Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture最新文献

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of l-arginine (Arg) and l-lysine (Lys) as phosphate-free tenderizing agents on the quality improvement of beef round, with the goal of providing a safe and effective alternative to traditional phosphates. Tenderizing efficacy was evaluated by systematically measuring shear force, pH, water-holding capacity, and water distribution. The tenderization mechanisms were elucidated through analyses of myofibrillar protein characteristics, endogenous protease activity, protein secondary structure, and microstructure.

Results: Compared with the control group, treatment with Arg and Lys significantly reduced shear force (by 74.67% and 76.36%, respectively), increased pH, improved water-holding capacity, and enhanced sensory attributes, including texture, juiciness, tenderness, and flavor. Mechanistic studies revealed that both amino acids promoted tenderness through multiple synergistic pathways, including inducing a structural transition of myofibrillar proteins from ordered α-helix to disordered β-sheet and random coil, activating caspase-3 and cathepsin B, strongly increasing the myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) and protein solubility, and promoting the conversion of free water to an immobilized state. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further confirmed that the treatments enlarged inter-myofibrillar gaps significantly and promoted structural loosening.

Conclusion: Both Arg and Lys are effective phosphate-free tenderizing agents. Lys was more effective in elevating pH, promoting myofibrillar dissociation, and activating cathepsin B, indicating greater application potential. This study provides a novel technological strategy for the value-added processing of beef round and a theoretical basis for the development of Arg- and Lys-based phosphate-free tenderizers. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: There is a growing consumer interest in foods that not only provide nutritional value and convenience, but also promote health benefits through regular consumption. In this context, green banana flour has emerged as a promising alternative for innovative product development. This study evaluated the physicochemical, technological and sensory properties of savory biscuits formulated with green banana pulp (PF) and pulp/peel mixed flours. Four formulations were developed: a control (0-PF), prepared with sweet and sour cassava starches, and three formulations in which 50% of the total cassava starch was replaced with green banana flours containing different pulp-to-peel ratios, 80-PF (80:20), 90-PF (90:10) and 100-PF (100% pulp flour).

Results: The 80-PF and 90-PF formulations exhibited higher protein, lipid, and ash contents, whereas all three enriched formulations (80-PF, 90-PF and 100-PF) showed increased levels of total dietary fiber and resistant starch. Texture and thickness values decreased with the increasing proportion of PF and mixed flours. Structural analysis revealed a reduction in both total and open porosity in the 80-PF, 90-PF and 100-PF biscuits, which was associated with increased firmness. All formulations achieved mean sensory scores above the acceptability threshold. Notably, the 90-PF formulation received the highest score for texture, likely due to its denser internal matrix and optimal crunchiness, as confirmed by the JAR analysis.

Conclusion: These findings support the use of green banana pulp and pulp/peel mixed flours as functional ingredients for developing nutritionally enhanced, fiber-rich savory biscuits with desirable textural and sensory properties. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Sucralose (4,1',6'-trichlorogalactosucrose, TGS) has been widely used as a new generation of artificial sweetener, and the loading, release and purification of TGS with edible porous materials such as cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOF) will pave a new way for the production and application of TGS.

Results: K/Na-β-CD-MOFs have been used in the loading, release and purification of TGS. TGS loading capacity of K-β-CD-MOF is higher than that of Na-β-CD-MOF, and the loading ratios increase with the decrease of particle size (the highest ratio is 18.00% below a size of 8.56 μm). Besides, the excellent controllable TGS releasing performance can be found in nano-sized K-β-CD-MOF, during which only 41.12% TGS were released after 24 h. The good loading/releasing performance could be explained by the coordination-driven ligand-exchange (ethanol and TGS) in β-CD-MOFs, during which the weak KO_ethanol bonds were replaced by relatively strong KCl_TGS bonds. Finally, these β-CD-MOFs can adsorb DH-4,1'-DGS (3',6'-dehydration-4,1'-dichlorogalactosucralose, main by-product in TGS production) in a TGS/DGS mixture selectively, rending a high separation factor α of 21.39. The remarkable purifying performance stems from the smaller molecular size of DH-4,1'-DGS and less steric hindrance after dehydrating on 3',6'-positions.

Conclusion: β-CD-MOFs exhibit excellent TGS loading/releasing performance induced by a coordination-driven process, and they can purify the TGS/DGS mixture with high efficiency. The simultaneous realization of loading/purification of TGS on a cheap and edible material will pave a new avenue for the postprocessing of TGS. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a high-value fruit crop, but its commercial success is often limited by poor pigmentation, reduced firmness, and short shelf life. This study evaluated the effects of preharvest applications of prohexadione-calcium (1.5 L ha^-1) on fruit quality and storage performance in lowland and hilly orchards in northern Italy.

Results: Fruit size, weight, firmness, soluble sugars, organic acids, and nutraceutical compounds were measured at harvest and after 14 days of cold storage (2 °C, 75% RH). The firmness of the treated fruits from the hilly orchards was consistently higher and remained stable during storage, while the control fruits experienced an increase in firmness due to dehydration. Prohexadione-calcium also had an impact on the metabolic composition: in the lowland orchards, the sugars in treated fruits increased, whereas they decreased in the controls, and the opposite trend was observed in the hilly site. The organic acids showed varying responses depending on the site, but generally, the treated fruits retained more tartaric acid and maintained more stable sugar-acid ratios during storage. The nutraceutical qualities were better preserved in the treated fruits, especially at harvest in the hilly site and after 7 days in the lowland site.

Conclusion: Prohexadione-calcium enhanced firmness and nutraceutical stability, improving the postharvest quality of sweet cherries across different growing conditions. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) often leads to infertility and long-term health complications. Processed Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) is a traditional medicinal and edible plant widely used in health supplements and herbal medicine. It has shown potential in mitigating ovarian aging but its mechanisms against POI remain unclear.

Results: This study integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation to explore the therapeutic mechanism of PM in POI. Bioactive compounds in PM were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and literature screening, yielding 91 compounds targeting 320 POI-related genes. Core targets included AKT1, PIK3CA, and PIK3R1, with pathway enrichment highlighting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which was further supported by molecular docking. In a rat model of POI, treatment with either low- or high-dose PM restored estrous cyclicity, improved serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E₂) levels, improved follicular development, and increased the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), and key PI3K/AKT proteins.

Conclusion: Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. may alleviate POI by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, restoring hormonal balance, reducing follicular atresia, and preserving ovarian reserve. These findings underscore the potential of PM as a natural therapeutic resource for POI management. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Cherry tomatoes are prone to postharvest deterioration and spoilage at room temperature, whereas chemical preservatives pose safety and environmental risks. Clove essential oil (CEO) has excellent antibacterial activity but is limited by high volatility, poor water solubility and dosage sensitivity. Cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (β-CD-MOFs) can improve CEO stability, but their poor processability and aqueous dispersibility hinder fruit preservation applications. Chitosan (CS), a natural hydrogel with film-forming and antibacterial properties, offers an ideal matrix to address these limitations.

Results: A CEO-loaded CS/β-CD-MOFs composite coating (CS-CEO/MOFs) was constructed and evaluated on cherry tomatoes stored at 25 °C via physicochemical analysis, electronic eye color detection and texture profile analysis (TPA). Compared with control, CS and high-concentration CEO-chitosan (CS-CEO-H) groups, high-concentration CS-CEO/MOFs (CS-CEO/MOFs-H) delayed spoilage. Principal component analysis of electronic eye data showed the recognition index (a parameter reflecting the distinguishability of color characteristics among groups) increased from -3 (day 0) to 97-98 (days 6-21), indicating distinct inter-group ripening rate differences. TPA results indicated CS-CEO/MOFs-H slowed hardness decline (effect positively correlated with hydrogel concentration) and maintained higher soluble sugar, vitamin C and titratable acid contents, as well as reduced weight loss, extending room-temperature shelf life to 21 days.

Conclusion: The CS-CEO/MOFs coating combined the gas barrier property of CS and the controlled release capability of β-CD-MOF, forming a synergistic fresh-keeping mechanism. As a safe, natural preservative, it provides a promising solution to reduce cherry tomato postharvest losses and lays a foundation for the development of plant-derived composite preservatives with controlled-release and gas barrier synergistic properties. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) are polyunsaturated fatty acids linked with numerous health benefits. Omega-3s exhibit multifaceted activities through various mechanisms. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alleviates oxidative stress by lowering reactive oxygen species and improving oxidative stress in brain tissues and acts against neurodegenerative disorders. It has the potential to regulate cell membranes, decrease inflammation, improve endothelial activities, reduce triglycerides (TGs), weaken oxidative stress, and encourage cardiovascular, metabolic and immunological health. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) modulates mitochondrial activity, enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and facilitates fatty acid oxidation, which lowers lipid accumulation and helps energy metabolism and is effective in obesity. Omega-3s such as EPA, DHA and alpha-linolenic acid show anticancer activity, promote apoptosis, decrease the proliferation of cancer cell and enhance chemotherapy efficacy. Moreover, DHA has potential effects during pregnancy and fetal development. Omega-3s are often inadequate in our diet and play a significant therapeutic function in several disorders. They have been documented by global health specialists as essential constituents of the human diet. Their relevance depends on their ability to act as a nutritional intervention with significant uses in health promotion. Consequently, dietary nutrition is associated with disease prevention and enhanced clinical results. The growing demand for health-related products and innovations is expected to have an impact on developing dietary patterns. As a result, omega-3s are increasingly incorporated into functional foods and supplements. This analysis highlights omega-3s ability to improve health outcomes as well as prevent chronic diseases. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Rapeseed is the second most cultivated oilseed globally after soybean and a protein-rich press cake is generated after liberation of the oil. However, its use in food applications is limited by high levels of anti-nutrients such as glucosinolates and phytic acid. Although differences between botanical varieties are known, controlled comparisons of modern spring varieties for protein functionality and antinutrient reduction are scarce.

Results: Protein was extracted from five spring rape varieties by the pH shift method, yielding 29-37% recovery. The variety Edda exhibited the best emulsifying capacity, stabilizing emulsion droplets of 44 μm (d₄₃). Glucosinolate concentrations in the protein-rich precipitates were reduced by 89-94% compared to the press cakes, with Sigrid showing the lowest concentration (0.45 g kg^-1). Phytic acid content decreased by 53-81% during the extraction, with Fergus having the lowest concentration (7.6 μmol g^-1).

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that emulsifying properties and anti-nutritional content differ significantly between spring rape varieties. Selecting suitable cultivars, such as Edda for emulsification or Fergus and Sigrid for reduced anti-nutrients, can improve rapeseed protein functionality for food applications. Future studies should include multiple harvest years to strengthen these findings. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: High-energy and high-protein diets promote excessive fat deposition in broilers, increasing their susceptibility to metabolic disorders. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic acid with multiple biological functions and has potential application value. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary FA on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, bile acid synthesis and gut microbiota in broilers. In total, 640 male broilers were allocated to five groups at 1 day of age, and fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control group), 50, 100, 150 or 200 mg kg^-1 FA for 42 days.

Results: FA administration linearly and quadratically increased the average daily gain. At 42 days, dietary FA linearly reduced hepatic levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It also up-regulated the gene and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the liver. Additionally, FA enhanced the expression of CYP7A1 protein, increasing the levels of bile acids in both the liver and serum. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis H test for 16S rRNA sequences indicated significant increases in Blautia and Eisenbergiella, as well as significant decreases in Enterococcus and Bacillus. Moreover, cecal metabolomics analysis revealed differences in metabolites between the 100 mg kg^-1 FA and control groups, which were enriched in the signaling pathways related to lipid and amino acid metabolism.

Conclusion: FA appears to enhance average daily gain, improve lipid metabolism partially by activating the AMPK/PPAR pathway, and increase bile acid levels by activating CYP7A1. FA doses at 100 mg kg^-1 are recommended in commercial broilers. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Soil salinization is a growing environmental problem that compromises agricultural productivity, especially for salt-sensitive crops. In this context, halophytes, plants naturally adapted to saline environments, are gaining attention for their resilience and potential applications in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and health. Among them, species of the genus Salicornia, commonly found in Mediterranean coastal areas, stand out for their ecological value and content of bioactive compounds. Salicornia europaea, known as 'sea asparagus', is marketed and consumed as a food, while Salicornia fruticosa and Salicornia perennis are less common and understudied. This study investigated the three Salicornia species with the aim of characterizing their chemical composition and evaluating their potential antioxidant and antidiabetic effects such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion or glucose uptake inhibition in intestinal STC-1 cells.

Results: By using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector high-resolution Orbitrap electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-HR-Orbitrap-ESI-MS), a varied range of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, and fatty acids were identified in the phytocomplexes. In vitro assays showed that S. europaea extract is promising in inhibiting α-amylase enzyme and reducing the glucose uptake via sodium-glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) in STC-1 cells.

Conclusion: The study highlighted the value of these Salicornia species as resilient plants with promising roles in the development of nutraceuticals and sustainable land use, particularly in salinity-affected environments. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.