C), air speed (3.5–4.3 m/s), and feed flow rate (0.3–0.5 L/h) on 14 quality responses. The optimized SD conditions were determined to be an inlet air temperature of 189 °C, an air speed of 4.2 m/s, and a feed flow rate of 0.3 L/h. Validation experiments demonstrated that the developed models had high predictive capacity, with only a small discrepancy (0.56–5.88%) between the predicted and experimental values. Comparative analysis showed that the optimized SD powder had significantly lower moisture content (2.47%) and water activity (0.18) than the FD powder (3.51% and 0.34, respectively), indicating superior storage stability. In addition, the SD powder exhibited greater whiteness (82.37), higher water solubility (88.44%), and substantially greater foaming capacity (266.67%) than the FD sample (243.33%). Although the FD powder demonstrated better wettability and water absorption capacity because of its porous structure, FTIR spectroscopy and protein secondary structure analysis confirmed that SD preserved the functional integrity of aquafaba. Specifically, SD induced a transition from disordered random-coil structures to more ordered β-sheet and β-turn configurations, thereby improving foaming performance. Overall, these findings indicate that optimized spray-drying is a highly efficient and industrially scalable alternative to freeze-drying for producing functional aquafaba powder for use as a plant-based egg substitute. Full article

Fresh-peeled garlic cloves are a very convenient ready-to-cook product; however, their high perishability requires packaging systems that maintain the quality of the garlic while addressing the need for more sustainable materials. This study evaluated the quality evolution of peeled garlic cloves during refrigerated storage (5 °C) in microperforated modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems consisting of trays sealed with egg white protein (EWP)-based films, either uncoated (EWP-U) or coated with beeswax (EWP-BW). Their performance was compared with commercial polylactic acid (PLA) and oriented polypropylene (OPP) films. The EWP-based packages generated an internal atmosphere of approximately 7% O₂ and 15% CO₂, under which peeled garlic cloves showed delayed fungal decay, reduced yeast and mold growth, and mitigated surface discoloration compared with other packaging systems, whose atmospheres remained closer to air. However, weight loss was promoted in the garlic cloves packaged with EWP-U films. The hydrophobic coating applied in EWP-BW films improved the water vapor barrier properties compared with EWP films, thus reducing the weight loss observed in the garlic cloves, but increasing fungal decay. These results suggest that an optimized packaging system should combine the lower water vapor transmission rate provided by EWP-BW films with the internal gas composition achieved in EWP-U packages. Accordingly, EWP-BW films represent a promising bio-based alternative for preserving the quality of peeled garlic cloves, provided that the effective O₂ and CO₂ transmission rates through the package are appropriately adjusted to generate a more favorable modified atmosphere. Full article

This study combined lipidomic profiling and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) to evaluate whether a TRIS–egg yolk extender preserves canine spermatozoa at both molecular and functional levels during 72 h of refrigerated storage. HILIC–ESI–HRMS was first used to distinguish sperm-derived lipids from extender-associated species. Lipid-focused feature filtering and multivariate analysis highlighted the seminolipid or sulfogalactosylglycerolipid SGG 32:0 as a major contributor to storage-related lipidomic variation. Together with three long-chain sphingomyelins, SM 46:5;O2, SM 48:5;O2, and SM 50:6;O2, SGG 32:0 was selected as a sperm-specific membrane marker. Targeted C30 reversed-phase LC–ESI–HRMS showed that these lipids progressively decreased during chilled storage, whereas their decline was significantly attenuated in extender-treated samples, with significant treatment × time interactions for all monitored species (p < 0.05). CASA confirmed the functional relevance of these molecular changes: in extender-treated semen, total motility was preserved during the first 24 h, whereas more evident impairment occurred at 48–72 h. Overall, these findings indicate that TRIS–egg yolk extender helps preserve canine semen by slowing the loss of sperm-specific membrane lipids and maintaining motility during chilled storage. SGG 32:0 may represent a candidate lipid marker for monitoring sperm membrane preservation. Full article

The paper addresses the intersection between modern built heritage preservation and Climate-Aided Design (CADe) processes in fragile coastal Mediterranean contexts. The study focuses on the city of Beirut in Lebanon, part of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region and considered a climate change hotspot facing extreme challenges. Rapid urbanization and socio-political instability, especially during the twentieth century, have undermined the city’s ability to mitigate and adapt to future climate change scenarios. Moreover, Beirut’s modern built heritage faces a constant threat of demolition due to the absence of protective legislation, compounded by aggressive real-estate development ambitions. The hypothesis is that the integration of climatic data and regenerative design with modern cultural heritage classification frameworks can aid the preservation process, drive a more adaptive and inclusive approach to urban regeneration, and inform legislative integration of climate adaptation in conservation frameworks. To test this hypothesis, a multi-scalar case-study-based methodology is adopted using a combination of digital tools to assess and analyze the current and future impacts of climate change on two main case studies. First, the St. George Hotel & Bay, one of the first reinforced concrete recreational buildings in the city, was built during the French Mandate (1920–1946) and is vulnerable to sea-level rise, flooding, and demolition. Second, the Beirut City Center “The Egg”, a Brutalist structure built during Beirut’s modernist “golden era”, which is prone to structural deterioration and demolition. The main objective is to highlight 20th-century built heritage as part of Beirut’s spatial narrative worthy of conservation and rehabilitation by analyzing their capability to adapt to, mitigate, or benefit from future environmental risk. Ultimately, the study explores their potential to catalyze climate-resilient urban regeneration practices in the city. Results show that the integration of current and future forecast environmental analyses informed early preservation and intervention decision-making stages to position 20th-century modern built heritage as an asset to climate action in addition to being a socio-cultural and economic asset. Full article

Background: Frailty is a public health concern in older adults. However, associations between food intake patterns and frailty dimensions remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to construct a network linking food intake patterns with frailty dimensions, identify nodes with high centrality and bridge nodes, and provide evidence for frailty identification and factors that may be associated with frailty in older adults. Methods: We included 14,140 older adults from the 2017–2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Food intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and patterns were extracted by exploratory factor analysis. Frailty was assessed using a frailty index based on 35 health-related deficits and classified into three dimensions: basic status (BS), basic ability (BA), and medical history (MH). Network analysis with a Gaussian graphical model was used to construct a partial correlation network and identify central and bridge nodes. Results: Four food intake patterns were identified: FD-1 (legumes–eggs–milk pattern), FD-2 (fruits–vegetables pattern), FD-3 (garlic–nuts–salt-preserved vegetables pattern), and FD-4 (meat–fish pattern). FD-1 and FD-2 showed high strength centrality, indicating strong connections within the network. The strongest cross-network association was negative between FD-2 and BS. FD-3 was negatively associated with BA, whereas FD-4 was weakly positively associated with MH. BA had the highest bridge strength, while FD-1 showed high bridge closeness and betweenness. Conclusions: Food intake patterns showed complex associations with frailty dimensions. FD-1, FD-2, and BA emerged as potential nodes of interest. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether dietary strategies centered on FD-1 and FD-2 are associated with preserved function and reduced frailty risk in older adults. Full article

In recent years, hybrid materials have been widely applied in the cultural heritage conservation field, especially to preserve color pigments. Among these, one of the most problematic (in terms of conservation science) is the red pigment cinnabar/vermilion. The challenge of this work was to prepare a hybrid coating consisting of a fluorinated polymer (known to protect cinnabar/vermilion), further modified with an inorganic filler based on anatase TiO₂. The latter is suitable because it is functionalized with quenchers, the particles are well above the nanoscale (≥200 nm in diameter), and it was added to the polymer matrix in small quantities. These characteristics made it suitable as a hybrid coating for protecting natural cinnabar, as demonstrated by the results obtained through a multi-analytical approach, based on multispectral imaging, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), contact angle, spectrophotometry and mechanical tests, which were applied to evaluate the performances of the hybrid coating on laboratory specimens (after aging) and original samples. The experimental results provide insight into both the physicochemical decomposition mechanism of natural cinnabar under laboratory-simulated aging conditions and the benefits of the coating. In particular, the treatment did not induce electrochemical changes in the mercury, which remained in its oxidized state (+2) rather than being further reduced to elemental mercury (Hg⁰), the species responsible for the blackening of cinnabar/vermilion (also combined with meta-cinnabar). In the oxidized form (Hg²⁺), the protein binder was altered, yet the application of the hybrid coating did not cause further physicochemical changes (i.e., red shift) to the Hg²⁺/egg-based binder system. This was also reflected in the color properties, which underwent no significant alteration. Finally, the mechanical tests yielded satisfactory results, particularly regarding water vapor permeability and treatment efficiency (even eight months after the initial application, although studies on the same samples are still ongoing). The hybrid coating was ultimately applied to original samples collected at Poggio Spaccasasso (Tuscany, Italy), which could be representative of prehistoric artworks based on natural cinnabar and traces of prehistoric adhesives made from beeswax, natural oils, and plant resins. Full article

Matcha tea (Camellia sinensis) contains high levels of catechins but has a near-neutral pH (6.2–6.3), which limits the stability of its bioactive compounds. Blending matcha with acidic berries may enhance phenolic stabilization, antioxidant capacity, and sensory properties. This study evaluated pure matcha (MT) and a matcha beverage blended with 7.5% strawberry and 7.5% blackberry powder (Mix), extracted at 5 °C, 70 °C, and 100 °C. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale (n = 50) identified 15% berry substitution (Mix) as optimal, with overall acceptability scores ranging from 8.28 to 8.32 across all extraction temperatures. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale (n = 50) identified 15% berry substitution (Mix) as optimal. Total phenolics (Folin–Ciocalteu), flavonoids (AlCl₃), anthocyanins (pH differential), vitamin C (HPLC), and individual phenolic compounds were analyzed. Antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS) and anti-inflammatory activity (egg albumin denaturation) were assessed, and color parameters (L*, a*, b*, chroma, hue, browning index, ΔE) were measured. Results and Discussion: The Mix exhibited significantly higher total phenolics (24.4% increase at 100 °C) and flavonoids (31.6% increase at 100 °C) compared to MT. Anthocyanins, absent in MT, reached 52.35 mg/100 g at 5 °C, and vitamin C content was 2.6-fold higher than MT under cold extraction. HPLC profiling showed increased levels of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, and rutin in the Mix. The Mix demonstrated superior antioxidant activity with DPPH inhibition of 84.08% at 100 °C (IC₅₀ = 165.0 µg/mL) and ABTS inhibition of 83.67% at 100 °C (IC₅₀ = 105.1 µg/mL). Anti-inflammatory activity was highest at 70 °C (IC₅₀ = 72.2 µg/mL), representing a 3.5-fold improvement over MT. Color parameters were similar to MT at 5 °C and 70 °C but darkened at 100 °C. The acidic pH (~3.7) of the Mix remained stable, contributing to catechin stabilization. Conclusion: The 15% strawberry-blackberry matcha blend shows potential as a functionally enhanced beverage with improved phenolic content, vitamin C, anthocyanins, and bioactivities. Temperature selection allows customization: 100 °C for maximal antioxidant activity, 70 °C for anti-inflammatory benefits, and 5 °C for nutrient preservation and vibrant color. Full article

Salmonella remains one of the most critical zoonotic pathogens in the poultry sector, linked to animal disease, foodborne illness, and the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Poultry acts as a major reservoir, enabling Salmonella transmission from hatchery to retail products through horizontal, vertical, and environmental routes. Despite the use of biosecurity, vaccination, antibiotics, and chemical decontamination, effective and sustainable control across the poultry value chain remains difficult, particularly in the face of rising multidrug-resistant strains and growing consumer concerns over chemical residues. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that selectively infect and lyse bacteria, have emerged as a promising biological alternative for Salmonella control. Although many studies have reported the effectiveness of phages against bacterial species, including Salmonella, in the poultry industry, reports on their full potential to combat antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella across the entire poultry value chain remain limited. Therefore, this review synthesizes current evidence on the application of phages throughout the poultry value chain, including on-farm interventions, processing plant decontamination, and food packaging and storage. Findings from the reviewed articles indicate over a 90% reduction in Salmonella spp. in poultry farms and post-harvest meat, along with lower mortality in phage-treated groups compared to untreated groups; however, these outcomes depend on several factors (e.g., phage strains, concentrations, application methods, and environmental conditions). Laboratory, pilot, and field studies consistently demonstrate that phage preparations, especially when formulated as cocktails or combined with complementary interventions, can achieve substantial reductions in Salmonella, including antibiotic-resistant serovars, in live birds, eggs, poultry environments, and meat products. Unlike antibiotics and chemical sanitizers, phages act with high specificity, preserving beneficial microbiota and maintaining the sensory and nutritional quality of poultry products. Their safety has been supported by toxicological and genomic assessments, and several phage-based products have obtained regulatory approval, including Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for food applications in the United States. By integrating efficacy, safety, regulatory, and practical deployment data, this review highlights bacteriophages as a scientifically validated and One Health–aligned tool capable of reducing Salmonella transmission from farm to fork across the poultry value chain, thereby laying the foundation for their future adoption in the poultry industry. Phage-based interventions offer a sustainable pathway to enhance food safety, limit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination, and strengthen consumer confidence in poultry products. However, the major limitation is the emergence of phage-resistant bacterial strains, as well as the potential involvement of some phages in the transfer of resistance and virulence genes, which could raise public concern. Nevertheless, the use of phage cocktails and whole-genome sequencing, involving tools such as ResFinder and virulence finder, can facilitate the selection of safe phages for application. Full article

Among the ten local breeds of the Veneto region in Italy, Pepoi (PP) and Ermellinata di Rovigo (ER) hens start laying eggs earlier than the others. The egg laying rate (27–34 weeks of age) is higher (p < 0.01) in PP than in ER hens. Egg quality (at 33 weeks of age, 120 eggs/breed) was studied in fresh 1 day-old eggs and in preserved 21 day-old eggs according to breed and storage temperature (12 and 21 °C). Fresh ER eggs showed higher (p < 0.01) egg weights, yolk pH, Haugh units and yolk indices and lower (p < 0.01) eggshell lightness and thickness, surface area-to-volume ratios, and albumen pH than PP eggs, but the yolk-to-albumen ratio was similar between the breeds. After 21 days of storage, the egg traits showed the same trend for significant differences between breeds, with the exception of albumen pH and Haugh units, which were similar. Eggs stored at 21 °C showed lower (p < 0.01) Haugh units and yolk index values and higher (p < 0.01) albumen and yolk pH, albumen yellowness, and weight loss than eggs stored at 12 °C. Stored PP and ER eggs also differed in terms of observed changes in Haugh units, yolk pH and yolk index values with storage temperature: ER eggs showed higher (p < 0.01) yolk index values than PP eggs at both storage temperatures. Eleven weeks after the onset of laying, significant differences were observed in several traits of fresh and stored eggs from the studied breeds, particularly regarding the strength of the vitelline membrane. These preliminary results contribute to the characterization of the storage suitability of eggs from local breeds and to future crossbreeding programmes for enhancing chicken biodiversity. Full article

In recent decades, conservation of local poultry breeds has gained relevance to preserve genetic resources adapted to low-input systems and to enhance their valorization. This study addresses a key knowledge gap by providing a comprehensive characterization of the endangered Murciana chicken breed, native to southeastern Spain. We jointly evaluate recent population dynamics, conservation framework, morphology and morphometrics, growth patterns, and reproductive and productive traits. Data includes census and pedigree records, standardized morphological assessments, growth modeling, and production data from the conservation nucleus. The population increased from fewer than 150 registered animals in 2017 to more than 550 in 2024, indicating stabilization. The breed showed characteristics of slow-growing dual-purpose Mediterranean genotypes, with marked sexual dimorphism, Gompertz relative growth rates of 0.020 d⁻¹ (males) and 0.023 d⁻¹ (females), and adult weights of 3.2 kg and 2.4 kg, respectively. Carcass yield was moderate (61.9%), with higher leg (36.7%) than breast proportion (16.9%). Reproductive (fertility 88.6%, hatchability 80.6%) and laying performance (116.6 eggs/hen/year) were consistent with local extensive systems. These results provide a robust baseline to support conservation, genetic management, and sustainable use of the Murciana chicken breed, contributing to its long-term preservation and valorization. Full article

Ethyl formate (EF) is a promising alternative to methyl bromide for postharvest disinfestation, but berry export chains require efficacy under refrigerated handling without loss of marketable quality. Using spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) in blueberries as a cold-chain model, we compared stage-specific tolerance at 5 to 15 °C and identified 1-day-old eggs as the most tolerant stage, with mortality strongly temperature dependent. Egg-stage concentration to mortality relationships were quantified under 4 h exposures at 5, 10, and 15 °C to nominate temperature-specific intensities within EF flammability safety limits. Candidate schedules (69, 83, and 94 mg·L⁻¹ for 4 h at 5, 10, and 15 °C) were confirmed by verification-scale zero-survivor tests under simulated cold-chain conditions, achieving complete control of the most tolerant egg stage. Post-treatment quality was assessed after 1, 7, and 14 days of cold storage. Weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, sucrose, and proanthocyanidins were driven mainly by storage time and temperature. EF effects were limited to transiently elevated respiration early in storage, with no detectable injury, decay, or adverse changes in appearance or other physicochemical attributes. Overall, EF provides a cold-chain compatible processing window integrating efficacy, operational safety, and quality preservation for refrigerated blueberry export logistics. Full article