This study systematically evaluated six white grape cultivars and their wines from Changli, China, through multi-analytical techniques (HPLC, LC-MS/MS, HS-SPME -GC-MS, etc.) to compare oenological parameters, organic acid profiles, phenolic compositions, and aromatic volatiles. Results indicated that the total sugar contents in Aranèle (202.11 g/L) and Viognier (201.12 g/L) berries were significantly higher than those in other varieties. Compared with other varieties, Roussanne grape juice and wine had a higher content of phenolic components, and the fermented Chardonnay wine exhibited a higher proanthocyanidin content. In the flavor profile of the wines, the contents of ethyl octanoate, isoamyl acetate, and α-ionene in Semillon wine (total volatile components in Semillon: 56,147.3 μg/L) were significantly higher than those in the other wines. Additionally, Aranèle wine had the highest phenethyl alcohol content. The principal component analysis (PCA), performed on combined normalized data of organic acids, phenolic components, and volatile compounds, revealed distinct clustering of the six white wines. The first and second principal components explained 41.63% and 43.37% of the total variance, respectively, demonstrating clear differentiation among the six white wines. Sensory analysis revealed no distinct differences in appearance among the six white wines, whereas significant variations were observed in aroma and taste profiles.

This study systematically compared the yield, physicochemical composition, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and bioactivities of pomace from seven wine grape varieties prior to and following fermentation. The results showed that fermentation significantly reduced pomace yields, particularly in the skins, while effectively liberating phenolics and universally enhancing in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The VOC profiles shifted fundamentally from aldehydes and terpenoids to high-value alcohols and esters. Distinct varietal specificities were observed. Dunkelfelder skins exhibited notable phenolic and tannin retention, Malbec skins uniquely accumulated anthocyanins, and Marselan, Syrah, and Petit Verdot seeds stood out for their exceptionally high phenolic content, rich volatile profiles (fatty acid ethyl esters and phenylethyl alcohol), and strong in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Notably, Petit Verdot seeds uniquely exhibited a tannin “release-type” pattern with significantly increased content following fermentation. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the targeted, high-value valorization of varietal grape pomace.

To investigate the effects of vintage, variety, and region, the amino acids and volatile compounds were evaluated using mass spectrometry and mathematical statistics. The results showed that the vintage, variety, and region had a significant effect on the amino acids and volatile compounds. The amino acids content in grape juices ranged from 905.2 to 2892.8 mg/L. Proline was dominant in wines. Esters are the most abundant in grape juices. The main terpenes were linalool, citronellol, terpineol, and so on, which were affected by variety. Furthermore, acids, aldehydes, ketones, and acids were also important contributors to the aroma. The various vintages of grape juice and wine were perfectly discriminated using OPLS-DA (orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis), revealing that vintage had a greater impact on the chemical compounds of juice and wine than variety and region in this experiment. The major compounds employed to discriminate were ethyl caprylate, ethyl caprate, isoamyl acetate, phenylethy alcohol, isobutyric acid, octanoic acid, arginine, glutamine, glutamate, proline, etc.

In this study, flavonoid nanoemulsions (FN) were prepared by extracting flavonoids from daylilies, and their particle size, zeta potential, apparent viscosity, and antioxidant activity were characterized. Subsequently, double-layer composite films were fabricated via a layer-by-layer assembly method using carrageenan (CG) and FN as the inner layer, and chitosan (CS), gelatin (GEL), and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) as the outer layer. The results showed that the nanoemulsions containing a flavonoid concentration of 0.8 mg/mL exhibited the smallest particle size (76.84 nm), the highest absolute Zeta potential (20.07 mV), optimal stability, and excellent antioxidant activity. Further, the morphological and storage stability analyses of the 0.8 mg/mL flavonoid nanoemulsion revealed its excellent dispersion and storage stability. In bilayer composite films, the incorporation of FN increased the moisture content to 38.6% and film thickness to 0.094 mm (P < 0.05). The incorporation of TiO2NPs reduced the moisture content of the composite film from 38.6% to 30.8%, significantly increased its water contact angle and L⁎ value, and decreased its transmittance (P < 0.05). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that the addition of FN and TiO2NPs reduced the smoothness of the film surface. Moreover, the incorporation of FN and TiO2NPs effectively enhanced the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the film. Furthermore, the composite film containing FN and TiO2NPs significantly inhibited the lipid oxidation of mutton and maintained the total volatile basic nitrogen value within a safe range, indicating that the composite film has potential in the field of food packaging.

The quality of horticultural crops is directly associated with their economic value. Precise regulation by exposure to blue light has been widely applied to improve crop quality, including nutritional components and flavor characteristics, while also promoting the synthesis of beneficial metabolites. In addition, blue light influences plant growth and developmental processes, thereby enhancing the appearance and structural attributes of crops. Understanding the responses and underlying mechanisms in horticultural crops to blue light, as well as its precise application for improving crop quality, is of great importance. In this review, we systematically summarize the regulatory roles and mechanisms of blue light in the quality formation of horticultural crops from two perspectives: the accumulation of key metabolites and development of horticultural product organs. We aimed to provide a theoretical basis for the targeted regulation of horticultural crop quality using blue light.

The influence of Codonopsis pilosula and Astragalus membranaceus on the active ingredients and flavor of chicken soup are unknown. Here, the effects of five ratios of Codonopsis pilosula and Astragalus membranaceus (1:3 (CA1), 1:2 (CA2), 1:1 (CA3), 2:1 (CA4), and 3:1 (CA5) on the active ingredients, antioxidants, free amino acids, nucleotides, and volatile flavor components of chicken soup were investigated. The results showed that the concentrations of the active ingredients were significantly increased after supplementation with Codonopsis and Astragalus, while the corresponding antioxidant activities of the soup were enhanced. Sixteen free amino acids were detected, with the total amino acid contents in the CA2 and CA5 mixtures being significantly higher than those in the other groups. Nucleotide contents increased across all CA groups. Fifty volatile flavor components were identified by GC-MS, of which 11 were characteristic. The terpene contents in CA1, CA2, and CA5 were elevated, indicating enhanced flavor complexity. Overall, Codonopsis and Astragalus improved the levels of the bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, flavor precursors, and volatile components in chicken soup, effectively enhancing its quality and demonstrating potential for application.

The SCF complex, a type of E3 ubiquitin ligase, plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes by targeting specific substrates for degradation. These processes include cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, transcription, and apoptosis. SKP1, also known as S-phase kinase-associated protein 1, is a key component of the Skp1-Cullin1-F-box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. It acts as a linker protein that facilitates the interaction between Cullin and F-box proteins. SKP1 is essential for plant growth and development, particularly in processes like pollen tube elongation and self-incompatibility mechanisms. In this study, we identified 19 genes belonging to the LbSKP1 family in the Lycium barbarum genome, located on six different chromosomes. Based on gene structure and sequence analysis, we classified these genes into three types: type Ia genes are mostly intronless, type Ib genes typically have a single intron, and type IIc genes contain multiple introns. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed that LbSKP1-14 is highly expressed in Lycium barbarum pollen. The cloned LbSKP1-14 gene shares sequence similarity with PhSSK1, a gene involved in self-incompatibility recognition in tobacco. Subcellular localization studies showed that LbSKP1-14 is present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. The results of the yeast two-hybrid assay revealed that LbSKP1-14 specifically interacts with both S2-LbSLF4, S2-LbSLF9 and S2-LbSLF13. This research lays the foundation for further exploration of the role and mechanism of the SKP1 gene in regulating self-incompatibility in Lycium barbarum. It also provides genetic resources that can be utilized for molecular breeding of self-compatible varieties within the Lycium barbarum germplasm pool.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment, continuously undergo aging processes and release toxic chemical substances. Understanding the environmental behaviors of MPs is critical to accurately evaluate their long-term ecological risk. Generalized two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) is a powerful tool for MPs studies, which can dig more comprehensive information hiding in the conventional one-dimensional spectra, such as infrared (IR) and Raman spectra. The recent applications of 2D-COS in analyzing the behaviors and fates of MPs in the environment, including their aging processes, and interactions with natural organic matter (NOM) or other chemical substances, were summarized systematically. The main requirements and limitations of current approaches for exploring these processes are discussed, and the corresponding strategies to address these limitations and drawbacks are proposed as well. Finally, new trends of 2D-COS are prospected for analyzing the properties and behaviors of MPs in both natural and artificial environmental processes.

This study investigated the influence of Goji bud tea (GBT) as a functional ingredient on the nutritional quality and flavor of chicken soup. The results showed that adding GBT significantly increased the soluble solids, water-soluble protein, amino acid nitrogen, total phenolic, and total flavonoid contents of chicken soup, thereby enhancing its nutritional value and antioxidant activity. In addition, the levels of free amino acids and 5'-nucleotides also increased following GBT addition. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, a total of 48 aroma components were detected. Further, through orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and random forest models, eucalyptol, linalool, 1-nonanol, nonanal, benzaldehyde, and octanal were identified as potential key aroma substances in GBT-enriched chicken soup. This study systematically clarified the potential of GBT in enhancing the nutritional value and flavor of chicken soup, providing theoretical and evidence-based support for the development of functional stews.

The postharvest senescence phase of table grapes comprises a series of biological processes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate downstream genes at the post-transcriptional level; however, whether miRNAs are involved in postharvest grape senescence remains unclear. We used small RNA sequencing to identify postharvest-related miRNAs in 'Red Globe' (Vitis vinifera) grapes harvested after 0, 30, and 60 d of storage at 4 degrees C (RG0, RG30, RG60). In total, 42 known and 219 novel miRNA candidates were obtained. During fruit senescence, the expression of PC-3p-3343_1921, miR2950, miR395k, miR2111, miR159c, miR169q, PC-5p-1112_4500, and miR167b changed significantly (P<0.05). Degradation sequencing identified 218 targets associated with cell wall organization, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycling, pathogen defense, carbon metabolism, hormone signaling, the anthocyanin metabolism pathway, and energy regulation, of which ARF6, GRF3, TCP2, CP1, MYBA2, and WRKY72 were closely related to fruit senescence. We also verified that VIT_00s2146g00010, VIT_02s0012g01750, and VIT_03s0038g00160 with unknown functions are cleaved by senescence-related PC-5p-1112_4500 via the dual luciferase assay, and the transient transformation of grape berries showed that they regulate berry senescence. These results deepen our understanding of the role of miRNAs in regulating grape berry senescence and prolonging the shelf life of horticultural products. Based on these results, we propose a new theoretical strategy for delaying the postharvest senescence of horticultural products by regulating the expression of key miRNAs (e.g., PC-5p-1112_4500), thereby extending their shelf life.

Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa, a promising edible bioresource, can be efficiently and safely cultivated using exogenous phytohormones to enhance its productivity. This study employed multi-omics analysis to systematically investigate the effects and mechanisms of exogenous trans-Zeatin (tZ) on the growth and metabolism of A. pyrenoidosa. Results demonstrated that 10 mg/L tZ significantly promoted algal growth, increasing biomass by 166 ± 3.35% at 72 hours (h), while concurrently elevating cellular soluble protein (SP), carbohydrate (CHO), and chlorophyll a (Chla) content. tZ also strengthened the antioxidant defense system, evidenced by reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)), upregulation of glutathione metabolism, and decreased lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde (MDA)). Furthermore, tZ activated key metabolic pathways, including nitrogen metabolism, photosynthetic carbon fixation, and porphyrin biosynthesis, leading to the accumulation of arginine and polyamines, etc. This study reveals that tZ promotes microalgal growth by coordinately regulating carbon–nitrogen metabolic networks and antioxidant systems, providing a theoretical foundation for phytohormone-augmented microalgae cultivation technologies.

Grape pomace is a rich source of bioactive compounds but remains underutilized after vinification. This study aimed to elucidate the dynamic metabolic changes that occur during fermentation and drying, and to evaluate their impact on the functional potential of grape pomace (Cabernet Sauvignon). To achieve this, we integrated widely targeted metabolomics, in vitro activity assays, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The results demonstrated that fermentation significantly enhanced both antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities, with increased inhibition of DPP-IV and alpha-glucosidase, which was attributed to elevated levels of polyphenols, such as flavonoids and stilbenes. Drying led to partial degradation of polyphenols, but still retained considerable hypoglycemic inhibitory and antioxidant activities. KEGG enrichment further revealed major biochemical shifts, with stilbene, diarylheptanoid, gingerol, and isoflavonoid biosynthesis identified as key pathways contributing to bioactivity. These findings support the valorization of grape pomace as a sustainable source of functional ingredients.

Abstract Background Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) is a perennial deciduous shrub widely distributed in arid and semiarid regions of Northwest China. It is highly valued for its medicinal and functional properties. Most goji varieties are naturally self-incompatible, posing challenges in breeding and cultivation. Self-incompatibility is a complex genetic trait, with ongoing debates regarding the number of self-incompatible loci. To date, no genetic mappings has been conducted for S loci or other loci related to self-incompatibility in goji. Results We used genome resequencing to create a high-resolution map for detecting de novo single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in goji. We focused on 229 F1 individuals from self-compatible ‘13–19’ and self-incompatible ‘new 9’ varieties. Subsequently, we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on traits associated with self-compatibility in goji berries. The genetic map consisted of 249,327 SNPs distributed across 12 linkage groups (LGs), spanning a total distance of 1243.74 cM, with an average interval of 0.002 cM. Phenotypic data related to self-incompatibility, such as average fruit weight, fruit rate, compatibility index, and comparable compatibility index after self-pollination and geitonogamy, were collected for the years 2021–2022, as well as for an extra year representing the mean data from 2021 to 2022 (2021/22). A total of 43 significant QTL, corresponding to multiple traits were identified, accounting for more than 11% of the observed phenotypic variation. Notably, a specific QTL on chromosome 2 consistently appeared across different years, irrespective of the relationship between self-pollination and geitonogamy. Within the localization interval, 1180 genes were annotated, including Lba02g01102 (annotated as an S-RNase gene), which showed pistil-specific expression. Cloning of S-RNase genes revealed that the parents had two different S-RNase alleles, namely S1S11 and S2S8. S-genotype identification of the F1 population indicated segregation of the four S-alleles from the parents in the offspring, with the type of S-RNase gene significantly associated with self-compatibility. Conclusions In summary, our study provides valuable insights into the genetic mechanism underlying self-compatibility in goji berries. This highlights the importance of further positional cloning investigations and emphasizes the importance of integration of marker-assisted selection in goji breeding programs.

In order to study the status and sources of heavy metal pollution in Yinchuan Yellow River floodplain soils,we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS)to determine the presence of eight heavy metals in 92 soil samples from the Yinchuan Yellow River floodplain and used enrichment factors,geological accumulation index,and potential ecological risk index to analyze and evaluate the characteristics of heavy metal pollution in the study area.Combined correlation analysis,absolute factor analysis-multiple linear regression model(APCS-MLR),positive matrix factorization(PMF),and geostatistics were used to analyze the sources of soil heavy metals.The results showed that the content of eight heavy metals in the surface soil of the Yellow River floodplain in Yinchuan City were lower than the screening value of soil pollution risk in agricultural land;Cu and Pb contents were lower than the background value of Yinchuan City soil,and the contents of the remaining six elements were higher than the background value.The coefficients of variation of Zn and Cd were large and in the medium variation level and were influenced by anthropogenic activities.The heavy metal content varied between different land types and generally showed that wasteland>abandoned farmland>woodland>cultivated land.The average content of Cu and Pb in forest and arable soils was lower than the regional background value,whereas the rest of the heavy metals in different land types were higher than the soil background value.The analysis of enrichment factors showed that Zn and Cd were slightly enriched in the study area,and the cumulative index method and the evaluation of the potential risk of single heavy metals indicated that more than 60%of the sites in the study area were contaminated with Cd at a medium or higher potential ecological hazard.The comprehensive evaluation results of potential ecological risk showed that the overall ecological risk level of the study area was mild.From the distribution of heavy metal ecological risk comprehensive index sample points,only one point was in moderate ecological hazard,and the pollution point showed very few.Comprehensive correlation analysis,APCS-MLR model,PMF model,and geostatistical analysis results confirmed that Zn and Cd in the study area were mainly derived from human activities such as agricultural activities and transportation,and the remaining heavy metals were derived from soil parent materials.The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the ecological protection and sustainable development of the Yellow River in Yinchuan City.

The recognition of pollen and pistil in the self-incompatibility process is generally determined by the interaction between the pollen S gene and pistil S gene located at the S locus. However, the regulatory mechanism of self-incompatibility in goji remains unknown. In this study, we used the self-compatible strain ‘13–19’ and self-incompatible strain ‘xin9’ from Ningxia as parents to create an F1 hybrid population. Reciprocal cross-pollination was performed within the same plant to evaluate the self-compatibility of the parents and F1 progeny. The parents and progeny were subjected to whole-genome resequencing, and mixed pools of DNA were constructed using 30 self-compatible and 30 self-incompatible individuals. Association analysis using the SNP-index method and Euclidean distance was employed to identify the key candidate region of the S locus. The candidate region was further annotated using the Swiss-Prot database to identify genes within the region. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing data from different organs/tissues, as well as from pistils of self-compatible and self-incompatible strains at control (0 h), short (0.5 h), medium (8 h), and long (48 h) time points after self-pollination and cross-pollination, were analyzed to assess differential gene expression and screen for self-compatibility-related loci. Specific primers were designed for PCR amplification to determine the S-RNase genotypes of the extreme parents. The results revealed that the S locus in goji is located within a 32.2 Mb region on chromosome 2 that contains a total of 108 annotated genes. Differential expression analysis showed that ten genes, including Lba02g01064, were specifically expressed in stamens, with four of them annotated as F-box genes, potentially serving as determinants of self-compatibility in stamens. Lba02g01102 was exclusively expressed in pistils and annotated as an S-RNase gene, likely involved in self-compatibility. The expression of Lba02g01102 in pistils decreased after self-pollination and cross-pollination. Six candidate genes exhibited significant changes after self-pollination and cross-pollination. Both parents and progeny carried two S-RNase alleles, and the S-RNase genotypes showed a significant correlation with self-compatibility, with the self-compatible progeny containing the S8-RNase allele. The identification of the S locus in goji provides molecular markers for future marker-assisted breeding and offers genetic resources for studying the mechanism of self-incompatibility in goji, thus contributing to the improvement of goji varieties.

The amino acids and the volatile substances in grapes and wines play important roles in their quality, and the concentrations of these substances can be changed by how a vineyard is managed, e.g., irrigation and fertigation regimes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fertilizer and water management on the distribution of amino acids, the volatile component profiles, and the sensory characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and wines. The results showed that the amino acid concentration in grape berries was the highest under the 100% local fertilizer rate (HF) and 100% water irrigation quota (HW) treatment, and the volatile component concentration in wine was the highest under HF and 80% water irrigation quota (MW) treatment. The effect of irrigation on the amino acid content in grapes was greater than that of fertigation. The synergistic effect of fertilizer and water on arginine, serine, and glutamine in grape berries was significant. The interactive effect of fertigation and irrigation on the volatile substance in grapes was greater than that of fertigation and irrigation alone. The influence of irrigation on volatile substances in wines was greater than that of fertigation. In addition, there was also a correlation between the concentrations of multiple amino acids in grapes and volatile components in wines. Principal component analysis showed that the wine from the HFMW treatment had the best quality among all treatments.

Self-incompatibility is a widespread genetic mechanism found in flowering plants. It plays a crucial role in preventing inbreeding and promoting outcrossing. The genes that control self-incompatibility in plants are typically determined by the S-locus female determinant factor and the S-locus male determinant factor. In the Solanaceae family, the male determinant factor is often the SLF gene. In this research, we cloned and analyzed 13 S2-LbSLF genes from the L. barbarum genome, which are located on chromosome 2 and close to the physical location of the S-locus female determinant factor S-RNase, covering a region of approximately 90.4 Mb. The amino acid sequence identity of the 13 S2-LbSLFs is 58.46%, and they all possess relatively conserved motifs and typical F-box domains, without introns. A co-linearity analysis revealed that there are no tandemly repeated genes in the S2-LbSLF genes, and that there are two pairs of co-linear genes between S2-LbSLF and the tomato, which also belongs to the Solanaceae family. A phylogenetic analysis indicates that the S2-LbSLF members can be divided into six groups, and it was found that the 13 S2-LbSLFs are clustered with the SLF genes of tobacco and Petunia inflata to varying degrees, potentially serving as pollen determinant factors regulating self-incompatibility in L. barbarum. The results for the gene expression patterns suggest that S2-LbSLF is only expressed in pollen tissue. The results of the yeast two-hybrid assay showed that the C-terminal region of S2-LbSLFs lacking the F-box domain can interact with S-RNase. This study provides theoretical data for further investigation into the functions of S2-LbSLF members, particularly for the identification of pollen determinant factors regulating self-incompatibility in L. barbarum.

Pollen fertility is a critical factor in seed development and crop breeding. Extensive studies have explored the mechanisms of pollen fertility in model plants and economic crops. However, the mechanisms of pollen abortion in medicinal and edible plants, including Lycium barbarum, remain elusive. This study utilized transcriptome analysis to identify key genes and regulatory networks implicated in pollen fertility in L. barbarum. The results demonstrated differential expression of 12,185 genes (DEGs) between the sterile and fertile lines, encompassing 489 genes that exhibited variation across the five stages of pollen development. Additionally, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the DEGs were predominantly associated with energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and notably, hydrolase activity. Co-expression network analysis unveiled two modules intimately associated with fertility, each comprising 908 and 756 hub genes, incorporating β-1,3-glucanase genes (Glu) and co-expressed transcription factors (TFs). Phylogenetic analysis implied that LbGlu1 was a potential candidate gene implicated in regulating pollen abortion in L. barbarum. This work advances a novel understanding of pollen abortion in L. barbarum and offers theoretical support for the utilization of sterility genes to enhance crop improvement.

Physical UV-blocker TiO2 nanocomposites and chemical sunscreen benzophenones (BPs) have been frequently detected in the aquatic environment, their combined fates and potential risk should be concerned. In this study, the typical cosmetic grade UV-blocker TiO2 nanocomposites (labeled as CG-TiO2) and 2,4-dihydroxy benzo-phenone (BP-1) were targeted, and the effects of CG-TiO2 on the transformation of BP-1 during UV irradiation were explored. It was found that CG-TiO2 destruction did not form toxic products, while they could promote the chemical reactions of BP-1 that will lead to highly toxic products during UV irradiation. More importantly, UV irradiation could break the organic coatings on CG-TiO2, the broken CG-TiO2 exhibited stronger catalytic activity on BP-1 and form highly toxic products during UV irradiation. Total of 24 transformation products were tentatively identified, including hydroxyl BPs, hydroxyl dibenzo-p-dioxins, hydroxyl benzoyl benzoquinones, etc. The main transforamtion mechanisms of BP-1 included hydroxylation, radical coupling, oxidation, decarboxyl-ation, Norrish type I reaction, and ring closure through electrophilic substitution. This study highlighted that physical UV-blocker CG-TiO2 promoted the transformation of chemical sunscreen BP-1 and generated higher toxicity during UV irradiation. It was expected that these results would provide scientific data for evaluating the fates and potential risk of sunscreens in the environment.