Edible fungal mycelium has become a promising food ingredient and material due to its high protein conversion efficiency, nutritional benefits, and fibrous properties suitable for structural support. This study introduces an innovative method for fermenting mycelium within a grid to improve the nutritional and mechanical properties of 3D-printable ink. This fermentation process significantly increased the protein content to 66.20 +/- 1.62% (by 1.52 times compared to unfermented samples), refined amino acid profiles (EAA/NEAA = 51%), and boosted biological activity, especially antioxidant capabilities. Simultaneously, the mycelium acts as a natural binder within the grid, enhancing structural stability, mechanical strength, and texture. Experimental data showed a significant reduction in shrinkage (37.46% horizontally and 30.08% vertically) and a notable improvement in WHC (15.64% and 13.99%). Additionally, mechanical strength and hardness rose by 352.96% and 589.49%, respectively. This composite ink contains mycelium, soy protein, and polysaccharides, sourced from two edible fungal strains (Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum). By inducing structural anisotropy and integrating fermentation techniques, the mycelium develops a fibrous texture approximating that of muscle tissue, thereby elevating both nutritional value and sensory complexity. Notably, this approach addresses traditional limitations of 3D-printable materials, such as structural instability and insufficient protein content, offering a sustainable and high-performance alternative for plant-based meat substitutes.

Excessive application of chemical preservatives has raised increasing concerns regarding food safety and human health, prompting the search for safer natural alternatives. Lavender essential oil (LEO), a plant-derived antimicrobial agent, has been considered a promising substitute for synthetic preservatives, but its high volatility and poor water solubility limit its practical application. In this study, LEO nanoemulsions were fabricated via high-pressure homogenization using sodium caseinate (SC) and tea polyphenols (TPs) as composite emulsifiers. The preparation process was optimized using a three-factor, three-level orthogonal design, and the physicochemical properties, storage stability, and antibacterial activity were systematically investigated. The optimal preparation conditions were determined as an SC/TP mass ratio of 2:1, homogenization pressure of 70 MPa, and 7 homogenization cycles. The optimized nanoemulsion exhibited a droplet size of 130-210 nm, zeta potential of -30.89 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 98.61%, with typical shear-thinning behavior and excellent storage stability. The percentage of free LEO remained below 7.5% within 15 days, indicating high stability, and the release behavior followed a zero-order kinetic model. The prepared nanoemulsion showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 μg/mL for both strains. This study confirms that the SC/TP composite interface can effectively stabilize LEO nanoemulsions, providing a theoretical basis for the development of natural and efficient food preservatives.

ABSTRACT Value‐added utilization of resources can be developed from by‐products of agricultural processing. In this study, a neutral polysaccharide (BSLP‐1, 19,799 Da) was obtained from bamboo shoot processing liquid. Structurally, BSLP‐1 has a backbone of →4)‐α‐D‐Glcp‐(1→ and →4,6)‐α‐D‐Glcp‐(1→, with side chains of →5)‐α‐L‐Araf‐(1→ and α‐D‐Glcp‐(1→6)‐α‐D‐Glcp‐(1→) at →4,6)‐α‐D‐Glcp‐(1→ It exhibits a triple‐helical conformation, porous morphology, and semi‐crystalline nature. BSLP‐1 enhanced cell viability and restored viability in LPS‐damaged cells in vitro. It also inhibited phagocytic activity of RAW264.7, and reduced levels of nitric oxide/reactive oxygen species, and pro‐inflammatory factors such as TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β. Furthermore, it suppressed the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway by downregulating the phosphorylation of IκB, IKKα/β and P‐NF‐κB p65. These findings suggest that the polysaccharide derived from bamboo shoot processing liquid can serve as a natural anti‐inflammatory ingredient for further application in functional foods.

This study aimed to evaluate the antiradiation effects of Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides (BRP) obtained through four different extraction methods: enzyme-ultrasound-assisted (UE-BRP), enzyme-microwave-assisted (ME-BRP), hydrogen peroxide/ascorbic acid-assisted (HA-BRP), and hot water extraction (H-BRP). The physicochemical, structural, antioxidant, and in vitro antigamma radiation properties of the compound were assessed in RAW 264.7 cells, followed by in vivo validation in mice at graded concentrations. The results showed significant differences in physicochemical characteristics: HA-BRP yielded the highest amount (8.69

To overcome the inherent limitations of polysaccharide hydrogels in probiotic delivery, such as insufficient mechanical strength and gastrointestinal stability, a novel composite hydrogel (HEP/COS) was fabricated via the non-covalent assembly of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS). The optimized 5%-HEP/0.5%-COS formulation demonstrated superior rheological properties, characterized by a broad linear viscoelastic region (LVR) up to 20.5% strain. Notably, it provided significant protection to probiotics during gastrointestinal transit, markedly enhancing the survival rates of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). The hydrogel facilitated targeted intestinal release while exhibiting excellent biocompatibility. This research presents a viable biomaterial and establishes a rheological framework for designing advanced probiotic delivery systems.

The structural and functional modification of natural polysaccharides is a key research area in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. However, traditional modification techniques suffer from limitations such as low efficiency and significant pollution. As the demand for efficient and environmentally friendly polysaccharide modification methods grows, cold plasma, an emerging, eco-friendly, and non-thermal treatment technology, offers a highly promising strategy for altering the structural and functional properties of polysaccharides. This review provides an in-depth overview of the latest advances in the cold plasma modification of natural polysaccharides. It elucidates the generation methods, mechanisms, and regulatory factors of this technology, while analyzing its effects on the structure, physicochemical properties, and biological activities of polysaccharides, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory effects. The application of plasma-activated water is also introduced, and the challenges associated with industrialization and future directions are discussed. This review provides theoretical support for the high-value utilization of polysaccharides.

Natural polysaccharide-based biomaterials are ideal for food industry applications due to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, non-toxicity, and low toxicity. They can impart desirable functions to biomaterials, broadening their applications in the food industry. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the structure and properties of sulfated seaweed polysaccharides (SSP) and edible mushroom polysaccharides (EMP), as well as their applications in the food industry, based on the literature from the past five years. These polysaccharides exhibit gelling ability and film-forming properties, making them suitable as biomaterial matrices. Currently, they have been used in the food industry as hydrogels, films, and coatings. In addition, SSP and EMP have various bioactivities that can enhance the functionality of biomaterials. As a result, these materials can potentially be applied in food packaging, 3D food printing, the delivery of bioactive compounds, and the improvement of food quality and safety. However, compared to synthetic materials, these biomaterials face challenges due to their low stability and inadequate mechanical and chemical properties. Therefore, if we want to use SSP and EMP-based (SSP/EMP-B) biomaterials on a large scale, we still need to conduct further research on their physicochemical and bioactive properties to meet the needs of society.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss. Its successful treatment depends on effective transdermal drug delivery strategies. In this study, we introduce a novel method utilizing a controlled rigidity nanolipogel (NLG) for the local delivery of fucosterol in the treatment of AGA. The NLG is formed by an identical lipid bilayer encapsulating an alginate core, with rigidity regulated by the degree of sodium alginate (SA) cross-linking. Young's moduli obtained by AFM were 2.91 ± 0.41, 61.5 ± 1.6, and 84.9 ± 1.1 MPa for the soft NLP, moderately rigid NLG-2.5, and most rigid NLG-10. In vitro skin permeation study showed that compared with the NLP and NLG-10, NLG-2.5 had the best transdermal permeability and hair follicle-targeting properties. Moreover, moderately rigid NLG-2.5 exhibited the best ability to inhibit inflammation and androgen pathways and promote angiogenesis, thereby restoring hair growth in AGA model mice. This strategy provides valuable insights for the treatment of AGA.

The absorption mechanism of cyclic peptides at the molecular level remains unclear. Previously, we found that flaxseed-derived cyclic peptide was absorbed into cells through endocytosis pathway dependent on clathrin. This study aimed to elucidate how CLQ triggers clathrin-mediated endocytosis. CLQ was labeled with FITC fluorescent probe, and results showed that CLQ was absorbed in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Molecular docking, immunofluorescence colocalization and surface plasmon resonance showed that CLQ firmly binds to clathrin, even at the cellular level. The expression of key genes and proteins involved in clathrin-mediated endocytic vesicle formation was upregulated when cells absorbing CLQ, including CLTC, AP2M1, DNM2, and EPS15, whereas co-treatment with clathrin inhibitor (CPZ), this upregulation was suppressed. Above results suggested that CLQ binds with clathrin, then recruiting AP2M1, DNM2, and EPS15 to form endocytic vesicle, inducing the occurrence of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. These findings established a theoretical foundation for the development and utilization of dietary cyclic peptides.

Pearl protein extracted from freshwater mussels has been shown to inhibit tyrosinase activity. However, the unclear inhibitory mechanism and associated conformational changes limit their practical applications. In this study, peptides from the crude extract of pearl powder are analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These peptides are subsequently assessed for their tyrosinase inhibitory potential via molecular docking techniques. Notably, experiments reveal that a small-molecule peptide effectively prevents the interaction between 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and tyrosinase, impeding the formation of dopaquinone. The peptide GLGGGLAGAGGADGA (95P, 1099.54 Da) shows particular promise, with synthesized 95P inhibiting both the monophenolase and diphenolase activities of tyrosinase, with IC 50 values of 30.97 ± 0.75 μM and 64.62 ± 3.08 μM,respectively. 95P inhibits tyrosinase activity in a mixed competitive and reversible manner. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that 95P stabilizes 5M8N, impeding structural contraction identified by model number 5M8N. In conclusion, 95P is a powerful and stable tyrosinase inhibitor with the potential to be used as a skin whitening agent in the pharmaceutical field and an anti-browning agent in the food industry.

Aroma is a critical determinant of fruit quality, largely synthesized through the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. We hypothesized that the dynamic regulation of the LOX pathway during jujube fruit ripening governs the distinct evolution of its key aroma compounds. This study used HS-SPME coupled with GC-MS to profile aroma compounds in jujube during ripening. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed hexanal (1160-1870 μg/kg) and (E)-2-hexenal (1470-3180 μg/kg) as the most abundant aldehydes, followed by benzaldehyde and (E)-2-pentenal. Odor activity value (OAV) analysis identified hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, and (E)-2-nonenal as the key aroma compounds. LOX enzyme activity increased from 277 U/g to 711 U/g during ripening, while ADH and AAT activities showed fluctuating trends. Transcriptome analysis revealed 12 candidate transcripts involved in aroma synthesis, with multivariate statistical analysis demonstrating coordinated changes in gene expression associated with volatile accumulation. Our findings verify the hypothesis that LOX pathway regulation drives aroma evolution during jujube ripening and provide a genetic foundation for targeted quality improvement in jujube fruits.

Osteoporosis (OP) poses a significant global health burden, with emerging therapies targeting the gut microbiota (GM). This study investigated the effects of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOP), characterized as an acetylated glucomannan with a linear β-(1 → 4)-mannose backbone, on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced OP through the gut-bone axis. DOP administration significantly attenuated bone loss in OVX mice by modulating bone turnover and inflammation markers, activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and preserving intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, DOP dose-dependently reshaped the GM composition, increasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, especially enriching short chain fatty acids (SCFA)-producing genera Allobaculum and Clostridia_UCG-014, which consequently restored butyric and isovaleric acid levels. Crucially, fecal microbiota transplantation from DOP-treated donors reproduced the osteoprotective phenotype in recipient mice, establishing a causal role for DOP-modulated GM. These findings demonstrate that DOP alleviates OP via GM-driven SCFA production, barrier integrity, anti-inflammation, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation, underscoring its prebiotic potential for OP management.

Dendrobium officinale has garnered significant attention due to its notable bioactivity and health benefits. The polysaccharide extracted from Dendrobium officinale (DOP) is the primary source of its functionality. However, its poor solubility and high viscosity necessitate the modification of its physicochemical properties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of cold plasma treatment on the physicochemical and functional properties of DOP. The results indicated that cold plasma treatment substantially increased the solubility of DOP from 87.5 % to 96.30 % and enhanced its hydrophilicity with a lower water contact angle, primarily attributed to the etching effect of plasma. Furthermore, the study confirmed the co-occurrence of cross-linking and depolymerization during the plasma discharge process. The plasma treatment reduced the viscosity of the polysaccharide solution by 10 folds and increased its thermal stability. The microstructure of the polysaccharide, examined by SEM and AFM, revealed that plasma treatment disrupted the cross-linking structure, leading to smooth agglomeration at high intensity. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity and immunoreactivity of plasma-treated DOP have been improved, and the free radical scavenging rate of the plasma-treated could reach 34.40 % at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, stimulating the secretion of cytokines TNF-α (increased 20.70 %), IL-1β (increased 26.94 %), IL-6 (increased 25.32 %), and IL-10 (increased 13.03 %) in in vitro cell tests. Accordingly, cold plasma treatment could be a novel approach to modifying polysaccharides and improving their potential applications in food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Ganoderma lucidum, a food-grade medicinal mushroom, is rich in biologically active components that offer significant health benefits. This study investigated the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP-1) and ganoderic acid A (GAA) in RAW264.7 cells. GLP-1 was a low molecular weight β-D-glucan with an alternating backbone structure formed by →3)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → and →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → linkages. Notably, significant synergistic effects were observed at a mass concentration ratio of GAA: GLP-1 of 1:4. The combination of GLP-1 and GAA more effectively inhibited the production of NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to each component alone. Additionally, the combination increased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-10) and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. RT-qPCR and Western blot results suggested that GLP-1 and GAA may co-target the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways to achieve their synergistic anti-inflammatory effects. These findings provide valuable insights for future synergistic application of active ingredients from natural products.

The development of eco-friendly, biodegradable nanomaterials is essential for promoting the sustainable utilization of industry by-products from tiger nut starch. This study focuses on the extraction of cellulose nanocrystals (TN-CNC) from tiger nut starch by-products through acid hydrolysis, as well as evaluation of their effects on the characteristics of starch-based biodegradable packaging. The TN-CNC was identified as having a rod-like morphology, exhibiting high crystallinity (CI = 87.2 ± 2.4 %), stable thermal properties (Tonset = 299.1 °C), an average length of 278.4 ± 91.6 nm, and a notable aspect ratio (23.1 ± 8.8). TN-CNC demonstrated compatibility with starch substrates and enhanced the microstructure of natural starch films through self-assembly and the formation of new hydrogen bonds. Incorporating 1.0 % TN-CNC improved the crystallinity of the starch films from 16.2 % to 23.7 %, and increased their thermal stability from 271.8 °C to 289.3 °C. This concentration also significantly increased tensile strength by up to 104.2 %. These findings advocate for the upcycling of tiger nut starch by-products, highlighting their potential in developing high-performance biodegradable packaging materials.

Dendrobium officinale oligosaccharides (DOO), as a novel prebiotic, offer promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this study, the alleviating effect of DOO on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced chronic colitis in mice was investigated. DOO treatment relieved the main symptoms of weight loss, colon shortening, and bloody stool caused by colitis. DOO ameliorated histopathological colon tissue damage and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1 beta). Western blot results suggested that DOO downregulated the phosphorylation levels of key proteins in the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, including IKK alpha/beta, I kappa B alpha and p65. 16S rRNA sequencing suggested that DOO altered the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in DSS-induced mice. It promoted the intestinal colonization of beneficial bacteria such as Dubosiella, Lactobacillus and Alistipes, and inhibited the abnormal overgrowth of Akkermansia. Furthermore, DOO increased the secretion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid to maintain intestinal homeostasis. These findings suggest the potential of DOO as a therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis (UC).

Ionizing radiation can cause severe damage to the body. The use of natural products as radioprotective agents has gained increasing popularity and attention in recent years. Edible and medicinal mushrooms are the significant natural source demonstrating unique advantages in radiation protection, such as Ganoderma lucidum, Hohenbuehelia serotina, and Auricularia auricular. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge regarding the radioprotective components from mushrooms against ionizing radiation, and mechanisms of action are discussed. The main radioprotective components in mushrooms include polysaccharides, peptides/proteins, and terpenoids, exerting radioprotective effects either individually or combinedly. The radioprotective effects of these agents potentially occur through mechanisms such as reducing lipid peroxidation, ameliorating cell apoptosis, restoring DNA damage and regulating immune system. The review also provides an overview in the application strategies of mushrooms for radioprotection and summarizes the current limitations in the field and provided a perspective on future prospects. This review offers a timely and comprehensive summary of current findings on mushroom-derived components as radioprotective agents that contribute to preventing the body from ionizing radiation.

Rice protein residue (RPR) and corn germ meal (CGM) are industrial by-products that are commonly applied as animal feed with low economic benefits. In order to develop a new approach for the resource utilization of grain protein residue, this study converted grain protein residue into edible mushroom protein through solid-state fermentation (SSF). To increase the biological efficiency of biotransformation, this study used Box Behnken design, combined with single factor experiments and response surface methodology, to optimize the SSF process parameters of edible mushroom mycelium. Optimal fermentation conditions were established considering both protein content and operational feasibility: RPR to CGM ratio of 4:1, utilizing the Pleurotus ostreatus strain, a fermentation duration of 14.5 days, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:0.8, and a loading capacity of 65.59 g. Fermentation under these optimized conditions yielded 73.34 g of protein per 100 g of RPR/CGM blend, which is 98.71% of the predicted value and represents a 1.28-fold increase from the initial protein content of 56.96 g/100 g. The amino acid evaluation results showed that the total amino acid content of the fermented protein residue increased by 12.88%, with a significant increase in the concentrations of glutamic acid and aspartic acid, which increased by 19.53% and 24.27%, respectively. In addition, the amino acid ratio coefficient score (SRC) and nutritional index (NI) were slightly higher, indicating a more balanced proportion of essential amino acids after fermentation. Additional research on the physicochemical properties of the protein residue post-fermentation revealed that the emulsifying capacity improved by 3.5% compared to the non-fermented sample. Edible mushrooms are a promising method for converting RPR and CGM into high-protein raw materials.

Glucosinolates are the main bioactive constituents in turnip (Brassica rapa L.), an economically valuable plant cultivated widely in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China. In this study, turnip glucosinolates (TGL) were extracted and purified, and then encapsulated within zein/chitosan (CS) nanoparticles prepared via an antisolvent precipitation method, with the aim of improving its stability, bioactivity, and anti-fatigue properties. Zein/CS-TGL nanoparticles (20:1 ratio) exhibited optimal properties: 356.40 nm size, 87.02 % encapsulation efficiency, and high thermal stability (93.30 % retention after 12 h at 60 °C). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions within the zein/CS-TGL nanoparticles. The in vitro digestion showed that zein/CS-TGL (20:1) nanoparticles limited TGL release to 56 %, compared with 72 % for free TGL. In an exhaustive swimming test of C57BL/6 J mice, high-dose of zein/CS-TGL (20:1) nanoparticles (60 mg TGL/kg) prolonged the swimming time by 37 %, preserved glycogen contents, reduced fatigue biomarkers (Blood urea nitrogen, lactic acid and creatine kinase), increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and activated the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway. Moreover, zein/CS-TGL nanoparticles alleviated the exercise-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, with Alloprevotella and Lactobacillus upregulated and Staphylococcus downregulated in a dose-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that zein/CS co-encapsulation enhanced TGL stability and anti-fatigue efficacy, showcasing promise for functional foods.