Search Results (667)

Traditional pixian douban is characterized by elevated salt concentrations, often exceeding 12%. Given the established correlation between high-salt diets and various health disorders, the necessity for effective salinity reduction becomes evident. However, the reduction in salt content may result in quality deterioration. To address the adverse effects associated with decreased salt concentration, the strain Paenibacillus polymyxa M17 27-6, which possesses the capability to produce antimicrobial compounds, was used in the fermentation of low-salt pixian douban. Additionally, we employed low-salt uninoculated and high-salt uninoculated groups as fermentation controls, with the entire fermentation cycle lasting 35 d. In terms of safety, microbial diversity sequencing and the content of biogenic amines and aflatoxin B1 were conducted. Microbial diversity sequencing analyses indicated the presence of potentially pathogenic Escherichia and Shigella, as well as the spoilage-causing Trichosporon and Issatchenkia, in the uninoculated low-salt group, whereas no contaminating bacteria were detected in the inoculated group. Relative to the uninoculated low-salt group, levels of aflatoxin B1 and biogenic amines were significantly reduced. In terms of quality and volatiles, compared to the uninoculated high-salt group, concentrations of amino acid nitrogen and total acids increased to 0.93 g/100 g and 1.21 g/100 g, respectively, alongside significantly enhanced levels of organic acids and antioxidant activity. At the same time, volatile compound content and abundance increased. In conclusion, the incorporation of P. polymyxa M17 27-6 in the production of low-salt broad-bean paste effectively enhances quality and safety and provides a theoretical basis for developing low-salt pixian douban products. Full article

The pervasive environmental contamination by microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represents a critical challenge of the Anthropocene. While historically studied in isolation, a growing body of evidence confirms that these pollutants interact to form a complex and dynamic MP-PFAS Nexus. This review synthesizes current knowledge to elucidate the multifaceted mechanisms of this interaction, where MPs act as vectors, concentrators, and secondary sources for PFAS. We detail how environmental aging and water chemistry modulate adsorption and transport, fundamentally altering the fate of both contaminants. Crucially, the review consolidates evidence demonstrating that co-exposure often leads to synergistic toxicity, disrupting physiological processes from photosynthesis in algae to lipid metabolism and neurogenesis in animals, with significant implications for trophic transfer. The nexus also presents formidable challenges for water treatment and soil remediation, while simultaneously offering opportunities for targeted destructive technologies like pyrolysis. Furthermore, we explore the emerging threats of this complex to human health via seafood and water, and the amplifying feedback of climate change. Finally, we argue that current regulatory frameworks, which assess pollutants individually, are inadequate and must evolve to account for combined effects. This review underscores the imperative to reframe MPs and PFAS as an interconnected pollutant system, necessitating integrated research and policy for effective environmental risk assessment and management. Full article

Microplastic contamination in seafood has emerged as a significant concern for public health and food safety. Bivalve molluscs are especially vulnerable because of their filter-feeding behaviour, leading to the accumulation of different substances in seawater, including contaminants like microplastics. This study examines microplastic contamination by comparing commercially available ready-to-cook frozen and deep-frozen clams, assessing particle morphologies, dimensions, colours, and chemical identities. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) derived from the proportions of polymers in the samples and their hazard scores, whereas the Estimated Average Daily Intake (EADI) was determined based on per capita consumption and microplastic counts. The results indicated a significantly higher prevalence of microplastics in deep-frozen clams compared to frozen clams, with 2.58 ± 0.87 and 0.43 ± 0.13, respectively. EADI was estimated at 0.47 and 0.76 MP/kg(bw)/day for deep-frozen clams and frozen clams, respectively (before cooking). Our findings highlight the influence of industrial processing on microplastic contamination, other than the environmental contribution, with considerable implications for human exposure, underscoring the necessity for monitoring initiatives and regulatory policies to reduce microplastic exposure in seafood, thereby safeguarding food safety and public health. Full article

The widespread presence of pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) in aquatic environments raises significant environmental and public health concerns, particularly through their accumulation in marine biota and potential transfer to humans via seafood. In aquaculture, fish feed is essential for production but may also act as a pathway for contaminants in the marine environment. This study aimed to develop and validate an analytical method for the extraction and quantification of 14 antibiotics and ethoxyquin antioxidant in fish tissue and feed. Two QuEChERS-based extraction protocols were compared: the AOAC 2007.01 method (Method A) using Z-Sep⁺ as clean-up, and the original QuEChERS method (Method B) employing Enhanced Matrix Removal (EMR)-lipid. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry using electrospray ionization in positive and negative mode was applied for identification and quantification. Validation included assessment of recovery, linearity, precision, limits of detection and quantification, uncertainty, matrix effects, and process efficiency. Both methods showed good linearity (R² > 0.9899) and precision (<19.7%). Method B achieved superior recoveries for most analytes in both fish tissue (70–110%) and feed (69–119%), with lower uncertainties (<18.4%) compared to Method A. Overall, the original QuEChERS method demonstrated better analytical performance, supporting its application as a green, robust tool for monitoring emerging contaminants in aquaculture products. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can enter the human body through the consumption of contaminated food, particularly seafood, which can bioaccumulate these toxic compounds. This study evaluated PAH contamination levels in fish, crabs, and shellfish from the Parnaiba River estuary following the 2019 oil spill that impacted over 3000 km of Brazil’s northeastern coastline with weathered, heavy crude. The results showed that PAH concentrations in 2019 were approximately 50% higher than those detected in 2021, indicating an acute contamination event linked to the spill. Among the sampled organisms, crabs had the lowest PAH levels, followed by shellfish with intermediate contamination levels, and fish with the highest concentrations. PAH profiles varied by species: shellfish were dominated by high-molecular-weight (HMW) compounds typical of pyrogenic sources; fish were primarily contaminated with low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAHs associated with crude oil; and crabs exhibited a balanced mix of both. Toxicity equivalency analysis revealed the presence of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) only in 2019 shellfish samples, while BaP contamination was found in both fish and shellfish in 2021. Some samples exceeded regulatory limits for indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene. Mollusks collected during the 2021 dry season presented BaP and benzo[k]fluoranthene levels above the threshold of concern. These findings demonstrate the acute impact of the oil spill, characterized by a predominance of LMW PAHs, as well as a residual contamination pattern in 2021, likely associated with pyrogenic sources and driven by environmental degradation processes. This study also indicates that although overall carcinogenic PAH levels decreased, some carcinogenic PAHs continue to exceed legal limits in fish and shellfish samples, even 2 years after the oil spill. This work highlights the need for long-term monitoring and reinforces the importance of including food safety in environmental impact assessments, especially in vulnerable fishing communities. Full article

Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is the largest-scale marine aquaculture fish species in China, with a significant economic and nutritional value as a high-quality seafood product. The recent outbreak of an epidemic caused by a novel Carpione rhabdovirus (CAPRV) occurred in cultured golden pompano. To address it, a CAPRV enzyme-mediated one-step sample processing–reverse transcription–enzyme-mediated duplex exponential amplification (EmOSP-RT-EmDEA) detection system was developed. This innovative molecular diagnostic tool integrates enzyme-mediated one-step sample processing (EmOSP) with enzyme-mediated duplex exponential amplification (EmDEA) technology. Unlike traditional RPA-Cas12a detection methods, this system directly incorporates fluorophores into RNA components, eliminating the need for exogenous fluorescent probes while maintaining high sensitivity. It enables rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of CAPRV2023 across various sample types, including clinical, invasive, minimally invasive, and environmental specimens. Performance evaluation of the CAPRV2023 EmOSP-RT-EmDEA detection system against conventional diagnostic methods, such as TaqMan qPCR and traditional PCR, demonstrated superior sensitivity, with a detection limit as low as 4 copies/μL, and exceptional specificity. The optimized EmOSP protocol for nucleic acid extraction from fecal, hepatic, and water samples provided robust and reproducible results. The EmOSP-RT-EmDEA system achieved a detection rate of 68.14% in fecal samples, matching the performance of the gold-standard TaqMan qPCR assay. Full article

Shellfish aquaculture is considered a major pillar of the seafood industry for its high market value, which increases the value for global food security and sustainability, often constrained in terms of conventional, labor-intensive practices. This review outlines the importance of automation and its advances in the shellfish value chain, starting from the hatchery operations to harvesting, processing, traceability, and logistics. Emerging technologies such as imaging, computer vision, artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, blockchain, and RFID provide a major impact in transforming the shellfish sector by improving the efficiency, reducing the labor costs and environmental impacts, enhancing the food safety, and providing transparency throughout the supply chain. The studies involving the bivalves and crustaceans on their automated feeding, harvesting, grading, depuration, non-destructive quality assessments, and smart monitoring in transportation are highlighted in this review to address concerns involved with conventional practices. The review puts forth the need for integrating automated technologies into farm management and post-harvest operations to scale shellfish aquaculture sustainably, meeting the rising global demand while aligning with the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

The internal organs of sea cucumbers (SCV) are a byproduct of the seafood processing industry and hold untapped potential as a functional food. This study investigates the antioxidant capacity of SCV and its regulatory effects on the gut microbiota in a mouse model of oxidative stress induced by chronic cold exposure. The results indicate that SCV possesses a rich nutritional composition, containing various components such as calcium, phosphorus, and polysaccharides, and exhibit strong scavenging activity against three types of free radicals in vitro: DPPH, OH⁻, and O₂⁻. SCV significantly reduced MDA levels in both serum and liver, while activating the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, leading to a significant decrease in the expression of HSP70 and HSP90 genes and a marked increase in Nrf2 gene expression, thereby alleviating oxidative damage. Histological analysis revealed that SCV alleviated liver damage, reducing hepatocellular vacuolization and inflammatory cell infiltration. Additionally, SCV modulated the diversity of the gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of Allobaculum, Turicibacter, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, while enriching the synthesis pathway of vitamin B12 (PWY-7377). This study is the first to repurpose sea cucumber viscera waste into a functional food, demonstrating its dual mechanism of alleviating oxidative stress by activating the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway and regulating the gut microbiota. These findings offer an innovative strategy for the high-value utilization of agricultural by-products and the development of multifunctional health-promoting products. Full article

The demand for safe, high-quality, and minimally processed food has intensified interest in non-destructive analytical techniques capable of assessing freshness and safety in real time. Among these, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and biosensors have emerged as leading technologies due to their rapid, reagent-free, and sample-preserving nature. NIR spectroscopy offers a holistic assessment of internal compositional changes, while biosensors provide specific and sensitive detection of biological and chemical contaminants. Recent advances in miniaturization, chemometrics, and deep learning have further enhanced their potential for inline and point-of-need applications across diverse food matrices, including meat, seafood, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. This review critically evaluates the operational principles, instrumentation, and current applications of NIR spectroscopy and biosensors in food freshness and safety monitoring. It also explores their integration, highlights practical challenges such as calibration transfer and regulatory hurdles, and outlines emerging innovations including hybrid sensing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, and smart packaging. The scope of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of these technologies, and its objective is to inform future research and industrial deployment strategies that support sustainable, real-time food quality control. These techniques enable near real-time monitoring under laboratory and pilot-scale conditions, showing strong potential for industrial adaptation. The nature of these targets often determines the choice of transduction method. Full article

Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern. In humans, ingestion through contaminated seafood is a recognized exposure route to microplastics, which may impact gut health. However, the extent to which microplastics interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption remains unclear. To this end, the present work aimed to assess, for the first time, the influence of microplastic particles (polyethylene terephthalate, PET, and polylactic acid, PLA) on the digestibility of three selected seafood species (gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata; Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar; and hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria) using an in vitro human digestion model. Furthermore, this study evaluated the potential degradability of microplastics along the gastrointestinal tract and examined how particle type and exposure level (10 or 20 particles) may influence seafood digestibility. Protein digestibility in S. aurata and S. salar filets was ~86%, while in M. mercenaria it was ~73%, regardless of microplastic presence or quantity. PET and PLA integrity was affected differently by digestion, with PLA showing greater surface degradation. These findings provide preliminary insight into the mutual interactions between microplastics and the human digestive process, highlighting the importance for further research into how the leaching of plastics additives may or may not influence the bioaccessibility of essential nutrients. Full article

Phlorotannin–alginate extracts from brown seaweeds offer promising natural solutions for food preservation. This study investigated the extraction, characterization, and application of phlorotannins and alginate from two brown seaweed species, Sargassum cristaefolium and Nizimuddinia zanardinii, for inhibiting melanosis and preserving quality in Pacific white shrimp during ice storage. Preliminary screening identified N. zanardinii methanol extract as superior, yielding the highest phlorotannin content (19.14 ± 0.65 mg Phloroglucinol/g) with potent antioxidant (98.95 ± 0.74% DPPH inhibition) and copper-chelating (73.44 ± 1.64%) activities. Consequently, N. zanardinii was selected for subsequent extraction and application studies. Alginate extraction efficiency was 4.73 ± 0.38 g/100 g seaweed, demonstrating moderate antioxidant properties. The extracts effectively inhibited shrimp polyphenol oxidase, with 2% phlorotannins + 1% alginate showing 84.51% inhibition. When applied to shrimp, this combination significantly delayed melanosis development, suppressed microbial growth, and maintained lower pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and lipid oxidation values during 16 days of ice storage compared to untreated controls. Sensory evaluation confirmed better retention of quality attributes in treated shrimp. These findings demonstrate the potential of N. zanardinii phlorotannin–alginate extracts as effective natural preservatives for maintaining shrimp quality during cold storage, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic additives in seafood processing. Full article

Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) have received increasing attention as a new alternative source to other forms of selenium in nutritional dietary supplements; however, the limited stability and pronounced tendency of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) to aggregate in aqueous environments have significantly constrained their practical applications. In this study, Poria cocos polysaccharide-modified Se NPs (PCP-Se NPs) were synthesized by the selenite/ascorbic acid chemical reduction method. PCP-Se NPs exhibited a uniformly dispersed spherical morphology with an average particle size of 66.64 ± 0.30 nm, and displayed an amorphous crystal structure. Compared to unmodified Se NPs, the PCP-Se NPs exhibited low Se release (8.83 ± 0.73%) after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and they had excellent storage stability and salt ion stability. PCP-Se NPs exhibited potent antioxidant activity manifested by the effective scavenging of DDPH and ABTS radicals. PCP-Se NPs were efficiently internalized by RAW264.7 cells and released into the cytoplasm by a lysosomal escape mechanism, thereby effectively reducing intracellular inflammatory factor levels (the levels of MPO, NO, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 in the PCP-Se NPs treatment group were 0.38 ± 0.013-fold, 0.26 ± 0.02-fold, 0.36 ± 0.02-fold, 0.57 ± 0.03-fold, 0.35 ± 0.02-fold, and 2.07 ± 0.16-fold that of the LPS group, respectively), alleviating oxidative stress (the levels of CAT, SOD, GSH, and MDA in the PCP-Se NP-treated group were 2.48 ± 0.02-fold, 1.91 ± 0.11-fold, 3.16 ± 0.28-fold, and 0.46 ± 0.03-fold that of the LPS group, respectively), and maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential stability. This study provides a basis and reference for improving the stability of Se NPs and developing novel selenium-enriched dietary supplements. Full article

Background/Objectives: Biofilms are key in spreading antibiotic resistance in various ecosystems. This study employed comparative genomics to examine the resistance and adaptability mechanisms of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain Vaw-5, isolated from a seafood market biofilm. Methods: A comparative examination of Vaw-5 and 32 publicly available V. parahaemolyticus genomes identified a distinct set of genetic resistance characteristics. Results: Unlike clinical strains, Vaw-5 lacks acquired antimicrobial resistance genes like the blaCARB and qnr variations. Instead, its resistance potential is based on chromosomal alterations, efflux pump systems (vmeAB, vcmD), and a unique repertoire of 16 strain-specific transposons, including Tn5501 and Tn5393, which are well-known vectors for antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) mobilization. Although not multidrug-resistant, Vaw-5 possesses unique genomic islands that share negligible homology with those of clinical strains, enriched with gene clusters for environmental adaptation, such as exopolysaccharide production and a fully functional Type VI Secretion System. Vaw-5 carries a distinctive plasmid with the resistance gene aac(2${}^{\prime }$)-Ia. Conclusions: Biofilm adaptation promotes structural integrity, inherent processes, and resistance above standard ARG acquisition. This study focuses on how biofilm communities in the food chain can operate as covert incubators for mobilizable resistance determinants, emphasizing the significance of ecological monitoring within a One Health paradigm to reduce possible public health hazards. Full article

This study investigates Italian fishery discards through the lens of neglected and underutilized species (NUS). It estimates the potential loss of value (PLoV) to identify pathways for sustainable valorization under the European Union landing obligation (LO). NUS were selected through a stakeholder focus group. Data regarding landings and discards were collected for the period 2020–2022 within the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry (MASAF) database. Among the three years, fleets landed roughly 130,400 tons annually, worth about €700 million, while discarding around 6200 tons yearly. This corresponds to an average PLoV of approximately €21.5 million. Most of the discarded quantity and value is concentrated in a few species. Atlantic Horse Mackerel stands out, accounting for nearly one-third of discarded biomass and about one-quarter of total PLoV. In 2020 and 2022, its discards even exceeded reported landings. A conservative valorization scenario for this single species indicates potential revenues of up to €7.5 million per year. Overall, these findings suggest that targeted NUS valorization could represent a way to diversify seafood consumption, alleviate pressure on common stocks, and buffer fishers’ incomes. This potential depends on ensuring traceability and safety, supported by pilots in processing, product development, and consumer acceptance. Full article

The present study investigated the effects of hierarchical molecular weights and iron chelation on the in vivo absorption and the inflammatory bioactivity of chondroitin sulfate (CS). Firstly, CS, chondroitin sulfate-iron complex (CS-Fe), and low-molecular-weight chondroitin sulfate-iron complex (LCS-Fe) were fluorescently labeled and characterized. Then, the plasma concentration–time profiles and fluorescence imaging results demonstrated that LCS-Fe was more efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream and showed a higher Cmax (415.16 ± 109.50 μg/mL) than CS-Fe (376.60 ± 214.10 μg/mL) and CS (135.27 ± 236.82 μg/mL), and it clearly accumulated in the liver. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of CS-Fe and LCS-Fe was assayed in LPS-induced macrophages, and LCS-Fe and CS-Fe both showed a better inhibitory effect on NO production, COX-2 and IL-1β gene expression levels compared to CS. Additionally, targeted metabolic analysis of macrophages using LC-MS/MS revealed that CS, CS-Fe, and LCS-Fe could reverse approximately one quarter of the LPS-induced differential metabolites, and the biosynthesis of valine, leucine, and isoleucine was the most significantly involved metabolic pathway. Notably, the molecular weight reduction and iron chelation could both enhance the bioavailability and anti-inflammatory efficacy of CS. Full article