Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) represent a major source of prebiotic compounds. They are widely used in functional foods for their ability to modify intestinal microbiota in animals and humans. To address the significant issue of fructooligosaccharide production being influenced by glucose concentration, this study designed a dual-enzymatic co-catalysis system for glucose isomerase (GI) and a mutant FTase (FTase142P-242K). This system successfully increased the FOS synthesis rate (42.31 to 55.51%, w/w). Glucose isomerase catalyzes the isomerization of glucose to fructose, and the subsequent release of fructose from the active site permits the enzyme to re-enter its catalytic cycle. The optimal conditions for catalysis were found at 45 °C, pH 5.5, and 1 mM Ba2+. In contrast, the optimal fermentation process was established at 25 °C and induction with 1 mM IPTG. Finally, the efficient production of FOS using low-cost byproduct molasses was achieved. Fermentation optimization of the dual-enzyme system resulted in FOS yield of 53.92% (w/w), a significant increase (44.54%, w/w) from the yield obtained using single-enzyme catalysis. Based on the research, a novel and sustainable approach for high-yield synthesis of Fructooligosaccharides involves minimizing the inhibitory effect of glucose produced during sucrose transformation.

As a major global sugar crop and lignocellulosic feedstock, sugarcane processing traditionally suffers from single-product dependency and low byproduct utilization, causing resource waste and environmental factors. To address this, the ‘sugarcane processing tree’ framework offers a pathway for full-component valorization. This review systematically summarizes the high-value utilization pathways for sugarcane juice, bagasse, and filter mud. Key quantitative insights reveal that the functional sugars offer high profitability due to premium market prices; bagasse pretreatment constitutes 40–50% of overall biorefinery costs; and crude wax recovery from filter mud stagnates at only 5–8%, limiting commercial scale-up. Current bottlenecks are characterized by low pretreatment efficiency, subpar strain performance, and high isolation costs. Future advancements must integrate coupled biorefining, synthetic biology, and standardized frameworks to spearhead the low-carbon, circular transition of the sugarcane industry for sustainable development.

Large-fruited hawthorn (Malus doumeri (Bois) Chev.) is valued for its health-promoting properties, largely attributed to its rich flavonoid content. However, little is known about the specific composition of flavonoids and the molecular mechanisms regulating their biosynthesis. The present study employed non-targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to investigate two M. doumeri germplasms (G8 and G9) that exhibited significantly different total flavonoid contents. The results indicated that the major and differential metabolites primarily include flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in phenylpropanoid and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways. Integrated analysis identified several structural genes and transcription factors, including HCT (LOC114821133, LOC103403337, LOC103454980), WRKY (LOC103427630), and bHLH (LOC103422512), that were significantly upregulated in the high-flavonoid genotype (G9). qRT-PCR validation confirmed the RNA-Seq expression patterns, suggesting the potential involvement of these genes in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid-related metabolites, such as [6]-gingerol. Applied experiments further demonstrated that freeze-drying preserved high metabolite contents and antioxidant activity. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the compositional characteristics of the major flavonoids in M. doumeri and the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid-derived metabolites. This study provides data support for future mechanistic validation and evaluation of processing technology applicability.

This study used an in vitro simulated digestion model combined with network pharmacology to investigate the bioaccessibility, dynamic changes in antioxidant capacity, and potential molecular mechanisms by which active components of sugarcane vinegar mitigate alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The results showed that the bioaccessibility of total phenols, total flavonoids, and reducing sugars in sugarcane vinegar exceeded 90% during gastric digestion. However, after combined gastrointestinal digestion, the bioaccessibility of total flavonoids was reduced significantly (39.39%). Among the phenilic phenolic monomers, ferulic acid had the highest gastric bioaccessibility index (419.10%), while luteolin exhibited the strongest stability throughout digestion process. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and total reducing capacity gradually decreased, whereas the 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) reached its peak during gastrointestinal digestion. Correlation analysis showed that antioxidant capacity was closely correlated with phenolic compounds. Alcohol detoxification experiments revealed the ethanol retention rate of sugarcane vinegar during gastric digestion was significantly higher (14%) than undigested sample. Network pharmacology analysis identified caffeic, ferulic, protocatechuic, vanillic, and gentisic acid in sugarcane vinegar, with MAOB, PTGS1, and PTGS2 targets. These molecular docking findings reveal the strong binding affinity between polyphenols and their core targets. This research establishes a robust theoretical framework for harnessing sugarcane vinegar bioactive properties as a functional food strategy to mitigate alcoholic liver disease.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are plant-based prebiotics widely utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries. As a major sugar-producing region, Guangxi holds significant potential for enzymatic production of FOS from sucrose. This study engineered a mutant enzyme, 142P-242K, to address the low catalytic activity characteristic of wild-type enzymes. The mutation upregulated the FOS conversion efficiency from 29 to 52%, respectively. Optimal enzymatic activity was observed at 45 °C, pH 6.0, and in the presence of 1 mM Na+. Mechanistic investigations revealed that modifications to the catalytic domain pocket and shifts in substrate affinity were the primary factors driving enhanced FOS production. The accumulation of 1-Kestose (GF2) was attributed to the enhanced flexibility of the 142P-242K loop, which facilitates substrate access to the active site. However, the synthesis of nystose (GF3) from GF2 is hindered by the hydrophobic nature of the active site and strong hydrogen bonds binding GF2. Comparing the enzyme’s ability to produce FOS using sugarcane juice, sugarcane molasses, and adsorption-heating sugarcane molasses, it was determined that heat-adsorbed molasses yielded the highest FOS concentration (30.77%). This study offers a practical and cost-effective strategy for enzyme modification and efficient valorization of molasses.

Hawthorn is widely distributed across China, including Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, Shandong, and Shaanxi provinces. It is rich in functional components and nutritional elements, making it a crucial raw material for medicinal and food products. This review provides comprehensive information of the distribution of hawthorn germplasm resources in China and compares the differences in nutrient composition, chemical substances, and functional activities among different species. Furthermore, it offers a statistical analysis of the diversified processing and applications of hawthorn in China. Finally, the review identifies current challenges in the agro-food industries and states the future outlook of the industry. By systematically integrating research findings into a comprehensive “resource–characterization–application” framework, the study addresses the current fragmentation and lack of systematic organization in hawthorn research. It seeks to provide a scientific basis for directional breeding, strategic planning of production areas, precise product development, and high-quality development of the hawthorn industry in years to come.

Crabapple (Malus prunifolia (Willd.) Borkh) is valued for its ornamental appearance, effectiveness as a rootstock, and rich nutritional profile. However, the flavor profile and metabolite composition are poorly characterized, which hinders a comprehensive assessment of its overall value. This study combined broad-spectrum untargeted metabolomics with electronic tongue analysis to systematically characterize the flavor and metabolite profiles of M. prunifolia across four distinct ripening stages, thereby clarifying the relationship between flavor and metabolites and uncovering the metabolic basis of flavor formation. The results indicated that the fundamental flavor characteristics remained relatively stable throughout ripening, with an overall trend toward increased sweetness and reduced sourness, bitterness, and astringency. Among these attributes, sweetness and sourness were the primary indicators of ripeness. The increase in sweetness was associated with changes in fructose, glucose, sucrose, D-mannitol, and D-sorbitol, and the reduction in sourness was associated with changes in ketoglutaric acid, aconitate, as well as significant enrichment of glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Diverse flavonoids (including quercitrin, astragalin, rutin, mangiferin, neohesperidin, catechin, and (-)-epicatechin), triterpenoids (including maslinic acid, corosolic acid, and alphitolic acid), and phenolic acids (including cryptochlorogenic acid) were identified. While these metabolites contribute to bitterness and astringency, and also impart substantial functional properties. The results provide a reference for assessing the nutritional value of M. prunifolia, facilitating resource utilization and targeted extraction of bioactive compounds.

This study explored the structural and functional properties of Malus doumeri polysaccharide (MDPS), an acidic heteropolysaccharide extracted from the large-fruited hawthorn (Malus doumeri (Bois) Chev.) by water extraction and alcohol precipitation methods. The weight-average molecular weight of MDPS was 110.114 kDa. It contained high levels of GalA, GlcA, Man, Xyl, Ara, and Gal, with molar ratios of 23.46:23.19:14.02:9.66:9.67:8.43. The results indicated that the polysaccharide might contain several typical pectic structural domains, including homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan I. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope observations revealed that the MDPS exhibited irregular flakes, with molecular morphology aggregated particles and relatively rough surface. MDPS exhibited excellent bile acid-binding capacity, with its binding effects on the taurocholic acid being close to that of the positive control cholestyramine. Additionally, MDPS demonstrated strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. At the same concentration, the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of MDPS was 1.6 times of commercial hawthorn polysaccharides (CHPS) and 3.7 times of commercial pectin (CP), respectively. Overall, MDPS possesses a unique chemical structure and exhibits excellent biological activities, including high bile acid binding capacity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, suggesting its potential for downregulating blood lipids and blood glucose. This study provides a theoretical and practical foundation for the utilization of Malus doumeri fruit resources and the development of high-value-added functional food ingredients.

Winemaking, one of the ancient technologies, is simply the process of converting sugar into alcohol through a complex biochemical reaction. The process of winemaking involves a complex of enological technique that faces a host of challenges in a winery including, inconsistent quality due to chemical and microbiological instability, limited sensory flavor profiles, and concerns met with changing micro-environmental conditions. Fermentation is a metabolic process where the chemical composition of an organic substrate is fragmented via the cellular enzymes under anaerobic conditions. Mixed fermentation, which involves using multiple strains, can enhance the aroma of fermented food, overcome the limitations of single strain fermentation, and improve flavor and quality of food. Mixed fermentation has important applications for agro-food industries, healthcare products and medical sciences. The modern mixed fermentation process showed the enhancement of wine aroma, flavor and taste, reducing volatile acidity and upregulating the phenylethyl acetate concentration through synergistic effect of multiple microorganisms. Key microorganisms in alcohol fermentation, such as yeast, lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria, interact with each other during alcohol fermentation process affects the quality and flavor of the wine. Extremophilic microorganisms have established different molecular strategies to survive amidst the adverse conditions. Biocatalysts isolated by these organisms are termed extremozymes and possess extraordinary properties of salt allowance, thermostability, and cold adaptability. However, the physicochemical and sensory properties of alcohol are important to the quality of end-use products. Therefore, when optimizing fermentation conditions, selecting a right combination of microorganisms is the key to derive better physicochemical and sensory properties. However, the use of mixed fermentation and extremozymes can provide significant insight and potential remedial solutions to overcome these technical problems and shape the final product in more desirable and sustainable ways, challenging the current shortcomings to deliver a more resilient end-products with consistent, flavorful, and a number of what may be considered remedial techniques can be employed to produce an acceptable product to consumers.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), linear fructose oligomers with health benefits, are synthesized through sucrose transfructosylation using fructosyltransferases (FTases). This study employed the computer-aided design to modify the hydrophobic-flexible active domain of Aspergillus niger FTases. Mutant 142P exhibited 22.56 % (45.55 mu kat) higher than wild-type FTases, with optimal conditions, i.e, 55 degrees C, pH 5.0, and CO2+. Kinetic analysis reduced Km value (6.174 +/- 0.15 M), attributed to weakened active domain-sucrose interactions. FOS conversion by 142P enhanced up to 0.17-29.20 %, yielding 14.92 % 1-Kestose, and 14.27 % Nystose. Molecular docking enhanced active domain flexibility (structural shift from green to red) and reduced glucose affinity as key factors boosting activity and FOS conversion. Hydrophobic-flexible modification proves effective for optimizing FTases in industrial applications. This strategy provides a scalable solution for tailoring Aspergillus niger enzymes to meet the growing demands of the prebiotic and functional food industries.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.), a globally significant root crop, has garnered renewed scientific interest due to its nutritional richness, bioactive compounds, and diverse functional applications. Recent studies have elucidated its unique composition, including high-quality starch with low glycemic potential, dietary fiber, polyphenols, i.e., flavonoids, anthocyanins, and potassium, calcium, iron minerals. Innovations in processing strategies, such as fermentation and thermal applications, have enhanced its digestibility while mitigating anti-nutritional factors like oxalates. Functionally, taro exhibits prebiotic, hypoglycemic, and hypocholesterolemic properties, attributed to its resistant starch and antioxidant activity. Taro corms starch (70%−80% on dry basis) contemplate as a cheapest abode for food industries due to its multiple functions in foods, such as stabilizer, emulsifier, fat substitute, and as filler agent too. It is rich in mucilage and starch granules, making it a highly digestible (99%) ingredient because of their small in size. Starch is a complex carbohydrate synthesized in some plant species, i.e., rice, wheat, potato, taro, elephant foot yam, maize, and others. Taro starches have higher phosphorus (0.407%), protein (5.605%) and ash (0.851%) contents than other tropical roots like tiger nut and sweet potato, but lower lipid content (0.283%). Taro has been found to contain several active compounds, such as resistant starch, mucilage, anthocyanins, hemagglutinin, non-starch polysaccharides, protein, tarin lectin, and others, which exhibit numerous beneficial properties, including antitumor, antimetastatic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Emerging evidence highlights its efficacy in modulating gut microbiota, reducing inflammation, and mitigating risks of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, taro-derived bioactive compounds show promise in antimicrobial and anticancer applications. Advances in genomics and biofortification are driving sustainable cultivation and novel food approaches, including gluten-free products and functional food additives. Despite significant advancements, challenges remain in standardizing and scaling up these bioactive extraction processes for industrial applications. This review emphasizes taro's potential as a vital crop for food security and human health due to recent research advancements.

The sugar industry is important for the economic development in China. Guangxi province is the largest sugar producer with over 60

In order to explore the variation in volatile compounds and aroma profiles of different varieties of sugarcane wine, volatile compounds of 14 different varieties of sugarcane wine were analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and an electronic sensory system. The differences in flavor substances of different cultivars of sugarcane were assessed by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) discriminant model and relative odor activity value (ROAV) combined with multivariate statistical methods. The results showed that a total of sixty major volatile compounds, i.e., 27 esters, 15 alcohols, eight acids, three phenols, four aldehydes and ketones, and four others, were identified in 14 types of sugarcane wine. Seven key aroma compounds were screened out: ethyl caprylate, ethyl caprate, ethyl acetate, ethyl laurate, n-decanoic acid, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and 2-phenylethanol and three differential aromas, i.e., ethyl palmitate, isobutyl alcohol, and caprylic acid. The electronic nose and electronic tongue analysis technology can effectively distinguish the aroma and taste of 14 sugarcane wines. It is confirmed that the aroma and taste of 14 sugarcane wines have differences in distribution patterns, and the results are consistent with the analysis and assessment of volatile compounds of sugarcane wine. The results of this study provide technical support for the production and quality improvement of sugarcane wine.

This study investigated the antioxidant potential of sugarcane vinegar, an emerging functional food, by analyzing its polyphenols and underlying molecular mechanisms that intervene in oxidative stress. Using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) assay combined with UPLC-MS analysis, six key polyphenols were identified: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, luteolin, protocatechuic acid, and syringic acid. These compounds showed a positive correlation with antioxidant capacity. In a simulated sugarcane vinegar environment, these polyphenols exhibited synergistic antioxidant effects, while in methanol, antagonistic interactions were predominant. Network pharmacology revealed five key polyphenols targeting 10 critical proteins involved in oxidative stress, including the PI3K-Akt and IL-17 signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between these polyphenols and core targets like PTGS2, STAT3, and GSK3B. This study establishes a reference for the antioxidant mechanisms of sugarcane vinegar and highlights its potential for developing functional products.

Green tea is a non-fermented tea with flavor and polyphenols. Aroma is one of the important quality indicators of tea. Fermented green tea wine can solve the problem of low-grade tea, which has more bitterness and less aroma. In this study, Camellia sinensis var. pubilimba Hung T. Chang (Kaishan white tea 2) was screened by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to benzyl alcohol and phenethyl alcohol presenting a fruity aroma, dimethyl sulfide presenting a green tea aroma, and rich tea polyphenols with contents of 2.08, 2.43, 12.26 and 3.72%, respectively. The optimal fermentation conditions for green tea wine were determined univariately as 1.5% yeast addition, 30 °Brix initial sugar, and fermentation temperature of 25 °C. The electronic sensory assessment showed that the saltiness, richness and umami were more prominent in green tea wine, while the response values of bitterness, astringency and aftertaste-A were lower. The order of aroma contribution can be seen as W1S > W5S > W2S > W2W > W1W > W3S > W6S. Kaisan white tea 2 gives green tea wine a clear tea aroma. This study provides better technical and theoretical strategies for the comprehensive quality assessment and control of fermented green tea wine quality.

Sugarcane original vinegar (SOV) is a healthy beverage worldwide. Almost all the countries or regions in the world have their own kinds of vinegar with special aromas and flavors, which come from the relative raw materials, microorganisms and production processes with vinegar. It is rich in phenolic substances, such as vanillin, coumarin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, 10 types of luteolin in celery, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol, among which the vanillin, coumarin, chlorogenic and caffeic acids are relatively high (sugarcane original vinegar >5 mg/L, sugarcane vinegar drink >2 mg/L). This study assessed the influence of acetic acid fermentation from sodium alginate, corncobs and rice husk on SOV by immobilized fermentation processes. Volatile organic compounds were determined by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography (GC-MS). During the first and second fermentation stages, the rice husk carrier enhanced the fermentation process at 24 hr as compared to corncobs and sodium alginate. Fermentation with different immobilized carriers revealed 95-115 types of organic volatile compounds, with the relative content of each compound monitored through the area normalization method, representing 98% of the total peak area. The free fermented sugarcane vinegar has found 24 specific compounds. Fifty-seven aroma compounds were identified at different degrees by the ROAV method during fermentation with different immobilized carriers. The key flavor compound was isoamyl acetate and the modified flavor was phenylethyl alcohol. Isoamyl acetate was identified as significant aroma compound in SOV for the first time. Using plant sources as immobilized carriers to ferment fruit vinegar can effectively improve the aroma and acid production efficiency of vinegar. This study enriched the knowledge of the compounds and flavors of SOV and assisted in upgrading the production quality of vinegar.

以海南黑珍珠莲雾发酵的莲雾果酒为原料,选用5种商用醋酸菌种分别发酵制备莲雾果醋,筛选出适合莲雾果醋发酵的醋酸菌种.试验研究菌种添加量、初始酒精度、发酵温度和加糖量4个单因素对莲雾醋发酵的影响,并通过正交试验对莲雾醋的发酵条件进行优化,得到最优工艺参数:菌种添加量0.8％、初始酒精度3％vol、发酵温度28℃、加糖量6％,在最优条件下发酵9 d,得到总酸含量为34.1 g/L,色泽浅黄,醋味浓郁略带清香果味,风味独特的莲雾醋,为莲雾产业深加工及多元化利用提供技术依据.

Vinegar is one of the most widely used acidic condiments. Recently, rapid advances have been made in the area of vinegar research. Different types of traditional vinegar are available around the globe and have many applications. Vinegar can be made either naturally, through alcoholic and then acetic acid fermentation, or artificially, in laboratories. Vinegar is the product of acetic acid fermentation of dilute alcoholic solutions, manufactured by a two-step process. The first step is the production of ethanol from a carbohydrate source such as glucose, which is carried out by yeasts. The second step is the oxidation of ethanol to acetic acid, which is carried out by acetic acid bacteria. Acetic acid bacteria are not only producers of certain foods and drinks, such as vinegar, but they can also spoil other products such as wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruits. Various renewable substrates are used for the efficient biological production of acetic acid, including agro and food, dairy, and kitchen wastes. Numerous reports on the health advantages associated with vinegar ingredients have been presented. Fresh sugarcane juice was fermented with wine yeast and LB acetate bacteria to develop a high-quality original sugarcane vinegar beverage. To facilitate the current study, the bibliometric analysis method was adopted to visualize the knowledge map of vinegar research based on literature data. The present review article will help scientists discern the dynamic era of vinegar research and highlight areas for future research.

IntroductionDue to their bioactive compounds and beneficial health effects, functional foods and plant-based natural medicines are widely consumed. Due to its bioactivities, vinegar is one of them that helps humans. Sugarcane original vinegar (SOV) is a special vinegar made from sugarcane as a raw material through biological fermentation processes. MethodsThe objective of this study was to assess the effects of sugarcane original vinegar on growth performance, immune response, acute oral toxicity, bacterial reverse mutation, mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus, mouse spermatogonial chromosome aberration, mammalian bone marrow cell chromosome aberration changes, and serum characteristics in mice. Distortion parameters were used to assess its safety, and at the same time, the functionality of SOV was monitored during experimentation. ResultsThe results show that the SOV has no damage or inhibitory effect on the bone marrow red blood cells of mice and no mutagenic or distortion-inducing effects on the bone marrow cell chromosomes or spermatogonia chromosomes, so it is safe to eat. SOV can improve blood lipids and reduce blood lipid content. DiscussionThe study results provide data basis for the intensive processing of sugarcane and the development of high-value SOV products. Sugarcane original vinegar has a beneficial impact on performance, immune response, and chromosomal aberration. The production application influences the vinegar's quality and, consequently, its health benefits.

Wine is an alcoholic beverage, consisting of several compounds in various ranges of concentrations. Wine quality is usually assessed by a sensory panel of trained personnel. Electronic tongues (e-tongues) and electronic noses (e-noses) have been established in recent years to assess the quality of beverages and foods. Response surface and electronic analysis tools were used to examine the quality of black tea wine. The results indicated the optimum initial sugar level (25 °Brix), yeast addition (0.5%), and fermentation temperature (25 °C) for Golden Peony black tea wine. The black tea wine produced under these conditions with 14.0% vol alcohol has as an orange-red color, full wine and tea flavor, and mild and mellow taste. The sourness of the wine was most affected by fermentation factors-yeast addition, fermentation temperature, and initial sugar level. Alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and alkanes contributed to most of the volatile components under the influence of yeast addition and fermentation temperature. In contrast, nitrogen oxides, aromatics, and organic sulfides contributed under the influence of the initial sugar level. This study provided a facilitated strategy for obtaining the optimum black tea wine fermentation process through electronic nose and tongue-based techniques. The analysis of wines requires new technologies able to detect various different compounds simultaneously, providing worldwide information about the sample instead of information about specific compounds.