{"title":"Synergistic enzymatic − ethanol extraction of arbutin from boiled pear pomace and its whitening and anti-wrinkle activities","authors":"Hyeon-Jun Seong, Yunha Bak, Sumin Pyeon, Sock Gon Jeong, Kwang-Yeol Yang, Seung-Hee Nam","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02139-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02139-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A synergistic enzymatic–ethanolic extraction process was developed to recover arbutin, a whitening and anti-wrinkle bioactive compound, from boiled pear pomace, in which boiling loosened the fiber network. To overcome the low yield and high energy consumption of conventional high-temperature and supercritical extraction methods, this study combined Alcalase 2.4L FG hydrolysis with 80% ethanol extraction. Optimal enzymatic conditions (0.024 U enzyme, 10% substrate, 24 h), under which arbutin yield reached 9.40 mg/g and further increased to 10.87 mg/g following ethanolic extraction. Compared with the α-MSH–stimulated group, the synergistic extract significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity by 68% and melanin production by 63% in B16F10 melanoma cells and reduced UVB-induced MMP-1 by 82% while enhancing procollagen I α1 (4.43-fold) and hyaluronic acid (3.65-fold) in dermal fibroblasts. Correlation analysis confirmed that arbutin content aligned with whitening and anti-aging markers. This synergistic extraction process demonstrates potential for valorizing pear by-products into multifunctional cosmetic ingredients.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 6","pages":"1625 - 1636"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147754483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yeon-Ji Kim, Yun-Mi Kang, Malk Eun Pak, Hee Jin Eom, Kwang Youn Kim, Nayon Hur, Youngha Seo, Tae Kyu Oh, JaeWoo Bae, Jae Kyoung Lee, Kyungho Kim
{"title":"Centella asiatica ameliorates scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment via acetylcholinesterase modulation and oxidative stress reduction","authors":"Yeon-Ji Kim, Yun-Mi Kang, Malk Eun Pak, Hee Jin Eom, Kwang Youn Kim, Nayon Hur, Youngha Seo, Tae Kyu Oh, JaeWoo Bae, Jae Kyoung Lee, Kyungho Kim","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02132-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02132-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><i>Centella asiatica,</i> a traditional medicinal herb, is well-known for its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the impact of <i>C. asiatica</i> extract (CAE) on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in HT22 cells and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. CAE protected HT22 cells by attenuating oxidative stress and regulating apoptosis-related proteins, including Bcl-2 and Bax. Additionally, CAE was shown to upregulate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a critical transcription factor involved in neuronal differentiation. In scopolamine-induced mice, oral administration of CAE (30, 60, and 100 mg/kg) significantly enhanced behavioral performance in memory tests, with effects comparable to those of the positive control, donepezil. Furthermore, CAE elevated hippocampal acetylcholine levels, inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity, and enhanced antioxidant defenses. These findings demonstrate that CAE exerts neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects via antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and cholinergic modulation mechanisms, suggesting its potential as a functional food ingredient for cognitive maintenance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 6","pages":"1611 - 1623"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10068-026-02132-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147754482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Djamel Eddine Laib, Imen Laib, Hamdi Bendif, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Tarek H. Taha, Fehmi Boufahja, Walid Elfalleh, Stefania Garzoli
{"title":"Plasmolyzed yeast cell system for the encapsulation of Pulicaria odora polyphenols: RSM-based process optimization and functional characterization","authors":"Djamel Eddine Laib, Imen Laib, Hamdi Bendif, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Tarek H. Taha, Fehmi Boufahja, Walid Elfalleh, Stefania Garzoli","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02128-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02128-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study focused on optimizing the encapsulation of polyphenols extracted from <i>Pulicaria odora</i> into plasmolyzed <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> yeast cells using RSM. The polyphenols were obtained via ethanolic maceration, and encapsulation performance was evaluated by varying two key factors: the yeast-to-extract ratio and incubation time. A CCD was employed to model the process and determine optimal conditions. The model predicted maximum encapsulation efficiencies of 95.83% for total polyphenols and 96.83% for total flavonoids. The microcapsules obtained under these optimized conditions were further characterized to evaluate their structural, chemical, and functional properties. SEM confirmed the incorporation of bioactives into the yeast matrix, while FTIR indicated molecular interactions between polyphenols and yeast cell wall components. DSC revealed enhanced thermal stability of the encapsulated forms. Antioxidant activity was significantly improved after encapsulation. The findings highlight the potential of plasmolyzed yeast cells as natural, biocompatible carriers for stabilizing and delivering plant-derived bioactives for several applications.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 6","pages":"1467 - 1482"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10068-026-02128-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147754399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Nanoencapsulated Melaleuca leucadendra essential oil: improved antifungal efficacy against the storage fungi and aflatoxin B1 contamination","authors":"Vivekanand, Abhinav, Akshay Kumar, Vishal Gupta, Tanya Singh Raghuvanshi, Priyanka Singh, Bhanu Prakash","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02127-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02127-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The study aims to investigate the in-vitro and in-situ antifungal efficacy of nanoencapsulated <i>Melaleuca leucadendra</i> essential oil (Ne-MLEO) against the selected storage fungi and aflatoxin B<sub>1</sub> (AFB<sub>1</sub>) contamination. The chemical profile of MLEO was explored by GC–MS, and eucalyptol (85.86%) was reported as the major compound. The Ne-MLEO was prepared using chitosan, and characterized through DLS, ATR-FTIR, and XRD. The Ne-MLEO offers distantly improved antifungal activity over its free form; represent low minimum inhibitory concentration range (3–4 µL/mL) against selected fungi and AFB<sub>1</sub> (3 µL/mL). At MIC doses, Ne-MLEO significantly disrupted the membrane integrity, antioxidant enzymes, cellular methylglyoxal, perturbance in nor-1 gene expression, and fungal morphology. The in-situ investigation revealed 86–92% protection of wheat grains from fungal infestation and 100% from AFB<sub>1</sub>contamination. The study recommends the application of Ne-MLEO as a green antifungal agent for sustainable protection of wheat grains and their finished products against fungal and aflatoxin B<sub>1</sub> contamination.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 6","pages":"1683 - 1696"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147754470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jae Young Shin, Ji Hyeon Park, Jun Hyeong Lim, Byoung Ok Cho, Ju Seog Kang, Seon Il Jang
{"title":"Protective effects of hydrolyzed Gryllus bimaculatus extract on dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia in C57BL/6 mice","authors":"Jae Young Shin, Ji Hyeon Park, Jun Hyeong Lim, Byoung Ok Cho, Ju Seog Kang, Seon Il Jang","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02122-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02122-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of hydrolyzed <i>Gryllus bimaculatus</i> extract (GBE) against dexamethasone (DEX)-induced sarcopenia in C57BL/6 mice. Muscle atrophy was induced by intraperitoneal injection of DEX (20 mg/kg/day) for 10 consecutive days (Day 3–12). GBE (100 or 200 mg/kg/day) was administered orally starting 2 days before DEX treatment and continued for 12 days (Day 1–12). GBE significantly attenuated DEX-induced reductions in body weight and muscle mass. Furthermore, GBE administration upregulated the expression of muscle regeneration–related factors, including IGF-1, mTOR, MyoD, MYF5, and MYF6, while downregulating muscle atrophy markers such as myostatin, FOXO3a, MuRF1, and MAFbx. In addition, GBE enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and TNF-α. These findings suggest that GBE may serve as a promising functional ingredient to prevent glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy and may offer therapeutic potential for the management of muscle wasting conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 6","pages":"1637 - 1646"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147754397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ji-Eun Eom, Young In Kim, Eun Yeong Lim, Hyeon-Ji Song, Ji Yeon Yoo, Gun-Dong Kim, So-Young Lee, Hee Soon Shin
{"title":"Ledum palustre var. diversipilosum attenuates DNFB-induced allergic contact dermatitis through regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β signaling","authors":"Ji-Eun Eom, Young In Kim, Eun Yeong Lim, Hyeon-Ji Song, Ji Yeon Yoo, Gun-Dong Kim, So-Young Lee, Hee Soon Shin","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02125-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02125-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a form of delayed-type hypersensitivity, and it commonly manifests as skin redness, swelling, and itching. Although <i>Ledum palustre</i> var. <i>diversipilosum</i> (LPD) has been utilized in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, its preventive potential against ACD has yet to be elucidated. Here, we explored the anti-inflammatory properties of LPD in a murine model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced ACD, with a focus on clinical severity and the modulation of inflammatory signaling molecules. Oral treatment with LPD improved ACD symptoms, as shown by decreases in ear swelling, dermatitis scores, and histopathological changes. LPD also reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines along with chemokines. Mechanistically, LPD inhibited NF-κB signaling and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, resulting in lower IL-1β levels and reduced tissue inflammation. Thus, LPD concurrently targets two key pathways driving ACD pathogenesis and exerts anti-inflammatory effects, positioning it as a natural candidate for ACD and other inflammatory skin diseases.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 6","pages":"1661 - 1672"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147754480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Combined effects of phosphate, curdlan, and transglutaminase on the texture and microstructure of plant-based egg omelets","authors":"Yaeji Choe, Hyun Woo Choi, Jungwoo Hahn","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02117-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02117-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the formulation optimization of soy protein isolate (SPI)-based plant-based egg omelets using phosphate, curdlan, and transglutaminase. Phosphate salts were incorporated to improve protein solubility, and 0.6% (w/w) achieved the highest dispersion stability. Curdlan was evaluated as the primary thermal gelling agent, and 4.5% curdlan provided a balanced texture, uniform appearance, and minimized syneresis to levels comparable to egg controls. Transglutaminase (TG) was introduced to enhance the protein network cohesion, and 160 mg/g SPI produced hardness, cohesiveness, and microstructural organization similar to those of conventional egg-based omelets. Texture profile analyses, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated that the combined application of phosphate, curdlan, and TG improved the gel network density, reduced water loss, and stabilized the protein–lipid distribution. These results suggest a formulation approach for the production of plant-based egg analogs with improved water-holding capacity, structural stability, and textural quality.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 5","pages":"1171 - 1179"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hee Soo Kim, Eunyoung Lee, So-Hyun Park, Pyeong Geun Choi, Hyo-Deok Seo, Jeong-Hoon Hahm, Jiyun Ahn, Chang Hwa Jung
{"title":"Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) fruit extract promotes hair growth via β-catenin signaling pathway","authors":"Hee Soo Kim, Eunyoung Lee, So-Hyun Park, Pyeong Geun Choi, Hyo-Deok Seo, Jeong-Hoon Hahm, Jiyun Ahn, Chang Hwa Jung","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02123-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02123-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Hair loss adversely affects quality of life, while current treatments often pose side effects or high cost. This study investigated the hair growth-promoting effects of blue honeysuckle fruit aqueous extraction (BHAE) and its major component, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G). BHAE enhanced proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and activated Erk, Akt, Gsk-3β, and β-catenin signaling. In C57BL/6 mice, oral administration of BHAE accelerated the transition from telogen to anagen phase and increased hair follicle size and number. Molecular analysis revealed that β-catenin activation upregulated growth factors and cyclins. UHPLC–MS/MS and HPLC analysis identified C3G, a major anthocyanin, in BHAE. C3G replicated BHAE’s effect by promoting HFDPCs proliferation and upregulating β-catenin, growth factors, and cyclins. These findings suggest that BHAE, a C3G-rich extract, promotes hair growth by activating β-catenin signaling and upregulating key proliferative factors, highlighting its potential as functional food or cosmeceutical for hair regeneration.</p>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 6","pages":"1589 - 1599"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147754465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Subin Kim, Kiyeop Kim, Ziyao Meng, Seungji Kang, Sejong Oh
{"title":"Characterization and probiotic potential of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis JNU311 isolated from infant feces","authors":"Subin Kim, Kiyeop Kim, Ziyao Meng, Seungji Kang, Sejong Oh","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02121-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02121-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host through adequate viability, safety, and functional interaction with host cells. In this study, <i>Bifidobacterium longum</i> subsp. <i>infantis</i> JNU311 (JNU311) was isolated from the feces of a 3-week-old newborn, and its probiotic potential was assessed. Among the tested <i>Bifidobacterium</i> strains, JNU311 achieved the highest viable cell count (1.5 × 10<sup>9</sup> CFU/mL) after 36 h in 10% skim milk, indicating suitability for fermented dairy applications. JNU311 did not inhibit growth of <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> or <i>Streptococcus thermophilus</i> in mixed cultures. Functional characterization revealed that JNU311 was nonhemolytic and tolerant to acidic and bile conditions. Moreover, it exhibited bile salt hydrolase activity. The strain effectively adhered to HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells, showed no cytotoxicity in MTT assays, met antibiotic safety criteria, and reduced TNF-α production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These findings support probiotic potential of JNU311 for use in health-promoting dairy products.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 6","pages":"1523 - 1532"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147754468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nguyen Hong Khoi Nguyen, Nam Quoc Tran, Thuan Huynh Dinh Nguyen, Ha Le Nguyen
{"title":"Effects of fructooligosaccharides on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of soymilk fermented with Levilactobacillus brevis VTCC 10397","authors":"Nguyen Hong Khoi Nguyen, Nam Quoc Tran, Thuan Huynh Dinh Nguyen, Ha Le Nguyen","doi":"10.1007/s10068-026-02119-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10068-026-02119-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Synbiotic-fermented soymilk offers potential benefits by combining soymilk, probiotics, and prebiotics. This study assessed the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) supplementation on the quality characteristics of soymilk fermented with <i>Levilactobacillus brevis</i> VTCC 10397. The results showed that viable cell counts and physicochemical characteristics remained unaffected by FOS supplementation during fermentation. In contrast, FOS supplementation (3 and 5%) significantly improved probiotic viability, increased titratable acidity, and decreased pH after 21 days of refrigerated storage. Consequently, viscosity, water-holding capacity, and textural properties were enhanced. Furthermore, supplementation with 3 and 5% FOS significantly increased total phenolic and flavonoid contents, thereby elevating reducing power and radical scavenging activity. Thus, soymilk fermented with <i>L. brevis</i> VTCC 10397 and FOS demonstrates potential as a functional food with enhanced antioxidant properties.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":566,"journal":{"name":"Food Science and Biotechnology","volume":"35 6","pages":"1501 - 1512"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147754461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}