Food frontiers最新文献

{"title":"Nutrigenomics of the Mediterranean Diet: Gene–Diet Interactions and Bioactive Compounds in Cardiovascular Health","authors":"Karina Ramírez-Alarcón,&nbsp;Ana María Labraña,&nbsp;Fernanda Carrasco-Marín,&nbsp;Pilar Benítez-Cid,&nbsp;Rafael Zapata-Lamana,&nbsp;Xavier Capó,&nbsp;Margalida Monserrat-Mesquida,&nbsp;Antoni Sureda,&nbsp;Héctor Contreras,&nbsp;Francisca Valenzuela-Mella,&nbsp;Daniel Pacheco Bravo,&nbsp;Daniela Calina,&nbsp;Maria de la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea,&nbsp;Antonio Segura-Carretero,&nbsp;William N. Setzer,&nbsp;Javad Sharifi-Rad,&nbsp;Miquel Martorell","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70256","DOIUrl":"10.1002/fft2.70256","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The growing field of nutrigenomics explores the interaction between genetic makeup and dietary factors, particularly in the context of cardiovascular health. As cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality globally, there is a need to better understand how individual genetic variations influence dietary responses. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fats, has been widely studied for its cardioprotective effects. Recent advances in omics technologies have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the benefits of the MedDiet. This narrative review focuses on the intersection of nutrigenomics and cardiovascular health, examining how the MedDiet influences gene expression and metabolic pathways, particularly those related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. It also discusses the role of specific nutrients and bioactive compounds in modulating gene expression and their potential to reduce CVD risk. Furthermore, the review explores how personalized nutrition, guided by genetic information, could enhance the efficacy of dietary interventions for CVD prevention and management. Although significant progress has been made in understanding gene–diet interactions, further research is needed to refine individualized dietary guidelines and integrate multi-omics approaches for improved cardiovascular health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70256","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147666226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Review of the Role of Sensor in the Vertical Farms: Superiority and Prospects","authors":"Yixiao Guo,&nbsp;Shuhan Fan,&nbsp;Yuqing Geng,&nbsp;Yuxin Liu,&nbsp;Fang Zhang","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70206","DOIUrl":"10.1002/fft2.70206","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In the context of increasingly constrained land resources and growing demands for sustainable agriculture, vertical farming has emerged as an innovative industry that transcends the limitations of traditional agriculture through its multilayered, three-dimensional cultivation model and controlled growing environment. In the evolution of vertical agriculture, sensor technology has established a comprehensive “feedback optimization loop.” Through continuous data collection and growth condition adjustments, sensors provide ongoing feedback on the effects of these adjustments, creating a closed-loop control system. By monitoring changes in crop growth indicators, sensors evaluate the efficacy of previous control measures. When optimal growth conditions are not achieved, control strategies are promptly modified to further optimize resource allocation. Controlled irrigation techniques in vertical farming can save approximately 70%–95% of water resources. This feedback mechanism enables vertical agricultural production to make real-time, precise adjustments based on actual conditions, thereby continuously enhancing resource utilization efficiency, promoting optimal plant growth, and contributing to sustainable development goals. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current applications of sensor technology in vertical agriculture, thoroughly analyzing its significant advantages in improving agricultural production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and advancing ecological agriculture. Additionally, it addresses the challenges faced by sensor technology in practical applications, including data compatibility, measurement accuracy, spatial configuration, and maintenance management. In response to these challenges, this article proposes strategic directions to optimize the application of sensor technology in vertical agriculture, supporting its development towards high yield, efficiency, and sustainability, thereby addressing the challenges of food security and sustainable development.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70206","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147666227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Dietary and Lifestyle Factors on Bone Health in Children during the First 5 Years of Life: A Large Cross-Sectional Multicenter Bone Study in Jiangsu Province","authors":"Yan Zhao,&nbsp;Wen Zheng,&nbsp;Yufei Ni,&nbsp;Aiping Wu,&nbsp;Kan Ye,&nbsp;Xinye Jiang,&nbsp;Guoqin Liu,&nbsp;Guoqiang Yang,&nbsp;Yelin Bao,&nbsp;Li Zhang,&nbsp;Jinxin Cai,&nbsp;Hongxia Qi,&nbsp;Heyu Lv,&nbsp;Rui Qin,&nbsp;Lihua Li,&nbsp;Hong Cao","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70234","DOIUrl":"10.1002/fft2.70234","url":null,"abstract":"<p><b>Background</b>: To explore the bone mineral density (BMD) in children in Jiangsu Province, China, during the first 5 years of life, and to observe the relationship between BMD and lifestyle factors. <b>Methods</b>: This study was conducted at 12 Children's Health Care Centers (2014–2015), measuring BMD via Sunlight Omnisense 7000P. Speed of sound (SOS) values and Z-scores were recorded. <b>Results</b>: A total of 5289 children were investigated with an SOS value of 3366.84 m/s and a low BMD prevalence of 14.7%. Significantly higher rates of low BMD were observed in children with the following characteristics: sleep duration &gt;14 h/day, outdoor activity &lt;1 h/day, breastfeeding ≥8 times/day, complementary feeding before 4 months, vitamin D intake ≥400 IU/day, calcium intake &gt;300 mg/day, fish and shrimp intake &lt;1 times/week, milk and dairy intake &gt;500 mL/day, and no daily egg intake. <b>Conclusions</b>: For the first time, this study identified the following lifestyle risk factors independently associated with insufficient bone mass in children during the first 5 years of life in Jiangsu Province: sleep duration &gt;14 h/d, outdoor activities &lt;1 h/d, breastfeeding ≥8 times/day, complementary feeding before 4 months, vitamin D intake ≥400 IU/d, calcium intake &gt;300 mg/d, daily milk and dairy products intake less than 150 mL or more than 500 mL and no daily egg intake. This research addressed knowledge gaps in early growth and bone development by analyzing variables such as daily sleep duration, daily milk and dairy products intake, and seafood consumption among 0–5-year-olds, providing region-specific (Jiangsu Province) reference standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70234","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147666300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating Consumer-Centric Sustainable Food Packaging Challenges and Preferences: A Cross-Cultural Analysis From Seven European Countries in a GenZ and Millennials Population","authors":"Victoria Norton,&nbsp;Stella Lignou,&nbsp;Paulina Anguiano-Arreola,&nbsp;Omobolanle O. Oloyede,&nbsp;Geraldine Vásquez,&nbsp;Qian Janice Wang,&nbsp;Konstantina Sfyra,&nbsp;Niki Alexi","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70253","DOIUrl":"10.1002/fft2.70253","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Sustainability is an ongoing global challenge, and food packaging waste is a notable contributor with a range of consumer-centric barriers necessary to be overcome. There is a lack of knowledge resulting in widespread mismatch in awareness versus appropriate practices and considerable variability in recycling rates depending on the region and/or country. This study aims to explore cross-cultural commonalities and differences in sustainable food packaging from a purchase, disposal, and communication viewpoint to inform future education-based campaigns. Consumers (<i>n</i> = 2960; 18–42 years) from seven European countries—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain—completed a validated survey. Excessive packaging, limited choice of packaging and expensive were key issues that modulated purchase-based decisions from a food packaging perspective with fresh produce and dairy as key categories. Mixed materials, aluminum and plastic were packaging materials considered difficult to dispose with noteworthy challenges including no clear instructions or nearby bins. Most preferred formats for acquiring information were videos, infographics, and short articles with recyclability and disposal icons being key topics of interest. The role of food packaging was more dominant in Spain resulting in more purchase and disposal issues; contrarily, fewer issues were evident in Denmark, and food packaging impact was perceived less influential. Consumer insights will inform subsequent campaign design by utilizing short/digestible formats expressing topics of interest that are most likely to resonate with consumers. Involving the quadruple helix (government, industry, research, and community) is needed to support the sustainable transformation of food packaging ecosystem and related consumer behaviors across Europe.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70253","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147666164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-Photoaging Effects and Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Ergothioneine-Derived-Ganoderma lucidum on UVB-Irradiated Skin","authors":"Zihao Zong,&nbsp;Zhenhao Li,&nbsp;Ming Yin,&nbsp;Yuanhang Yao,&nbsp;Ben Niu,&nbsp;Huizhi Chen,&nbsp;Ruiling Liu,&nbsp;Jing Xu,&nbsp;Chaoyi Shen,&nbsp;Hangjun Chen,&nbsp;Lijun You,&nbsp;Weijie Wu,&nbsp;Haiyan Gao","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70242","DOIUrl":"10.1002/fft2.70242","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The increasing incidence of skin photoaging associated with enhanced ultraviolet (UV) exposure highlights the need for effective preventive and therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to determine the ergothioneine (EGT) content in different anatomical parts of <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> and to evaluate its anti-photoaging effects using HaCaT cells and an ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced nude mouse model. EGT was detected exclusively in <i>G. lucidum</i> spore powder and significantly enhanced cell viability, hydroxyproline (HYP) content, and pro-collagen I α1 levels in HaCaT cells following UVB irradiation. EGT markedly suppressed both the secretion and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β), while upregulating the expression of collagen I and transforming growth factor-β1. In addition, EGT-derived-<i>G. lucidum</i> inhibited matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9) and promoted the secretion of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). Histological evaluation and gut microbiota analyses further demonstrated that EGT-derived-<i>G. lucidum</i> alleviated UVB-induced skin damage and partially restored microbial homeostasis. These findings indicate that <i>G. lucidum</i>-derived EGT exhibits significant anti-photoaging activity and may represent a promising functional ingredient for anti-photoaging applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70242","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147315604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of the Migration Patterns for Nanoplastics With Different Sizes in Chlorella vulgaris and Their Effects on Heavy Metal Adsorption by the Microalgae","authors":"Yan Liu,&nbsp;Zhongyuan Wei,&nbsp;Qiao Wang,&nbsp;Xin Liu,&nbsp;Zhiyong Gong","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70255","DOIUrl":"10.1002/fft2.70255","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) size determines their adsorption by <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i>, which induces size-dependent changes in cell membrane properties, and these two effects synergistically regulate the alga's heavy metal adsorption capacity via the carrier effect of PS-NPs. By using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), it assessed resultant changes in cellular membrane parameters and explored the influence of different-sized PS-NPs, acting as carriers, on algal adsorption of heavy metals. <i>C. vulgaris</i> achieved adsorption for three nanoparticle size fractions within 1 h. Following uptake by <i>C. vulgaris</i>, PS-NPs of different sizes exhibited distinct intracellular and extracellular distribution patterns. Smaller NPs entered cells, while larger ones remained surface-bound. Following adsorption of polystyrene nanoparticles of varying sizes, <i>C. vulgaris</i> exhibited alterations in cell membrane parameters, including increased hydrophobicity and decreased permeability. These changes were size-dependent. Notably, PS-NPs of different sizes demonstrated distinct capacities for adsorbing Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Pb²⁺. PS-NPs were found to influence the adsorption of these heavy metals by <i>C. vulgaris</i> through altering cell membrane parameters and acting as carriers for the metal ions, thereby modifying the alga's equilibrium adsorption capacity.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70255","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147666175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"FXR-Mediated Atherosclerosis Alleviation by B. animalis F1-7 Through Bile Acid Metabolism-Driven Gut–Liver Axis Modulation","authors":"Tianhu Shan,&nbsp;Jiawen Wang,&nbsp;Yanyang Liu,&nbsp;Huaqi Zhang,&nbsp;Zhe Zhang,&nbsp;Lanwei Zhang,&nbsp;Hui Liang,&nbsp;Xi Liang","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70252","DOIUrl":"10.1002/fft2.70252","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study investigates the mechanisms of <i>B. animalis</i> F1-7 improving atherosclerosis (AS) through bile acid metabolism by using an “antibiotic cocktail” approach in AS model mice. It was found that <i>B. animalis</i> F1-7 could effectively reduce lipid accumulation in the aorta of mice, alleviate inflammatory responses and improve the intestinal barrier. Antibiotic intervention partially counteracted the improvement effect of the strain. <i>B. animalis</i> F1-7 significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes compared with the model group, and the antibiotic intervention affected the beneficial effects of the strain. <i>B. animalis</i> F1-7 significantly increased the <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Faecalibaculum</i>, and decreased the <i>Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002</i>. Analysis of microbial–bile acid correlations showed positive correlations between <i>Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002</i> and deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid, taurocholic acid, and allantoinic acid, while showing negative correlations with ursodeoxycholic acid and 23-N-deoxycholic acid. Both <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Faecalibaculum</i> exhibit negative correlations with deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid, taurocholic acid, and glycocholic acid. Notably, <i>Lactobacillus</i> also shows positive correlation with ursodeoxycholic acid and 23-N-deoxycholic acid. Further analysis at the genetic level confirmed that after the intervention of the strain, the expression of FXR in the intestine was significantly decreased. In contrast, the expression of CYP7A1 in the liver was increased through the regulation of the gut-liver axis The antibiotic intervention counteracted this effect, demonstrating that the microbiota plays a crucial role in the regulation. Research demonstrates that <i>B. animalis</i> F1-7 can regulate gut microbiota structure to influence bile acid composition, thereby engaging in the FXR/FGF15/CYP7A1 pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70252","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147666174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ginseng Volatile Oil Alleviates Loperamide-Induced Constipation in Mice by Regulating the Microbiota/Metabolism/Neural Network","authors":"Yanan Xu,&nbsp;Mingyue Wang,&nbsp;Meixin Chen,&nbsp;Zhilong Wang,&nbsp;Baoyue Zhang,&nbsp;Xin Wang,&nbsp;Liying Shang,&nbsp;Lequn Zhang,&nbsp;Bowen Sui,&nbsp;Wei Zhang,&nbsp;Jingzhou Zhang,&nbsp;Xueyuan Bai","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70249","DOIUrl":"10.1002/fft2.70249","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Constipation is a common digestive dysfunction, and treatment options without side effects are limited. Ginseng volatile oil (GVO) has various biological activities, including antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. However, its potential to relieve constipation remains unclear. In this study, male BALB/c mice (<i>n</i> = 10 per group) were randomly divided into the control, loperamide (Lop; 10 mg/kg), Lop + mosapride (Mos, 2 mg/kg), and Lop + GVO-L/M/H (6.75, 13.5, and 27 mg/kg) groups. The mechanism by which GVO alleviates constipation was analyzed using a Lop-induced constipation mouse model. GVO increased the rate of gastric emptying and small bowel propulsion, decreased serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and vasoactive intestinal peptide levels, and upregulated substance P and motilin levels (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). GVO decreased Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidota levels and increased butyric and valeric acid levels (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), thereby restoring Lop-induced gut microbial dysbiosis. GVO also enhanced intestinal motility by modulating 5-hydroxytryptaminergic synaptic activity and promoting <i>5-HT3</i> and <i>5-HT4</i> receptor expression. GVO treatment upregulated claudin and occludin expression, which may exert antioxidant and enteroprotective effects by activating the <i>Nrf2</i>/<i>HO-1</i> pathway. Thus, GVO offers a safe, side-effect-free constipation remedy by modulating gut flora, neurotransmitters, and oxidative stress, providing a promising natural therapeutic strategy for functional gastrointestinal disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70249","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146217285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ginseng Volatile Oil Alleviates Loperamide-Induced Constipation in Mice by Regulating the Microbiota/Metabolism/Neural Network","authors":"Yanan Xu,&nbsp;Mingyue Wang,&nbsp;Meixin Chen,&nbsp;Zhilong Wang,&nbsp;Baoyue Zhang,&nbsp;Xin Wang,&nbsp;Liying Shang,&nbsp;Lequn Zhang,&nbsp;Bowen Sui,&nbsp;Wei Zhang,&nbsp;Jingzhou Zhang,&nbsp;Xueyuan Bai","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70249","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Constipation is a common digestive dysfunction, and treatment options without side effects are limited. Ginseng volatile oil (GVO) has various biological activities, including antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. However, its potential to relieve constipation remains unclear. In this study, male BALB/c mice (<i>n</i> = 10 per group) were randomly divided into the control, loperamide (Lop; 10 mg/kg), Lop + mosapride (Mos, 2 mg/kg), and Lop + GVO-L/M/H (6.75, 13.5, and 27 mg/kg) groups. The mechanism by which GVO alleviates constipation was analyzed using a Lop-induced constipation mouse model. GVO increased the rate of gastric emptying and small bowel propulsion, decreased serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and vasoactive intestinal peptide levels, and upregulated substance P and motilin levels (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). GVO decreased Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidota levels and increased butyric and valeric acid levels (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), thereby restoring Lop-induced gut microbial dysbiosis. GVO also enhanced intestinal motility by modulating 5-hydroxytryptaminergic synaptic activity and promoting <i>5-HT3</i> and <i>5-HT4</i> receptor expression. GVO treatment upregulated claudin and occludin expression, which may exert antioxidant and enteroprotective effects by activating the <i>Nrf2</i>/<i>HO-1</i> pathway. Thus, GVO offers a safe, side-effect-free constipation remedy by modulating gut flora, neurotransmitters, and oxidative stress, providing a promising natural therapeutic strategy for functional gastrointestinal disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70249","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146217496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility of Recycled Polypropylene for Reusable Food Packaging: Effects of Reuse Conditions on Packaging Performance, Material Properties, and Microbial Safety","authors":"Caolan Jameson,&nbsp;Ronan Farrell,&nbsp;Susan McKenna,&nbsp;Romina Pezzoli,&nbsp;Vlasta Chyzna,&nbsp;Daniel P. Fitzpatrick,&nbsp;Michael Hopkins,&nbsp;Yvonne J. Cortese","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70250","DOIUrl":"10.1002/fft2.70250","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Reusable packaging is a promising solution to reduce plastic waste and mitigate the negative environmental impact of single-use plastics. Furthermore, incorporating recycled materials can further enhance sustainability by reintroducing end-of-life plastic waste into a circular system. Although repeated use conditions, such as microwave heating and dishwashing, have been shown to result in alterations in the material properties of packaging, limited research exists on how reuse may impact recycled grades. It remains unclear whether recycled materials are more susceptible to degradation due to the treatment conditions involved in their refurbishment. This study investigates the feasibility of using postindustrial recycled polypropylene (PIR PP) as an alternative to virgin PP in reusable food packaging, with a focus on functionality, material properties, and microbial safety. Virgin PP homopolymer, virgin PP copolymer, and PIR PP were subjected to a simulated reuse protocol involving oven heating and dishwashing for up to 20 cycles. Material characterization and microbiological testing revealed no loss of performance or compromise of microbial safety in any of the three materials. The findings suggest that PIR PP performs comparably to virgin PP under repeated use conditions, supporting its suitability for reusable packaging and contributing to the development of circular and sustainable packaging solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70250","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146217565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}