Antibacterial hydrogels represent a class of biomaterials that integrate multicomponent synergy and multimodal antibacterial mechanisms. Precise engineering of their composition and modular architecture enables the integ...Antibacterial hydrogels represent a class of biomaterials that integrate multicomponent synergy and multimodal antibacterial mechanisms. Precise engineering of their composition and modular architecture enables the integration of potent antibacterial action, versatility, and enhanced biocompatibility, demonstrating remarkable potential for advanced antimicrobial applications. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of cross-linking design paradigms, classification, antibacterial mechanisms, and applications of antibacterial hydrogels. We emphasize that elucidating structure-activity relationships and deeper understanding of antibacterial mechanisms are critical for developing novel antibacterial hydrogels, especially for food applications. The review culminates in identifying pivotal research directions and persistent technical challenges that must be addressed to propel the field forward.
Fruits and vegetables exhibit heterogeneous moisture, complex microstructures, and thermal sensitivity, governing dielectric properties and RF heating behavior. Within the RF range (27.12-40.68 MHz), dielectric constant...Fruits and vegetables exhibit heterogeneous moisture, complex microstructures, and thermal sensitivity, governing dielectric properties and RF heating behavior. Within the RF range (27.12-40.68 MHz), dielectric constant () ranges from 60-100 and dielectric loss factor () from 100-500 at 20-25 °C, depending on composition and moisture. These properties determine energy absorption and penetration depth; heating is also modulated by structural heterogeneity and geometry. This review analyzes multiscale interactions among dielectric behavior, tissue structure, and RF energy deposition, distinguishing electromagnetic and thermal processes. At the cellular level, membrane permeability alteration and pectin degradation are governed by temperature-time history rather than RF-specific effects. At the tissue level, spatial variations in dielectric properties lead to non-uniform energy deposition, generating localized heating and temperature gradients that drive texture changes. At the quality level, enzymatic browning, pigment stability, and nutrient retention are controlled by thermal history, water mobility, and composition. RF processing influences quality through accelerated heating and reduced exposure time, rather than altering intrinsic reaction pathways. Despite advances, current models still lack fully validated multiphysics coupling among electromagnetic fields, heat and mass transfer, and quality kinetics. Future research should focus on integrated multiphysics modeling, dielectric characterization, and real-time adaptive control for predictive RF processing.
Rapid, sensitive, and on-site detection of pathogenic bacteria in aquatic-product and aquaculture-associated samples is critical for food safety. Although CRISPR/Cas has emerged as a powerful biosensing tool, its practic...Rapid, sensitive, and on-site detection of pathogenic bacteria in aquatic-product and aquaculture-associated samples is critical for food safety. Although CRISPR/Cas has emerged as a powerful biosensing tool, its practical application is hindered by complex aquatic matrices and the difficulty of integrating pretreatment, amplification, and signal readout into point-of-care testing (POCT) workflows. This review examines integrated CRISPR/Cas biosensing strategies for pathogenic bacterial detection in aquatic matrices. It outlines the enzymatic features of core effectors, reviews pretreatment methods for complex samples, and summarizes how CRISPR/Cas is combined with isothermal amplification to improve analytical sensitivity. It also compares biosensing platforms from the perspective of matrix interference and field applicability. The analysis indicates that isothermal amplification is essential for detecting low-abundance targets in complex aquatic matrices. Among current strategies, ratiometric fluorescence, magnetic separation-assisted sensing, and signal-on electrochemical reporting show particular promise because they improve calibration, reduce matrix background, and limit nonspecific signal loss, respectively. Future progress depends on standardized sample processing, quantitative multiplexing, and automated "sample-in, result-out" systems for real-world deployment.
The modern fast-paced lifestyle and dietary habits of people have resulted in an increased consumption of high-calorie foods, ultimately facing obesity like health problems. Cereals are staples in many countries in the w...The modern fast-paced lifestyle and dietary habits of people have resulted in an increased consumption of high-calorie foods, ultimately facing obesity like health problems. Cereals are staples in many countries in the world, which contain mainly carbohydrates and act as the main calorie source. To improve its nutritional and health properties, new starch derivatives have been studied for the last few decades. One of such products is high-amylose wheat starch, which is produced by genetic modification and other novel technologies. High-amylose starch shows a retarded glucose uptake owing to its relatively lower glycemic index, revealing its effectiveness in preventing obesity related type II diabetes mellitus. Moreover, additives are indispensable ingredients in food processing. The content of high-amylose starch and additives can significantly affect the texture properties and sensory attributes of the final product. Choosing the appropriate types and quantities of additives effectively enhances the product's taste and consumer acceptance. This paper summarizes the effects of high-amylose starch and small-molecule additives on texture properties, processing, and sensory attributes. Through the first synergistic study, it elucidates regulatory mechanisms and optimal addition levels, offering insights for improving quality and developing healthy, tasty wheat foods.
This review provides a critical overview of the impact of exercise and probiotic supplementation in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). As the prevalence of GDM is rising due to increasing maternal wei...This review provides a critical overview of the impact of exercise and probiotic supplementation in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). As the prevalence of GDM is rising due to increasing maternal weight and advancing age, the need for research into possible adjunctive therapies is crucial. GDM poses significant maternal-fetal risks, including macrosomia and pre-eclampsia, highlighting the importance of glycemic control in pregnancy. The gut microbiota is also important in metabolic health, with enhanced diversity increasing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, which positively alters metabolism. Due to the influence of exercise and probiotics in regulating blood glucose and influencing the diversity of the gut microbiota, they could both prove suitable adjunctive methods for preventing and/or managing GDM.
The gastrointestinal environment is where the resident gut microbiome encounters foodborne microorganisms, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and bioactive substances from food, all of which may influence the acquisi...The gastrointestinal environment is where the resident gut microbiome encounters foodborne microorganisms, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and bioactive substances from food, all of which may influence the acquisition and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Although resistant bacteria and ARGs are frequently detected in food and food production environments, their contribution to the gut resistome remains unclear. Most ingested microbes are transient and constrained by ecological barriers; however, the conditions that enable horizontal gene transfer are not well characterized. Multiple factors (e.g., microbial composition and density, the presence of mobile genetic elements, antimicrobial residues, and host physiology) can modulate ARG persistence and mobility, but their relative impact within the gut ecosystem and its associated resistome needs to be better understood. Resistance acquisition also depends on fitness costs and adaptive responses within complex microbial communities. Methodological variability and limited data further limit comparability and interpretation. This review summarizes current knowledge of AMR dynamics in the gut following dietary exposure and highlights significant knowledge gaps that limit our understanding of factors influencing ARG transfer and persistence in the gastrointestinal environment. Reducing these uncertainties is crucial for strengthening AMR risk assessment and designing more effective mitigation strategies.
The fruits and vegetable processing industry produces a huge amount of by-products that are rich in bioactive compounds. Therefore, the recovery of these biologically active compounds from industry by-products has receiv...The fruits and vegetable processing industry produces a huge amount of by-products that are rich in bioactive compounds. Therefore, the recovery of these biologically active compounds from industry by-products has received significant attention. Polyphenols are recognized for their therapeutic potential, including anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, they are highly sensitive and easily degraded, and also have lower bioaccessibility due to their instability in gastrointestinal conditions. To increase stability and improve the bioaccessibility of polyphenols, encapsulation is considered an effective approach to enhance stability and facilitate proper release during digestion. The present review highlights different efficient techniques used for the extraction of bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetable by-products (FVBPs), including conventional (soxhlet, maceration) and green extraction (supercritical fluid, pulsed electric field, pressurized liquid extraction) techniques. These extraction techniques utilize different solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether, propanol) to extract bioactive compounds. Additionally, the review focused on polyphenols' encapsulation techniques, delivery systems, and encapsulating agents to maintain their stability, enhance their bioaccessibility, and ensure targeted delivery in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the health-promoting effects of encapsulated polyphenols extracted from FVBPs.
Negri S, Milan M, Rudraboina R
… +11 more, Troyano-Rodriguez E, Kosmider A, Awasthi S, Ihuoma J, Yabluchanskiy A, Csiszar A, Rudolph MC, Natarajan D, de Cabo R, Balasubramanian P, Tarantini S
The role of dietary fat in human health remains debated, particularly in aging. The diet-heart hypothesis of the 1950s linked saturated fat to cardiovascular disease (CVD), shaping nutrition guidelines for decades. Howev...The role of dietary fat in human health remains debated, particularly in aging. The diet-heart hypothesis of the 1950s linked saturated fat to cardiovascular disease (CVD), shaping nutrition guidelines for decades. However, later trials yielded inconsistent results, and recent reviews have questioned the strength of this association. At the same time, studies of ketogenic and other high-fat diets suggest that, in specific metabolic contexts, higher fat intake may offer metabolic and vascular benefits. These findings highlight the need to move beyond simplified views of dietary fat by considering fat type, metabolic state, and eating patterns. Beyond cardiovascular outcomes, interest has grown in how diet influences brain aging and cerebrovascular health. Cerebrovascular dysfunction is central to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), yet dietary effects on these mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This review examines evidence on how dietary fat composition and eating strategies affect endothelial function, cerebral blood flow, blood-brain barrier integrity, inflammation, and mitochondrial function within the aging neurovascular unit, identifying pathways that may support cerebrovascular resilience and cognitive health.
Woolf EK, Falkenhain K, Martin CK
… +1 more, Redman LM
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr
· 2026 May · PMID 42172183
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Caloric restriction (CR) reduces age-related risks, while diet quality is critical for healthy aging. Understanding how adults adjust diets to sustain CR and maintain nutrient adequacy can inform nutrition for healthy ag...Caloric restriction (CR) reduces age-related risks, while diet quality is critical for healthy aging. Understanding how adults adjust diets to sustain CR and maintain nutrient adequacy can inform nutrition for healthy aging. Healthy adults ( = 220) were assigned to ad libitum (AL; = 75) or 25% CR ( = 143; NCT00427193). Changes in macro/micronutrients and food groups collected via 6-day diet records at baseline and 12 months and their associations with %CR were evaluated. Compared to AL, CR participants achieved 15.2 ± 7.4%CR and lost 8.3 ± 3.1 kg. CR participants reduced fat (-16.5 g/day) and alcohol intake (-3 g/day), increased protein (1.2%EI/day) and carbohydrate (3.3%EI/day), and maintained micronutrient adequacy. CR participants increased fiber (8.6 g/day), reduced added sugars (-16.9 g/day) and fats (saturated -5.6 g/day; trans -1.2 g/day), and shifted toward a healthier dietary pattern by lowering refined grains, sugary beverages, sweets, and red meats while increasing fruits, vegetables, whole/mixed grains, and low-fat dairy ( < 0.05). Greater protein intake and lower intake of sauces/dressings/gravy at 12 months, and change in polyunsaturated fat and greater decreases in sauces/dressings/gravy intake from baseline to 12 months were most strongly associated with %CR. CR improved diet quality, demonstrating that CR can be implemented in a manner that reduces chronic disease risk.
Gastrointestinal barriers (acidic environment, mucus barrier, tight junctions, and microbiota metabolism) have long constrained the oral bioavailability of food-derived bioactives, especially lipophilic constituents. Rec...Gastrointestinal barriers (acidic environment, mucus barrier, tight junctions, and microbiota metabolism) have long constrained the oral bioavailability of food-derived bioactives, especially lipophilic constituents. Recent advances in functionalized nanoparticle strategies offer sophisticated techniques to address these challenges. Specifically, precise control of particle size, morphology and surface functionalization enhances mucus penetration and cellular uptake of nanocarriers. Advanced nanocarrier strategies, such as mucosal adhesion, receptor-mediated targeting, and co-delivery with permeation enhancers, facilitate efficient absorption by opening intercellular gaps and activating specific endocytosis pathways. Intelligent designs for pH, enzyme, redox, and microbiome responses resulted in precise protection and targeted release of cargoes in various gastrointestinal segments. This review summarizes critical strategies for absorption-optimized oral nanoplatforms, including absorption mechanisms, mucosal retention, receptor-mediated endocytosis, co-delivery with absorption enhancers, and multi-strategy coupling. We emphasize strategic orientations for maximizing oral absorption efficiency of bioactive ingredients, offering a transformative framework for architecting next-generation oral nanocarrier platforms of food-derived components.
Cold plasma (CP) is a partially ionized gas composed of ions, free radicals, photons, and electrons, whose concentrations of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are directly modulated by reactor parameters. Insuf...Cold plasma (CP) is a partially ionized gas composed of ions, free radicals, photons, and electrons, whose concentrations of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are directly modulated by reactor parameters. Insufficient reporting of system configuration and plasma generation data compromises reproducibility and comparability in plasma-based applications. Based on Townsend's and Streamer's theories and extensive research, this study examined plasma formation mechanisms and identified 12 key parameters that influence the generation of reactive species, which must be consistently reported in plasma-based research. Characterization of these species, through optical emission spectroscopy (OES) or optical absorption spectroscopy (OAS), is fundamental for understanding plasma effects. This review highlights that optimizing promising applications, such as plasma-activated water (PAW) - a liquid with antimicrobial potential against various microorganisms - is challenged by inadequate descriptions of plasma treatments. PAW, characterized by reactive species such as NO, NO, OH, O, and HO, exemplifies how CP-forming parameters influence the effects of CP treatments. This work provides a solid theoretical foundation, essential parametrization, and characterization methods to guide future research and ensure reproducibility in CP applications, with particular emphasis on PAW.
The annual rise in food allergies among infants and young children significantly impacts their quality of life and development, making it a global public health concern. Currently, therapeutic approaches for food allergy...The annual rise in food allergies among infants and young children significantly impacts their quality of life and development, making it a global public health concern. Currently, therapeutic approaches for food allergy, including pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy, and dietary modifications, exhibit certain limitations. Accumulating studies suggest that probiotic supplementation may mitigate food allergy symptoms in pediatric populations through multiple mechanisms, including gut microbial composition modulation, reinforcement of intestinal epithelial integrity, and immunomodulatory effects. This review focuses on the association between infant food allergy and probiotics, elaborates on the potential mechanisms of action of probiotics, and summarizes and discusses the findings and perspectives from current animal model experiments and clinical studies. We have also examined the safety of probiotics in infant populations. Some studies suggest that probiotics (e.g., GG and spp.) may help improve allergic symptoms. An extensively hydrolyzed formula with GG could potentially improve symptoms and contribute to the development of immunological tolerance in some children with cow's milk allergy. Furthermore, probiotics as adjuvants to oral immunotherapy can reduce the risk of adverse reactions. These findings provide theoretical and practical references for subsequent clinical practice, facilitating better management of food allergies in infants and young children.
Sourdough is a flour-water mixture fermented by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts. The addition of starter culture strains allows steering the fermentation process toward sourdoughs with tailored properties. However,...Sourdough is a flour-water mixture fermented by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts. The addition of starter culture strains allows steering the fermentation process toward sourdoughs with tailored properties. However, the rational selection of candidate starter culture strains for sourdough production is of crucial importance, yet challenging. This review aimed to (i) describe the microbial diversity of non-starter culture-inoculated sourdoughs as source for starter culture strains for future use, (ii) examine LAB and yeast metabolism (carbohydrate, amino acid, and ester metabolism) and sourdough bread characteristics (flavor, rheology, nutritional and other health properties) as a target to screen and select strains, (iii) explore the interactions between LAB and yeasts and their implications for the use of starter cultures, and (iv) discuss how the different process parameters (raw material, oxygen, fermentation and storage duration and temperature) should be adapted for different starter culture strains. Furthermore, the techniques available for strain selection and starter culture strain monitoring are summarized, highlighting their current use, their challenges, and perspectives. Overall, a successful starter culture-initiated sourdough production process requires rational strain selection encompassing multiple complementary techniques and optimized process conditions. In addition, mixed-strain starter cultures, composed of LAB and yeast strains, show potential for enhancing sourdough quality.
Worldwide, both adults and children continue to develop metabolic diseases at an alarming rate. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a cluster of risk factors associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases....Worldwide, both adults and children continue to develop metabolic diseases at an alarming rate. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a cluster of risk factors associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. The development of MetS is complex, and its mitigation requires multiple complementary strategies. One promising approach is dietary intervention with nutraceutical-rich foods that strengthen metabolic organs such as the liver and intestines against oxidative stress and inflammation. Potatoes are a widely consumed crop grown globally and are rich in macronutrients and bioactive secondary metabolites, including phenolic acids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. They also provide resistant starch and dietary fiber that reach the colon undigested, where they positively modulate the gut microbiome, enhance short-chain fatty acid production, and reinforce the intestinal epithelial barrier. This review summarizes how different potato varieties and their chemical constituents mitigate hallmarks of MetS through both direct and indirect mechanisms. Additionally, it discusses molecular pathways induced by potato polyphenols and microbial metabolites that may underlie these effects, with particular emphasis on mediators linking metabolism to intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Current limitations and knowledge gaps are also highlighted, emphasizing the need for standardized potato-based interventions and expanded evaluation of skeletal muscle outcomes.
Phytosterol esters (PE) are susceptible to oxidation during thermal processing and storage, leading to the formation of potentially harmful derivatives. This review systematically elucidated the dual oxidation sites comp...Phytosterol esters (PE) are susceptible to oxidation during thermal processing and storage, leading to the formation of potentially harmful derivatives. This review systematically elucidated the dual oxidation sites competitive mechanism of phytosterol esters (PE) between the sterol nucleus and the fatty acid chain during thermal processing and storage. The dominant oxidation pathway was dynamically regulated by key factors such as temperature, oxygen, and the food matrix. Furthermore, phytosterol oxidation products (POPs) and fatty acid oxidation products (FAOPs) exhibited distinct differences in digestibility, bioactivity, and potential health risks, including cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the review proposed targeted antioxidant strategies tailored to different food systems and introduced novel approaches for the design of functional lipid products with enhanced oxidative stability. This work provided a theoretical foundation for optimizing both the functionality and safety of PE-fortified foods, supporting the development of healthier and more stable functional food products.
Novel foods can play an important role in supporting policy interventions focused on sustainable development. The definition and regulation of novel foods vary per jurisdiction. They are strongly influenced by the policy...Novel foods can play an important role in supporting policy interventions focused on sustainable development. The definition and regulation of novel foods vary per jurisdiction. They are strongly influenced by the policymakers' risk perception and can have a direct impact on innovation. Canada maintains a highly regarded food safety system. Yet, provisions related to novel foods have not been significantly updated since the late 1990s and amendments are under consideration. This study identifies seven foundational elements of regulatory mechanisms overseeing market access of novel foods and analyses their impact on innovation. Next, the impacts of the Canadian novel foods framework on innovation are assessed based on an analysis of publicly available records. Based on these theoretical and practical observations, opportunities for enhanced innovation support within the Canadian novel foods framework are proposed. While maintaining a risk-based system supported by pre-market oversight, enhancements focused on novel foods categorization and related guidance, expanded transparency, a more balanced pre- and post-market approach, regional and international collaboration, accredited third-party mechanisms, and recognition of new approach methodologies would facilitate innovation, economic growth, and strengthen confidence in Canada's food regulatory oversight.
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, primarily driven by inflammation and lipid deposition. Emerging evidence implicates gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis in AS pathogenesis. Dietary polypheno...Atherosclerosis (AS) is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, primarily driven by inflammation and lipid deposition. Emerging evidence implicates gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis in AS pathogenesis. Dietary polyphenols, characterized by potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, demonstrate significant therapeutic potential by modulating GM and bile acid (BA) metabolism. This review comprehensively elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which polyphenols ameliorate AS via the "GM-BA" axis, highlighting GM and BAs as critical mediators. Furthermore, we discuss current limitations, including compositional heterogeneity and translational gaps between animal models and humans. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on the verification of active ingredients, receptor binding mechanisms, and the development of functional delivery systems. This work provides a theoretical foundation for advancing polyphenol-based precision nutrition strategies in AS management.
Emerging contaminants pose novel food safety challenges, necessitating highly selective and sensitive detection methods. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been employed extensively in food safety assays due to t...Emerging contaminants pose novel food safety challenges, necessitating highly selective and sensitive detection methods. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been employed extensively in food safety assays due to their predetermined architecture, specific recognition capabilities, practicality, and stability. This review systematically evaluates the structural and performance advantages of MIP-based sensors in targeting foodborne pollutants, emphasizing their role in enhancing analytical selectivity and sensitivity. The article further highlights recent breakthroughs in MIP applications across four critical EC categories: persistent organic pollutants, endocrine disruptors, pharmaceutical and personal-care products, and antibiotic residues. Finally, the current challenges impeding rapid development are identified and future prospects are outlined. Furthermore, the multifaceted technical, economic, and regulatory obstacles to transitioning MIP-based technologies from laboratory prototypes to practical monitoring tools are explored. This systematic review advances the establishment of innovative MIPs-driven emerging contaminants monitoring systems, thereby strengthening food safety protocols and public health safeguards.
Growing consumer demand for clean-label and antibiotic-free meat products has intensified interest in plant-based bioactive compounds as next-generation antimicrobials. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the ke...Growing consumer demand for clean-label and antibiotic-free meat products has intensified interest in plant-based bioactive compounds as next-generation antimicrobials. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the key phytochemicals essential oils, phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids highlighting their diverse antimicrobial mechanisms, including membrane disruption, metabolic inhibition, interference with DNA/RNA synthesis, and anti-quorum sensing activities. Their application in meat systems is supported by advanced delivery strategies such as direct incorporation, surface treatments, bioactive edible coatings, and active packaging. Many studies demonstrate pathogen inhibition comparable to synthetic preservatives, particularly against , ., and , while simultaneously extending shelf-life. Synergistic enhancement occurs when combined with refrigeration, modified atmosphere packaging, or curing. Emerging technologies including nano-encapsulation, emulsions, AI-driven phytochemical prediction, and CRISPR/Cas9-based pathogen targeting, further expand their potential for precision food safety. Integrating plant antimicrobials with phages or probiotics provides additional promise for hurdle-based preservation. Despite encouraging laboratory findings, challenges remain, particularly regulatory harmonization, scalability, and validation in complex real-world meat matrices. This review calls for interdisciplinary efforts to translate molecular insights into commercially viable, consumer-trusted solutions for sustainable meat preservation.
Foodborne biological hazards pose notorious threats to public health and economic development by causing widespread foodborne illnesses. The development of rapid and highly sensitive detection platforms is essential for...Foodborne biological hazards pose notorious threats to public health and economic development by causing widespread foodborne illnesses. The development of rapid and highly sensitive detection platforms is essential for safeguarding human health and ensuring societal stability. Prokaryotic Argonaute proteins (pAgos), recognized as a new generation of programmable nucleases, have emerged as promising tools in biosensing due to their precise targeting capability and design flexibility. In this review, we systematically summarize the key milestones in the evolution of pAgos research, providing a detailed introduction of their classification, structural diversity, and functional mechanisms. Through comparison with CRISPR systems, the advantages of pAgos are highlighted and discussed. We further present a comprehensive overview of pAgo-based detection platforms applied to foodborne biological hazards, including pathogenic bacteria, mycotoxins, viruses and biomarkers, evaluating the importance and benefits of these platforms. Furthermore, we analyze current challenges and future directions for advancing pAgos technologies, offering perspectives to guide further technological breakthroughs. Based on extensive evidence, this review emphasizes the transformative potential of pAgos in nucleic acid detection, with the aim of inspiring researchers to develop innovative platforms that advance food safety monitoring.