The structural characteristics, beneficial effects and biological mechanisms of food and medicinal plant polysaccharides on exercise-induced fatigue: A review

Exercise-induced fatigue is a common non-pathological condition as a result of excessive or exhaustive sport exercise, and its effective alleviation is essential for optimal sport performance. The use of polysaccharides extracted from food and medicinal plants has been increasingly recognized for their efficacy in relieving exercise-induced fatigue, owing to their remarkable effects and lack of side effects as supplements. Through a comprehensive analysis of nearly two decades of research, we have identified that polysaccharides derived from food and medicinal plants exhibit anti-fatigue properties primarily through antioxidant mechanisms, modulation of immune responses, regulation of gut microbiota, and the regulation of metabolic processes-often involving a combination of these factors. Importantly, the anti-fatigue effects and mechanisms of action are strongly dependent on their molecular composition structural characteristics, molecular weight, and other physiochemical properties. This article aims to provide an up-to-date and systematic review of the beneficial effects and underlying biological mechanisms for alleviation of exercise-induced fatigue and the molecular properties of dietary and medicinal plant polysaccharides. The ultimate goal is to establish a more robust theoretical foundation and identify the potential structural modifications of food and medicinal plant polysaccharides in mitigating exercise-induced fatigue.

Heterophyllin B alleviates cognitive disorders in APP/PS1 model mice via the spleen-gut microbiota-brain axis

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence implicates both the brain-spleen axis and the gut microbiota-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. While our previous work demonstrated heterophyllin B (HB) rectifies splenic Th1/Th2 imbalance and ameliorates cognitive deficits in Aβ1-42-induced AD mice, its potential modulation of the vagus nerve-spleen circuit remains unexplored.

METHODS

Using 8-month-old male APP/PS1 mice with/without splenic denervation (SD), we systematically investigated HB's therapeutic mechanisms via the spleen-gut microbiota-brain axis. Cognitive function was assessed through novel object recognition (ORT) and object location memory (OLT) tests. Immunofluorescence (IF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to analyze Aβ plaques, phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) levels, and associated neuroinflammatory responses. Flow cytometry was utilized to examine the subtypes of splenic lymphocytes. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, along with immunohistochemical (IHC) experiments, was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of HB on the intestinal barrier. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

HB administration significantly improved cognitive performance (ORT discrimination index: +28.7 %; OLT discrimination index: +26.6 %), reduced brain and serum Aβ1-42 and p-Tau levels, downregulated the Th1/Th2 ratio in the spleen, and alleviated intestinal permeability and neuroinflammation, which were abolished in SD APP/PS1 mice. Gut microbiota shifts showed HB-induced enrichment of cognition-associated Dubosiella and Muribaculaceae, with concurrent suppression of pathogenic Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136 and ASF356.

CONCLUSION

This study provides first evidence that HB ameliorates AD pathology through vagus nerve-dependent regulation of the spleen-gut microbiota-brain axis, establishing its multimodal therapeutic potential for neural-immune-gut circuit modulation in neurodegenerative diseases.

Refining Lung Cancer Brain Metastasis Models for Spatiotemporal Dynamic Research and Personalized Therapy

Lung cancer brain metastasis (LCBM) is a major contributor to cancer-related mortality, with a median survival of 8-16 months following diagnosis, despite advances in therapeutic strategies. The development of clinically relevant animal models is crucial for understanding the metastatic cascade and assessing therapies that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This review critically evaluates five primary LCBM modeling approaches-orthotopic implantation, intracardiac injection, stereotactic intracranial injection, carotid artery injection, and tail vein injection-focusing on their clinical applicability. We systematically compare their ability to replicate human metastatic pathophysiology and highlight emerging technologies for personalized therapy screening. Additionally, we analyze breakthrough strategies in central nervous system (CNS)-targeted drug delivery, including microparticle targeted delivery systems designed to enhance brain accumulation. By incorporating advances in single-cell omics and AI-driven metastasis prediction, this work provides a roadmap for the next generation of LCBM models, aimed at bridging preclinical and clinical research.

The Osteogenic Potential of Oligopeptides Derived from Black Bean: Insights into Structure-Activity Relationship

Food-derived oligopeptides have emerged as promising natural candidates for antiosteoporosis therapy due to their remarkable osteogenic activity. However, the structure-osteogenic activity relationship of these oligopeptides remains poorly defined. In this study, we investigated for the first time the correlation between the structural characteristics and osteogenic effects of black bean-derived oligopeptides. Among the 70 oligopeptides analyzed, 36, 29, and 30 oligopeptides were found to significantly enhance the proliferation (108.28%-136.78%), differentiation (115.02%-182.41%), and mineralization (110.91%-159.41%) of MC3T3-E1 cells, respectively. Notably, tetrapeptides demonstrated marked efficacy in inducing osteogenesis in vitro, with their mineralization activity significantly correlated with their isoelectric point (pI) values and net charge. Tetrapeptides containing lysine residues, such as KIGT and KGVG, were particularly effective in stimulating osteogenic mineralization. Furthermore, reliable three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models were successfully established for all of the tetrapeptides. Importantly, the potent osteogenic tetrapeptides were characterized by bulky, electropositive, or hydrogen-bond acceptor groups at the R1 side chain of the N-terminal, along with electronegative or non-hydrogen bond acceptor groups at the R3 position and electronegative or hydrogen-bond acceptor groups at the R4 side chain of the C-terminal. Additionally, network pharmacology analysis highlighted the potential application of these osteogenic tetrapeptides in osteoporosis interventions. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the osteogenic activity of black bean-derived oligopeptides is attributed to their specific amino acid composition and structural features, providing novel insights for the efficient discovery and optimization of food-derived osteogenic oligopeptides.

Emerging Applications of Pickering Emulsions in Pharmaceutical Formulations: A Comprehensive Review

Over the past two decades, particle-stabilized Pickering emulsions (PEs) have emerged as a versatile platform in pharmaceutical formulations, demonstrating distinct advantages over surfactant-based systems through enhanced stability, reduced toxicity, and tunable interfacial properties. These systems exhibit unique drug delivery potential through their precisely controllable architecture, particularly in achieving spatiotemporal drug release patterns, tissue-specific targeting, and enhanced therapeutic payload encapsulation. In this review, the characteristics of PEs are first detailed, followed by an introduction to the main preparation methods and the key parameters for controlling the type, droplet size, and stability of PEs. The third section categorizes and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various solid particles as emulsifiers. Lastly, emphasis is placed on the application of PEs in the pharmaceutical field, including functionalized designs and various administration routes to enlighten the rational design of PEs for effective drug delivery.

Recent insights into Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides: Gastrointestinal, gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, overall health and structure-function correlation

Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides (HEPs) have attracted significant interest due to their potential to support gastrointestinal health and modulate gut microbiota. However, while promising findings exist, a comprehensive understanding of the structure-function relationships and the mechanisms by which HEPs influence gut health and microbial metabolites remains limited. This review synthesizes recent advances in HEPs, detailing their bioactivity in gastrointestinal protection mechanisms, modulation of gut microbiota, production of key metabolites, regulation of immune responses, enhancement of intestinal barrier integrity, and interactions within the microbiota-gut-brain axis, thereby improving overall host health. Additionally, we explore the structural diversity of HEPs in relation to their biological functions, as well as advancements in HEP modification and drug delivery systems. As the potential for HEPs in the food and pharmaceutical industries grows, this review provides valuable insights into innovative approaches for utilizing HEPs to support intestinal health and overall well-being. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of HEPs and their broad-ranging health benefits.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles Deliver Triptolide to Induce Apoptosis for Pancreatic Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

Pancreatic cancer (PC), known as the ″king of cancer," is a prevalent and aggressive form of malignant tumor affecting the digestive tract. Triptolide (TP), an epoxidized diterpenoid lactone extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii, shows promising antitumor activity. However, the systemic toxicity and poor water solubility of TP inhibit its clinical application. In this work, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP)-modified selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), capable of reducing severe toxicity and enhancing solubility, have been designed, synthesized, and applied for the treatment of PC. In vitro release results revealed that TP showed an acid-dependent and sustained-release effect. In Pan02 cells, the IC50 values of TP and LBP-SeNPs@TP were 26.03 ± 2.82 ng/mL and 11.80 ± 2.64 ng/mL, respectively. Similarly, the IC50 values of TP and LBP-SeNPs@TP for L02 cells were 15.76 ± 0.58 ng/mL and 32.73 ± 2.61 ng/mL, suggesting enhanced antitumor efficacy along with reduced toxicity. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that LBP-SeNPs@TP exerted the most potent apoptotic effect, achieving an early apoptosis rate of 24.5% and a late apoptosis rate of 45.3%. Notably, the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced, while ROS production was increased in the LBP-SeNPs@TP group. LBP-SeNPs@TP could significantly inhibit tumor growth while minimizing toxicity. RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that LBP-SeNPs@TP upregulated the mRNA expression of Bax, Cyt C, and Caspase-3, while downregulating Bcl-2 expression in vitro and in vivo. The immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissue further confirmed these results. Overall, LBP-SeNPs emerge as a promising platform for poorly soluble drugs, offering a potential therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer.

Multi-Component Reactions in Protein Modification and Immobilization

Protein modification/immobilization has been introduced as a large toolbox for creating a myriad of engineered proteins with profound implications for various scientific and industrial applications. Proteins immobilization techniques are generally performed through protein fixation in/to heterogeneous materials or via inter cross-linking of protein molecules, enabling the development of biocatalysts, biosensors, and drug delivery systems. On the other hand, chemical modification of proteins offers tailored changes in their functionality, enhances protein performance, extends their shelf life, and enables their specific binding interactions. The choice of immobilization or modification technique depends on the significance of various factors for the final product. Chemical coupling methods that create covalent bonds are commonly used for both proposes. Multi-component reactions are particularly effective because they operate under mild conditions to maintain protein functionality while simultaneously introducing multiple functional groups. This review provides an overview of multi-component reactions employed for the immobilization and modification of proteins.

Effect of cold plasma treatment time on walnut protein isolate: Revealing structural changes and improving functional properties

Cold plasma (CP) was used to modify walnut protein isolate (WalPI), and the effects of different CP treatment times (30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, and 150 s) on structural and functional properties, along with the modification mechanism, were investigated. The results showed that CP treatment altered the structure of WalPI, primarily by unfolding the tertiary structure and modifying the secondary structure. These modifications included an increase in fluorescence intensity, a decrease in α-helix content, and an increase in β-sheet and random coil content. The three-dimensional network structure exhibited crystalline characteristics, and the microstructure displayed irregular spherical particles. These structural changes led to an improvement in the functional properties, as evidenced by a reduction in average particle size, an increase in solubility to 11.42 %, and improvements in emulsification activity index and emulsification stability index, which increased from 0.50 m2/g and 1.22 min to 2.75 m2/g and 30.50 min. Additionally, water and oil holding capacity increased from 0.45 g/g and 2.54 g/g to 1.21 g/g and 7.46 g/g. Notably, the optimal comprehensive properties of WalPI were achieved after 90 s of CP treatment. This study provides a theoretical foundation for modifying WalPI and enhances its potential for resource utilization.

Purification, identification, and synthesis of novel antioxidant peptides from peanut meal and their protective effects against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells

Peanut meal, a by-product of peanut oil extraction, is rich in protein but remains underutilized. Previous studies have indicated that peanut protein hydrolysate (PPH) exhibits strong antioxidant activity, but the antioxidant mechanisms and functional effects of PPH remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to purify, identify, and synthesize novel antioxidant peptides from PPH and evaluate their protective effects against oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. Key findings revealed that low-molecular-weight peptides (<3 kDa) exhibited superior antioxidant activity. Using G-25 gel filtration and LC-MS/MS, 20 peptide sequences were identified. Among them, three novel peptides-GTEGRGW, GNYPEWK, and TSRNNPF-were screened via molecular docking. These peptides demonstrated strong binding affinity to the Keap1 protein through hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces. After solid-phase synthesis, these peptides exhibited significant protective effects in HepG2 cells. This study provides a scientific basis for the application of peanut peptides as natural bioactive ingredients in functional foods.

Protein-based nanocarriers for paclitaxel (PTX) delivery in cancer treatment: A review

Paclitaxel (PTX) is recognized as one of the most potent chemotherapy agents and is widely used to treat various cancers, including ovarian, lung, breast, head, and neck cancer. Due to the limited solubility and high toxicity of PTX, its use in cancer treatment is challenging and limited. Hence, strategies have been devised to improve the solubility and bioavailability of paclitaxel. In recent years, biocompatible nanocarriers have garnered attention due to their desirable properties, including increased permeability, targeted delivery, extended circulatory half-life, and biological drug delivery for the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. Protein nanostructures have been widely studied for the delivery of paclitaxel due to their significant advantages, such as safety, low toxicity, availability, and relatively easy preparation. This review article reviews recent advances in the development of protein-based drug delivery systems for loading and releasing paclitaxel. These nanocarriers have great potential to improve paclitaxel's antitumor properties and efficacy. Therefore, in the future, the integration of the pharmaceutical industry and artificial intelligence techniques will provide more opportunities for research and development in the pharmaceutical field.

Prediction and evaluation of purine-binding peptides using integrated molecular descriptors and docking analysis

Peptides and purines frequently coexist in food systems and can form specific molecular interactions, which may influence the physicochemical properties and bioavailability of purines. However, the structural basis and binding mechanisms of these peptide-purine interactions remain poorly understood. This study established a comprehensive screening approach combining molecular docking and descriptor analysis to evaluate peptide-purine binding interaction. The analysis revealed that strong-binding peptides were likely characterized by reduced cyclic structures and aromatic rings, with elevated electron-donor groups primarily composed of N and O atoms (p < 0.0001). These electron-rich functional groups appeared to enhance the formation of hydrogen bonds, which could play a crucial role in stabilizing peptide-purine complexes. Among various dietary purines, hypoxanthine emerged as the predominant species in processed meat products, warranting particular attention. Fluorescence spectroscopy experiments validated the computational predictions, confirming that the tetrapeptide WDQW (Peptide Purine Binding Score: -3.32) formed stable complexes with hypoxanthine exhibiting static quenching characteristics, primarily driven by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. This investigation provides fundamental insights into peptide-purine binding mechanisms and establishes a screening platform for identifying peptide sequences with enhanced purine-binding properties, which might be valuable for modulating purine bioavailability in food systems.

The role of defatted hydrolyzed egg yolk powder in protecting DHA algal oil

This study comprehensively investigated DHA algal oil emulsions and microcapsules prepared with different egg yolk hydrolysates (DHYP). Dual-enzyme (phospholipase A1 and protease) treatment enhanced emulsion stability by boosting protein adsorption, reducing particle size, and increasing zeta potential. For microcapsules, EF-DUAL, treated with dual-enzymes, had improved solubility, dispersibility, and wall material compactness, effectively protecting DHA from oxidation. During accelerated storage, EF-DUAL had the lowest oxidation levels and maintained a high DHA retention rate of 22.08 % after 12 days at 60 °C, extending DHA algal oil's shelf life by 300 %. Linear regression analysis indicated that the oxidation of DHA algal oil followed first-order kinetics, whereas microcapsule powders exhibited higher zero-order coefficients. Overall, this study underscores the potential of DHYP, particularly dual-enzyme hydrolyzed egg yolk powder, as a wall material for DHA microencapsulation.

Ultrasound-assisted oligochitosan/casein complexes stabilized Pickering emulsion: Characterization, stability and its application for lutein delivery

Lutein is a natural pigment with various beneficial biological activities, but its poor water solubility, chemical instability, and low bioavailability limit its application in food processing. In this study, modified casein (CAS-OCS NPs)-based Pickering emulsions were constructed under the combined effect of TGase-type glycation and ultrasound treatment as delivery systems for lutein fortification. Pickering emulsions based on CAS-OCS NPs enhanced the encapsulation efficiency of lutein (87.04 ± 0.30 %). The modification treatments improved the emulsifying properties, environmental stability, and digestive stability, as well as the delivery capability of lutein and antioxidant activity in simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. After glycation modification, the lutein release rate of CAS-OCS NPs-based Pickering emulsions after in vitro digestion was higher than that of untreated casein-based Pickering emulsions, and the maximum release rate was 55.44 ± 0.50 %. Moreover, the CAS-OCS NPs-based Pickering emulsions showed improved lutein bioaccessibility, reaching the maximum value of 58.52 ± 0.52 %. These findings demonstrated the suitability of TGase-type glycation and ultrasound treatment for the preparation of Pickering emulsions to deliver bioactive compounds.

Enhancement on the solubility of polyploid and diploid rice proteins by enzymatic hydrolysis: From structural and functional characteristics of rice protein hydrolysates

Polyploid rice protein (PRP) has the advantage of high nutritional value, but its functional properties are minimal due to its poor solubility. This work aims to improve the solubility of PRP through enzymatic hydrolysis and assess the effect of hydrolysis time (5-330 min) and protease type (Alcalase, Neutrase, and Trypsin) on the structural, functional, and antioxidant properties of PRP hydrolysates (PRPHs). Compared to PRP, PRPHs exhibited significantly decreased free sulfhydryl content and surface hydrophobicity and improved structural flexibility, regardless of the protease used. With increasing time, the nitrogen solubility index of the hydrolysates increased by 25.01 %, which was attributed to the reduction in molecular weight (< 15 kDa). The highest emulsifying activity (48.81 m2/g) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (IC50 of 5.49 mg/mL) were observed from Neutrase hydrolysates at 210 min and 330 min, respectively. Trypsin hydrolysate at 210 min demonstrated the lowest IC50 (0.17 mg/mL) in ABTS+. Moreover, compared to diploid rice protein hydrolysates (DRPHs) obtained under the same conditions, PRPHs by all proteases exhibited superior functional and antioxidant properties and richer amino acid content. This study showed the potential of PRPHs applied to functional foods with favorable functional and antioxidant properties.

Structural characterization of Corydalis yanhusuo polysaccharides and its bioactivity in vitro

This study isolated and purified two polysaccharides, CYHSP-1 and CYHSP-2, from Corydalis yanhusuo, and investigated their structures and in vitro biological activities. The findings revealed that CYHSP-1 and CYHSP-2 possess average molecular weights of 97.17 and 23.48 kDa, respectively, indicating uniform molecular weight glucans. Structural characterization, utilizing techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and methylation analysis, identified the presence of sugar units including α-1,4-Glc-(1→, α-1,4,6-Glc-(1→, α-1,6-Glc-(1→, and α-t-Glc-(1→. CYHSP-1 demonstrated superior radical scavenging activity and a more pronounced inhibitory effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells compared to CYHSP-2. These results indicate the significant potential of these Corydalis yanhusuo-derived polysaccharides as natural antioxidants and anti-tumor agents.

A polysaccharide from Gynostemma pentaphyllum: structure characterization and anti-insulin resistance potential through Galectin-3 modulation

Polysaccharides are among the key bioactive components of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino. In this study, a novel polysaccharide fraction, GPPA1-1, was isolated from G. pentaphyllum and purified using DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow, Sephadex G-75, and Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography. GPPA1-1 was determined to have a molecular weight of 3.7 × 104 Da and was composed of mannose (Man), glucuronic acid (GlcA), rhamnose (Rha), glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), and arabinose (Ara) in a molar ratio of 3.88:3.97:21.77:7.02:45.65:17.71. Comprehensive structural characterization was conducted using Congo red staining, FT-IR spectroscopy, Methylation analysis, and NMR analysis. The backbone of GPPA1-1 was identified as comprising →4)-α-Galp-(1→, →4)-α-Galp-(3,1→, →2)-α-Rhap-(4,1→, and →2)-α-Rhap-(1→, with branch chains containing α-Araf-(1→, →5)-α-Araf-(1→, →3)-α-Galp-(1→, and -α-GlcA-(1→. Biological assays demonstrated that GPPA1-1 effectively alleviates insulin resistance by inhibiting Galectin-3. This activity was confirmed through various experiments, including Galectin-3-mediated hemagglutination, Western blotting, CETSA, and glucose uptake assays. These findings highlight the potential of GPPA1-1 as a promising therapeutic agent for managing insulin resistance.

Non-human primates as preclinical models for optic nerve research: advancing insights into their application and potential

Optic neuropathies are a group of disorders characterized by damage or dysfunction of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Common causes include glaucoma, ischemic optic neuropathy, optic neuritis, hereditary optic neuropathies and traumatic or compressive optic neuropathies. These conditions can result in vision loss, decreased visual acuity, color vision defects, and visual field abnormalities. The effective treatment strategies have been urgently addressed for long. Consequently, development of both spontaneous and experimental disease models is crucial to thoroughly illustrate disease property and biological mechanisms. As the largest ocular study conducted in non-human primates (NHPs), NHP eye study (NHPES) provided a comprehensive insight into optic nerve survey by launching normal range of relevant parameters and some spontaneous optic nerve disorders, laying the foundation for translation from monkey models to human clinical applications. NHPs are the most ideal animal models because of the marked species proximity through evolution between them and human, so substantial efforts have been attempted toward establishing NHP models for optic nerve research. These animals are of great importance for accelerating the exploitation of novel treatment targets, promoting advantageous drug delivery methods and enhancing patients' outcomes. Furthermore, the sophisticated structure and physiological function of monkeys faithfully replicate the typical pathology and progression of specific diseases. In the current narrative review, we provide an overview of why NHPs could be used to study the optic nerve and the significance of NHPES compared with other eye studies of monkeys.

Ultrasound-assisted modification to improve the red pepper seed protein isolate structural, functional, and antioxidant properties

The study aims to extract protein from red pepper seeds and analyze the effect of ultrasound (US) on red pepper seed protein isolates (RPSPI) at pH 7 and 9. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy analyzed structural changes in RPSPI, revealing that the increase in US treatment duration from 5 to 20 min was associated with decreased β-turn and α-helix while improving the β-sheet and random coil content. It demonstrates that US treatment stimulated protein unfolding and significantly disrupted distinct types of H bonds in the RPSPI, especially those involved in forming β-turns and α-helix. US treatment significantly improved the free sulfhydryl groups, revealing modified tertiary protein structures. The dissociation of large RPSPI aggregates into smaller ones significantly reduced the average particle size in aqueous suspensions. Ultimately, these changes enabled US-treated RPSPI samples to exhibit increased water solubility, emulsifying activity index, emulsifying stability index, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, foaming characteristic, and foaming stability at pH 7 and 9, with maximum improvement of 25 %, 49.4 %, 45.11 %, 65.1 %, 46.2 %, 71.1 %, and 81.8 %, respectively. US treatments significantly increased the DPPH, ABTS, and OH scavenging ability (%) of RPSPI at pH 9, with a maximum improvement of 58 %, 33 %, and 36 %, respectively. Moreover, the principal component analysis demonstrated that the structural changes correlated with its functional and antioxidant properties.

Ophiopogonis Radix fructan-selenium nanoparticles for dual amelioration of ulcerative colitis and anti-colon cancer

Fructans demonstrate significant potential in preclinical models for treating inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer by modulating gut microbiota homeostasis. In this research, ORP-SeNPs were prepared through a redox method. Their roles as colon-targeted delivery carriers and stabilizers were examined for treating inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. ORP-SeNPs showed potent scavenging activity against ABTS· and DPPH· radicals and dose-dependently inhibited colon cancer Caco-2 cell proliferation by arresting growth in the S phase. Moreover, ORP-SeNPs significantly alleviated intestinal inflammation by modulating inflammatory cytokine homeostasis, reducing oxidative stress, repairing the intestinal barrier, and suppressing NF-κB/STAT-3 pathway activation. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for employing mixed fructans as drug carriers to treat inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, extending the therapeutic applications of Ophiopogonis Radix in bowel disorders.

Structure characterization of a Bletilla striata homogeneous polysaccharide and its effects on reducing oxidative stress and promoting wound healing in diabetic rats

The most common complication of diabetes is chronic non-healing wound, which can lead to amputation in severe cases. Therefore, identifying new and effective therapies is crucial. This study extracted, isolated, and purified a homogeneous polysaccharide named BSP1-1 from Bletilla striata. The yield of BSP1-1 was 2.17 %, with a molecular weight of 2.265 × 104 Da. The monosaccharide components were identified as mannose and glucose. Using a diabetic rat wound model to study the effects of BSP1-1 on wound healing. The results showed that the wound healing rate increased in a dose-dependent manner after treatment with BSP1-1. On the 15th day after administration, the wound healing rates of the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups increased by 11.2 %, 14.6 %, and 18.9 % compared with the control group, respectively. Histological analysis showed that BSP1-1 promoted angiogenesis and collagen deposition. In the high-dose group, the collagen content increased by 11.84 % compared with the control group, and the CD31 positive cell rate increased by 7.66 %. Furthermore, compared to the DM group, BSP1-1 treatment reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels (P < 0.05). It was concluded that, BSP1-1 might alleviate oxidative stress and promote wound healing through up-regulation of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant factor, HO-1. In summary, this study demonstrates that Bletilla striata polysaccharide can effectively accelerate diabetic wound healing.

Mechanisms of action of fungal polysaccharides and their therapeutic effect

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this article is to discuss the relationship between the therapeutic bioactivity of basidial fungal polysaccharides (BFPs) BFPs and their structural characteristics and conformational features, as well as to characterize the mechanisms of action of BFPs in diseases of various origins.

METHODS

The review was conducted using the PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Science and the Russian Science Citation Index databases. 8645 records were identified, of which 5250 were studies (86 were randomized controlled trials). The period covered is from 1960 to the present. The most significant studies conducted mainly in Southeast Asian countries were selected for the review.

RESULTS

Based on clinical studies, as well as the results obtained on in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo models, it has been proven that BFPs have diverse and highly effective biological activity in the human body in various diseases. The production of BFPs-based vaccines is an innovative strategy from a clinical and biochemical point of view, since as potential immunoprotective and low-toxic biopolymers they have innate immune receptors in the body. Promising results have been obtained in the development of antidiabetic drugs, probiotic, renoprotective and neurodegenerative dietary supplements.

CONCLUSIONS

The biological activity, mechanism of action and specific therapeutic effect of BFPs largely depend on their structural and physicochemical characteristics. BFPs as multifunctional macromolecular complexes with low toxicity and high safety are ideal as new powerful pharmaceuticals for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.

Structural characterization, antioxidant activity, and mechanism of polysaccharides isolated from Dictyophora rubrovalvata stipet

Dictyophora rubrovalvata is a valuable edible fungus. Its stipe, is rich in polysaccharides, possesses potential biological activity and medicinal value. In this study, we isolated a new polysaccharide, DRP-L, from the stipe of D. rubrovalvata, characterized its structure, and used PC12 to examine its antioxidant effect and mechanism. The results of structural analysis showed that the molecular weight of DRP-L was approximately 2.14 × 103 kDa. The monosaccharide composition included D-galactose, D-mannose, and d-glucose with a relative molar ratio of 0.41:1:0.37. In the activity study, in vitro antioxidant experiments demonstrated that DRP-L has commendable antioxidant activity. Simultaneously, DRP-L can protect PC12 cells from oxidative damage by reducing the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in a dose-dependent manner, with the best effect at a concentration of 1.6 mg/mL. Western blotting results indicated that DRP-L could shield PC12 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage by managing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, suppressing the expression of Caspase-3 and BAX, and boosting Bcl-2 expression and Akt phosphorylation. In conclusion, with its unique structure and remarkable antioxidant activity, DRP-L offers new insights and directions for developing antioxidants based on natural products.

Effects of whey protein isolate-dextran glycosylation conjugate and different oils on the dispersion and in vitro digestibility of β-carotene emulsions

β-carotene is a lipophilic substance with excellent antioxidant activity, but its bioactivity in the gastrointestinal tract is easily destroyed. Glycosylation can improve the emulsifying activity of Whey protein isolate(WPI). In this study, the effects of different oil phases(corn oil, coconut oil, soybean oil) and WPI-dextran(WPI-D) on the stability and digestion efficiency of emulsions loaded with β-carotene were investigated. The glycosylation of WPI with dextran was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Atomic Force Microscope(AFM). The results of contact angle and surface tension experiments demonstrate that the interfacial properties of WPI-D particles are enhanced, allowing them to adsorb better at the oil-water interface, thereby improving the stability of the emulsion. The in vitro digestion results indicate that different oil phases and glycosylation have effects on the digestion rate of the emulsions and the bioaccessibility of β-carotene. The enhanced steric effect of WPI-D allows for the regulation of the release rate of free fatty acids (FFA). Coconut oil, rich in medium-chain fatty acids, is easily broken down and absorbed during digestion. The release rate of free fatty acids (FFA) is relatively high. This study provides a theoretical basis for controlling the release rate of bioactive substances through the regulation of oil phases and glycosylation.

Advancing the Identification of Bioactive Molecules and the Construction of a Synergistic Drug Delivery System in Combating Lung Injury

In recent years, pneumonia caused by multiple viruses has posed a significant threat to public health, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Current treatments primarily focused on antiviral medications, lacking "miracle cure" and innovative approaches for the pathological damage caused by viruses. Since 2019, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown remarkable efficacy in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the application is hindered by intricate mechanisms, variable quality, and slow onset. Clinically, Ge-Gen Decoction (GGD) effectively reduced the severity in patients with viral infections. Taking COVID-19 as a case, the bioactive ingredients from GGD: glabridin (GLA) and puerarin (PUE) are identified. Interestingly, it was discovered that PUE can self-assemble into a 3D hydrogel structure upon heating and cooling, namely PUE@gel. This process mirrored the formation of gel-like precipitates in GGD post-decoction. Motivated by this phenomenon, a decoction-mimicking drug delivery system, glabridin─puerarin self-assembled hydrogel (GLA-PUE@gel) was constructed, which exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, comparable to GGD at the same dosage. Additionally, PUE that has a high biosafety threshold can competitively bind to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells, preventing SARS-CoV-2 from invading. This study offered a promising approach for treating virus-induced lung injury.

Extrusion of Oilseed-Based Ingredients: Unlocking New Potential for Sustainable Protein Solutions

The growing demand for plant-based proteins has driven significant interest in utilization of oilseed cakes and meals, which are abundant byproducts of the oil extraction industry. These protein-rich products possess unique functional properties that make them valuable for various food applications in a sustainable and cost-effective way. This review provides an in-depth review of extrusion processes as tools to enhance the functionality of oilseed cakes, meals, and proteins. Under specific processing conditions that dictate thermal and mechanical energy input, extrusion induces structural and functional modifications in proteins, which, in turn, improves the digestibility, reduces antinutritional factors, and enhances the overall nutritional profile of oilseed cakes, meals, and proteins. The importance of optimizing key extrusion parameters and the role of residual oil content in the process are discussed. Additionally, the diverse applications of extruded oilseed proteins in developing meat alternatives, snack foods, and breakfast cereals are highlighted. Advanced techniques such as fermentation and enzyme hydrolysis as treatments prior to extrusion are also examined for their potential to further improve the sensory and nutritional properties of extruded products. Relevant literature published between 2000 and 2024 was identified using databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, with keywords including oilseed proteins, extrusion, and plant-based meat alternatives. Studies were selected based on relevance to processing techniques, functional outcomes, and food applications. This comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of extrusion technology to unlock new opportunities for oilseed cakes and their protein-rich fractions in the food industry, contributing to the development of innovative, plant-based food products that meet consumer demands for nutrition and sustainability.

Structural characterization and anti-neuroinflammatory activity of polysaccharides isolated from the leaves of Perilla frutescens

In this study, the effect of crude polysaccharide (PF50) from the leaves of Perilla frutescens on the levels of inflammatory mediator proteins was evaluated through Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. The results showed that PF50 exerted potent anti-neuroinflammatory effects by significantly suppressing the NO release and expression of the proinflammatory cytokine mediators. Importantly, the PF50 concentration is independently protected against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered microglial activation-mediated neurotoxicity via inhibiting ROS production and improving mitochondrial function. To further investigate the active ingredients of PF50, a novel polysaccharide (PFP50-1) was purified and its anti-inflammatory activity was studied. PFP50-1 is composed of → 6) - β - D-Galp - (1 →, → 3,6) - α - D-Man p - (1 →, α - L-Araf - (1 →, → 4,6) - α-D-Glcp - (1 →, → 2,3,4) - α - L-Rhap - (1→ and β - D-Glcp - (1 →, which significantly reduced the abnormal elevation of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced BV2 cells. Further experiments revealed that PFP50-1 inhibited the expression of proinflammatory mediator proteins including iNOS and COX-2. In summary, PFP50-1 has exhibited markedly anti-neuroinflammatory effects and may be one of the biologically active ingredients in PF50 for its anti-neuroinflammation and neuroprotection.

Pioneering polysaccharide extraction with deep eutectic solvents: A review on impacts to extraction yield, physicochemical properties and bioactivities

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have emerged as promising solvents for polysaccharide extraction from various sources. The DES which is produced by combining hydrogen bond donors and acceptors offers sustainability, low toxicity, a wide range of solubility and tailored properties. This review examines DES features and their effectiveness as extraction media for polysaccharides, highlighting the mechanisms behind their enhanced extraction efficiency compared to classical solvents. Additionally, we discuss the mechanism behind the DES affecting the physicochemical and structural properties of the extracted polysaccharides. The review also explores the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and immunomodulatory properties of DES-extracted polysaccharides compared to classical solvents which emphasize structural changes in the polymer complex. This review intends to shed insight into the prospects of green extraction technologies by providing information on the benefits of DES and its potential to modify polysaccharide characteristics and enhance their biological activities, which is covered in depth for the first time here.

Virtual screening and characterization of novel myogenic peptides from bovine collagen hydrolysates: Targeting myomaker

The increasing prevalence of muscle aging, exacerbated by an aging population, poses a significant threat to public health, necessitating the development of more effective interventions. This study primarily aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which bovine bone collagen facilitates muscle differentiation and regeneration. Initially, peptide sequences within bovine bone collagen hydrolysate were identified using peptidomics. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations subsequently demonstrated that the peptide AGPPGPPGPAGK could form a stable complex with Myomaker, suggesting its potential to regulate myoblast differentiation by targeting Myomaker. The physicochemical properties of AGPPGPPGPAGK were predicted using various deep learning tools, providing insight into its functional capabilities. Further molecular and cellular experiments confirmed that the peptide could enhance myoblast differentiation by regulating energy metabolism. Transcriptome analysis further supported these findings, revealing that the peptide modulated energy metabolism during myoblast differentiation. Finally, a combined bioinformatic and transcriptomic analysis indicated a potential regulatory role of Hrh1 in energy metabolism during cell differentiation, a finding that warrants further investigation.

Leguminous proteins as beneficial baking emulsifiers: A comparative study with traditional sucrose ester

In recent years, pursuing healthier and more sustainable food ingredients has increased interest in plant-based alternatives to traditional synthetic emulsifiers. In this study, the properties of five legume proteins: soybean protein isolate (SPI), pea protein isolate (PPI), black bean protein isolate (BBPI), white Canavalia protein isolate (WCAI), and white kidney bean protein isolate (WKBPI) were compared with that of the conventional emulsifier sucrose ester (SE), and add them as emulsifiers to the cake making process. The centrifugal instability index of SPI stabilized emulsion (0.11) was close to that of SE stabilized emulsion (0.08). The foaming performance of WKBPI (85 %) and BBPI (82 %) is 4 times that of SE (20 %).In the simulated cake paste system, the gelatinization temperature of the cake paste with PPI was increased by 0.49 °C compared with that of the blank group and the gelatinization enthalpy decreased by 57.8 % compared with the blank cake paste system. As temperature increases, the viscoelastic curve of the batter with legume protein exhibits an initial decrease followed by a subsequent increase. The above changes are expected to have a positive impact on the quality characteristics of the final baked product. The findings of this study indicated that legume protein could potentially substitute the traditional emulsifier SE.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of grape seed protein: In vitro digestibility, functional, and structural insights as effected by enzyme concentration and enzymolysis time

This study investigated the production of grape seed protein hydrolysate by studying the influence of various enzymatic hydrolysis conditions on grape seed proteins. The hydrolysate was characterized in terms of functional, structural, antioxidant properties and in vitro digestibility. The findings revealed that enzymatic hydrolysis led to structural modifications, which enhanced the functional properties of grape seed proteins. Enzymatic hydrolysis of grape seed protein with enzyme alcalase concentration @ 4 % (v/v) and 6 h resulted in the highest degree of hydrolysis, highest antioxidant activity, emulsifying capacity and solubility, and the lowest turbidity value. Enzymatic hydrolysis treatment reduced particle size, and turbidity, while improving DPPH radical scavenging activity, solubility. FTIR analysis indicated structural and conformational changes in the protein. X-ray diffraction results demonstrated reduced crystallinity in all the grape seed protein hydrolysates. The conformational as well as structural alterations contributed to improved antioxidant properties, and in-vitro digestibility of grape seed protein hydrolysate.

Plant polysaccharides and antioxidant benefits for exercise performance and gut health: from molecular pathways to clinic

In the last three decades, our understanding of how exercise induces oxidative stress has significantly advanced. Plant polysaccharides, such as dietary fibers and resistant starches, have been shown to enhance exercise performance by improving energy metabolism, reducing fatigue, increasing strength and stamina, mitigating oxidative stress post-exercise, facilitating muscle recovery, and aiding in detoxification. Moreover, antioxidants found in plant-based foods play a crucial role in protecting the body against oxidative stress induced by intense physical activity. By scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, antioxidants can improve exercise endurance, enhance recovery, and support immune function. Furthermore, the interaction between plant polysaccharides and antioxidants in the gut microbiota can lead to synergistic effects on overall health and performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current research on plant polysaccharides and antioxidants in relation to exercise performance and gut health.

Quinoa protein and its hydrolysate improve the fatigue resistance of mice: a potential mechanism to relieve oxidative stress and inflammation and improve energy metabolism

Fatigue is commonly marked by reduced endurance and impaired function, often linked to overexertion and chronic conditions. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), with its rich amino acids and resilience to harsh conditions, offers a novel strategy for combating fatigue. This study explored the antifatigue effects of quinoa protein (QPro) and its hydrolysate (QPH) in weight-loaded swimming mice. After 4 weeks of oral administration, QPro and QPH significantly prolonged swimming duration, reduced serum fatigue biomarkers (lactic acid, urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase), and elevated glycogen reserves in the liver and muscle. RT-qPCR analysis indicated that QPH activated hepatic gluconeogenesis via G6Pase and PEPCK signaling and enhanced mitochondrial function through PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM signaling in muscle. Additionally, QPro and QPH boosted antioxidant defenses by improving antioxidant enzyme activity, reducing malondialdehyde through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and suppressing inflammation by reducing TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Network pharmacology identified 31 key targets involved in energy metabolism and inflammation, providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the antifatigue properties of quinoa peptides. These findings highlight the potential of QPro and QPH as natural and bioactive ingredients in functional foods for enhancing endurance and mitigating fatigue.

Degradation of Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides by dielectric barrier discharge plasma and their physicochemical and immunomodulatory properties

In this study, the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on the physicochemical properties and immunomodulatory activities of Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides (SFP) were investigated. Results showed that the average molecular weight of SFP was reduced from 238 to 20 kDa within 90 min using DBD plasma. The contents of total sugar, reducing sugar and sulfate in the degraded polysaccharides after DBD plasma treatment for 90 min increased by 15.41 %, 150.35 % and 146.33 %, respectively, in comparison to the original SFP. Their protein and uronic acid contents decreased by 70.06 % and 18.75 %, respectively. DBD plasma treatment did not change the monosaccharide type of SFP, but it changed their monosaccharide composition, type of functional group and surface morphology. Furthermore, the treatment significantly improved the immunomodulatory activities of degraded polysaccharides. The polysaccharides with the best activity were obtained after treatment for 60 min (named DSFP-T60). Both SFP and DSFP-T60 significantly promoted the pinocytic capacity of RAW264.7 cells and inhibited the expression and production of nitric oxide, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10. Moreover, the degraded polysaccharides showed stronger immunomodulatory activity than SFP. This study will lay a theoretical foundation for exploring a novel and efficient way to degrade polysaccharide with enhanced immunomodulatory activity.

Ribosomal protein S3A (RPS3A), as a transcription regulator of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), promotes glioma progression through regulating the recruitment and autophagy-mediated M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages

Dysregulated expression of ribosomal protein S3A (RPS3A) is associated with the tissue infiltration of immune-related cells in a variety of cancers. However, the role of RPS3A in immune cell infiltration in glioma remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of RPS3A in the glioma immune microenvironment. RPS3A expression was detected in tumor tissues from patients with glioma. U251 cells were transfected with RPS3A shRNA (sh-RPS3A) and overexpression vector (pcDNA-RPS3A) and then co-cultured with PMA-induced THP-1 cells. Cell viability, invasion, and apoptosis were detected by Edu staining, Transwell, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) M1 and M2 markers was detected with RT-qPCR. Next, the interaction between RPS3A and E4 transcription factor 1 (E4F1) was verified by Co-IP analysis, and the binding of E4F1 to colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) promoter was verified by ChIP analysis. Overexpression vectors of CSF1 and E4F1 were used to treat sh-RPS3A-transfected U251 cells for reversal experiments. Finally, U251 cells transfected with sh-RPS3A adenovirus vectors were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to construct a xenograft tumor model, and the growth and metastasis of glioma in vivo were monitored. RPS3A was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues. Overexpression of RPS3A promoted glioma cell proliferation and invasion and inhibited apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of RPS3A promoted TAM proliferation, invasion, and M2 polarization. Silencing RPS3A had the opposite effect. Silencing RPS3A inhibited autophagy in U251 cells, whereas rapamycin, an activator of autophagy, reversed the inhibitory effect of RPS3A silencing on TAM M2 polarization. Meanwhile, RPS3A promoted its expression by interacting with E4F1, and E4F1 promoted CSF1 transcriptional activation. Overexpression of CSF1 promoted the proliferation and invasion of U251 cells and reversed the inhibitory effect of RPS3A silencing on TAM proliferation and invasion, but had no effect on TAM M2 polarization. The results of in vivo experiments showed that knockdown of RPS3A significantly inhibited glioma tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. This study revealed that RPS3A recruited TAMs by upregulating E4F1-mediated transcription activation of CSF1, and promoted the M2 polarization of TAMs through autophagy, promoting glioma cell malignant growth and tumor progression.

Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin on emulsifying capacity of soy protein isolate in extrusion field and its underlying mechanism

BACKGROUND

Soy protein isolate (SPI) has poor emulsifying ability because of its low molecular flexibility and compact structure, limiting its application in extruded protein-based foods. Extrusion technology has emerged as a promising way to alter the structural properties of proteins. Therefore, the impacts of grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP) on structural and emulsifying characteristics of SPI in extrusion field were explored in this study.

RESULTS

After extrusion treatment, the molecular chains of SPI were unfolded. In comparison with extruded SPI, the interaction with GSP led to a rightward shift in particle size distribution and an enhancement in zeta potential values of the protein. As GSP concentration increased from 20 to 80 g kg-1, the free sulfhydryl content of SPI was reduced by 4.17%, 25%, 29.24% and 35.85% compared with that of extruded SPI. The addition of GSP altered the secondary structure of SPI and enhanced the microenvironment polarity. Meanwhile, SDS-PAGE results indicated that the protein presented lower molecular weight with the introduction of GSP. Compared with extruded SPI, the supplementation with GSP increased the molecular flexibility while it decreased the surface hydrophobicity of SPI. Correlation analyses demonstrated that these structural changes induced an improvement in emulsifying activity and emulsion stability of SPI. GSP mainly binds to SPI through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions under the extrusion environment.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that GSP is a potential modifier, which can be applied to improve the emulsifying capacity of extruded SPI-based foods. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hybrid hydrolysates of soy protein and lactoferrin exerts synergistic antioxidant and anti-fatigue effect by modulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways

Oxidative stress is an important cause of exercise fatigue formation. Nutritional intervention is an important way to modulate exercise fatigue. Lactoferrin (LF) and soybean protein (SP) are potential antioxidant bioactive components. Our findings demonstrate that SP-LF hybrid hydrolysates had effective 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and iron ion reducing ability. The synergistic effect between these hybrid hydrolysates were found to be superior to the single hydrolysate in terms of antioxidant level by the joint index analysis. These hybrid hydrolysates are characterized by high levels of amino acids with potential anti-fatigue effect: tyrosine (Tyr), phenylalanine (Phe), hydrophobic amino acid (HAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). In murine models, hybrid hydrolysates significantly prolonged weight-bearing swimming time, increased muscle/liver glycogen levels, decreased lactate, urea nitrogen, and malondialdehyde levels, and increased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ATPase activities. Pearson's correlation analysis established significant associations between antioxidant capacity and anti-fatigue efficacy. It alleviated fatigue through activating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, while increasing the expression levels of PGC-1α. These results collectively suggest that SP-LF hybrid hydrolysates demonstrate significant synergistic antioxidant and anti-fatigue activity and could be incorporated into functional foods as a dietary supplement to reduce fatigue.

Modification of plum seed protein isolate via enzymatic hydrolysis, polyphenol conjugation and polysaccharide complexation to enhance emulsification and encapsulation of essential oils

Partial or limited hydrolysis, polyphenol conjugation, and polysaccharide complexation are widely used methods to improve emulsifying properties of plant proteins. These modifications enable proteins to encapsulate essential oils more effectively, thereby expanding their potential applications. In this study, plum seed protein isolate (PSPI) was modified by enzymatic hydrolysis (Alcalase, pepsin, and flavourzyme), followed by conjugation with polyphenols (catechin, curcumin, and proanthocyanidin), complexation with polysaccharides (gum Arabic, sodium alginate, and wolfberry polysaccharides) to evaluate their effects on PSPI's structure and functional properties. The results showed that all three methods significantly improved PSPI's emulsifying and encapsulating properties by modulating its structure, solubility, surface hydrophobicity, and interfacial tension. These modification methods significantly affected stability of essential oil emulsions and physicochemical properties of the resulting capsules. Hydrolysis with Alcalase, coacervation with gum Arabic, and conjugation with catechin produced emulsions with excellent storage, thermal, and ionic stability. The resulting capsules exhibited higher encapsulation efficiency, improved dispersion, greater thermal stability, enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and a slower release rate. These findings suggest that PSPI hydrolysates, conjugates, and complexes could serve as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and antimicrobial agents, with potential applications in food packaging, oral care products (chewing gum, mouthwashes, and toothpaste), and niche pharmaceutical formulations.

Ameliorative effects of E. cristatum fermented albino tea at the regreening stage on fat deposition of youth chicken

Youth chickens will gradually transition to a fat accumulation-based development stage in their growth. The prevention and resolution of the issue is still a focus in the field of poultry research. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of E. cristatum fermented albino tea at the regreening stage (EFAT) on the fat deposition of youth chicken. In this study, a total of 120 Liyang chickens (age, 8 week) were randomly allocated into 6 groups (n=20): control group (basal diet), Dark tea group (basal diet supplemented with 1% dark tea), Green tea group (basal diet supplemented with 1% green tea) and I, II, III group (basal diet supplemented with 1 %, 2 % and 4 % EFAT, respectively). The feeding trial lasted 16 weeks. The results showed that EFAT supplementation improved the efficiency of feed resource utilization and reduced production costs by observing the growth data and calculating feed conversion ratio (FCR). It significantly reduced abdominal fat and intramuscular fat by observing the slaughter indicators and liver condition, and testing meat composition. EFAT supplementation significantly alleviated changes of biochemical parameters, including plasma triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine Transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glutamate aminotransferase (GGT). Moreover, EFAT supplementation markedly decreased content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) by determining antioxidant activities. In conclusion, EFAT supplementation alleviated fat deposition, both abdominal fat and intramuscular fat by regulating growth and slaughter indicators, improving liver condition, blood biochemical profile and even antioxidant properties. This provides a scientific basis for the study of albino tea on high-fat chicken, which is of great significance to the development of the poultry industry.

Research progress on the bioactivity of compound polysaccharides: A review

Polysaccharides are an important biological response modifier. Due to their mild effects, low toxicity and small side effects, they are widely used. However, the pharmacological activity of compound polysaccharides (composed of two or more types of polysaccharides in a certain proportion) is stronger than that of single polysaccharides and has synergistic effects. Therefore, the research on compound polysaccharides is also increasing. This review systematically collated literature from four prominent databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MDPI, and CNKI-up to 2024, encapsulating the current findings regarding the diverse biological activities of compound polysaccharides. Experimental investigations predominantly concentrate on immune activity, anti-tumor efficacy, modulation of gut microbiota, and antiviral activity. Among these areas, the synergistic effect of immune activity is particularly pronounced; however, research specifically addressing this phenomenon remains comparatively limited. Future research should continue to explore the ratio of compound polysaccharides and the factors affecting their biological activity through data sharing and multi-institutional cooperation. In addition, the synergistic effect of compound polysaccharides combined with other chemical components or drugs cannot be ignored.

Plant protein-based Pickering emulsion for the encapsulation and delivery of fat-soluble vitamins: A systematic review

Vitamin deficiencies pose a significant global health challenge, leading to various health issues and economic burdens. These challenges arise with the delivery of fat-soluble vitamin (FSV) due to its poor stability against the environmental stimuli. The commercial fortification methods such as Pickering emulsion (PE), hydrogel and others offer a potential solution over the limitations of conventional vitamin delivery methods (degradation and poor bioavailability). PE stabilized by solid plant protein particles, have emerged as a promising approach for encapsulation and delivery of oil-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Plant proteins, with their amphiphilic nature and nutritional benefits, are particularly well-suited as a stabilizer for PE. Plant protein-based PE enhances protection of vitamins against the environmental stimuli and enhances the delivery efficiency of oil-soluble vitamins. Factors such as particle size, concentration, and oil type also influence the stability, encapsulation efficiency, and bio-accessibility of fat-soluble vitamins in PE. Hence, the present review explores the impact of various factors on the stability and bio-accessibility of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and E) and also emphasizing the role of particle size and concentration of stabilizer in controlling release rates of vitamin encapsulated PE. The review also highlights the application of plant protein-based PEs in various food products including nutrient fortification, functional foods, and 3D food printing.

Synthesis, characterization, and bioactivity of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by regenerated chitin nanofibers

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have garnered significant attention for their advantageous biological properties and low toxicity. However, their practical application has been constrained by limited stability. In this study, regenerated chitin nanofibers (Re-ChNFs) were utilized to improve the stability and dispersion of SeNPs through a redox reaction involving ascorbic acid and sodium selenite. The findings revealed that the SeNPs were effectively adsorbed onto the surface of the Re-ChNFs, resulting in a uniform size and distribution that facilitated the formation of amorphous, zero-valent Re-ChNFs-stabilized SeNPs (Re-ChNFs/SeNPs). The selenium concentration within the Re-ChNFs/SeNPs was determined to be 121.60 mg/L. And the synthesized Re-ChNFs/SeNPs displayed a notably heightened capacity for scavenging DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anion radicals in comparison to Re-ChNFs and SeNPs alone. Moreover, in vitro assays demonstrated that Re-ChNFs/SeNPs effectively suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 and HCT116 cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. This suggests that Re-ChNFs/SeNPs hold potential as an antioxidant or anticancer therapeutic agents, with promising applications in the fields of nutrition and healthcare.

Stabilization of calcium-fortified soy protein emulsions by calcium chelating agent sodium tripolyphosphate

Calcium-fortified soy protein emulsions stabilized by sodium tripolyphosphate are of considerable importance for the development of calcium-fortified soymilk products. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and stabilities of calcium-fortified soy protein emulsions stabilized by sodium tripolyphosphate. When the concentration of sodium tripolyphosphate ranged from 0 to 0.6%, the emulsion potential and emulsification activity index gradually increased to 35.5 mV and 71.7 ± 0.8%, while the particle size and flocculation index progressively decreased to 756.2 ± 41.3 nm and 16.21%, respectively. However, when the concentration exceeded 0.6%, these characterization data plateaued. Microstructural analysis revealed a uniform distribution of droplets. Raman spectroscopy showed an increase in the ordered structure of proteins in the emulsion. Additionally, the centrifugal, thermal, and storage stabilities of the emulsion were enhanced. These findings offer insights into the properties of calcium-fortified soy protein emulsions stabilized by sodium tripolyphosphate and may contribute to expanding their utilization in emulsions and soy products.

Graphical abstract

Epicatechin prevents preeclampsia-associated hypertension and oxidative stress

Preeclampsia (PE) is a frequent and dangerous multisystemic pregnancy complication, associated with blood pressure control. Some antioxidants, including chocolate-derived epicatechin, can effectively attenuate hypertensive disorders.

AIM

This study aimed to assess whether epicatechin or dark chocolate (DC) could revert vascular increased reactivity and oxidative stress, both features of an experimental PE model.

METHODS

Rats from healthy pregnant or PE groups received vehicle, epicatechin (10 mg/kg/day) po, or DC (1 g) po, administered on days 1-14 (early) or days 7-21(late) of pregnancy. Blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff plethysmography method. Aorta contractility was evaluated using a conventional isolated organ bath, and oxidative stress was determined by nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced (NADPH) serum activity.

RESULTS

Epicatechin and DC significantly reduced hypertension, decreased abdominal aorta contractility, and decreased NADPH activity of the PE animals. The effects were more evident when administered during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that epicatechin has a significant antihypertensive effect in PE mediated by an antioxidant activity that improves vascular contractility.

Absorption, transport, blood-brain barrier penetration, and neuroprotection of walnut peptides LR and LPI

The prerequisite for neuroprotective peptides to exert physiological effect is that they can across intestinal epithelial barrier and blood-brain barrier (BBB). The study was aimed to investigate the absorption, transportation and BBB permeability of walnut neuroprotective peptides LR and LPI using Caco-2 cell monolayer and in vivo imaging, and further to evaluate their underlying mechanisms through transcriptome sequencing analysis of zebrafish brain. Results showed that LR and LPI improved learning and memory impairment in scopolamine-induced zebrafish. Both peptides could be intactly transported in Caco-2 cells but via different mechanisms. LR was transported via both PepT1-mediated active route and tight junction-regulated passive paracellular route, while LPI was via PepT1 route only, with apparent permeability coefficient (30.18 ± 1.94) × 10-7 cm/s and (51.91 ± 3.49) × 10-7 cm/s, respectively. In vivo imaging of nude mice after FITC-labeling peptides administration further consolidated their ability of absorption, metabolic stability, and BBB penetration. Interestingly, LR exhibited better brain influx than that of LPI in nude mice. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing analysis demonstrated that LR and LPI improved learning and memory capacity by intervening cholinergic system, synaptic development and plasticity, neurotrophins, and oxidative stress, which were subsequent verified by biochemical measurement of zebrafish brain.

Pickering stabilization of double emulsions: Basic concepts, rationale, preparation, potential applications, challenges, and future perspectives

Double emulsions (DEs) offer unique compartmentalized structures but are inherently unstable, prompting significant scientific and industrial efforts to enhance their stability. One promising strategy is the use of solid particles-known as Pickering stabilization-resulting in Pickering double emulsions (PDEs), which overcome many limitations of conventional low-molecular-weight (LMW) surfactants. However, the term "Pickering" is often misused in the literature to describe any formulation containing particles, regardless of whether the interface is fully stabilized by them. This review aims to clarify the concept of Pickering stabilization, outline the rationale for its application to DEs, and examine preparation mechanisms, interfacial approaches, potential applications, and current challenges. Particles with dual wettability and high desorption energy irreversibly adsorb at interfaces, forming robust mechanical barriers that inhibit coalescence and reduce diffusion or escape of internal droplets. PDEs can be prepared via two-step emulsification, one-step processes, or advanced microfluidic methods. A variety of Pickering approaches have been developed to engineer particles capable of dual interfacial stabilization, enabling sophisticated functions such as (co-)encapsulation, controlled release, and the formation of hierarchical structures like microspheres, colloidosomes, and antibubbles. To unlock the full potential of PDEs for industrial applications, future research should prioritize eliminating surfactant use, developing safe and sustainable particles, and advancing scalable production methods without compromising emulsion stability or performance.

A two-dimensional liquid chromatography approach for simultaneous separation and quantification of structural and chiral amino acids in oolong tea

Oolong tea contains diverse isomers, such as amino acids. D-amino acids, compared with their L-enantiomers, exhibit distinct properties, influencing both the flavor and bioactivity of the tea. However, the analysis of these isomers remains challenging, especially the simultaneous determination of structural and chiral isomers. This study introduced a stepwise two-dimensional liquid chromatography heart-cut (LC-LC) method for improving resolution, followed by exploration of selective comprehensive (sLC × LC) for precise quantification by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF/MS), demonstrated using D/L-Leu and D/L-Ile. LC-LC improved the resolution of L-Leu and L-Ile isomers from 0.5 to 1.5, while sLC × LC further improved the precision and robustness using optimized loop filling. D/L-Leu and D/L-Ile were successfully quantified, ranging from 0.08 μg/g for D-Ile and 22.34 μg/g for L-Leu with RSD% below 5 %. This study demonstrated the potential of sLC × LC in addressing complex isomer challenges in food analysis, enabling deeper insights into food composition and authenticity.

Peas (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense Asch) and Beans (Vicia faba var. minor) as Source of Quality Plant Proteins

The demand for plant-based proteins has grown significantly due to their sustainability and lower environmental impact compared to animal proteins. Shifting from animal-based to plant-based diets, particularly those incorporating protein-rich legumes like beans and peas, can substantially reduce the climate footprint of food production. Underutilized legumes, which are often critical in resource-poor regions, hold immense potential for enhancing food security, nutrition, and agricultural development. Despite their importance, information about these legumes remains limited and region-specific. The shift towards plant proteins is further driven by the growing popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets, alongside mounting concerns over the environmental impacts of livestock farming. Consequently, plant proteins are increasingly favored over their animal-based counterparts in the food industry. Scientists are now exploring novel plant protein sources and developing superior-quality proteins with enhanced functional and nutritional characteristics using cutting-edge technologies. While traditional plant protein sources like wheat and soy present challenges such as allergenicity, pulses like peas, beans, chickpeas, and lentils are gaining prominence due to their agronomic and nutritional advantages. It is anticipated that ongoing research will address the existing knowledge gaps regarding the nutritional and health benefits of fodder seeds such as field bean and field pea seeds, broadening their application across diverse food industries. In this context, the present review focuses on the potential of field bean and field pea as valuable sources of food and functional ingredients. Despite their benefits, current knowledge about these crops is limited to specific geographic areas where they hold cultural or local significance.

Dual-stabilized selenium nanoparticles with chitosan and SS31 peptide: Resolving instability for enhancing ROS elimination, suppressing inflammation, and combating bacterial infections

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) hold significant promise for managing inflammatory microenvironments due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerative properties. However, their poor stability limits practical applications. To address this, we developed a novel nanocomposite by co-stabilizing SeNPs with chitosan and the mitochondria-targeting peptide SS31 (CS/SS31-SeNPs) via a redox synthesis method. The optimized CS/SS31-SeNPs exhibited a uniform spherical structure (82 nm diameter, +48 mV zeta potential) and exceptional stability (no aggregation over 90 days), as confirmed by dynamic light scattering, TEM, EDX, XPS and TGA analyses. The nanocomposites demonstrated enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging efficiency in vitro and in vivo. In a copper sulfate-induced zebrafish inflammation model, CS/SS31-SeNPs pretreatment reduced neutrophil and macrophage recruitment by 38.07 % and 43.56 %, respectively, outperforming bare SeNPs. Furthermore, CS/SS31-SeNPs exhibited superior antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, achieving near-complete growth inhibition at 64 μM. Mechanistic studies revealed that the antibacterial action stems from targeting the conserved MraY enzyme in peptidoglycan synthesis. Molecular docking indicated stable binding (-15.6 kcal/mol) of CS/SS31-SeNPs to MraY's uracil pocket and adjacent sites-a mechanism distinct from conventional antibiotics, suggesting broad-spectrum potential. By synergistically integrating chitosan's antibacterial properties with SS31's mitochondrial targeting, CS/SS31-SeNPs overcome SeNPs instability while amplifying their therapeutic efficacy. This multifunctional platform offers a promising strategy for treating oral-craniofacial inflammatory and infectious diseases, with implications for antibiotic resistance mitigation.

The Impact of Diet on the Colonization of Beneficial Microbes from an Ecological Perspective

With growing recognition of the pivotal role of gut microbiota in human health, probiotics have gained widespread attention for their potential to restore microbial homeostasis. However, a critical challenge persists: limited colonization efficiency among most probiotic strains compromises their therapeutic efficacy. This overview synthesizes ecological principles with cutting-edge microbiome research to elucidate the dynamic interplay between dietary components and probiotic colonization within the intestinal niche. This overview systematically analyzes: (1) stage-specific colonization mechanisms spanning microbial introduction, establishment, and proliferation; (2) nutrient-driven modulation of gut microbiota composition and function; and (3) the dual role of common dietary patterns as both facilitators and disruptors of probiotic persistence. Notably, this overview identifies key dietary strategies, including precision delivery of prebiotic fibers and polyphenol-microbiota crosstalk, that enhance niche adaptation through pH optimization, adhesion potentiation, and competitive exclusion of pathogens. Furthermore, this overview critically evaluates current limitations in probiotic research, particularly strain-specific variability and methodological constraints in simulating host-microbe-diet tripartite interactions. To bridge these gaps, this overview proposes an interdisciplinary framework integrating omics-driven strain selection, engineered delivery systems, and personalized nutrition models. Collectively, this work advances a mechanistic understanding of diet-microbiota interactions while providing actionable insights for developing targeted probiotic therapies and evidence-based dietary interventions to optimize gut ecosystem resilience.