Latest ArticlesTo develop a rapid detection test strip based on specific antigen-antibody reactions, which can be used for rapid and highly sensitive detection of camel milk adulteration.
By utilizing the structural differences of α-lactalbumin between cow’s milk and camel milk, specific antibodies were developed. Then, an indirect competitive colloidal gold immunochromatographic technique was adopted to develop the detection test strip.
The test strip could detect adulteration in camel milk, with a sensitivity of up to 0.03%. In addition, it could also be used to detect adulteration in camel milk powder and its detection sensitivity could reach 0.1% when calculated based on milk powder.
The colloidal gold rapid chromatographic detection test strip developed in this study has high sensitivity, convenient operation and low cost. It greatly improves the detection efficiency and plays an important role in the rapid detection and screening of camel milk adulteration.
To establish a rapid identification method for the authenticity of honey botanical origin,based on an isothermal amplification approach for honey pollen gene detection, combined with a time-resolved fluorescent microsphere lateral flow strip (TR-LFS).
A rapid DNA extraction method for honey pollen was constructed to obtain the effective maturase K (matK) target gene template of Robinia pseudoacacia within 20 min.Denaturation bubble-mediated strand exchange amplification (SEA) was employed to achieve exponential amplification of the target sequence under a constant temperature of approximately 65 °C. To enhance amplification efficiency, single strand DNA-binding protein (SSB) was added to inhibit non-specific annealing of single strands,significantly improving primer hybridization efficiency and amplification specificity. When target pollen DNA was present in the honey, the SEA amplification generated double-stranded products labeled at both ends, which were subsequently detected visually via the TR-LFS based on fluorescence.
The fluorescence signal intensity of the TR-LFS allowed for visual determination of honey botanical origin authenticity. Using Robinia pseudoacacia honey as a model, the naked-eye detection sensitivity of this method for the target content reached 1% (V:V), and no cross-reaction was observed with other botanical honey sources.
The detection method established in this study significantly enhances the amplification efficiency of SEA technology through the introduction of SSB.Combined with the high sensitivity and stable fluorescence output characteristics of TR-LFS, and eliminating the need for complex thermal cycling equipment, this method is suitable for on-site rapid detection, providing reliable technical support for authenticating honey floral sources.
To optimize the extraction process of the functional components of compound Polygonati rhizoma ointment and evaluate its immune regulating activity.
Using crude polysaccharides, total saponins, cordycepin content and dry extract rate as evaluation indicators, the extraction process parameters were optimized through analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC)mixed weighting method and Box-Behnken design response surface methodology. Carbon clearance test, delayed type hypersensitivity test and serum hemolysin test were used to evaluate its immune regulating activity.
The optimal extraction process for the functional components of compound Polygonati rhizoma ointment was 117 min of extraction time, 3 times of extraction, extraction temperature of 94 ℃ and a solid-liquid ratio of 1:14 (g:mL).Compound Polygonati rhizoma ointment could enhance the delayed type hypersensitivity ability of mice, improve the phagocytic ability of monocytes macrophages and increase the content of serum hemolysin.
The process is reasonable and feasible, and the compound Polygonati rhizoma ointment extracted under the optimal process has good immune regulatory activity, providing a reference for the further development and application of compound Polygonati rhizoma ointment.
With the social development and the improvement of living standards, consumers’ requirements for the quality and safety of agricultural products have been continuously increasing. As one of the important means for identifying the authenticity of agricultural products, origin traceability has garnered widespread attention in recent years. Stable isotope analysis, characterized by its low sample requirement, high accuracy, strong applicability and resistance to human interference, has been widely employed in origin traceability research for various agricultural products. However, relying solely on stable isotope analysis sometimes fails to achieve the desired accuracy in traceability. Consequently, combining stable isotopes with other techniques has become a significant direction for improving traceability precision. Currently, the integration of stable isotopes with techniques such as multi-element analysis and organic component analysis has demonstrated effective application in origin discrimination for various agricultural products, including grains, fruits and medicinal herbs. This paper reviewed the research progress over the past 5 years regarding the combination of stable isotope analysis with other techniques in the origin traceability of plant-derived agricultural products. It summarized existing challenges in practical applications and offered insights into future development directions, aiming to provide a reference for achieving more accurate origin traceability of agricultural products.
To investigate the reproductive toxicity of potassium perfluorooctane sulfonate(PFOS-K) on peripubertal male rats.
Based on a previous experiment using peripubertal male rats exposed to PFOS-K, total testicular proteins were extracted from the control group and the PFOS-K-exposed group(18 mg·kg–1·bw–1). For each group (n=15 per group), tissues from 5 animals were pooled in equal proportions,resulting in 3 samples per group. Proteomic analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify protein differences, and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) database was used for pathway enrichment analysis.
A total of 3320 proteins were identified, of which 213 were differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 102 significantly downregulated and 111 significantly upregulated proteins. PFOS-K exposure led to the downregulation of protein clusters such as Col14a1-Col6a5-Col12a1, Fn1-Col6a5-Col6a2, and key proteins involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Meanwhile, PFOS-K induced the upregulation of protein clusters including Upf2-Pym1-Casc3-Wdr33, Nup107-Upf2-Pym1-Casc3, Cul4b-Rfc3-Polr2i and Gtf2e1-Taf7l.
PFOS-K inhibits the expression of proteins related to protein synthesis pathways, cytoskeletal structure and cell adhesion and downregulates key proteins in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Simultaneously, PFOS-K upregulates proteins involved in RNA metabolic regulation, nucleocytoplasmic transport and DNA damage repair.
To analyze the formula registration data for formula milk powder for older infants from 2017 to 2024, investigate the differences between domestic and imported products and their compliance with standards.
Registration data for 786 formula milk powder for older infants disclosed released by the State Administration for Market Regulation during 2017—2024 were summarized. Compliance analysis was conducted according to the current GB 10766—2021 National food safety standard-Follow-up formula for older infants and other relevant standards. A comprehensive comparison of nutritional components was performed between compliant domestic and imported products. Furthermore, the test results were compared with the Chinese dietary reference intakes and European Union standards.
From 2017 to 2024, the overall qualified rate of formula milk powder for older infants reached 46.06%. Among them, there were 289 qualified domestic products with a qualified rate of 46.50%, and 73 qualified imported products with a qualified rate of 44.51%. The product compliance level showed an upward trend year by year. Both compliant domestic and imported products met the national standard GB 10766—2021 but exhibited differences. Domestic products had relatively higher content of protein, carbohydrates and polyfructose, while imported products had relatively higher contents of fat, certain minerals (e.g., sodium,potassium) and optional components like lactoferrin. Vitamin content were largely consistent.
The continuous improvement of China’s infant formula registration management system and standard framework has significantly enhanced the overall compliance level of the industry. Currently, compliant domestic and imported follow-up formulas on the market can provide safe and balanced fundamental nutrition, meeting the growth and development needs of infants. However, they exhibit differentiated characteristics in specific nutritional design and functional ingredient addition, reflecting different market positioning and nutritional concepts. The study suggests that enterprises can optimize formula design accordingly, regulatory authorities can establish long-term tracking mechanisms, and consumers can make informed choices among compliant products based on individual needs under professional guidance.
To evaluate the hypoxia tolerance activity and mechanisms of action of a compound formulation consisting of Olea europaea fruit-Lycium barbarum-Panax quinquefolius compound (Olea europaea fruit polyphenols:Lycium barbarum extract:Panax quinquefolius extract 5:5:1, m:m:m).
BALB/C mice were orally administered the compound for 30 consecutive days. Hypoxia tolerance was assessed using a normobaric hypoxia test (referencing Health food functional evaluation methods, 2023 edition) to determine survival time. The hypoxia tolerance mechanism was investigated by analyzing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, malondialdehyde(MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in brain and lung tissues.
The Olea europaea fruit-Lycium barbarum-Panax quinquefolius compound significantly prolonged hypoxia survival time in mice [low,medium and high dose groups: (30.35±5.63), (37.53±6.72) and (39.13±8.73) min, respectively, significantly outperformed the control group (22.91±1.61) min; P<0.05 or P<0.001], and the effect was dose-dependent. Its effect was superior to that of the positive controls [Rhodiola oral solution: (26.50±2.44) min; Hongyi capsules:(28.93±6.67) min]. The mechanism was that it reduced LDH activity (reducing anaerobic metabolism) and MDA content (inhibiting lipid peroxidation), and increased SOD activity (enhancing free radical scavenging ability) in brain and lung tissues.
The Olea europaea fruit-Lycium barbarum-Panax quinquefolius compound exerts hypoxia tolerance effects by modulating oxidative stress pathways, including free radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition and antioxidant enzyme activity maintenance, and thus possesses the potential to be developed as a functional food.
To optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions for folic acid in infant formula via the microbiological method using response surface methodology.
Taking ultrasonic temperature,ultrasonic duration, folic acid content in the sample, and pH of the extraction solvent as research objects, response surface analysis was conducted through Plackett-Burman design, the steepest ascent path method, and Box-Behnken design.
The 3 most significant factors influencing ultrasonic extraction and the optimal extraction conditions were: Ultrasonic temperature of 32 ℃, extraction time of 135 min, and sample folic acid content of 657 ng. Under these conditions, validation tests yielded a mean folic acid content of 148.12 μg/100 g with a standard deviation of 1.39 μg/100 g, aligning closely with predicted values and sample specifications. The 17 commercially available samples were analyzed using both optimal and national standard extraction conditions.The results demonstrated an average improvement of 13.7% with the optimal extraction protocol compared to the national standard method.
Under the optimized conditions, the accuracy and inter-laboratory consistency of folic acid determination by the microbiological method are significantly improved, effectively eliminating the systematic errors associate with the national standard method. This provides a reliable technical basis for ensuring the authenticity of nutrition labeling in infant formula.
To investigate the bacterial community diversity and functional differences in Litopenaeus vannamei during mid- and late-storage at room temperature and under refrigeration.
The bacterial community structure of Litopenaeus vannamei during mid- and late-storage at room temperature and under refrigeration (4 °C) was characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) database was used to predict the functional differences of spoilage bacteria in Litopenaeus vannamei stored at room temperature and under refrigeration during different storage periods.
Phylum-level analysis revealed Firmicutes as the predominant lineage (>95.5%) in spoiled Litopenaeus vannamei. At the genus level, mid-stage room temperature storage was characterized by the co-dominance of Family_XI_unclassified (32.59%), Tissierella (19.97%),Vagococcus (8.00%) and Kurthia (6.00%). This assemblage transitioned to a Peptostreptococcus (26.60%),Family_XI_unclassified (26.56%), Vagococcus (12.90%), Tissierella (5.95%) consortium at late-stage room temperature storage. Conversely, refrigeration significantly attenuated the relative abundance of spoilage-associated Kurthia and Peptostreptococcus, while concomitantly enriching Vagococcus (16.03%→22.86%), Peptoniphilu (9.24%→17.34%),Family_XI_unclassified (<0.5%→12.04%) and Tissierella (0.06%→10.11%) at terminal storage. KEGG-based functional prediction revealed that mid-stage bacterial communities under room-temperature storage upregulated nutrient acquisition, energy metabolism, and nucleotide biosynthesis pathways, conferring competitive growth advantages. Compared with room temperature storage, the abundance of certain nucleotide biosynthesis pathways was downregulated during mid-refrigerated storage, which contributed to the suppression of spoilage bacterial growth. At the end of storage, bacteria coped with adverse conditions by upregulating genetic material synthesis to repair temperature-induced DNA damage, and enhancing amino acid metabolism and cell wall reinforcement pathways to improve survival and adaptability.
The dominant spoilage bacteria in Litopenaeus vannamei stored at room temperature and under refrigeration partially overlap, yet their relative abundances differ significantly.Refrigeration exerts a certain inhibitory effect on spoilage bacteria of Litopenaeus vannamei, altering the community structure of dominant spoilage bacteria, and consequently resulting in functional differences.
To evaluate the protective effects of α-ketoglutarate (AKG) on oxidative damage induced by D-galactose (D-gal) in rats and explore its potential mechanisms.
Male SD rats were used as experimental subjects. Oxidative stress injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-gal solution, and the animals were randomly divided into 5 groups: Control group, model group, low-dose AKG group (AKG-L, 50 mg/kg),medium-dose AKG group (AKG-M, 100 mg/kg) and high-dose AKG group (AKG-H, 200 mg/kg). Rats were administered the respective treatment once daily for 4 weeks. The levels of oxidative biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls, as well as antioxidant indicators and enzymes such as catalase (CAT),superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH), were determined using colorimetric assays in plasma and liver tissues. Histopathological examinations were conducted to assess the protective effects of AKG against D-gal-induced oxidative damage. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were performed to analyze gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids levels in each group, in order to investigate the potential antioxidant mechanisms of AKG.
Compared with the model group, AKG administration significantly reduced MDA and protein carbonyl levels in plasma and liver, while partially enhancing the activities of SOD and CAT as well as GSH levels. Additionally, AKG could modulate the structure of gut microbiota and increase the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Prevotella and Clostridia vadinBB60 group. Compared with the control group, the levels of the short‑chain fatty acids valeric acid, butyric acid and isobutyric acid in the intestines of rats with oxidative damage were significantly reduced. Following AKG intervention, the levels of these 3 kinds of short‑chain fatty acids were markedly increased, with butyric acid and isobutyric acid showing the most pronounced improvement (P<0.01),approaching those of the normal control group.
AKG exerts a significant protective effects against D-gal-induced oxidative damage in rats. This protective effect is accompanied by improvements in gut microbiota composition and short‑chain fatty acid levels. These findings suggest that the gut microbiota-short‑chain fatty acid axis and antioxidant effects may jointly contribute to the protective action of α‑ketoglutarate.