Abstract:Rice bran, an important byproduct of rice processing, has an annual output of about 15 million tons. With rich high-quality lipids, rice bran is an ideal raw material for rice bran oil production. The oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, oryzanol, vitamin E, and sterols, boasting significant nutritional and health benefits. As a green extraction technology, the aqueous enzymatic method has gained attention for its advantages in high oil quality, environmental friendliness, and minimal protein damage. This review summarizes the principles of aqueous enzymatic extraction, industrialization bottlenecks, and key influencing factors. It focuses on demulsification technologies for the emulsion generated during extraction and prospects future directions aligned with industry trends, aiming to promote high-value utilization of rice bran and industrial application of the aqueous enzymatic extraction method.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the impacts of enzymatic immobilization strategies on the thermal stability, pH tolerance, and storage stability of transglutaminase (TGase), thereby extending its application range in the food industry and related sectors. [Method] Porous starch (PS), prepared by enzymatic modification, was used as a carrier to immobilize TGase. The immobilization process was optimized by response surface methodology. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and enzymatic property experiments were employed to characterize the structure and test the performance of the TGase-PS composite system. [Result] Under optimal conditions (PS at a mass fraction of 12%, pH 7, and TGase at a volume fraction of 42%), the encapsulation efficiency of TGase was 73.93%. Immobilization significantly improved the thermal stability, pH stability, and storage stability of TGase. The TGase-PS composite system retained the relative activity of 69.99% (3.41 times that of free TGase) after incubation at 50 ℃ for 1 h. After 14 d of storage at 25 ℃, its relative activity was 71.01% (1.84 times that of free TGase). Furthermore, the relative activity was still 81.20% after the system was placed under pH 10 for 2 h. [Conclusion] This study significantly enhanced the stability of TGase by constructing a TGase-PS composite system, providing an efficient and green solution for the continuous catalytic application of TGase under high temperatures or extreme pH conditions.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aimed to address the low xylose metabolic efficiency and limited bacterial cellulose (BC) biosynthesis capacity of Komagataeibacter xylinus (K. xylinus) by exploring the use of multiple physical mutagenesis techniques to enhance xylose utilization and BC biosynthesis. [Method]Ultraviolet (UV) mutagenesis, atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis, and UV-ARTP combined mutagenesis were employed to improve K. xylinus. Pure xylose and mixed carbon-source fermentation systems were established to evaluate the fermentation performance of the mutant strains. Efficient and genetically stable mutants were screened by comparing BC yield and xylose consumption. [Result] The ARTP-mutagenized strain ARTP-Mix-1 achieved a BC yield of 5.07 g/L and xylose consumption of 4.06 g/L, which represented increases of 73.04% and 13.50 folds compared with those of the wild-type strain WT-Mix, respectively, and both values were higher than those of the UV-mutagenized strains. Furthermore, the mutant strain CM-Mix-20 produced by UV-ARTP achieved a BC yield of 6.00 g/L and xylose consumption of 4.70 g/L, which represented increases of 104.78% and 15.79 folds compared with those of WT-Mix, respectively. [Conclusion] This study provides a new strategy for the industrial production of BC and the efficient utilization of xylose resources.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aimed to prepare cold extracted green tea with good sensory quality and health functions. [Method] The physicochemical and flavor characteristics of cold extracted green tea prepared through ultrasound-stirring-assisted cold brewing were compared with those of green tea prepared through conventional hot brewing and conventional cold brewing. [Result] Ultrasound-stirring-assisted cold brewing promoted the dissolution of polyphenols and free amino acids (especially theanine), and the tea infusion had a phenol-ammonia ratio (1.33) comparable to that of conventional cold brewed tea. In addition, this process significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of cold extracted green tea, which showed the ABTS ⁺ and DPPH radical scavenging rate of (72.07±3.04)% and (49.54±1.59)%, respectively. Determination of volatile components revealed that the ultrasound-stirring-assisted cold brewing process improved the dissolution of aldehydes, ketones, and esters in the tea infusion, which showed a strong aroma. The OPLS-DA model analysis showed significant differences in volatile components between tea infusions brewed with the three methods, and 35 differential compounds with VIP>1 were screened out. Ultrasound-stirring-assisted cold brewing better retained the original freshness and aroma of green tea than conventional hot brewing and endowed the tea infusion with richer aroma compounds than conventional cold brewing. The OAV analysis showed that ultrasound-stirring-assisted cold brewing retained the characteristic aroma attributes of the tea infusion prepared through conventional cold brewing and enhanced the aroma perception of 1-octen-3-ol, nonanal, and 1-octanol, which showed the OAV values of 5.51, 3.76, and 1.52, respectively. The results of sensory evaluation showed that the tea infusion prepared through ultrasound-stirring-assisted cold brewing had the green tea aroma characteristics such as grassy, floral, fruity, and baking aromas, with a degree of acceptability. [Conclusion] Ultrasonic-stirring-assisted cold brewing has the potential to prepare high-quality cold extracted green tea, which can provide process guidance for the quality improvement of cold extracted tea.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aimed to screen functional lactic acid bacterial strains with high L-histidine production from fermented foods and evaluate their probiotic characteristics. [Method] The probiotic characteristics of the isolates were assessed by determining their growth curves, acid-producing profiles, optimal growth temperature and pH, stress resistance characterization, antibiotic susceptibility, and inhibitory activity against pathogens.[Result]Limosilactobacillus fermentum NC42 with a L-histidine yield of 939.77 mg/L was successfully screened out. This strain had a lag growth phase from 0 h to 6 h, a logarithmic growth phase from 6 h to 18 h, and a stable growth phase after 18 h. The optimal growth temperature and pH were 37 ℃ and 6.0, respectively. The results of the stress resistance characterization showed that this strain could not survive when the NaCl mass fraction was above 4%, and it could tolerate strong acidic environments with pH 2.5 and 3.0 and maintain a good viable count at a bile salt mass fraction of 0.10%. This strain could maintain a viable count sufficient for probiotic effects for 5 d at -20 ℃. The results of surface property determination showed that its hydrophobicity was determined to be 43.27%, which indicated moderate hydrophobicity. The self-agglomeration rate of this strain was 52.13%. The strain showed significant differences in sensitivity to different antibiotics, with sensitivity to penicillin, erythromycin, and cefazolin. The fermentation supernatant of this strain had significant inhibitory effects on various indicator pathogens, with the most obvious inhibitory effect on Listeria monocytogenes, as evidenced by the inhibition zone diameter of 17.10 mm. [Conclusion] The screened strain had certain probiotic characteristics and stress resistance, which provides a basis for the functional probiotic development.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms through which Liupao tea (LP) ameliorated atherosclerosis (AS) in rats based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) metabolomics technology. [Method] A rat model of AS was established by a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D ₃. The rats were assigned into the following groups: control, model, simvastatin, low-dose LP, and high-dose LP. After intervention for 12 weeks, histopathological changes in the aorta, liver, and colon were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Urinary differential metabolites were analyzed via untargeted metabolomics. Metabolomic findings were integrated with network pharmacology to identify active components and core targets. [Result] LP significantly alleviated aortic medial thickening, hepatic steatosis, and colon injury. Metabolomic analysis identified 379 differential metabolites, among which 84.7% of altered metabolites were reversed by LP. Notably, angiotensin IV and heparan sulfate were significantly upregulated and enriched in the renin-angiotensin system, glycosaminoglycan degradation, and proteoglycan pathway in cancer. Network pharmacology screened out 127 active components (mainly including polyphenols and alkaloids) and 8 core targets (MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14, BCL2, CASP3, RELA, STAT1, and HDAC1). KEGG pathway analysis revealed involvement in metabolic pathways, lipid and atherosclerosis, and fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis. [Conclusion] LP ameliorates AS through a component-target-pathway network that collectively modulates vascular function, inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress, and alleviates metabolic disorders. These findings provide a scientific basis for the application of tea in preventing AS.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which an anthocyanin-dietary fiber drink ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolism disorders induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet through modulation of the gut microbiota. [Methods] In vitro experiments were conducted to measure the α-glucosidase inhibition, lipase inhibition, and cholesterol clearance rates. The 16S rDNA sequencing was employed to assess structural changes in the fecal microbiota of the mice fed with a high-sugar, high-fat diet following anthocyanin-dietary fiber drink intervention. The levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), total bile acids (TBA), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined by ELISA and GC-MS. [Results] Anthocyanin-dietary fiber drink significantly increased the α-glucosidase inhibition, lipase inhibition, and cholesterol clearance rates (P<0.05), and it outperformed anthocyanin or dietary fiber used alone (P<0.05). Furthermore, anthocyanin-dietary fiber drink improved the gut microbiota structure, elevated the levels of SCFAs and TBA, and reduced the levels of LPS in the mice fed with a high-sugar, high-fat diet. [Conclusion] Anthocyanin-dietary fiber drink synergistically modulates the structure and metabolism of the gut microbiota and its efficacy exceeds that of individual components. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the development of functional drinks.

Abstract:[Objective] The present study prepared the Auricularia auricula protein-polysaccharide complex (APPC) with Auricularia auricula as the raw material and then prepared and characterized resveratrol-loaded Pickering emulsions based on APPC, aiming to investigate the stability and functioning mechanisms of resveratrol-loaded Pickering emulsions based on APPC. [Method] APPC was obtained via the water extraction and alcohol precipitation method, and its composition and structure were systematically analyzed. Furthermore, resveratrol-loaded Pickering emulsions were fabricated. The stability and functioning mechanisms of the emulsions were investigated based on the Zeta potential, three-phase contact angle, rheological properties, and particle size distribution. [Result] APPC possessed a unique sphere-chain structure with high interfacial stability. The resveratrol-loaded Pickering emulsions based on APPC exhibited a stable 3D network structure formed by proteins and polysaccharides. Therefore, the emulsions showed a synergistic stabilization mechanism of enhanced interfacial film and steric hindrance, with favorable pH stability, thermal stability, and storage stability. [Conclusion] APPC stabilizes Pickering emulsions through interfacial film reinforcement and steric hindrance effects. This study can provide a reference for the development and application of polysaccharide-based Pickering emulsions as stabilizers.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aims to investigate the reparative effect of L-arabinose on the intestinal mucosal barrier and its blood glucose-lowering mechanism in the rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). [Method] A rat model of T2DM was established via streptozotocin (STZ) combined with a high-fat diet. The successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to a model control group and low-, medium-, and high-dose L-arabinose intervention groups. After 28 d of continuous intervention by gavage, parameters including fasting blood glucose level, blood lipids level, serum inflammatory factors levels, expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal tissue, histomorphology, and mass fractions of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecal tissue were measured. [Result] L-Arabinose significantly improved glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats and repaired the intestinal mucosal barrier by promoting SCFA production: it up-regulated the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin-1, P<0.05) in the jejunum, restored villus structure, increased mucus secretion, and reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (P<0.05). The regulatory effects of L-arabinose on individual SCFAs components and inflammatory factors varied among doses. [Conclusion] L-Arabinose can repair the intestinal mucosal barrier by regulating SCFAs metabolism, inhibit inflammatory responses, and ameliorate glycolipid metabolic disorders in diabetic rats. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of functional foods for T2DM.

Abstract:[Objective] The conventional probiotic cultivation techniques suffer from problems such as low fermentation density, long cycles, and weak stress resistance, this study aimed to optimize the probiotic fermentation process, increase bacterial density, and enhance strain stress resistance.[Method] Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) FMBL L23251 FJX was used for high-density fermentation. The fermentation process was optimized through single-factor experiments combined with response surface methodology. On this basis, the metabolic characteristics and the stress resistance of the prepared bacterial powder were further characterized. [Result] Under the malt extract-liquid ratio of 250 g∶1 L, yeast extract addition of 40 g/L, anhydrous sodium acetate addition of 6 g/L, galactooligosaccharide addition of 14 g/L, inoculum volume fraction of 6%, rotation speed of 100 r/min, pH 6.5, and fermentation at 37 ℃ for 24 h, the viable cell counts of L. plantarum FMBL L23251 FJX in the fermentation broth and freeze-dried powder reached 2.33×10¹² CFU/mL and 3.56×10¹³ CFU/g, respectively. The survival rate of L. plantarum FMBL L23251 FJX in the simulated gastrointestinal fluid was 76.75%. Compared with that in the MRS medium, L. plantarum FMBL L23251 FJX in barley malt wort medium showed increases of 19.93%, 29.26%, 25.19%, and 29.32% in scavenging rates against ABTS⁺, DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion free radicals, respectively. In addition, the mass concentration of total phenols and total flavonoids increased by 51.96% and 30.66%, respectively, while the total mass concentration of organic acids, short-chain fatty acids, and amino acids increased by 99%, 89%, and 48%, respectively. [Conclusion] This study provides data support for the large-scale application of locally sourced probiotics in food processing, biomedicine, and other fields.

Abstract:[Objective] The conventional probiotic cultivation techniques suffer from problems such as low fermentation density, long cycles, and weak stress resistance, this study aimed to optimize the probiotic fermentation process, increase bacterial density, and enhance strain stress resistance.[Method] Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) FMBL L23251 FJX was used for high-density fermentation. The fermentation process was optimized through single-factor experiments combined with response surface methodology. On this basis, the metabolic characteristics and the stress resistance of the prepared bacterial powder were further characterized. [Result] Under the malt extract-liquid ratio of 250 g∶1 L, yeast extract addition of 40 g/L, anhydrous sodium acetate addition of 6 g/L, galactooligosaccharide addition of 14 g/L, inoculum volume fraction of 6%, rotation speed of 100 r/min, pH 6.5, and fermentation at 37 ℃ for 24 h, the viable cell counts of L. plantarum FMBL L23251 FJX in the fermentation broth and freeze-dried powder reached 2.33×10¹² CFU/mL and 3.56×10¹³ CFU/g, respectively. The survival rate of L. plantarum FMBL L23251 FJX in the simulated gastrointestinal fluid was 76.75%. Compared with that in the MRS medium, L. plantarum FMBL L23251 FJX in barley malt wort medium showed increases of 19.93%, 29.26%, 25.19%, and 29.32% in scavenging rates against ABTS⁺, DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion free radicals, respectively. In addition, the mass concentration of total phenols and total flavonoids increased by 51.96% and 30.66%, respectively, while the total mass concentration of organic acids, short-chain fatty acids, and amino acids increased by 99%, 89%, and 48%, respectively. [Conclusion] This study provides data support for the large-scale application of locally sourced probiotics in food processing, biomedicine, and other fields.

Abstract:[Objective] To improve the standards and promote the sustainable development of the camel milk industry, the author developed a quantitative detection method for camel milk components in adulterated dairy products based on real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR). [Method] Template DNA was extracted through an automated nucleic acid extraction method. The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb) of camel was selected as the specific target gene, while the mammalian 18S rRNA gene served as the reference gene. Specific primers and reference primers were designed accordingly. According to the linear relationship between the C_t ratio (C_t value of camel-specific primer/C_t value of reference primer) and the volume fraction of camel milk, a standard curve for quantitative analysis of camel milk adulteration was established. The established standard curve was used for quantitative analysis of simulated adulterated samples containing camel milk at volume fractions of 35%, 55%, and 75%, and parameters such as recovery rate, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated. [Result] The standard curve was y=-0.325x+1.221 5, and the correlation coefficient (R²) was 0.972 3. The average recovery rate of the simulated adulterated samples was 100.71%, and the average CV was 5.29%. [Conclusion] Using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, the author developed a detection method capable of quantifying adulteration in camel milk. This method not only identifies adulteration but also determines its exact proportion, offering valuable technical support for maintaining quality standards in the camel milk industry.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aimed to explore the ameliorating effects of hawthorn water extract on aging-related behaviors in wild-type Drosophila melanogaster, the model organism. [Methods] Drosophila melanogaster individuals were allocated into two groups: a control group (basal medium) and an experimental group (basal medium + hawthorn water extract). The lifespan, vertical climbing ability, reproductive ability, heat stress resistance, and malondialdehyde (MDA) molality of Drosophila melanogaster were measured to analyze the anti-aging ability of hawthorn water extract. [Result] Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a 25.06% increase in lifespan in males, enhanced vertical climbing ability and heat stress resistance in both genders (P<0.05), and a decrease in MDA molality (P<0.05). Moreover, the hawthorn water extract effectively prolonged the lifespan and delayed aging in Drosophila melanogaster without significantly compromising reproductive ability. [Conclusion] The hawthorn water extract can prolong the lifespan and delay the aging of Drosophila melanogaster, with low reproductive toxicity. This study lays a foundation for deciphering its anti-aging mechanism and provides a reference for the development and application of hawthorn water extract in health foods.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) combined with ascorbic acid (AA) treatment on the quality and microbial diversity of Hu sheep (Ovis aries) meat during refrigeration. [Method] The fresh meat samples were treated with AA, SAEW, and SAEW+AA as preservatives, respectively. The changes in physicochemical indicators, including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value, pH, and drip loss rate, were monitored for the meat samples during the refrigeration at 4 ℃. Special attention was paid to the effects on the microbial diversity (total microbial count and microbial community structure). [Result] Compared with the control group (untreated with preservatives), the SAEW treatment reduced the total microbial count and coliform count in Hu sheep meat during refrigeration (P<0.05) and effectively delayed the increases in TVB-N value, pH, and drip loss rate. Notably, the SAEW+AA group exhibited the most significant antimicrobial effect, maintaining the lowest TBARS and TVB-N values during refrigeration while effectively reducing rip loss rate. In terms of shelf life, with total microbial count ≤ 1×10⁶ CFU/g and coliform count ≤ 1×10⁴ CFU/g as the acceptable upper limits, SAEW treatment extended the shelf life of Hu sheep meat samples from 6 d to 10 d. Remarkably, the microbial indicators of the SAEW+AA group remained below acceptable upper limits throughout the entire refrigeration period (12 d). High-throughput sequencing analysis of the microbial communities revealed that AA and SAEW treatments, whether applied individually or in combination, reduced microbial abundance and diversity in Hu sheep meat. At the same time, they increased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Aeribacillus, Streptacidiphilus, and Acidobacterium.[Conclusion] The AA+SAEW treatment effectively delays quality deterioration of Hu sheep meat during refrigeration, and it effectively reduces total microbial count and microbial abundance and diversity, thereby extending the shelf life of Hu sheep meat.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aims to explore the major quality characteristics and volatile components of Zhenghe white tea. [Method] Three representative samples of Baimudan tea and two samples of Shoumei tea were chosen and studied by sensory evaluation, physicochemical analysis, microbial determination, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). [Result] Baimudan tea samples showed a tip aroma and a fresh and mellow taste, and the leaf residue bud was tender or stout. Shoumei tea samples exhibited a pure aroma and a rich taste. The mass fractions of water and water extracts of all the samples met the requirements of the national standards White Tea (GB/T 22291—2017) and Quality Requirements for Product of Geographical Indication—Zhenghe White Tea (GB/T 22109—2008). The results of partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) showed that free amino acids, tea polyphenols, water extract, and caffeine were the main physicochemical components to distinguish between Baimudan tea and Shoumei tea. Pathogens were detected in none of the samples, while there were differences in the total plate count and mold count, which were lower in Shoumei cake tea and higher in Baimudan 3 (BMD3). The analysis of volatile components showed that the volatile components of Baimudan tea were mainly composed of alcohols and ketones, conferring Baimudan tea with a sweet, floral, and tip aroma. In addition, geraniol, linalool, and linalool oxide II had higher relative content in Baimudan tea. The volatile components of Shoumei tea were mainly composed of alcohols, ketones, and esters, which endowed Shoumei tea with a floral, medicinal, and woody aroma. Additionally, Shoumei tea had higher relative content of methyl salicylate, dihydroactinidiolide, and β-lonone. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the volatile components were significantly different between Baimudan tea and Shoumei tea. Specifically, Baimudan tea had a strong and pure aroma, while Shoumei tea had a light aroma and a dull taste. [Conclusion] This study can provide references for the flavor characteristic and safety evaluation of Zhenghe white tea.

Abstract:[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of Porphyra haitanensis extract (PHE) and its protective effect against UVB-induced photodamage in microbial models and human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). [Method] The components of PHE were analyzed, and the antioxidant activity of PHE was evaluated by DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. Microbial models were used to investigate the protective effects of PHE against UVB irradiation-induced damage in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans (C. albicans). Additionally, the HaCaT cell model was employed to analyze how PHE alleviated UVB-induced expression of oxidative stress factors and DNA damage. [Result] The primary components of PHE were carbohydrates, with a mass fraction of (639.82±17.35) mg/g. PHE demonstrated good in vitro antioxidant activity and effectively enhanced the radiation resistance rates of both E. coli and C. albicans. At a mass concentration of 1.00 mg/mL, PHE increased the HaCaT cell survival rate (P<0.01) and reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level to 29.52% (P<0.001), thereby alleviating oxidative stress damage. In addition, it decreased the mass concentration of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) to 7.66 mg/mL (P<0.005). [Conclusion] PHE may exert the protective effect against photodamage by balancing the intracellular oxidative stress system and mitigating DNA damage.

Abstract:[Objective] The study aimed to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of olive pomace (OP) extracts in mice. [Method] Phenolic compounds were enriched from the pomace of five olive varieties and quantified and analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The anti-fatigue effects of OP extracts in mice were systematically assessed through exhaustive swimming, forelimb grip strength, and biochemical indicator. [Result] The OP extract of ‘Gordal’ had the highest total phenol mass fraction and antioxidant activity. The animal test results demonstrated that OP extracts significantly prolonged exhaustive swimming time, enhanced forelimb grip strength, and reduced serum ammonia and blood glucose levels while increasing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, suggesting its potential to improve muscle recovery after exercise and alleviate exercise-induced metabolic stress. Furthermore, histopathological examinations revealed no organ damage caused by OP extract supplementation. [Conclusion] This study not only provides scientific evidence for the high-value-added utilization of OP but also offers new technical insights into the development of natural safe supplements with anti-fatigue effects.