FoodsPub Date : 2025-09-20DOI: 10.3390/foods14183271
Jinyan Nan, Chengbi Cui, Zhijun Guo
{"title":"Silver Nanocluster-Based Label-Free Aptasensor for the Turn-On Fluorescent Detection of Ochratoxin A.","authors":"Jinyan Nan, Chengbi Cui, Zhijun Guo","doi":"10.3390/foods14183271","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the substantial human health risks posed by ochratoxin A (OTA), a potent mycotoxin, simple, low-cost methods for its sensitive and selective detection in foods are lacking. To address this gap, we herein developed a label-free OTA aptasensor based on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-scaffolded silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) with an intense red fluorescence. As the DNA template fragment used for AgNC fabrication was derived from the complementary sequence of the OTA aptamer (Apt-OTA), Apt-OTA complexed the AgNCs in the absence of OTA, quenching their fluorescence. OTA inhibited this quenching by strongly binding Apt-OTA and thus precluding its binding to the AgNCs. The OTA aptasensor exhibited a high selectivity and low detection limit (0.38 ng/mL), eliminating the need for expensive reagents, complicated pre-treatments, and advanced equipment, and was successfully used to quantify mycotoxins in food under real-life conditions, thus holding promise for mycotoxin control.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469903/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
FoodsPub Date : 2025-09-20DOI: 10.3390/foods14183268
Tianyu Wu, Junjie He, Xiujuan Deng, Xiaohua Wang, Wenxia Yuan, Qiaomei Wang, Xinya Chen, Man Zou, Hongmei An, Baijuan Wang, Raoqiong Che
{"title":"Influencing Factors and Regulatory Mechanisms of Fresh Tea Leaf Quality: A Review.","authors":"Tianyu Wu, Junjie He, Xiujuan Deng, Xiaohua Wang, Wenxia Yuan, Qiaomei Wang, Xinya Chen, Man Zou, Hongmei An, Baijuan Wang, Raoqiong Che","doi":"10.3390/foods14183268","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The contents of secondary metabolites such as tea polyphenols, amino acids, caffeine, and volatile metabolites in fresh tea leaves are key factors determining the unique flavor and health attributes of finished tea products. However, differences in varieties, cultivation practices, and environmental conditions often lead to variations in these metabolites among fresh tea leaves, thereby affecting tea quality. In order to clarify the various internal and external factors that influence the formation of the quality of fresh tea leaves and their mechanism of action. This article mainly reviews the research on fresh leaf quality in the past decade. Firstly, it clarifies the molecular basis of metabolic differences among varieties. Then, it summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of underground (soil, microorganisms) and above-ground (light, temperature, humidity) environments on key metabolic pathways, and focuses on evaluating the effects of intercropping, fertilization, and other cultivation measures on improving tea quality. This review found that the specific gene expression of varieties, the transmission of environmental signals, and cultivation interventions jointly drive the synthesis and accumulation of tea polyphenols, amino acids, caffeine, and aroma substances. However, no one has ever systematically reviewed it. Therefore, it provides certain theoretical references for improving the quality of fresh leaves.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
FoodsPub Date : 2025-09-20DOI: 10.3390/foods14183265
Elsa F Vieira, Lígia Rebelo Gomes, Clara Grosso, Cristina Delerue-Matos
{"title":"Recent Advances on Seaweed-Derived Pigments for FoodApplication and Current Legal Framework.","authors":"Elsa F Vieira, Lígia Rebelo Gomes, Clara Grosso, Cristina Delerue-Matos","doi":"10.3390/foods14183265","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183265","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increasing demand for natural and health-promoting food ingredients has spotlighted seaweed-derived pigments as promising alternatives to synthetic colorants. This review explores the potential of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins extracted from various seaweed species for use in the food industry. These pigments offer not only a wide range of colors but also exhibit bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. The paper discusses recent advancements in sustainable aquaculture practices, extraction, purification, and stabilization techniques, including green and microencapsulation methods, to enhance pigment yield and shelf life. Furthermore, it highlights the regulatory landscape in the European Union and the United States, identifying key differences and challenges regarding pigment approval and commercialization. Despite their potential, large-scale industrial adoption remains constrained by technical, economic, and regulatory hurdles. Bridging these gaps through optimized bioprocesses and safety assessments is essential to fully leverage seaweed pigments in food systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470126/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
FoodsPub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.3390/foods14183252
Qiru Wang, Dan Liu, Qi Wu, Yanling Sun, Ning Ma, Xin He, Xinghua Zhao
{"title":"Solid Dispersion of Hesperidin Alleviates Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis Through Modulating the Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Rats.","authors":"Qiru Wang, Dan Liu, Qi Wu, Yanling Sun, Ning Ma, Xin He, Xinghua Zhao","doi":"10.3390/foods14183252","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hesperidin (HD) is predominantly found in citrus fruits, and has been shown to possess various biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic. However, its application is limited by poor solubility. In this study, a new solid dispersion (SD) of hesperidin was prepared by ball milling using PVPK30 as the carrier, and the in vitro and in vivo studies and the therapeutic effects about colitis in rats were evaluated. In vitro analysis revealed that the solid dispersion showed a better release effect. The cumulative release of HD-SD reached 48.24% at 120 min, which was 5.9 times that of pure HD. In vivo studies demonstrated that C<sub>max</sub> and AUC<sub>0</sub><sub>-</sub><sub>24</sub> were significantly higher in HD-SD compared with pure HD (<i>p</i> < 0.01), which were 2.67 and 1.50 times that of HD, respectively. Furthermore, treatment with HD-SD significantly alleviates symptoms and histological features in acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis in rats. Furthermore, HD-SD treatment significantly ameliorated the disease severity of acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis in rats, as evidenced by improved clinical signs, attenuated histological damage, and decreased levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). Moreover, the structure and relative abundance of the gut microbiota were modulated. Specifically, the relative abundance of <i>Erysipelotrichaceae</i> was decreased and the relative abundance of <i>Bacteroidota</i>, <i>Lachnospiraceae</i>, and <i>[Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group</i> were increased. These results suggest that HD-SD could serve as a gut-health-promoting functional ingredient, potentially contributing to the dietary management of colitis through microbiota modulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469633/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
FoodsPub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.3390/foods14183256
Maria-Dimitra Tsolakidou, Nikolaos Nikoloudakis, Cyril Tisseyre, Marija Knez, Eleonora Barilli, Konstadinos Mattas, Andreas Katsiotis
{"title":"DNA Barcoding for Tracing Biodiversity in Mixed Crop Food Products: A Proof of Concept Within the BioValue Project.","authors":"Maria-Dimitra Tsolakidou, Nikolaos Nikoloudakis, Cyril Tisseyre, Marija Knez, Eleonora Barilli, Konstadinos Mattas, Andreas Katsiotis","doi":"10.3390/foods14183256","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In a world of rapidly globalizing food markets, biodiversity, authenticity, and the safety of food products have become a universal concern. DNA barcoding is a widely used molecular-based method that can identify biological material and is used for the traceability of both raw materials and ingredients in processed food. In the present study, contacted within the framework of the BioValue Horizon Project, which promotes the role of agrobiodiversity in sustainable food systems, DNA barcoding using the <i>ITS</i> and <i>rbcL</i> markers was employed as a proof-of-concept approach to reveal the biodiversity and authenticity of ten commercial plant-based products. Following successful DNA amplification and sequencing using six products as a proof-of-concept, a diverse range of plant genera and species were identified, verifying biodiversity. A strong correlation between <i>ITS</i> and <i>rbcL</i>-based markers was demonstrated, supporting their combined use for reliable species-level biodiversity assessment. Finally, heat map analysis of label contents and sequencing-based genera identification confirmed high concordance between label claims and sequencing results in most cases, though undeclared species and absent labeled taxa were also detected, highlighting potential mislabeling or cross-contamination.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469653/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
FoodsPub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.3390/foods14183254
Gyeong A Jeong, Inae Lee, Jeehye Sung, Chang Joo Lee
{"title":"Structural Elucidation and Storage Stability of Novel Dietary Sulfur Compounds from Radish.","authors":"Gyeong A Jeong, Inae Lee, Jeehye Sung, Chang Joo Lee","doi":"10.3390/foods14183254","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183254","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Radishes (<i>Raphanus sativus</i> L.) have attracted interest as functional foods containing various bioactive components. Among them, sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate compound, is known for its potent antioxidant and anticancer properties. This study aimed to extract, purify, and identify SFN and SFN-derived compound X (SFN-DX), a dietary sulfur-containing bioactive compound, from freeze-dried radishes. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the freeze-dried radish extract contained 13.262 mg/g SFN-DX. A major peak was detected with a f of 12.713 min, closely matching that of the SFN standard (RT = 12.883 min). SFN-DX was subsequently isolated with 99% purity through preparative liquid chromatography. Structural elucidation confirmed that SFN-DX is a derivative of SFN and shares characteristic features with isothiocyanates. The storage stability of purified SFN-DX was evaluated under various temperatures (-18 °C, 4 °C, 20 °C, and 40 °C) and storage durations (1 week and 1 month). A significant reduction in compound purity was observed at elevated temperatures and during prolonged storage. Accordingly, -18 °C was identified as the optimal storage temperature for preserving the stability of SFN-DX. Collectively, these findings provide a scientific basis for the efficient extraction, structural analysis, and storage of dietary sulfur-containing compounds derived from radishes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469551/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
FoodsPub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.3390/foods14183259
Kartik Sharma, Wanli Zhang, Saroat Rawdkuen
{"title":"Dietary Plant-Based Protein Supplements: Sources, Processing, Nutritional Value, and Health Benefits.","authors":"Kartik Sharma, Wanli Zhang, Saroat Rawdkuen","doi":"10.3390/foods14183259","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With the global population reaching 10 billion in 25 years, food production must increase 70% while addressing sustainability concerns. This review uniquely integrates advanced processing technologies-including precision fermentation, AI-driven optimization, and 3D printing-with comprehensive analysis of nutritional quality and health outcomes of plant-based protein supplements (PBPSs). Common sources include legumes, cereals, and nuts/seeds, each with amino acid profiles requiring strategic protein complementation. Advanced processing technologies including high-pressure processing, ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric field, precision fermentation, and AI-driven optimization enhance protein digestibility, solubility, and functional properties while reducing antinutritional factors. PBPSs demonstrate comparable muscle protein synthesis to animal proteins while providing superior cardiovascular, metabolic, and gut health benefits due to bioactive compounds, fibers, and antioxidants. Integrating advanced processing with traditional methods presents opportunities to develop high-quality, sustainable protein supplements meeting global demands while promoting human health and environmental sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Detection of Norovirus from Berries in Serbia by Digital PCR and NGS.","authors":"Branko Velebit, Vesna Janković, Marina Velebit, Tamara Bošković, Milica Jovanović, Dapeng Wang, Dunja Mišić","doi":"10.3390/foods14183257","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human norovirus (HuNoV), a primary cause of foodborne illness, is frequently transmitted through contaminated berries. Serbia is a global producer of raspberries and other berries, yet data on HuNoV prevalence and genogroup diversity are limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, viral load, and genotypes of HuNoV circulating in raspberries and blackberries marketed in Serbia. A total of 450 berry samples were collected in 2023 from orchards, cold storage facilities, local markets, and roadside vending stands. Norovirus RNA was extracted using a modified ISO 15216-2 protocol. RT-qPCR positive samples were subsequently quantified by digital RT-PCR (RT-dPCR). Genotyping employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) of genome encoding major and minor capsid proteins, supplemented by Sanger sequencing. Nineteen samples (4.2%) tested positive for HuNoV, including four GI and fifteen GII strains, with higher prevalence in frozen (11.1%) than fresh berries (2.0%). Viral loads ranged from 34-105 gc/g for GI and 23-658 gc/g for GII, with medians of 72 and 153 gc/g, respectively. Genotypes GI.6, GII.2, GII.4, and GII.7 were identified, each represented by more than two sublineages and multiple introduction events detected by phylogenetic analysis. RT-dPCR provided precise quantification, while NGS enabled genotype characterization, together supporting enhanced surveillance, risk assessment, and management of norovirus contamination in berries destined for domestic and international markets.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469564/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comprehensive Evaluation of Quality and Antioxidant Capacity of Highbush Blueberries (<i>Vaccinium corymbosum</i>).","authors":"Xiaoli Liu, Jia Zhang, Yindi Di, Haoliang Wan, Kunyu Wang, Jiyun Nie","doi":"10.3390/foods14183251","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Blueberries, widely recognized for their antioxidant capacity, have driven rapid growth in China's blueberry industry owing to their significant health benefits and economic value. However, a comprehensive evaluation for blueberry quality traits and antioxidant capacity remains lacking in China's domestic research. This study systematically evaluated 26 highbush blueberry cultivars with consistent tree age and cultivation practices, which can better reflect cultivar-dependent trait variation. Key findings revealed Earliblue exhibited the highest soluble solid content (SSC) and the lowest titratable acidity (TA), while Bluechip had the most abundant vitamin C (VC). Glucose and fructose were the main components of soluble sugars in highbush blueberries, accounting for over 97% of the total sugars. Citric acid was the dominant organic acid in nearly all cultivars. Malvidin 3-<i>O</i>-galactoside, delphinidin 3-<i>O</i>-galactoside, delphinidin 3-<i>O</i>-arabinoside, malvidin 3-<i>O</i>-arabinoside and petunidin 3-<i>O</i>-galactoside were the most abundant anthocyanins. The 26 blueberry cultivars were graded into high-, medium- and low-anthocyanin content groups. Correlation analysis divided the 14 anthocyanins into two types: antioxidant-related anthocyanins and other anthocyanins. The five cultivars with the highest comprehensive evaluation scores were Sunrise, Bluegold, Elliott, Amblue and Briteblue. These results may establish empirical selection criteria for the selection and efficient utilization of high-quality blueberry cultivars.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Dose-Dependent Influence of Type 2 Resistant Starch on Gut Microbial Communities and Metabolic Outputs: An In Vitro Simulation.","authors":"Huowang Zheng, Fangshu Shi, Jinjun Li, Xiangyu Bian, Shuisheng Wu, Xiaoqiong Li","doi":"10.3390/foods14183255","DOIUrl":"10.3390/foods14183255","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study systematically investigated the dose-response relationship of resistant starch type 2 (RS2; Hi-maize 260; 0-15 g/L) on gut microbial composition, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)/gas output, and tryptophan catabolism using an in vitro fermentation model. The highest RS2 concentration (15 g/L) elicited optimal metabolic outcomes, including maximal SCFA production; significant H<sub>2</sub>S reduction; and redirected tryptophan metabolism from potentially detrimental indoles toward neuroprotective metabolites. Microbial profiling revealed dose-dependent enrichment of saccharolytic taxa (<i>Bifidobacterium</i>, <i>Lactobacillus</i>) with concomitant suppression of proteolytic pathobionts (e.g., <i>Escherichia-Shigella</i>). Correlation analyses revealed strong positive associations between beneficial microbes and both SCFAs and neuroprotective metabolites, whereas pathogenic taxa correlated inversely with these compounds. Collectively, these findings establish that functionally relevant microbiome modulation requires a sufficiently high, dose-tailored intake of RS2, providing a rational basis for precision dietary strategies aimed at improving host metabolic and gut health.</p>","PeriodicalId":12386,"journal":{"name":"Foods","volume":"14 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469863/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}