Food frontiers最新文献

{"title":"Mass Spectrometry and NMR Spectroscopy-Based Structural Characterization of Polysaccharide From Gastrodia elata Blume","authors":"Hui Yan,&nbsp;Cheng-Xi Feng,&nbsp;Zhe Wang,&nbsp;Jun-Qiao Wang,&nbsp;Shao-Ping Nie","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70315","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Structural characterization of complex carbohydrates remains challenging. This study employed methylation, acid hydrolysis, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) derivatization, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) to determine monosaccharides, glycosidic linkages, and sequence of polysaccharides. Combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the structure of two fractions (GEP-60 and GEP-60S) obtained from <i>Gastrodia elata</i> Blume was characterized. Both fractions contained mainly glucose, and GEP-60 was homogeneous polysaccharide (25.5 kDa), while GEP-60S was mixture of lower molecular weight (DP ≤ 24) fractions. Their primary glycosidic linkage was →4)-α-Glc<i>p</i>-(1→, with respective percentages of 78.41 ± 2.18% and 79.72 ± 1.98%. Sequence analysis identified both contained [→4)Glc(1→]₄, [→4)Glc(1→]₅, and [→4)Glc(1→]₆. NMR confirmed that both polysaccharides possessed main chain composed of →4)-α-Glcp-(1→ and substituted with α-Glcp-(1→ branches. Taken mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy results together, polysaccharides in <i>G. elata</i> Blume were α-1,4-glucan with different molecular weight containing branches substituted at C-6, with occasional substitution also observed at the C-2 and C-3. These findings provided comprehensive structural insights into <i>G. elata</i> Blume polysaccharides and validated feasibility of UPLC–MS/MS as an alternative strategy for analyzing plant polysaccharides.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70315","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148462824","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":"Luteolin Glycoside From Dracocephalum moldavica L. Attenuates COPD by Modulating TLR4 Expression and Alveolar Cross-Talk","authors":"Jianhu Jia,&nbsp;Tiantian Liu,&nbsp;Jiamin Huang,&nbsp;Na Zheng,&nbsp;Wei Wang,&nbsp;Song Wang,&nbsp;Wenjun Wang,&nbsp;Ghulam Jilany Khan,&nbsp;Jianhua Yang,&nbsp;Chenghui He,&nbsp;Fei Li,&nbsp;Hong Duan,&nbsp;Henggui Hu,&nbsp;Kefeng Zhai","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70320","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70320","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with inflammation of the airway and lung parenchyma with limited airflow due to continued exposure to harmful particulate matter or gases. Currently, primary bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs face issues such as rapid drug resistance and significant side effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, luteolin glycoside, a traditional Chinese medicine compound, demonstrated promising clinical efficacy in treating pneumonia and related conditions. Using CS, we established mouse and cellular models of COPD to validate the therapeutic efficacy of LGU against COPD and assess changes in mouse lung function. We employed Transwell chambers to coculture NR8383 and RLE-6TN cells, simulating the inflammatory microenvironment of the lung. By screening public databases, we identified potential binding sites where LGU may exert its effects. Seahorse technology was utilized to evaluate energy metabolism in model cells. Compared to COPD model mice and cells, COPD progression was significantly alleviated following LGU treatment; LGU can inhibit the expression level of TLR4 and reduce inflammatory cytokine levels in NR8383 cells while activating CSF2R expression, thereby alleviating inflammatory infiltration and oxidative damage. Following improvement of the inflammatory microenvironment, NF-κB–p65 activity decreases in RLE-6TN cells, subsequently activating PPARγ and enhancing energy production efficiency. This promotes the formation of complete alveoli, increasing alveolar oxygen content and improving lung function. LGU can improve lung function and alleviate COPD by reducing inflammatory infiltration and oxidative damage and enhancing energy production efficiency in alveolar cells. It may be considered for development as an effective therapeutic agent for COPD.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70320","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148386285","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":"Understanding of Molecular Mechanisms and Breeding Strategies for Enhancing Oleic Acid Biosynthesis in Oil Crops","authors":"Muhammad Jawad Umer,&nbsp;Yuanxiao Zhu,&nbsp;Qing Lu,&nbsp;Hao Liu,&nbsp;Shaoxiong Li,&nbsp;Haifen Li,&nbsp;Runfeng Wang,&nbsp;Qianxia Yu,&nbsp;Yanbin Hong,&nbsp;Xuanqiang Liang,&nbsp;Lu Huang,&nbsp;Shengchun Zhang,&nbsp;Xiaoping Chen","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70299","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70299","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Oleic acid (C18:1), a monounsaturated fatty acid, is a key determinant of nutritional value and oxidative stability of vegetable oils. Increasing its concentration has therefore become a central objective in oilseed crop improvement. This review summarizes current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms and breeding strategies underlying oleic acid biosynthesis in oil crops. Particular attention is given to fatty acid metabolism, including <i>fatty acid desaturase 2</i> (<i>FAD2</i>), <i>acetyl-CoA carboxylase</i> (<i>ACCase</i>), <i>diacylglycerol acyltransferase</i> (<i>DGAT</i>), and <i>stearoyl-ACP desaturase</i> (<i>SAD</i>). Among these, <i>FAD2</i> plays a pivotal role by catalyzing the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid and thus largely determining oleic acid accumulation. We also discuss how environmental factors, including temperature and water availability, influence desaturase activity and oil composition. In addition, conventional breeding approaches and modern molecular breeding strategies, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic approaches and CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, are evaluated for their effectiveness in enhancing oleic acid content in oilseed crops. Finally, we highlight emerging opportunities that integrate genomics, multi-omics, and artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of high-oleic cultivars. This review provides a comprehensive framework for improving oleic acid content and advancing oilseed crop breeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70299","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148324694","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":"Strain-Specific Biotransformation of Grape Marc by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Genomic Validation and Gut Microbiota Modulation","authors":"Ziyao Liu,&nbsp;Hanjing Wu,&nbsp;Brendan Holland,&nbsp;Colin J. Barrow,&nbsp;Hafiz A. R. Suleria","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70323","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70323","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Grape marc (GM) is a polyphenol-rich winery byproduct that remains underutilized due to its complex fiber matrix, which limits the bioaccessibility of bound phenolics. While lactic acid fermentation (LAF) can enhance the release of these compounds, the strain-specific metabolic fate of GM phenolics during digestion and colonic fermentation, and the genomic basis underlying these differences, remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a multi-tiered genomic validation framework to investigate the effects of four lactic acid bacterial strains, <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> (LP), <i>Lacticaseibacillus casei</i> (CA), <i>L. rhamnosus</i> (RH), and <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> (LA5), on the transformation of GM phenolics during in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. LAF significantly enhanced the release of bound phenolics and antioxidant capacity. During colonic fermentation, fermented GM reshaped the gut microbiota by rapidly enriching Lactobacillaceae while suppressing the pro-inflammatory Enterobacteriaceae. Strain-specific metabolic signatures were evident: CA fermentation uniquely drove a &gt; 3-fold increase in propionic acid and early anthocyanin release, whereas LP favored butyrate production and sustained antioxidant activity. Genomic mining linked these phenotypes to specific functional determinants, including the phosphoketolase gene (xfp), associated with bifid shunt-mediated acidogenesis, and S-adenosylmethionine synthase (metK), associated with phenolic stabilization. Collectively, this study provides a predictive basis for selecting LAB starters to optimize the functional output of fermented GM and supports strain-guided fermentation as a promising strategy to valorize winery waste into gut-health-promoting ingredients.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70323","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148324695","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":"Advances in the Neurotoxic Mechanisms of Acrylamide and Multitarget Intervention Strategies of Natural Products","authors":"Wen Du,&nbsp;Yifan Zhao,&nbsp;Li Dong,&nbsp;Chen Ma,&nbsp;Xiaosong Hu,&nbsp;Daotong Li,&nbsp;Fang Chen,&nbsp;Yinghua Luo","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70318","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Acrylamide (AA) is a widespread environmental and food-processing contaminant that causes progressive nervous system damage following chronic exposure. Here, we integrate the latest evidence on the sources, metabolic pathways, and interconnected neurotoxic mechanisms of AA. AA-induced neurotoxicity arises from a network of interconnected processes: presynaptic injury and axon degeneration, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of apoptosis and autophagy, ferroptosis, inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, and disruption of the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Given the lack of specific therapies, natural products from diverse chemical classes, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and prebiotics, have shown multitarget protective effects. Despite these advances, critical barriers persist, including mechanistic complexity, poor oral bioavailability, limited blood–brain barrier penetration and model system limitations. To overcome these challenges, further research will need to incorporate multiomics technology, human-relevant organoid systems, and brain delivery systems into future studies of the clinical application of natural product therapy for neurodegenerative diseases caused by AA.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70318","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148324188","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":"Multi-Induction Strategies in Crops: Mechanisms, Synergistic Effects, and Sustainable Applications for Enhanced Secondary Metabolite Production","authors":"Yifei Sun,&nbsp;Daoyan Xiao,&nbsp;Xingyue Li,&nbsp;Zhaofei Wang,&nbsp;Maoqin Xia,&nbsp;Chao Song,&nbsp;Hong-Lei Li","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70305","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70305","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are a vital source of natural bioactive compounds, extensively utilized as functional food ingredients, natural preservatives, edible colorants, and flavoring agents. To meet the growing market demand for high-quality PSMs, enhancing their biosynthesis in crops has become a major research focus. The application of exogenous elicitors, including abiotic factors (e.g., light spectrum, water stress, nutrient modulation, plant hormones) and biotic agents (e.g., beneficial microbes, yeast extracts), has emerged as a sustainable and effective strategy to stimulate PSMs production and diversify metabolite profiles. This review systematically analyzes the mechanisms by which single and combined elicitors modulate gene expression and signaling networks to enhance PSMs synthesis. We critically evaluate the practical advantages and current challenges of multi-induction strategies for scalable production and discuss their potential for sustainable applications in the food industry. Overall, this review provides an updated and structured perspective for future research and technological innovation in the targeted enhancement of PSMs.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70305","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148282318","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":"Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Food Applications: From Synthesis and Functional Properties to Safety and Sustainability","authors":"Liza Akter,&nbsp;Md. Hassan Bin Nabi,&nbsp;Yusuf Chowdhury,&nbsp;Mohima Akther Any,&nbsp;Md Abu Rayhan,&nbsp;Abid Hassan Arnab,&nbsp;Wahidu Zzaman","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70311","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70311","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Food loss and foodborne diseases are the two major challenges of global food systems. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that the amount of food usable yet discarded on a yearly basis is approximately 1.3 billion tons, and it is estimated that almost 600 million people are affected by foodborne diseases annually, which leads to an annual death toll of approximately 420,000 people. These are the problems that reflect the ineffectiveness of traditional food preservation methods. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have received considerable attention due to their strong antimicrobial activity, which is enhanced at the nanoscale. Their crystal structure is wurtzite, their surface area is large, and their bandgap (3.37 eV) allows them to be more reactive and UV-blocking and capable of photocatalyzing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The synthesis methods, physicochemical properties, food applications, and migration, biological fate and regulatory considerations of ZnO-NPs are discussed in this review. ZnO-NPs exhibit dissolution, which is dependent on pH, and a maximum of 70% of the material may dissolve in simulated intestinal fluid, potentially leading to elevated levels of intracellular Zn²⁺ and reduced oxidative stress and inducing cytotoxic actions when the material is delivered in a large dose. Hence, safe use is defined as controlled dissolution, sustainable production of material, and risk-benefit assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70311","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148282319","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":"Neuroprotective Effects of Biosynthetic d-Calcium Pantothenate and Cyanocobalamin Against MPTP-Induced Parkinsonism via Microbiota Modulation, Metabolic Homeostasis Restoration, and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Inhibition","authors":"Yaru Chen,&nbsp;Shaohui Zhu,&nbsp;Yajie Ruan,&nbsp;Kaiqi Zheng,&nbsp;Jing Wang,&nbsp;Qianqian Guan,&nbsp;Tao Xiong","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70316","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Vitamin B5 (VB5) and Vitamin B12 (VB12) are essential micronutrients widely distributed in functional foods, yet their neuroprotective potential against Parkinson's disease (PD) via gut microbiome and metabolic remains under-investigated. This study aimed to explore the physiological and metabolic effects of VB5 and VB12 in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mice by performing biochemical, untargeted metabolomic, 16S microbiota, and Western blot analyses. The results demonstrated that the mice supplemented with VB5 and VB12 showed ameliorated motor deficits, reduced oxidative stress, restored neuronal damage, and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) via the downregulating of the PERK-eIF2α-activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-CHOP signaling pathway. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that VB5 and VB12 interventions modulated the gut-microbiota dysbiosis, specifically by decreasing <i>Desulfovibrio</i> and enriching <i>Prevotella</i> abundance. Untargeted metabolomics further demonstrated that the interventions modulated the metabolic landscape of the serum and striatum. Specifically, in the striatum, VB5 and VB12 mitigated energy failure by replenishing mitochondrial coenzymes and suppressing purine degradation. They also attenuated local neuroinflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. These central improvements were closely associated with the restoration of circulating neuroactive precursors, particularly <span>l</span>-tyrosine. Collectively, these findings provide a theoretical basis for developing VB5 and VB12-fortified functional foods as a promising nutritional strategy to prevent PD-associated neurodegeneration.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70316","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148282317","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":"Interactions of Plant Protein and Natural Colorant: A Structural and Functional Relationship of Broccoli Protein and Marigold Color Compounds","authors":"Fidele Benimana,&nbsp;Kentaro Kawata,&nbsp;Anand Mohan","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70314","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70314","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Broccoli flower proteins (BFPs) are a sustainable alternative plant protein source; however, their application in food systems remains limited because of poor techno-functional properties compared with conventional proteins. This study employed a clean-label strategy to improve BFP functionality using marigold color extract (MCE), a phytochemical-rich floral waste product. BFP–MCE complexes were prepared using different extract concentrations (0%–4%, v/v) and characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and functional property analysis. FTIR analysis revealed concentration-dependent structural modifications, with α-helix content decreasing from 50.3% to 28.4%, while β-sheet structures increased from 22.1% to 34.2% following MCE incorporation. SEM observations revealed a transition from porous protein aggregates to dense, cohesive network structures. Structural changes significantly improved protein functionality, including increased foaming capacity from 14.9% to 69.2%, foam stability from 6.1% to 42.0%, emulsifying activity index from 23.1 to 76.2 m²/g, and antioxidant activity from 41.2% to 65.3%. Surface hydrophobicity decreased from 19.3 to 10.2 a.u., indicating improved protein–water interactions. Metabolomic profiling of MCE identified flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino alcohols, oxygenated heterocycles, and sesquiterpenes as major compounds that are potentially responsible for noncovalent interactions with proteins via hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, π–π stacking, and electrostatic attraction. This research shows that MCE successfully modified BFPs into sustainable plant protein ingredients with improved functionality and enhanced antioxidant activity for clean-label food production.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70314","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148282354","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":"Apple Pomace Pectin for Gastroprotective Nutraceutical Delivery: Structure–Function Relationships and Nano/Microencapsulation Strategies for Gastric Ulcer Management","authors":"Akash Dhiman,&nbsp;Shefali Arora,&nbsp;Parteek Prasher,&nbsp;Sukanya Chhetri,&nbsp;Pankaj Bhandari,&nbsp;William N. Setzer,&nbsp;Javad Sharifi-Rad","doi":"10.1002/fft2.70306","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.70306","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Gastric ulcers represent a significant global health challenge, necessitating advanced therapeutic interventions that offer site-specific drug delivery and promote mucosal healing. The deterioration of gastric mucosal defenses by irritants, along with invasion and colonization by microbes such as <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> plays an important role in the development of peptic ulcers. Apple pectin (AP) has garnered substantial interest as a gastroprotective material due to its demonstrated anti-adhesive and antibacterial activity against <i>H. pylori</i> and for formulating nanocarriers that adhere to the gastric mucosa and provide localized, sustained release of antiulcer medications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of apple pectin, detailing its molecular structure, chemical composition, extraction methodologies, and the potential routes for its nanoencapsulation for gastric ulcer treatment. The underlying molecular mechanisms of peptic ulcer prevention by modulating nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Nrf2, and COX-1/PGE₂ pathways along with future directions for clinical translation are also presented. Further, the innovative applications of AP in nanoencapsulation for gastric ulcer treatment, along with the preclinical and clinical studies on pectin-based gastrointestinal (GI)-targeted drug delivery systems, are also discussed. The role of AP in nanotherapeutics formulation is the main focus of this review. These nanocarriers have been reported to adhere to the physiological mucosa, thereby providing localized, persistent release of antiulcer medications. Overall, the apple pectin-based nanoformulations represent a promising next-generation platform for the improved management of gastric ulcers, with significant potential for advancing-targeted therapy and future clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":73042,"journal":{"name":"Food frontiers","volume":"7 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.70306","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148237864","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}