Background: The Maillard reaction in conventional food processing is inefficient and results in excessive browning, nutrient loss, and the uncontrolled formation of potentially harmful compounds (e.g., acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural, HMF). In this sense, emerging food processing technologies offer contributions to desirable Maillard reactions. Aims and scope: This review comprehensively analyzes recent advances (2020-2025) in applying emerging thermal and non-thermal technologies to the Maillard reaction and provides a side-by-side comparison to identify their sustainability impacts, benefits, challenges, and future research needs. Key findings and conclusions: Compared to conventional approaches, emerging technologies enhanced processing efficiency by 2-7 folds, reduced >99% time and similar to 90% energy consumption while enhancing functional properties (e.g., similar to 194% solubility, similar to 194% emulsifying activity, and similar to 50% antioxidant capacity). Ohmic heating excels in HMF reduction (30-79%) with proven industrial scalability. Ultrasound achieves the greatest improvement in glycation degree (similar to 300%). Cold plasma offers superior sustainability, with energy savings of 70-90%. PEF demonstrates exceptional acrylamide reduction (40-60%). Integrated technologies (e.g., ultrasound + HPP, infrared + microwave) offer capability for synergistic enhancements in efficiency, uniformity, and control. Industrial technology selection should prioritize ultrasound for maximum functional improvements, cold plasma for sustainability, ohmic heating for scalability, and PEF for acrylamide control.
Hard clam (Meretrix taiwanica) aquaculture is one of the most important shellfish farming sectors in Taiwan, covering approximately 16,000 hectares and accounting for 40
Arginine kinase (AK) is a critical shrimp allergen with considerable health risk for sensitized individuals. Despite the growing recognition of food allergies as a public health concern, understanding the effects of emerging processing technologies on shrimp allergens has become an important research topic. This study assessed the effects of pin-to-plate dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric cold plasma on the secondary structure of AK purified from whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Plasma was applied either directly to purified AK solutions or to shrimp muscle before protein purification. All samples and untreated controls were subjected to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for secondary structure analysis. The Amide I region spectra revealed measurable alterations, including a 3-7% reduction in α-helix, a 7-19% increase in β-sheet, and decreases of 1-4% and 3-8% in β-turn and random coil, respectively. Longer plasma exposure time (10 vs. 5 min) resulted in a greater magnitude of these changes. Also, directed exposure of purified protein induced more significant changes than plasma pretreatment of the shrimp muscle. Findings demonstrate plasma capability in non-thermal modification of the secondary structure of shrimp AK and establish a foundation for future studies on how structural changes affect allergen stability and immunological reactivity.
Background: The eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing medicinal flora presents a viable strategy for the development of multifunctional agents exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This investigation aims to elucidate the phytochemical composition of Calotropis gigantea and its contribution to the synthesis of CG-AgNPs that demonstrate efficacy against Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer cell lines. Methods: The aqueous plant leaf extract of C. gigantea underwent comprehensive analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying a total of 25 bioactive constituents, including oleic and oxalic acid derivatives. The fabrication and analysis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were performed utilizing methodologies including ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and assessments of zeta potential. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated through methods including agar well diffusion, time-kill kinetics, and biofilm assays. The cytotoxic impact on AGS gastric cancer cells was investigated using MTT assays, DAPI staining, and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) staining techniques. The assessment of antioxidant potential was performed utilizing DPPH and ABTS assays. The anti-inflammatory properties were analyzed through protein denaturation and membrane stabilization tests. Results: CG-AgNPs exhibited a spherical morphology (11–17 nm) with commendable stability, denoted by using zeta potential analysis measurement of −30.2 mV. The antibacterial activity showed a significant inhibition zone of 16.00 ± 0.17 mm at a concentration of 50 µg/mL against H. pylori, in addition to notable biofilm disruption. The viability of AGS cells was reduced by 61% at a concentration of 100 micrograms per milliliter, with apoptosis being confirmed through relevant assays. The antioxidant potential varied from 18% to 83% (DPPH) and reached 74% (ABTS) at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The anti-inflammatory assays indicated a BSA denaturation inhibition ranging from 45% to 80% and a membrane stabilization effect between 54% and 85%. Conclusions: CG-AgNPs exhibit substantial antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, underscoring their pharmaceutical potential, particularly for combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens and gastric malignancies.
Biological control offers an ecologically sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, employing beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses to suppress phytopathogens. These antagonists act through multiple mechanisms, including competition for nutrients and space, production of antimicrobial compounds, induction of host resistance, and direct parasitism. The effectiveness of biocontrol depends on understanding the complex interactions among the host plant, pathogen, biocontrol agent, and environment. Plant-pathogen interactions throughout the crop’s life cycle influence disease outcomes, making the timing and method of application crucial. Despite promising laboratory and greenhouse results, the field performance of biological control agents (BCAs) often declines due to environmental fluctuations, microbial competition, and inconsistent pathogen pressure. Soil characteristics, temperature, humidity, and native microbiota further affect BCA establishment and efficacy. To overcome these challenges, current research focuses on microbial consortia, improved formulations, and optimized application strategies. Advances in molecular biology and omics technologies are providing new insights into the mechanisms, adaptation, and resilience of BCAs under field conditions. Strengthening the link between laboratory success and field reliability remains essential for effective biomanagement, as failure to achieve this translates into a major limitation of biomanagement strategies, namely their constrained effectiveness under variable field and climatic conditions due to environmental factors, formulation limitations, and limited technological support. This review summarizes current biological strategies for plant disease control, highlighting mechanisms, constraints, and innovations to enhance field-level performance.
