As a member of the Brassicaceae family, mustard plant is an annual herbaceous plant rich in diverse nutrients. Traditionally, it is often processed through spontaneous fermentation to improve its unique spicy flavor. However, spontaneous fermentation has certain problems, such as a long cycle, unstable quality, and safety risks. To promote the standardization and efficiency of mustard plant fermentation, the screening and application of inoculation fermentation using dominant strains have become research hotspots. This study reviews the isolation, screening, and identification methods of dominant strains in mustard plant fermentation (such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Weissella, Lactobacillus brevis, and yeast), including traditional culturing technology, physicochemical analysis, and molecular biology technology (such as Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing and 16S rDNA sequencing). Research shows that lactic acid bacteria have outstanding acid production, acid and salt resistance, nitrite degradation, and antioxidant and flavor regulation abilities during the fermentation process, which significantly improve the safety, flavor, and quality of the products. The mechanism of action of dominant strains in the fermentation process is further discussed, including organic acid metabolism, amino acid transformation, volatile flavor formation, and microbial community dynamic evolution. This article provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for the change from traditional natural fermentation to high-quality and high-efficiency inoculation fermentation of mustard plant.

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) is a plant widely used in medicine and food in China, offering extensive health-promoting benefits. Consequently, it plays a pivotal role in the healthcare sector and exhibits a variety of clinical effects, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardiovascular protective, intestinal regulatory, and lipid-lowering activities. Its efficacy is attributed to a diverse range of chemical components. However, variations in geographical origin, storage duration, aging time, and harvesting period can lead to changes in these chemical constituents, thereby influencing the final flavor and commercial value of CRP. Currently, research in this field remains relatively fragmented. Therefore, this review summarizes the dynamic changes and mechanisms of action of the major bioactive metabolites in CRP based on these different factors. Concurrently, it analyzes the microbial activity and safety of the dominant strain, Aspergillus spp., and elaborates on the development and application prospects of CRP-derived products. The objective is to enhance the medicinal value of CRP in clinical therapy, explore its optimal flavor profile for food applications, and deepen its potential in innovative healthcare and daily chemical products. This work aims to promote the high-quality development of the CRP industry and propose further research directions for the innovative development and application of CRP-based products.

Cherries, as non-climacteric fruits, are prone to browning, softening, and decay due to their thin skin and high respiration rate. Eugenol possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, but its application is limited by high volatility and poor water solubility. In this study, a chitosan-stabilized Pickering emulsion was developed to encapsulate eugenol and improve its stability and utilization. The antifungal activity of the emulsion against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum was evaluated, along with its effects on storage quality of fresh sweet cherries. The prepared emulsion exhibited an average particle size of 11.03 ± 0.67 μm and a zeta potential of 30.40 ± 0.56 mV, and remained stable under acidic conditions and below 60 °C. EUPE showed good antifungal activity against A. niger and P. citrinum, with inhibition zone diameters of 20.63 ± 0.06 mm and 20.12 ± 0.96 mm, respectively. When the EUPE concentration exceeded 8 mg/mL, the spore inhibition rates against both fungi were higher than 95%. The EUPE/CMC coating maintained better firmness and gloss, while showing lower total soluble solids and malondialdehyde contents during storage. The cherries maintained gloss and showed no mould growth. This work provides a promising strategy for natural postharvest preservation of cherries.

Mustard (Brassica juncea L.), rich in vitamins, minerals, and glucosinolates, yields fermented products valued for their distinct flavor and health benefits, particularly across East and Southeast Asia. The fermentation process is primarily driven by a complex microbial community dominated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus pentosus, and Lactobacillus plantarum. These microbes metabolize substrates to generate organic acids, volatile compounds, and free amino acids, which collectively shape the product’s flavor and sensory quality. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in mustard fermentation, focusing on: the composition, succession, and function of microbial communities across different regions and fermentation stages and their influence on fermentation characteristics; the regulatory effects of key processing parameters—including fermentation vessel, temperature, and salt concentration—on microbial ecology, metabolic pathways, and final product quality; the chemical basis of taste attributes such as sourness, umami, bitterness, and pungency alongside the formation and evolution of aroma compounds during fermentation, and their links to microbial metabolism and biochemical pathways like glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle; and the formation patterns of potential risk factors such as biogenic amines and nitrite during fermentation, along with strategies to control their levels through process optimization and starter culture selection. Finally, future research directions are outlined, emphasizing the integration of omics and synthetic biology technologies to elucidate flavor formation mechanisms, develop stable starter cultures, and establish standardized processes. These advances aim to achieve consistent flavor, improved quality, and safe production of fermented mustard products, supporting the sustainable development of the industry.

IntroductionFermented Chinese mustard greens (FCMG) is a well-known traditional fermented vegetable in Guangdong province, China. It has received considerable attention for the beneficial microorganisms and characteristic metabolite of FCMG. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between microbial communities and metabolome profiles of traditional FCMG from different regions.MethodsIn this study, the microbial communities and metabolome profiles of traditional FCMG were evaluated by High-throughput sequencing (HTS) and metabolomics technology from households in Meizhou (MZ), Shaoguan (SG), and Zhongshan (ZS) in Guangdong province.ResultsHTS analysis revealed Lactobacillus is the predominant microorganism in samples from three regions. The Lactobacillus abundance in ZS was significantly higher than that in MZ and SG. The relative abundance of Bacillus was found only in the MZ, whereas Leuconostoc and Pediococcus were only found in SG. The specific metabolite in sample identified was highest in MZ, followed by ZS and SG. In the overall analysis, the positive relationship was found between Lactobacillaceae and the accumulation of various organic acids (Cis-Sinapic acid, 5-Hydroxyferulic acid, 3-Feruloylquinic acid and 3- O-Caffeoyl-1-O-methylquinic acid). The positive relationship was also found between Halomonas, Paenibacillus, and volatile compounds (isothiocyanates, esters, terpenes, etc.).ConclusionThis investigation reveals the correlation of microbial communities and metabolite of FCMG from different regions. The finds provide scientific basis for screening benefit microbial which to develop high-quality flavor FCMG.

In this study, response surface methodology was used to optimize a sequential two-stage process comprising enzymatic pretreatment followed by simultaneous microwave–ultrasound-assisted extraction of Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides. At the unrounded model optimum (208.492 W microwave power, 300.945 W ultrasonic power, 25.207 min enzymatic hydrolysis, and 30.100 min microwave–ultrasound extraction), the predicted crude polysaccharide extract yield was 43.999% (44.0% when rounded). Two fractions, OJP-1 and OJP-2, were obtained by DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100 chromatography. Structural analyses showed differences in their monosaccharide composition, spectral properties, surface morphology, thermal stability, and HPGPC molecular-mass profiles. In vitro, OJP-2 showed stronger radical-scavenging and probiotic growth-promoting responses than OJP-1, whereas both fractions resisted hydrolysis in the simulated digestion systems. OJP-2’s stronger responses were accompanied by distinct compositional, morphological, thermal, and HPGPC molecular-mass-profile characteristics.

This study isolated and purified two polysaccharide fractions, PTP-1 and PTP-2, from Phragmites communis Trin root via cellulase-assisted ultrasonication and DEAE chromatography, with purities of 90.56% and 91.35%, respectively. Structural characterization revealed that PTP-2 possessed a higher uronic acid content (9.45%) compared to PTP-1 (3.0%), along with a hyperbranched architecture and superior thermal stability. High-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) indicated that PTP-1 and PTP-2 had weight-average molecular weights of 55.8 kDa and 59.6 kDa, respectively, reflecting distinct structural features. In vitro assays demonstrated that PTP-2 exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 0.679 mg/mL) and significantly enhanced glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, attributable to its uronic acid-enriched structure. These findings highlight PTP-2 as a promising multi-target agent for diabetes management, underscoring the structure–activity relationship of plant polysaccharides.

A water-soluble, low-molecular-weight polysaccharide fraction, designated OJP-2, was extracted from the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus; its structural characteristics and immunomodulatory activity in macrophages were subsequently investigated. OJP-2 exhibited a narrow apparent molecular weight distribution with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 3568 Da and was primarily composed of fructose (0.784) and glucose (0.208). Structural analysis—integrating UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy—revealed that OJP-2 is an inulin-type fructan. Its structure is characterized predominantly by β-(2→1)-linked Fruf chains and terminal α-D-Glcp residues, with potential signals indicating C-6-substituted Fruf units. In vitro immunological studies demonstrated that OJP-2 promoted nitric oxide (NO) production and enhanced the secretion of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 macrophages. Under LPS/IFN-γ stimulation, OJP-2 induced non-monotonic changes in the CD86/CD206 macrophage phenotype, with the most pronounced effects observed at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that, compared to the Model group, treatment with OJP-2 resulted in a downward trend in the relative levels of p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα across the tested concentration range. Collectively, these findings indicate that OJP-2 modulates macrophage activation phenotypes and influences NF-κB-related signaling pathways. Thus, OJP-2 is a candidate fructan for further investigation of immunomodulatory activity.

Drying and storage conditions play a critical role in shaping the quality of aged citrus peel. This study investigated the effects of different processing strategies on the volatile composition, microstructure, and sensory characteristics of five-year-aged Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' Peel (CRP). Four treatments were evaluated using SPME/GC-MS, GC-IMS, electronic nose analysis, sensory assessment, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and multivariate statistical tools. GC-IMS identified 96 volatile compounds, demonstrating that aging combined with varied drying-storage conditions promoted the formation of diverse aroma-active substances. Terpenes and related compounds predominated, with the indoor-dried and warehouse-stored XH sample showing significantly higher concentrations of key terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, including α-terpineol, γ-muurolene, germacrene, β-selinenol, α-farnesene, and nerolidol. These compounds contributed to enhanced citrus, floral, fruity, and woody notes. Principal component analysis of electronic nose data (93.46% cumulative variance) clearly distinguished XH from other samples. Sensory results supported instrumental findings, indicating stronger fruity and sweet attributes in XH and C, while sun-dried samples exhibited more hay-like characteristics. SEM revealed better structural integrity in indoor-dried samples, potentially facilitating volatile retention. Overall, indoor drying and controlled storage improved aroma complexity and sensory quality, providing a scientific basis for optimized CRP processing.

Deterioration in fruits represent a significant challenge to food safety, which has prompted our investigation into sustainable fruit preservation technologies. This paper presents the synthesis of quercetin/copper nanoparticles (QC NPs) and their application in the preservation of Shine Muscat grapes. The QC NPs, prepared through quercetin/copper complexation, exhibited stability with a particle size of 79.4 ± 3.2 nm and a zeta potential of −34.00 ± 4.98 mV. The nanoparticles exhibited robust antioxidant activity and 100% bactericidal effect against E. coli and S. aureus at 0.05 mg/mL, thereby underscoring their potential for use in fruit preservation. The application of a sodium alginate (SA) + QC NP coating to Shine Muscat grapes resulted in an 8.08% reduction in weight loss in comparison to the control, which exhibited a 10.40% reduction. The coating maintained firmness and preserved titratable acid content, thereby extending the storage life of the grapes. These findings position QC NPs as a promising material in eco-friendly and effective fruit preservation, and offer a viable solution to postharvest fruit preservation.

The seeds of Torreya grandis are rich in polyphenols, yet their chemical characteristics and biological activities require systematic elucidation. In this study, T. grandis seed polyphenols (TGSP) were prepared using ultrasound-assisted extraction (70% ethanol, solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:40 g/mL, 210 W power, 55°C, 50 min) coupled with AB-8 macroporous resin purification. The resulting TGSP were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Subsequently, their biological activities were systematically evaluated through in vitro chemical assays and in a cellular model. Structural analysis indicated that TGSP are abundant in gallic acid and catechins. TGSP exhibited selective scavenging activities against different free radicals, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS·+), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·), and hydroxyl radical (·OH) being 0.194 ± 0.015, 0.301 ± 0.020, and 1.013 ± 0.018 mg/mL, respectively. For comparison, the IC50 values of vitamin C (VC) for ABTS·+ and DPPH· radicals were well below 0.1 mg/mL, and its IC50 for ·OH radicals was 0.108 ± 0.011 mg/mL. At the cellular level, TGSP effectively inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, TGSP significantly counteracted hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), and suppressing caspase-3/9-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that T. grandis seed polyphenols exert significant cytoprotective effects through a multi-target mechanism, including direct free radical scavenging, inhibition of inflammation, and attenuation of oxidative stress-induced damage. This suggests their potential for development as functional food ingredients or natural pharmaceutical components.

Strawberries are highly susceptible to postharvest deterioration, including softening, decay, and nutrient loss, which severely limits their shelf life and commercial value. This study developed and evaluated a natural composite coating combining mulberry anthocyanin extract from Morus nigra fruits and carboxymethyl chitosan to extend the postharvest life of strawberries. The coating was rationally designed based on complementary functions: carboxymethyl chitosan acts as a semi-permeable barrier reducing water loss and microbial infestation, while mulberry anthocyanin provides antioxidant activity to mitigate oxidative stress-induced senescence. The anthocyanin extract contained cyanidin-3-glucoside (32.9%) and cyanidin-3-rutinoside (29.7%) as major components and exhibited good radical scavenging activity. Strawberries were treated with the composite coating, carboxymethyl chitosan alone, potassium sorbate, or left untreated, and then stored at 25 °C for five days. The composite coating treatment was most effective, significantly reducing weight loss, maintaining firmness, inhibiting browning, and lowering malondialdehyde accumulation compared to other treatments. These findings demonstrate that the mulberry anthocyanin-carboxymethyl chitosan composite coating is a promising natural strategy for strawberry preservation.

This study employed extracellular secretions from Streptomyces sp. YJD18, isolated from saline-alkali soil, to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using optimized conditions: 60 min boiling, 48 h mycelial suspension, pH 6.25, 1.0 mM chloroauric acid, 1:1 supernatant-to-water ratio, and 9.0 g mycelial wet weight. AuNP formation was confirmed by a yellow-to-ruby red color shift and a 525 nm UV–Vis absorption peak. TEM and SAED revealed irregular, polycrystalline spheres with good dispersity. Zeta potential (−11.6 mV) and DLS (20–30 nm) confirmed uniform surface properties and narrow size distribution. FTIR showed C–H and amide groups did not contribute to AuNP synthesis. The AuNPs exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against cancer (cervical, lung, liver, breast) and normal (kidney, liver) cells, optimal wound healing at 30 μg/mL (58.07% at 48 h), and concentration-dependent DPPH scavenging (IC50: 12,419.00 μg/mL), suggesting biomedical potential.

Mulberry anthocyanins, recognized as significant natural pigments and functional constituents, have garnered substantial interest due to their diverse biological activities, particularly in the areas of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. Recent advancements in extraction and purification methodologies for mulberry anthocyanins have resulted in the development of various highly efficient extraction techniques. These innovations not only enhance extraction yields but also preserve the bioactivity of the anthocyanins. Concurrently, the application of purification technologies, including macroporous resin and high-performance preparative liquid chromatography, has improved the purity of anthocyanins, thereby augmenting their applicability in pharmaceutical contexts. This study aims to review the most recent advancements in the extraction and purification of mulberry anthocyanins and to discuss research findings related to antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other bioactivities. The insights provided herein are intended to offer both theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the effective utilization and industrialization of anthocyanins in the future.

Torreya grandis kernels, with their long cultivation history and significant economic value, have gained attention for their characteristic chemical components. This review systematically evaluates recent research on the chemical constituents and biological activities of T. grandis kernels. The key highlights include the following. (1) Chemical composition: This review details their unique fatty acid profile, particularly the high content of unsaturated fatty acids and rare polymethylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids such as sciadonic acid. It also examines polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, and biflavonoids like kayaflavone) and volatile components dominated by D-limonene. Other constituents, such as proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, are covered. Advanced analytical techniques (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, GC-MS; Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry, LC-MS/MS) for component identification are discussed. (2) Biological activities: This review summarizes the major biological activities of T. grandis kernel extracts and key components. These include antioxidant effects (via the polyphenol-mediated NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway), anti-inflammatory properties (via polymethylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids, PMI-PUFAs, inhibition of 5-LOX, and polyphenol regulation of NF-κB), and cardiovascular protection (potentially involving the AMPKα/SREBP-1c pathway). Research on gut microbiota regulation and enzyme inhibition is also outlined. (3) Research gaps and prospects: This review critically analyzes the limitations in the current research, including mechanism elucidation, component interactions, bioavailability, and safety assessment (especially the lack of human studies). Future research directions should focus on multiomics integration, structure–activity relationship analysis, standardization, and rigorous clinical evaluation. This review provides a theoretical reference for understanding the scientific value of T. grandis kernels and promoting their sustainable development.

Mulberry anthocyanins (MA) are one of the important bioactive substances in mulberry, the extraction methods of MA are relatively limited, and there are few studies on their antitumor biological activity. This study employs response surface methodology (RSM) combined with single-factor experiments to optimize the extraction conditions for ultrasound-microwave associated extraction (UMAE) of MA. Based on the RSM, the optimal extraction process conditions for mulberry anthocyanins are as follows: solid-liquid ratio of 1:20, ethanol concentration of 80%, and ultrasonic power of 340 W. Under these conditions, the anthocyanin yield reached 5.98 mg/g. Biological activity, cell apoptosis, cell morphology, and cell invasion experiments all demonstrated that mulberry anthocyanins have an inhibitory effect on 4 T1 cells. These findings suggest that the extraction rate of anthocyanins from mulberry can be improved by UMAE, and it has also been demonstrated that mulberry anthocyanins possess notable antitumor activity, highlighting their potential for therapeutic applications. Antioxidant assays revealed that MA obtained via UMAE exhibited significantly stronger scavenging capacities against DPPH·, ·OH, and ABTS· radicals compared to conventional solvent extraction. This enhanced activity may be attributed to milder extraction conditions, which better preserve MA's structural integrity and bioactive properties. Theoretically, these results corroborate that MA possesses remarkable antioxidant potential, consistent with its previously reported antitumor efficacy.

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP, Chenpi) is a well-known traditional medicinal material that is widely used in medicine and the food industry. In this study, GC-IMS/GC-MS was used to analyze its key aroma compounds, and the differences in the aromas of the samples were compared by sensory evaluation and an electronic nose (Enose). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the stomata of the peel decreased in size and became more convex with age. A total of 96 typical target volatile compounds from topographic plots were identified by using the GC x IMS Library. Moreover, although the sweet and fruity aromas were strong in the 1Y (Y means year old) and 3Y samples, they were not as refreshing and pleasurable as those in the 5Y, 7Y, and 10Y samples. With increasing duration of aging, the woody aroma and medicinal flavor increased. The key aroma compounds were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by GC-MS, and the 10 key aroma compounds were selected by comparison with the reference compounds. Lastly, the structural characteristics of the functional aroma compounds were explored using molecular docking simulations, and the molecular mechanisms by which phellandrene, (3-ocimene, (3-myrcene, D-limonene, gamma-terpinene, linalool, alpha-terpineol, gamma-muurolene, and alpha-farnesene prevent depression were investigated in detail. This study is intended to provide a theoretical basis for the development of incense or perfume with antidepressant effects and has far-reaching significance for the industrialization of CRP.

A sustainable and energy-efficient approach was developed for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a cell-free supernatant derived from Streptomyces sp. strain YJD18, an actinomycete isolated from saline soil. Optimized synthesis conditions, including pH 10 and a biomass concentration of 5 g/100 mL, facilitated the rapid formation of AgNPs. The highest yield was achieved by mixing the supernatant with silver nitrate (AgNO₃) at a 4:1 ratio, followed by incubation at 100 °C for 15 min.The synthesized AgNPs exhibited multifunctional bioactivities, including antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, as confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The formation of AgNPs was indicated by a characteristic color change, with UV-Vis spectral analysis revealing a distinct absorption peak at 420 nm. Morphological analysis showed that the nanoparticles were predominantly spherical, with a few triangular and cylindrical structures, measuring 50-80 nm in size, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.312 and a zeta potential of -24.0 mV, indicating moderate colloidal stability. The AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (G⁺) and Gram-negative (G⁻) bacteria, with synergistic effects observed in combination with standard antibiotics. Furthermore, the AgNPs displayed significant anticancer activity, with pronounced cytotoxic effects against human pulmonary carcinoma (A549) and human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines, compared to their effects on human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) and human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells.