Advance in food-derived phospholipids: Sources, molecular species and structure as well as their biological activities

A comprehensive study of the colloidal properties, biocompatibility, and synergistic antioxidant actions of Antarctic krill phospholipids

Excipient selection is crucial to address the oxidation and solubility challenges of bioactive substances, impacting their safety and efficacy. AKPL, a novel ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) esterified phospholipid derived from Antarctic krill, demonstrates unique antioxidant capabilities and synergistic effects. It exhibits pronounced surface activity and electronegativity at physiological pH, as evidenced by a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.15 g/L and ζ-potential of -49.9 mV. In aqueous environments, AKPL self-assembles into liposomal structures, offering high biocompatibility and promoting cell proliferation. Its polyunsaturated bond-rich structure provides additional oxidation sites, imparting antioxidant properties superior to other phospholipids like DSPC and DOPC. Additionally, AKPL augments the efficacy of lipophilic antioxidants, such as alpha-tocopherol and curcumin, in aqueous media through both intermolecular and intramolecular interactions. In sum, AKPL emerges as an innovative unsaturated phospholipid, offering new strategies for encapsulating and delivering oxygen-sensitive agents.

Ailanthus altissima Seed Oil-A Valuable Source of Lipid-Soluble Components with DNA Protective and Antiproliferative Activities

The present study is focused on the chemical and lipid composition of seed oil of the European ornamental and invasive wood plant Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae). Total lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, ash, and moisture in the seeds were determined. A high yield of glyceride oil (30.7%) was found, as well as a high content of fibers (29.6%) and proteins (18.7%). Physicochemical properties of the oil define it as semi-dry (129.4 g I2/100 g Iodine value) with oxidative stability, refractive index, saponification value, and relative density similar to widely used oils with nutritional value and health benefits. The composition of the seed oil was determined chromatographically. Unsaturated fatty acids (95.3%) predominated in the seed oil, of which linoleic acid (48.6%) and oleic acid (44.8%) were the major ones. The main lipid-soluble bioactive components were β-sitosterol (72.6%), γ-tocopherol (74.6%), phosphatidylinositol (29.5%), and phosphatidic acids (25.7%). The proven in vitro DNA-protective ability of seed oil is reported for the first time. The seed oil exhibited a weak antiproliferative effect on HT-29 and PC3 tumor cell lines and showed no cytotoxicity on the BALB/c 3T3 cell line. In brief, the present study reveals that A. altissima seed oil can be used as a healthy food.

Relatively Low Lecithin Inclusion Improved Gelling Characteristics and Oxidative Stability of Single-Washed Mackerel (Auxis thazard) Surimi

The effect of lecithin addition on the gelling characteristics and oxidative stability of single-washed mackerel (Auxis thazard) surimi was investigated in this study. Surimi was chopped in the presence of 2.5% (w/w) NaCl with different concentrations of lecithin (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/100 g surimi). The rheological behavior, gel-forming ability, microstructure, and lipid oxidation of lecithin-added surimi varied significantly depending on lecithin content. When compared to the control, lecithin at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 g/100 g improved the breaking force of the gel (p < 0.05). The breaking force of the gel decreased significantly as lecithin concentration increased (up to 1.5 g/100 g) (p < 0.05). Deformation, on the other hand, reacted differently to the lecithin than it did to the breaking force. At a lecithin level of 0.1 g/100 g, the surimi gel displayed improved deformation (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, at higher doses (0.5-1.5 g/100 g), lecithin considerably reduced surimi gel deformation (p < 0.05), and the gel containing lecithin at 1.5 g/100 g showed significantly decreased deformation. Surimi with 0.1 g/100 g lecithin had the lowest expressible drip (p < 0.05). In general, lecithin at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1 g/100 g reduced expressible drip (p < 0.05), but not at 1.5 g/100 g, which was equivalent to the control (p > 0.05). Adding lecithin to mackerel surimi improved its whiteness slightly, regardless of concentration. Lecithin impacted the microstructures of surimi gel in a concentration-dependent manner. Lecithin at a concentration of 0.1 g/100 g produced a densely packed network with small, jointed clusters and minimal holes within the gel. Joined clusters in the gel were reduced by 0.5-1.5 g/100 g lecithin, and continuous aggregates predominated. Surprisingly, at higher doses of lecithin, notably 1.5 g/100 g, porous structures with continuous voids were perceived. Surimi gels treated with various lecithin doses had lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels than the control (p < 0.05). Overall, lecithin at a low concentration of 0.1 g/100 g was most effective at improving the texture, increasing water-holding capacity, lightening the color, and delaying lipid oxidation of single-washed mackerel surimi.

The impact of Levilactobacillus brevis YSJ3 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JLSC2-6 co-culture on gamma-aminobutyric acid yield, volatile and non-volatile metabolites, antioxidant activity, and bacterial community in fermented cauliflower byproducts

Co-culture fermentation is a novel technology for enhancing fermentation quality and promoting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) yield. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Levilactobacillus brevis YSJ3 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JLSC2-6 co-culture on GABA yield, volatile and non-volatile metabolite profiles, and antioxidant activity in cauliflower byproducts. It was found that co-culture had the highest GABA yield (35.00 ± 1.15 mg/L) in fermented cauliflower stems. In total, 111 and 1264 volatile and non-volatile metabolites, respectively, were identified, of which 59 metabolites were significantly upregulated after co-culture fermentation. The results showed that 24 key upregulated metabolites were positively associated with hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity. Notably, Levilactobacills were positively correlated with the yield of GABA and key upregulated metabolites. Thus, these results suggest that Levilactobacillus brevis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum can improve in key metabolites, GABA yield, and antioxidant activity following co-culture. This study provide a theoretical basis for developing GABA-rich cauliflower byproducts.

Evaluation of Lipid Oxidation Characteristics in Salmon after Simulation of Cold Chain Interruption Using Rapid Evaporation Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Temperature fluctuations occurring during the cold chain logistics of salmon contribute to lipid oxidation. This study aimed to simulate cold chain interruption through freeze-thaw operations and evaluate the lipidomics data from salmon samples subjected to different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles by using rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) combined with an intelligent surgical knife (iKnife). The results indicated significant differences in the relative abundance of characteristic ions among the samples (p < 0.05). A total of 34 ions with variable importance for the projection values ≥1 were identified as potential biomarkers, including m/z 719.4233 ([PCC36:5-NH(CH3)3]-), m/z 337.3134 ([FAC22:1]-), m/z 720.4666 ([PEC35:6-H]-), m/z 309.2780 ([FAC20:1]-), m/z 777.4985 ([PCC40:4-NH(CH3)3]-), m/z 745.4421 ([PCC38:6-NH(CH3)3]-/[PEC38:6-NH3]-), m/z 747.4665 ([PCC38:5-NH(CH3)3]-/[PEC38:5-NH3]-), etc. The degree of lipid oxidation was found to be associated with the number of freeze-thaw cycles, exhibiting the most significant alterations in the relative abundance of lipid ions in the 8T samples. Additionally, sensory evaluation by the CIE-L*a*b* method and volatile analysis by headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05) in color and odor among the salmon samples, with a correlation to the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The primary compounds responsible for alterations in salmon odor were aldehydes with lower odor thresholds. In summary, the iKnife-REIMS method accurately differentiated salmon muscle tissues based on varying levels of lipid oxidation, thus expanding the application of REIMS.

An overview of food lipids toward food lipidomics

Increasing evidence regarding lipids' beneficial effects on human health has changed the common perception of consumers and dietary officials about the role(s) of food lipids in a healthy diet. However, lipids are a wide group of molecules with specific nutritional and bioactive properties. To understand their true nutritional and functional value, robust methods are needed for accurate identification and quantification. Specific analytical strategies are crucial to target specific classes, especially the ones present in trace amounts. Finding a unique and comprehensive methodology to cover the full lipidome of each foodstuff is still a challenge. This review presents an overview of the lipids nutritionally relevant in foods and new trends in food lipid analysis for each type/class of lipids. Food lipid classes are described following the LipidMaps classification, fatty acids, endocannabinoids, waxes, C8 compounds, glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids (i.e., glycolipids, betaine lipids, and triglycerides), sphingolipids, sterols, sercosterols (vitamin D), isoprenoids (i.e., carotenoids and retinoids (vitamin A)), quinones (i.e., coenzyme Q, vitamin K, and vitamin E), terpenes, oxidized lipids, and oxylipin are highlighted. The uniqueness of each food group: oil-, protein-, and starch-rich, as well as marine foods, fruits, and vegetables (water-rich) regarding its lipid composition, is included. The effect of cooking, food processing, and storage, in addition to the importance of lipidomics in food quality and authenticity, are also discussed. A critical review of challenges and future trends of the analytical approaches and computational methods in global food lipidomics as the basis to increase consumer awareness of the significant role of lipids in food quality and food security worldwide is presented.

Egg yolk phosphatidylcholine alleviates DSS-induced colitis in BALB/c mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory bowel disease, whose incidence is on the rise worldwide. The drugs commonly used for UC are often associated with a number of side effects. Therefore, the development of effective, food-borne substances for UC is in line with the current needs. Egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC) is one of the abundant lipids in egg yolk and possesses various biological activities. However, its protective effect against UC has not been clarified. In this study, the anti-UC activity of EYPC was investigated using a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model of BALB/c mice. The results showed that EYPC supplementation inhibited DSS-induced colon shortening, the spleen index and disease activity index increase and intestinal structural damage. EYPC could down-regulate the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and MPO in the colon and restore the number of goblet cells and the level of tight junction (TJ) proteins. Besides, EYPC modulated the composition of the gut microbiota, lowered the relative abundance of the pathogenic bacterium Parabacteroides and upregulated the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Alistipes and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. These results evidenced that EYPC could attenuate DSS-induced colitis in mice and had the potential to prevent and treat UC.

The roles of soybean lecithin in aquafeed: a crucial need and update

Soybean lecithin is extensively used as the dietary supplementation of phospholipids in animal production. Soybean lecithin plays significant roles in aquafeed as growth promoter, feed enhancer, immunity modulator and antioxidant activity stimulator for aquaculture species. Besides, soybean lecithin is also reported to help aquaculture species being resilient to physical and chemical stressors. In this review, common sources, chemical structure and mode of action of lecithin, with highlight on soybean lecithin application in aquaculture over four-decadal studies published between 1983 and 2023, were evaluated and summarized. By far, soybean lecithin is best-known for its beneficial effects, availability yet cost-effective for aquafeed formulation. Findings from this review also demonstrate that although nutritional profile of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk and marine sources are superior to those from plant sources such as soybean, it is rather costly for sustainable application in aquafeed formulation. Moreover, commercially available products that incorporate soybean lecithin with other feed additives are promising to boost aquaculture production. Overall, effects of soybean lecithin supplementation are well-recognized on larval and juvenile of aquaculture species which having limited ability to biosynthesis phospholipids de novo, and correspondingly attribute to phospholipid, a primary component of soybean lecithin, that is essential for rapid growth during early stages development. In addition, soybean lecithin supplementation plays a distinguish role in stimulating maturation of gonadal development in the adults, especially for crustaceans.

Phospholipase C: Diverse functions in plant biotic stress resistance and fungal pathogenicity

Phospholipase C (PLC) generates various second messenger molecules and mediates phospholipid hydrolysis. In recent years, the important roles of plant and fungal PLC in disease resistance and pathogenicity, respectively, have been determined. However, the roles of PLC in plants and fungi are unintegrated and relevant literature is disorganized. This makes it difficult for researchers to implement PLC-based strategies to improve disease resistance in plants. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the structure, classification, and phylogeny of the PLCs involved in plant biotic stress resistance and fungal pathogenicity. PLCs can be divided into two groups, nonspecific PLC (NPC) and phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC (PI-PLC), which present marked differences in phylogenetic evolution. The products of PLC genes in fungi play significant roles in physiological activity and pathogenesis, whereas those encoded by plant PLC genes mediate the immune response to fungi. This review provides a perspective for the future control of plant fungal diseases.

Glucosinolates or erucic acid, which one contributes more to volatile flavor of fragrant rapeseed oil?

This study aims to investigate the effect of three rapeseed varieties with different erucic acid (EA) and glucosinolates (GLSs) content, and different degumming methods on the volatile flavor profiles of fragrant rapeseed oil (FRO). A total of 171 volatile compounds were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction combine with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), and 87 compounds were identified as key odorants owing to their relative odor activity values (ROAV) ≥ 1. Methyl furfuryl disulfide was identified in rapeseed oil for the first time, with highest ROAVs (up to 26805.46). The volatile flavor profile of rapeseed oil was affected by GLSs content to a certain extent rather than EA content. Rapeseed varieties with low-EA and high-GLSs are suitable to produce FRO. Silicon dioxide adsorbing was an effective alternative method to water degumming in FRO. This work provided a new idea for selection of raw materials and degumming methods in FRO production.

An overview on lipids in nuts and oily fruits: oil content, lipid composition, health effects, lipidomic fingerprinting and new biotechnological applications of their by-products

Tree nuts and oily fruits are used as a diet complement and are highly consumed worldwide. The production and consumption of these foods have been increasing, and an enormous global market value is forecasted for 2023. Besides their high nutritional value and lipid content, they provide health benefits to fat metabolism, heart, skin, and brain. The industrial by-products of these oily foods represent promising raw materials for many industries. However, the lipidomic analysis of nuts and oily fruits is still in its early stages. State-of-the-art analytical approaches for the lipid profiling and fingerprinting of nuts and oily fruits have been developed using high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry for the accurate identification and structural characterization at the molecular species level. It is expected to bring a new understanding of these everyday foods' nutritional and functional value. This review comprises the oil content and lipid composition of various nuts and oily fruits, particularly those mostly consumed worldwide and having recognized beneficial health effects, biological activities associated with the lipids from different oily foodstuffs, analytical methodologies to analyze lipids in nuts and oily fruits, and the potential biotechnological applications of their industrial by-products for a lipid-based commercial valorization.

Egg yolk phospholipids as an ideal precursor of fatty note odorants for chicken meat and fried foods: A review

Egg yolk phospholipids (PLs) have been demonstrated to generate large quantities of lipid-derived odorants, especially the fatty note odorants. Recently, egg yolk PLs have been successfully used in chicken meat and fried foods to improve aroma. This review comprehensively summarizes the properties of egg yolk PLs as precursors of fatty note odorants, including their classes, extraction, identification, oxidation, decomposition and odorant formation, applications, considerations and future prospects in the food industry. Most likely, phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant class in egg yolk PLs, and PC is more efficient than phosphatidylethanolamine in generating fatty note odorants; moreover, the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid is linoleic acid, and its corresponding predominant hydroperoxide is 9-hydroperoxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid during autoxidation, which is the precursor of 2,4-decadienals and 2,4-nonadienals, the key fatty note odorants. Therefore, egg yolk PLs could be an ideal precursor of fatty note odorants for chicken meat and fried foods.

Lipidomics insight on differences between human MFGM and dietary-derived lipids

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) contains lipids, which are essential for promoting infant brain development and improving cognition. In this study, the lipid differences between human MFGM and four dietary lipid sources (cow MFGM, soybean, krill, and yolk) were compared using the UHPLC-Q-Exactive MS-based lipidomics techniques. A total of 45 lipid classes and 5048 lipid species were detected. The analysis of phospholipid classes revealed that the lipid composition of human MFGM and cow MFGM was more similar than the other dietary-derived lipids. Additionally, the human MFGM lipid species were compared with cow MFGM, soybean, krill, and yolk, and 401, 416, 494, and 444 significantly different lipids were identified, respectively. Through lipid metabolic pathway analysis, differential lipids were mainly involved in the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway. Overall, these results will provide a rationale for the future addition of lipids to infant formula to more closely approximate human MFGM lipid profiles.

Phospholipids molecular species, proteins secondary structure, and emulsion microstructure of egg yolk with reduced polar and/or nonpolar lipids

This study investigated the phospholipids (PLs) molecular species (PLs-MS), protein secondary structure (PSS), and emulsion microstructure of the egg yolk (EY) treated with supercritical-CO₂ (T1), hexane (T2), and ethanol {at room temperature (T3) and 65 °C (T4)}. PLs-MS, PSS, and microstructure of EY emulsion were investigated with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, Fourier-transforms infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscope, respectively. Predominant PLs molecular fractions were C18:0-C20:4, C18:0-C20:4, C16:0-C18:2, C16:0, C18:0-C18:2, and d18:1/16:0, for phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and phosphatidylserine, respectively. All the PLs-MS were highest for T1 and many of them (C14:0-C16:0, C18:0-C18:1, C18:0-C20:3) were absent in T2, T3, and T4. PSS components (α-helices, β-sheets, β-turn, and random coil) were highest for T4, followed by T3, T2, T1, and control (non-treated EY). However, T1-added o/w emulsion showed excellent stability (95.64 %) with smaller and denser oil droplets due to better ionic interactions by synergistic effect of PLs-MS and PSS components.

A Comprehensive Review of Health-Benefiting Components in Rapeseed Oil

Rapeseed oil is the third most consumed culinary oil in the world. It is well-known for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, which make it of great nutritional value. There is increasing evidence that a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids offers health benefits. Although the consumption of rapeseed oil cuts across many areas around the world, the nutritional elements of rapeseed oil and the exact efficacy of the nutrients remain unclear. In this review, we systematically summarized the latest studies on functional rapeseed components to ascertain which component of canola oil contributes to its function. Apart from unsaturated fatty acids, there are nine functional components in rapeseed oil that contribute to its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective, among others. These nine functional components are vitamin E, flavonoids, squalene, carotenoids, glucoraphanin, indole-3-Carbinol, sterols, phospholipids, and ferulic acid, which themselves or their derivatives have health-benefiting properties. This review sheds light on the health-benefiting effects of rapeseed oil in the hope of further development of functional foods from rapeseed.

Effects of Bee Pollen Derived from Acer mono Maxim. or Phellodendron amurense Rupr. on the Lipid Composition of Royal Jelly Secreted by Honeybees

Royal jelly is a specific product secreted by honeybees, and has been sought after to maintain health because of its valuable bioactive substances, e.g., lipids and vitamins. The lipids in royal jelly come from the bee pollen consumed by honeybees, and different plant source of bee pollen affects the lipid composition of royal jelly. However, the effect of bee pollen consumption on the lipid composition of royal jelly remains unclear. Herein, we examined the influence of two factors on the lipid composition of royal jelly: first, two plant sources of bee pollen, i.e., Acer mono Maxim. (BP-Am) and Phellodendron amurense Rupr. (BP-Pa); secondly, different feeding times. Lipidomic analyses were conducted on the royal jelly produced by honeybees fed BP-Am or BP-Pa using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The results showed that the phospholipid and fatty acid contents differed in royal jelly produced by honeybees fed BP-Am compared to those fed BP-Pa. There were also differences between timepoints, with many lipid compounds decreasing in abundance soon after single-pollen feeding began, slowly increasing over time, then decreasing again after 30 days of single-pollen feeding. The single bee pollen diet destroyed the nutritional balance of bee colonies and affected the development of hypopharyngeal and maxillary glands, resulting in differences in royal jelly quality. This study provides guidance for optimal selection of honeybee feed for the production of high-quality royal jelly.

Multifunctional nanoparticle for cancer therapy

Cancer is a complex disease associated with a combination of abnormal physiological process and exhibiting dysfunctions in multiple systems. To provide effective treatment and diagnosis for cancer, current treatment strategies simultaneously focus on various tumor targets. Based on the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanocarriers have been shown to exhibit excellent potential for cancer therapy. Compared with nanoparticles with single functions, multifunctional nanoparticles are believed to be more aggressive and potent in the context of tumor targeting. However, the development of multifunctional nanoparticles is not simply an upgraded version of the original function, but involves a sophisticated system with a proper backbone, optimized modification sites, simple preparation method, and efficient function integration. Despite this, many well-designed multifunctional nanoparticles with promising therapeutic potential have emerged recently. Here, to give a detailed understanding and analyzation of the currently developed multifunctional nanoparticles, their platform structures with organic or inorganic backbones were systemically generalized. We emphasized on the functionalization and modification strategies, which provide additional functions to the nanoparticle. We also discussed the application combination strategies that were involved in the development of nanoformulations with functional crosstalk. This review thus provides an overview of the construction strategies and application advances of multifunctional nanoparticles.

Effect of Four Extraction Processes with Acetone-Ethanol Protocols on the Properties of Egg Yolk Phosphatidylcholine and the Structure of Residual Protein

In this study, four acetone-ethanol protocols were employed to investigate the effect of extraction processes on the yield and purity of phosphatidylcholine (PC) from dried egg yolk powder and fresh liquid egg yolk, as well as the cholesterol distribution between the oil and PC fraction. Furthermore, the physicochemical (thermo-stability, fatty acid composition, and molecular structure) and emulsifying (zeta potential, particle size, EAI, ESI, and creaming index) properties of the final PC product were also examined. In addition, the structural characteristics of the egg yolk residual protein were highlighted to promote its application in food industries. The results showed that de-oiling with acetone prior to ethanol extraction can achieve high yield (19.92%) and purity (68.62%) of the PC product with low cholesterol content (< 0.12%). The extraction processes exhibited a significant impact on the emulsifying properties of the PC product. The creaming index of PC emulsions was higher than that of egg yolk powder emulsions with high protein concentration, suggesting that PC plays a critical role in the emulsifying stability of egg yolk protein dispersion. The structural characteristics of residual protein, including free sulfhydryl groups and primary, secondary, and ternary structures, showed considerable differentiation related to extraction processes. These findings provide a powerful tool for the dietary utilization of egg yolk PC and protein in future.

Characterization and Comparison of Lipid Profiles of Selected Chicken Eggs Based on Lipidomics Approach

The present study aimed to analyze the lipid profiles of three selected chicken eggs (Nixi, silky fowl, and ordinary eggs) from the market of China by an UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS based untargeted lipidomics approach. In total, 11 classes and 285 lipid molecular species were identified from the egg yolks. Glycerophospholipids (GPLs, 6 classes, 168 lipid species) are the most abundant lipids groups, followed by sphingolipids (3 classes, 50 lipid species), and two neutral lipid classes (TG and DG). Notably, two ethersubclass of GPLs (PC-e and PE-p) and 12 species of cerebrosides were firstly detected from the chicken eggs. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis was performed and the lipids profiles of the three types of eggs were well discriminated from each other by 30 predominant lipids species. The characteristic lipid molecules of the different kind of eggs were also screened out. This study provides a novel insight for better understanding the lipid profiles and nutritional values of different chicken eggs.

Rapid Acid/Base Switching in Flow Injection Analysis and Isocratic Elution Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometric Detection for Improved Sensitivity

Ion signals in electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) are affected by addition of acid or base. Acids or bases are typically added to samples to enhance detection of analytes in positive- or negative-ion mode, respectively. To carry out simultaneous monitoring of analytes with different ionogenic moieties by ESI-MS, a rapid acid/base switching system was developed. The system was further coupled with flow injection analysis (FIA) and liquid chromatography (LC) MS. The two variants enable detection of separated analytes immediately after alternating addition of acid and base. The methods were tested using a set of phospholipids (PLs) as analytes. The rapid acid/base switching enhanced signals of some of the PL analytes in both ion modes of MS. Both FIA-MS and LC-MS with acid/base switching show signal enhancements (∼1.3-23.2 times) of some analyte signals when compared with analysis conducted without acid/base switching. The proposed methods are suitable for simultaneous analysis of cationic and anionic analytes. The FIA-MS and LC-MS methods with acid/base switching were also applied in analysis of lipid extract from real samples (sausage and porcine liver). However, the FIA-MS results were affected by ionization competition and isobaric interference due to the complexity of the sample matrix and diversity of PL species. In contrast, the LC-MS mode provides adequate selectivity to observe signal enhancement for specific analyte ions. Overall, alternating addition of acid and base immediately before the ESI source can improve analytical performance without the need to carry out separate analyses targeting different types of analytes.

The exploration of miRNAs and mRNA profiles revealed the molecular mechanisms of cattle-yak male infertility

Cattle-yak, the first-generation offspring of cattle and yak, inherited many excellent characteristics from their parents. However, F1 male hybrid infertility restricts the utilization of heterosis greatly. In this study, we first compared the testicular tissue histological characteristics of three cattle, three yaks, and three cattle-yak. Then we explored the miRNA profiles and the target functions of nine samples with RNA-seq technology. We further analyzed the function of DE gene sets of mRNA profiles identified previously with GSEA. Testicular histology indicated that the seminiferous tubules became vacuolated and few active germ cells can be seen. RNA-seq results showed 47 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated, 16 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated miRNAs in cattle and yaks compared with cattle-yak, respectively. From the intersection of DE miRNAs, we identified that bta-miR-7 in cattle-yak is down-regulated. Target prediction indicated that the filtered genes especially MYRFL, FANCA, INSL3, USP9X, and SHF of bta-miR-7 may play crucial roles in the reproductive process. With further network analysis and GSEA, we screened such hub genes and function terms, we also found some DE gene sets that enriched in ATP binding, DNA binding, and reproduction processes. We concluded that bta-miR-7 may play an important role in influencing fecundity. Our study provides new insights for explaining the molecular mechanism of cattle-yak infertility.

Analysis of Polar Lipids in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) By-Products by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Polar lipids were extracted from residual biomass of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) by-products with EtOH and partitioned into aqueous and chloroform fractions. The chloroform fractions were studied for their lipid composition using solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by UHPLC/HRMS and NMR analyses. The 1H NMR and gravimetric yield of SPE indicated triacylglycerols covered ≥ 51.3% of the chloroform fraction of hemp seed hulls and hemp cake. UHPLC/HRMS analyses of remaining polar lipids led to the identification of nine diacylglycerols (DAGs), six lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), five lysophosphatidylethanolamines (LPEs), eight phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and thirteen phosphatidylcholines (PCs) for the first time from hemp seed hulls. The regiospecificity of fatty acyl substitutes in glycerol backbone of individual phospholipids were assigned by analyzing the diagnostic fragment ions and their intensities. The heat-map analysis suggested that DAG 18:2/18:2, 1-LPC 18:2, 1-LPE 18:2, PE 18:2/18:2, and PC 18:2/18:2 were the predominant molecules within their classes, supported by the fact that linoleic acid was the major fatty acid covering > 41.1% of the total fatty acids determined by GC-FID analysis. The 31P NMR analysis confirmed the identification of phospholipids and suggested PC covers ≥ 37.9% of the total phospholipid present in hemp by-products. HPLC purification led to the isolation of 1,2-dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine and 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoylphosphatidylcholine. These two major PCs further confirmed the UHPLC/HRMS finding.

Progress & Prospect of Enzyme-Mediated Structured Phospholipids Preparation

In recent years, structured phospholipids (SPLs), which are modified phospholipids (PLs), have attracted more attention due to their great potential for application in the field of pharmacy, food, cosmetics, and health. SPLs not only possess enhanced chemical, physical and nutritional properties, but also present superior bioavailability in comparison with other lipid forms, such as triacylglycerols, which make SPLs become more competitive carriers to increase the absorption of the specific fatty acids in the body. Compared with chemical-mediated SPLs, the process of enzyme-mediated SPLs has the advantages of high product variety, high substrate selectivity, and mild operation conditions. Both lipases and phospholipases can be used in the enzymatic production of SPLs, and the main reaction type contains esterification, acidolysis, and transesterification. During the preparation, reaction medium, acyl migration, water content/activity, substrates and enzymes, and some other parameters have significant effects on the production and purity of the desired PLs products. In this paper, the progress in enzymatic modification of PLs over the last 20 years is reviewed. Reaction types and characteristic parameters are summarized in detail and the parameters affecting acyl migration are first discussed to give the inspiration to optimize the enzyme-mediated SPLs preparation. To expand the application of enzyme-mediated SPLs in the future, the prospect of further study on SPLs is also proposed at the end of the paper.

Nano-enabled plant-based colloidal delivery systems for bioactive agents in foods: Design, formulation, and application

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their dietary choices on the environment, animal welfare, and health, which is causing many of them to adopt more plant-based diets. For this reason, many sectors of the food industry are reformulating their products to contain more plant-based ingredients. This article describes recent research on the formation and application of nano-enabled colloidal delivery systems formulated from plant-based ingredients, such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and phospholipids. These delivery systems include nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoliposomes, nanophytosomes, and biopolymer nanoparticles. The composition, size, structure, and charge of the particles in these delivery systems can be manipulated to create novel or improved functionalities, such as improved robustness, higher optical clarity, controlled release, and increased bioavailability. There have been major advances in the design, assembly, and application of plant-based edible nanoparticles within the food industry over the past decade or so. As a result, there are now a wide range of different options available for creating delivery systems for specific applications. In the future, it will be important to establish whether these formulations can be produced using economically viable methods and provide the desired functionality in real-life applications.

Advances in analysis, metabolism and mimicking of human milk lipids

Human milk lipids differ from the milk lipids of other mammals in composition and positional distribution of fatty acids. Analysis and detection technology of lipids is key to understanding milk lipids, and thus the concentrations, compositions and distribution characteristics of milk lipids are discussed. Differences between human milk lipids and their substitutes in form, composition and structure affect their digestion, absorption and function in infants. Characteristics and mimicking of human milk lipids have been intensively studied with the objective of narrowing the gap between human milk and infant formulae. Based on the existing achievements, further progress may be made by improving detection techniques, deepening knowledge of metabolic pathways and perfecting fat substitutes. This review detailed the characteristics of human milk lipids and related detection technologies with a view towards providing a clear direction for research on mimicking human milk lipids in formulae to further improve infant nutrition.

Short-term supplementation of EPA-enriched ethanolamine plasmalogen increases the level of DHA in the brain and liver of n-3 PUFA deficient mice in early life after weaning

A lack of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in mothers' diet significantly reduced the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brains of offspring, which might affect their brain function. Our previous research has proven multiple benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-enriched ethanolamine plasmalogen (pPE) in enhancing the learning and memory ability. However, the effect of dietary supplementation with EPA-pPE on the DHA content in the brain and liver of offspring lacking n-3 PUFAs in early life is still unclear. Female ICR mice were fed with n-3 PUFA-deficient diets throughout the gestation and lactation periods to get n-3 PUFA-deficient offspring. The lipid profiles in the cerebral cortex and liver of offspring were analyzed using lipidomics after dietary supplementation with EPA-pPE (0.05%, w/w) and EPA-phosphatidylcholine (PC) (0.05%, w/w) for 2 weeks after weaning. Dietary supplementation with EPA could significantly change fatty acid composition in a variety of phospholipid molecular species compared with the n-3 deficient group. EPA-pPE and EPA-PC remarkably increased the DHA content in the brain PC, ether-linked phosphatidylcholine (ePC), and phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogen (pPE) and liver triglyceride (TG), lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC), ePC, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and pPE molecular species, in which EPA-pPE showed more significant effects on the increase of DHA in cerebral cortex PC, ePC and liver PC compared with EPA-PC. Both EPA-phospholipids could effectively increase the DHA levels, and the pPE form was superior to PC in the contribution of DHA content in the cerebral cortex PC, ePC and liver PC molecular species. EPA-enriched ethanolamine plasmalogen might be a good nutritional supplement to increase DHA levels in the brains of n-3 PUFA-deficient offspring.

Polymerized phosphonium ionic liquid functionalized silica microspheres as mixed-mode stationary phase for liquid chromatographic separation of phospholipids

There is a large and growing demand for the vigorous development of new high performance liquid chromatography stationary phases in order to solve complex phospholipids separation. Herein, phosphonium-based ionic liquid trioctyl(allyl)phosphonium bromide ([P_888Allyl]Br) was first synthesized with trioctylphosphine and allyl bromide. With [P_888Allyl]Br as the polymerizable monomer, polymerized phosphonium ionic liquid functionalized silica microsphere (PIL@SiO₂) was further synthetized via click chemistry reaction. Significantly, based on the inherent amphiphilic nature of the introduced [P_888Allyl]Br, the packed PIL@SiO₂ column displayed hydrophilic/hydrophobic mixed-mode retention mechanisms. The PIL@SiO₂ column can achieve separation of nucleic acid bases and nucleosides, sulfonamides, amides and anilines with excellent selectivity in a shorter separation time. The column efficiency reached 109,700 N/m for 2-iodoacetamide. One of the important characteristics of the PIL@SiO₂ column is that both phospholipid classes and species can be efficiently separated via the same column, outperforming that of the commercial amino column. Furthermore, the application potential of the PIL@SiO₂ column was further verified via separation of phospholipids extracted from soy lecithin. The proposed PIL@SiO₂ column provides a promising candidate for separation of complex phospholipid samples.

Ethanol Extraction of Polar Lipids from Nannochloropsis oceanica for Food, Feed, and Biotechnology Applications Evaluated Using Lipidomic Approaches

Nannochloropsis oceanica can accumulate lipids and is a good source of polar lipids, which are emerging as new value-added compounds with high commercial value for the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Some applications may limit the extraction solvents, such as food applications that require safe food-grade solvents, such as ethanol. However, the effect of using ethanol as an extraction solvent on the quality of the extracted polar lipidome, compared to other more traditional methods, is not yet well established. In this study, the polar lipid profile of N. oceanica extracts was obtained using different solvents, including chloroform/methanol (CM), dichloromethane/methanol (DM), dichloromethane/ethanol (DE), and ethanol (E), and evaluated by modern lipidomic methods using LC-MS/MS. Ultrasonic bath (E + USB)- and ultrasonic probe (E + USP)-assisted methodologies were implemented to increase the lipid extraction yields using ethanol. The polar lipid signature and antioxidant activity of DM, E + USB, and E + USP resemble conventional CM, demonstrating a similar extraction efficiency, while the DE and ethanol extracts were significantly different. Our results showed the impact of different extraction solvents in the polar lipid composition of the final extracts and demonstrated the feasibility of E + USB and E + USP as safe and food-grade sources of polar lipids, with the potential for high-added-value biotechnological applications.

Egg consumption and health effects: A narrative review

This study was planned and conducted to investigate the effects of egg consumption on metabolic syndrome components and potential mechanisms of action on humans. Egg, an important source of animal protein, is defined as a functional food containing various bioactive compounds that can affect the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. As a matter of fact, the egg can show immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, or antihypertensive effects with its bioactive components. It is claimed that egg consumption may protect individuals against metabolic syndrome by increasing HDL-C levels and reducing inflammation. The increase in egg consumption creates the perception that it may lead to cardiovascular diseases due to its cholesterol content. However, there is insufficient evidence as to whether dietary cholesterol-lowers LDL-C. The possible potential mechanisms of egg impact on human health, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central, www.ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and selected websites including) and databases were examined in this regard. With a view to delving into the rather mysterious relationship between egg cholesterol and blood cholesterol, it is necessary to understand the absorption of cholesterol from the egg and to know the functioning of the intestinal microbiota. Studies conducted to date have generally yielded inconsistent results regarding egg consumption and risks of CVD, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

De-oiled soy lecithin positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, histological intestinal alteration, and antioxidant status in turkeys fed with low energy diets

1. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of supplementing an emulsifier (de-oiled soybean lecithin (DSL)) in a low metabolisable energy (ME) diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcase characteristics, intestinal morphology, blood metabolites, and antioxidant status in growing turkeys.2. A total of 480 one-day-old turkeys were assigned to one of four dietary treatments with of eight replicates of 15 birds each. Experimental treatments included a basal diet (BE) with commercially recommended levels of ME, a reduced energy diet (RE) with 0.42 MJ/kg reduction in dietary ME content, the RE diet + 1 g/kg DSL (DSL-1), and RE + 2 g/kg DSL (DSL-2).3. After 112 days, the body weight, average daily gain, and feed:gain in turkeys fed the supplemented for BE diets were better (P < 0.05) than in those fed RE, and those fed diet DSL-2 had the best performance. Although the RE diet decreased abdominal fat and relative liver weight (P < 0.05), compared to the BE diet, and supplementation with either level of DSL did not influence these variables.4. There were linear increases (P < 0.05) in fat digestibility, nitrogen-corrected apparent ME, and duodenal villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and villus surface area in LE diet supplemented with DSL. From the jejunal morphology, crypt depth was decreased by DSL-supplemented diets (P < 0.05).5. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde concentrations were lower, whereas the serum superoxide dismutase activity was greater for the DSL-2 group compared to the BE and RE groups (P < 0.05).6. The findings suggested that, while low-ME diets impaired turkey growth performance, dietary supplementation of DSL could reverse such impacts of these diets. The DSL-supplemented diet at the inclusion level of 2 g/kg was advantageous over both BE and RE diets in terms of intestinal morphology, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in growing turkeys.

Reactive Deep Eutectic Solvents (RDESs): A New Tool for Phospholipase D-Catalyzed Preparation of Phospholipids

The use of Reactive Deep Eutectic Solvents (RDESs) in the preparation of polar head modified phospholipids (PLs) with phospholipase D (PLD)-catalyzed biotransformations has been investigated. Natural phosphatidylcholine (PC) has been submitted to PLD-catalyzed transphosphatidylations using a new reaction medium composed by a mixture of RDES/buffer. Instead of exploiting deep eutectic solvents conventionally, just as the reaction media, these solvents have been designed here in order to contribute actively to the synthetic processes by participating as reagents. RDESs were prepared using choline chloride or trimethyl glycine as hydrogen-bond acceptors and glycerol or ethylene glycol, as hydrogen-bond donors as well as nucleophiles for choline substitution. Specifically designed RDES/buffer reaction media allowed the obtainment of PLs with optimized yields in the perspective of a sustainable process implementation.

Degradation of the polar lipid and fatty acid molecular species in extra virgin olive oil during storage based on shotgun lipidomics

Among the bioactive compounds present in extra-virgin olive oil, polar lipids and free fatty acids are minor compounds with well-known nutritional values and have been studied for traceability and adulteration investigations as well. In the present paper, the simultaneous characterization of polar lipids and free fatty acids in a pool of fifteen EVOO samples was achieved by means of reversed phase C18 analysis coupled to negative polarity high-resolution mass spectrometry. A total of 24 polar lipids, comprising 19 phospholipids and 5 sulfolipids, and 27 free fatty acids were tentatively identified, including several odd-chain and very long-chain fatty acids at trace levels. Moreover, a one-month study of lipid degradation on simulated storage conditions was carried out thanks to the set-up of a dedicated approach for degradation product analysis which was implemented of Compound Discoverer software. By virtue of the customized data processing workflow, more than forty compounds were tentatively identified, including compounds deriving from hydrolysis and oxidation reactions. Finally, by analysis of peak area trends, phosphoester hydrolyses of polar heads of phospholipids emerged as the fastest reactions, followed by glycerol ester hydrolyses and oxidative processes.

Molecular mechanism of lipid transformation in cold chain storage of Tan sheep

Cold chain (-20 °C) is one of the main transportation methods for storage of Tan sheep products. Lipids (66) in seven subclasses involved in sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid and fatty acid degradation metabolism were quantified in Tan sheep under cold chain storage, including fatty acyl carnitines, phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), ceramides, sphingomyelin (SM) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE). Lipid transformation and molecular mechanism analyzed using fragmentation mechanisms and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS combined with lipidomics approaches determined transient increases of certain PC, PE and fatty acyl carnitine during the first 12 days of cold storage, subsequent declines of SM, PC, PE and fatty acyl carnitine, as well as increases of ceramide, LPC and LPE (24 days). These results offered insights into lipid transformation and quality of Tan sheep during cold chain storage.

AGLPM and QMDDQ peptides exert a synergistic action on memory improvement against scopolamine-induced amnesiac mice

This study aimed to explore the synergistic action of pentapeptides Gln-Met-Asp-Asp-Gln (QMDDQ) and Ala-Gly-Leu-Pro-Met (AGLPM) on memory improvement against scopolamine-induced impairment in mice compared to those of either peptide alone. In behavioral tests, the codelivery of QMDDQ and AGLPM was superior to the individual supplements of either peptide alone not only in enhancing the memory ability at training trials but also in recovering the memory impairment in scopolamine-induced amnesiac mice in test trials. Furthermore, combination treatment with QMDDQ and AGLPM could significantly reduce the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) level and increase the acetylcholine (ACh) level in the hippocampus, and noticeably improve the pathological morphology of the neuron cells in hippocampal regions CA1 and CA2 and dentate gyrus (DG). The findings indicated that the combination treatment with QMDDQ and AGLPM could improve the memory function by regulating the cholinergic system.

Lecithins from Vegetable, Land, and Marine Animal Sources and Their Potential Applications for Cosmetic, Food, and Pharmaceutical Sectors

The aim of this work was to review the reported information about the phospholipid composition of lecithins derived from several natural sources (lipids of plant, animal, and marine origin) and describe their main applications for the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical sectors. This study was carried out using specialized search engines and according to the following inclusion criteria: (i) documents published between 2005 and 2020, (ii) sources of lecithins, (iii) phospholipidic composition of lecithins, and (iv) uses and applications of lecithins. Nevertheless, this work is presented as a narrative review. Results of the review indicated that the most studied source of lecithin is soybean, followed by sunflower and egg yolk. Contrarily, only a few numbers of reports focused on lecithins derived from marine animals despite the relevance of this source in association with an even higher composition of phospholipids than in case of those derived from plant sources. Finally, the main applications of lecithins were found to be related to their nutritional aspects and ability as emulsion stabilizers and lipid component of liposomes.