Jeotgal is a traditional Korean fermented seafood; however, spontaneous fermentation results in inconsistent quality and safety. In this study, indigenous salt-tolerant bacteria were isolated to support the development of a functional multi-strain starter system for standardized fermentation. Of 300 isolates obtained from 15 jeotgal samples, five strains (KGMA1, KGMA2, JAMA1, JAMA4, and JAMA11) with strong hydrolytic activities were selected and identified as members of Halobacillus and Bacillus. All strains lacked hemolytic and gelatinase activities and none produced biogenic amines. Significant antioxidant activity was observed in ABTS and SOD-like assays. The Bacillus strains, particularly JAMA4, exhibited antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Fermentation supernatants modulated cytokine expression in THP-1-derived macrophages. KGMA2 exhibited superior halotolerance, whereas JAMA4 demonstrated enhanced acid tolerance and antimicrobial properties. Overall, these complementary traits highlight the potential for developing a multi-strain starter system for standardized fermentation.
Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is a major environmental factor that contributes to skin photoaging through extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and dysregulated intracellular signaling. This study investigated the protective effects of 17(S)-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid [17(S)-HDHA] against UVB-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Network pharmacology and enrichment analyses identified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a hub target associated with 17(S)-HDHA, skin aging, and skin inflammation. Molecular docking predicted the interaction of 17(S)-HDHA with the ATP-binding region of EGFR, which was further supported by affinity pull-down assay. In UVB-irradiated HDFs, 17(S)-HDHA suppressed MMP-1 expression, partially restored COL1A1 expression, and reduced the phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK, p38 MAPK, and c-Jun. These findings suggest that 17(S)-HDHA attenuates UVB-induced photoaging responses through modulation of EGFR/MAPK signaling and downstream c-Jun/MMP-1-associated ECM remodeling.
Pork meatballs are widely consumed in China, however, the effects of common reheating methods on their flavor quality remain unclear. This study evaluated the instrumental flavor characteristics of pork meatballs reheated by boiling (BR), steaming (SR), microwave (MR), and steam–microwave combination (SR + MR) using electronic-nose, electronic-tongue, GC–MS, and free amino acid analysis. A total of 105 volatile compounds were identified in the samples. Reheating significantly increased the volatile compounds, with aldehydes and esters being the predominant contributors to aroma formation. SR produced the richest volatile profile, whereas MR promoted the formation of lipid oxidation-related compounds such as hexanal. Moreover, SR + MR maintained higher levels of umami amino acids and showed stronger umami and richness responses in the electronic-tongue. SR + MR produced a more balanced flavor profile by enhancing desirable aroma compounds and maintaining favorable taste characteristics. Therefore, SR + MR showed the most favorable instrumental flavor profile among the reheating methods tested.
The Bigel, a novel biphasic gel composed of aqueous and oleogel phases, has demonstrated potential as a hybrid system for low-fat food development and nutrient fortification. Through the adjustment of materials and fabrication process, the phase structure and interfacial properties of bigels can be altered, thereby exhibiting either firm or soft mechanical characteristics. This property is crucial for the adaptability of bigels as fat substitutes within diverse food matrices. Additionally, their unique function in co-delivering hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactive compounds exhibits the high-efficiency loading and controlled release of bioactive compounds. This review summarizes the functional characteristics of various bigel types (e.g., oleogel-in-hydrogel, bicontinuous, hydrogel-in-oleogel) as fat substitutes and nutrient delivery systems in food systems, with a focus on the application performance of the rheological behaviors and mechanical properties of diverse bigel types. By analyzing structure–property–application relationships, actionable insights are provided for improving textural properties and nutritional enhancement in low-fat food formulations.
In this study, we aimed to evaluate effects of Garcinia mangostana pericarp extract (GMPE) and α-mangostin on improvement of blood flow and underlying mechanisms. The 70
This study characterized the chemical composition and evaluated the antioxidant potential of lipophilic fraction from Liriope platyphylla root (LLPR) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, computational analyses, and in vitro assays. A total of 63 compounds were tentatively identified in LLPR using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Network pharmacology and molecular docking predicted possible associations of LLPR constituents with oxidative stress- and inflammation-related proteins, including NFE2L2, KEAP1, TLR4, NFKB1, and PTGS2. LLPR exhibited an antioxidant capacity in cell-free antioxidant assays. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, LLPR restored LPS-suppressed catalase expression, partially increased glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase expression, enhanced heme oxygenase-1 expression, and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation. Furthermore, LLPR attenuated the levels of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-1β in LPS-treated macrophages. These findings provide preliminary evidence that LLPR exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, whereas the predicted molecular associations require direct mechanistic validation.
Kiwifruit is a climacteric fruit, and ethylene-mediated ripening accelerates quality deterioration during storage. In this study, volatile compound composition was profiled during storage for 0–10 d under control, ethylene, and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments. A total of 27 volatile compounds were identified, comprising nine aldehydes, seven esters, four alcohols, five terpenes, one ketone, and one furanone. Total volatile contents, expressed as internal standard equivalents, increased to 6335 µg/kg in control fruit and 8771 µg/kg in ethylene-treated fruit by day 10, whereas 1-MCP-treated fruit showed a decline to 71.5
Hot air-dried red peppers are consumed as spices worldwide for their color, flavor, and nutritional value. However, comprehensive metabolomic studies are limited. This study addresses this research gap by investigating metabolite profiles of two Korean red pepper cultivars (Subicho, landrace; and Bulcolor, virus-resistant cultivar) across three different tissues and two harvest time points. Comprehensive profiling using GC–QqQ MS, HPLC–DAD, and UHPLC–MS platforms identified 160 primary metabolites and multiple secondary metabolite classes including capsaicinoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols. The placenta of Subicho contained markedly higher levels of essential amino acids, whereas Bulcolor exhibited elevated sterols, tocopherols, and essential fatty acids associated with virus resistance. Capsaicinoid content was highest in the placenta tissues, especially in the Subicho at early harvest (16,879.5 ± 398.3 μg/g), whereas the pericarp tissues were the primary sites for carotenoid accumulation. Principal component analysis resolved clear separation (PC1: 58.9
Kochia scoparia has been used as a food ingredient and herb in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the alleviating effects of Kochia scoparia fruit ethanol extract (KFE) on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and its protective effect on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. The results showed that KFE improved spatial memory function and learning ability in mice, but showed only a slight improvement in working memory ability. Additionally, KFE was shown to suppressed the loss of normal neurons in the hippocampus and cortex. These effects are thought to be broadly associated with increased activation of ERK, CREB, and Akt and increased expression of BDNF in mouse hippocampal tissue. Furthermore, KFE suppressed glutamate-induced hippocampal cell death, lactate dehydrogenase release, and ROS production, demonstrating its efficacy in protecting neurons from oxidative damage. These findings suggest that KFE has cognitive function-improving and neuroprotective effects, and thus has potential value for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
This study evaluated the effects of commercial wild yeasts on the chemical and aroma profiles of Korean distilled soju produced from traditional nuruk mash. Three commercial non-Saccharomyces yeasts, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae/Torulaspora delbrueckii mixed-yeast preparation, and a brewing yeast were used for fermentation, followed by vacuum distillation. Physicochemical properties, organic acid composition, and relative volatile aroma profiles were compared. Lachancea thermotolerans produced the highest alcohol content in the main distillate before adjustment, whereas the control showed the highest relative abundances of total esters and ethyl acetate. The mixed-yeast inoculation showed the highest total organic acid content, higher relative abundances of total higher alcohols and isoamyl alcohol, and a very low furfural signal. Metschnikowia pulcherrima showed relatively high isoamyl acetate, ethyl lactate, and 2-phenyl ethanol signals. These results suggest that yeast selection affects the chemical composition and aroma profile of distilled soju.
Gastric cancer remains a highly lethal malignancy with limited therapeutic options. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a garlic-derived organosulfur compound, shows anticancer activity, but its upstream mechanisms in gastric cancer remain unclear. In this study, DATS reduced cell viability and induced mitotic arrest, as indicated by increased phosphorylation of histone H3. DATS downregulated GP130, inhibited STAT3, AKT, and ERK phosphorylation, activated FOXO3a, disrupted the CDK1-cyclin B1 axis, altered spindle assembly checkpoint proteins, disorganized actin microfilaments, and triggered death receptor-mediated apoptosis. Together, these findings indicate that DATS exerts antiproliferative effects in AGS cells through mitotic disruption and apoptosis, with GP130-related signaling likely representing a contributing component of this response. These findings provide mechanistic support for the functional relevance of garlic-derived bioactive compounds in food science research.
This study investigated the effects of six cooking methods (steaming, bag-steaming, microwaving, bag-microwaving, boiling, and frying) on arsenic species in Eriocheir sinensis, and assessed bioaccessibility and health risk for raw, microwaved, and steamed samples. Bag-steaming increased pentavalent inorganic arsenic (iAs5⁺) in female breast meat by 283.13
Immobilization of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) offers a promising alternative to free cells, addressing key limitations in food processing and industrial biocatalysis. The immobilization matrix serves as a physical barrier, enhancing LAB tolerance to harsh environments and improving long-term survival, thus overcoming a major bottleneck of free probiotics. Immobilized cells retain metabolic activity over multiple cycles, enabling reusability, reducing costs, and allowing controlled release of probiotics or metabolites for targeted delivery in functional foods. They also exhibit strong biocompatibility with food matrices and bioreactors, improving process scalability. Hence, immobilized LAB constitute a versatile platform for food biotechnology and industrial bioprocessing.
This study developed deep learning-based mobile software to assess the freshness of packaged raw squid using images of a colorimetric pH indicator. The indicator film, composed of polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, gallic acid, and red cabbage anthocyanin, was attached to polypropylene containers containing raw squid stored at 4 °C for 7 days. As spoilage progressed and total volatile basic nitrogen reached the spoilage level, the indicator changed from purple to blue. Images representing fresh and spoiled squid were collected to construct a dataset for training ResNet50, VGG16, and InceptionV3 convolutional neural network models. Among them, ResNet50 achieved 100
Climate change has reduced highland Napa cabbage production in South Korea, increasing demand for reliable long-term storage. Three non-thermal disinfection systems (hypochlorous acid (HOCl, 50–80 ppm), cold plasma (DBD-based, 30 ppb ozone), and chlorine dioxide (ClO2, 12.96–22.68 g total release)) were evaluated for microbial suppression and quality maintenance of spring-harvested Napa cabbage stored at 1 ± 0.5 °C for 93 days in commercial-scale cold rooms. All systems suppressed mold growth, confirmed as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum via real-time PCR. ClO2 exhibited the strongest antifungal efficacy but caused significantly higher mean weight loss (9.48
Herein, two phenylpropionamides, N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (1) and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (2), were isolated from the hemp seed cake. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited the potential inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, with IC50 values of 62.0 and 14.0 μM, respectively. Kinetic analysis showed compound 2 as a mixed inhibitor with a Ki of 30.9 μM. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated the potential of 2 to inhibit the PTP1B enzyme, revealing specific interactions between it and target proteins. Additionally, a network pharmacology approach was used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of 2 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Overall, the findings provide the first evidence of PTP1B inhibitory activity and new insights into the mechanisms of action of phenylpropionamides, suggesting that hemp seed cake is a source of PTP1B inhibitors for further investigation in the context of diabetes research.
Fatigue is a heterogeneous symptom associated with lifestyle, infection, exercise, and chronic disease, but its biological links with the gut microbiome remain incompletely defined. This review summarizes clinical and mechanistic evidence connecting gut microbiome alterations with fatigue-related phenotypes, focusing on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, general adult fatigue, and exercise-induced fatigue. Evidence was interpreted according to fatigue-related phenotype, microbiome function, microbial metabolite, gut barrier marker, inflammatory response, and food-based intervention. Current studies suggest that reduced short-chain fatty acid production, impaired butyrate-producing capacity, gut barrier dysfunction, microbial translocation, low-grade inflammation, altered tryptophan metabolism, host energy imbalance, and gut-brain/gut-muscle axis signaling may contribute to fatigue-related physiological vulnerability. Food components/ingredients, including dietary fiber, fermented food, prebiotic, probiotic, postbiotic, polyphenol, and polysaccharide, may support microbiome-mediated recovery pathways. Further controlled, phenotype-specific, multi-omics intervention studies are required.
Rapid and real-time detection of bacterial pathogens is crucial for food safety, public health, and clinical diagnostics. Recent advancements in spectroscopy, optical imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have significantly enhanced the accuracy and practicality of optical approaches for microbial analysis. Here, useful techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, laser speckle imaging, and time-lapse shadow image analysis, which have demonstrated their effectiveness in identifying and quantifying pathogenic bacteria, are explored. Additionally, the integration of machine learning models, particularly convolutional neural networks and transformer networks, is examined for the automated classification of microbial images. The application of these technologies to detect pathogens in clinical and food samples, and the need for further integration of AI with spectroscopic and optical imaging methods, are discussed. Future directions are proposed to advance non-invasive and label-free bacterial detection technologies that can further enhance food safety and clinical diagnostics.
Seafood fraud in finfish aquaculture threatens global supply chains, making extrinsic traceability insufficient without biological verification. As aquaculture diversifies into recirculating systems (RAS) and intensive ponds, the “wild vs. farmed” binary has become obsolete. This review evaluates integrating genomic and metabolomic fingerprints to resolve granular, species-specific production landscapes. While SNP panels offer high-resolution population assignment, microbiome profiling’s post-harvest instability restricts it to dockside verification. Metabolomics emerges as a promising analytical tier for distinguishing production systems, though its reliability depends on tightly controlling confounding factors like dietary shifts, handling, storage, and freezing/thawing drift. However, biological standardization in RAS paradoxically erodes the geographic “terroir” needed for origin tracing. Furthermore, multi-omics and Artificial Intelligence convergence necessitates Explainable AI (XAI) for regulatory validation in trade disputes. Widespread adoption is hindered by structural inertia and cost–benefit disparities, not scientific capability.
Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria poses a public health challenge, highlighting the urgent need for alternative antibacterial strategies. Since phages can control bacteria through mechanisms distinct from antibiotics, they can serve as an option for controlling antibiotic-resistant strains. In this study, we isolated and characterized the lytic phage RV7 targeting Salmonella enterica serovar Bareilly. The phage specifically infected Salmonella strains belonging to serogroups C1 but did not infect strains from serogroups A, B, C2, D or E, showing serogroup-dependent infectivity. To assess practical potential, we evaluated the stability and antibacterial activity of RV7. The phage RV7 remained infective across pH 3 to 10 and up to 50 °C and effectively reduced viable Salmonella in carrot, chicken, and skim milk. Taken together, the strict C1-serotype specificity of RV7 could support epidemiological investigations to identify Salmonella contamination. In addition, its activity in food matrices suggests that RV7 could serve as a biocontrol agent.
