Plant-based raw materials refer to materials extracted from or derived from plants, with dietary fiber and protein as the main ingredients, which can be used in many fields such as food, industry, and environmental protection. At present, with the consumer quest for “health and sustainability” and the demand of lactose intolerant and vegetarian groups, plant-based protein materials are widely used in the dairy industry to produce nutritious (zero cholesterol and low saturated fat), humane (animal welfare) and environmentally friendly (energy saving and emission reduction) animal milk alternatives. This paper reviewed the research progress on the quality characteristics of plant-based protein raw materials and their application in the dairy industry, and provided a certain reference for the research and application of plant-based materials in the dairy industry.

Brassica rapa L., a biennial herb belonging to the genus Brassica of the family Cruciferae, is a unique edible plant resource with medicinal, food, and feed uses. It is rich in various functional components with high content, which vary due to different growth environments. This paper reviewed the recent research progress on the functional components of Brassica rapa L. and the development and utilization of functional foods. It introduced the research status of functional components such as vitamins, amino acids, mineral elements, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins in Brassica rapa L., including their types, content, and physiological functions. It pointed out the deficiencies in the analysis and research of functional components and the development of functional foods. Simultaneously, it provided an outlook on the future development of the Brassica rapa L. industry, aiming to provide valuable references for further research on the functional components of Brassica rapa L. and promote the development and utilization of functional foods.

Objective To study protective effects of total polyphenols from Nymphaea candida (NCTP) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammatory injury in A549 cells. Methods Polyphenol content in NCTP was determined by Folin-Ciocalte method, and its characteristic components were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A549 cells were treated with 1.0 μg/mL LPS for 12 h to induce inflammatory damage model, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to screen out the optimal intervention concentration of NCTP. The experiment was divided into control group, lipopolysaccharide model group, dexamethasone (DXM 0.039 μg/mL) group, and NCTP (6.0, 15.0, 30.0 μg/mL) groups. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were detected by biochemical method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in A549 cells. The expression of related proteins [Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)] in nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway was detected by Western Blot. Results The content of total polyphenols in NCTP was (90.15±0.17)%, and the content of isostrictiniin, ellagic acid and nicotiflorin was (28.05±0.02)%, (2.15±0.03)% and (3.50±0.01)%, respectively. The mass concentrations of NCTP screened by CCK-8 were 6.0, 15.0, 30.0 μg/mL. After LPS stimulation of A549 cells, the expressions of intracellular inflammatory mediators NO, PGE2 and inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased (P<0.01), indicating that the inflammatory damage model of A549 cells was successfully constructed. Compared with the model group, NCTP significantly inhibited the expression of NO, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MDA and increased the activities of SOD and GSH in LPS-induced A549 cells. Compared with the model group, NCTP also significantly increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in the damaged cells, and decreased the expression level of Keap1 proteins. Conclusion NCTP has the better protective effect on LPS-induced inflammatory injury in A549 cells, and its mechanism is relative to the regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway. The results of this study can provide a basis for the research and development of functional foods with this effective part to prevent respiratory diseases.

Objective To further explore and optimize the wet fermentation process of small grain coffee, and conduct quality analysis on the coffee produced under this process condition. Methods Firstly, the selected small coffee fresh fruits were cleaned and peeled, and then natural microorganisms were introduced in a waterproof environment for full fermentation. After fermentation, the mucus was removed, and it was dried properly to complete the entire wet fermentation process. In the coffee quality experiment, a fermentation tank was used to prepare experimental samples, and the content values of gallic acid, glucose, caffeine, and free amino acids in coffee were measured using a spectrophotometer. The experiment of antioxidant activity and sensory evaluation of wet fermentation was carried out. Results The wet fermentation process significantly optimized various indicators of coffee, not only made the aroma more rich and long-lasting, but also achieved a perfect balance between sweetness and taste, demonstrating excellent quality of richness and delicacy, and the antioxidant properties of coffee were particularly outstanding. Conclusion This study can provide the market with higher quality coffee options.

Objective To establish an analytical method for the determination of selenium content in beef and offal (beef heart, beef liver, beef lung) using microwave digestion-hydride atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). Methods Based on 2 factors, namely the feeding amount and feeding time of the cattle, 80 simmental bulls weighing around 500 kg (±10 kg) were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups: A, B, C and D. Groups A, B and C served as experimental groups, while group D was the control group, with 20 cattle in each group. Selenium in beef and offal samples was digested using a nitric acid-hydrogen peroxide (HNO₃-H₂O₂) microwave digestion method, with potassium borohydride as the reducing agent and 10% hydrochloric acid as the carrier stream, at a digestion temperature of 190 ℃. Results Selenium exhibited a good linear relationship within the mass concentration range of 0-20 ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient (r)>0.999. The average spike recovery rates (n=3) for samples A, B, C and D were 86.9%, 82.4%, 87.9% and 83.8%, respectively. Conclusion This study provides data support and a reference basis for the determination of selenium content in selenium-enriched cattle products and the development of selenium-enriched functional agriculture.

Objective To develop a nutritional beverage rich in Auricularia auricula polysaccharide and polypeptide, explore its biological activity in health care. Methods Polysaccharides and polypeptide were extracted from high-quality Auricularia auricula by enzymatic hydrolysis. The regulation of blood pressure and antioxidant activity were evaluated by in vitro experiments, and the content was determined. With sensory evaluation as the key index, the best formula was finally determined by screening sweeteners, sour agents and stabilizers. Results The optimum formula was as follows: The addition amount of Auricularia auricular polypeptide extract was 0.1 %, the addition amount of Auricularia auricular polysaccharide extract was 0.5%, the addition amount of citric acid was 0.04%, the addition amount of sucrose was 6%, the polysaccharide content was 528.1 mg/100 mL, the polypeptide content was 177.9 mg/100 mL, and the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition rate was (58.61±0.72)%. The scavenging rate of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was (68.22±1.06)%, the scavenging ability of hydroxyl radical was (70.31±0.68)%, and the scavenging ability of superoxide anion was (61.70±0.37)%, which indicated that the beverage had good health care effect in regulating blood pressure, blood glucose and antioxidant. Conclusion The beverage not only retains the traditional health benefits of Auricularia auricula, but also optimizes the taste through scientific matching and advanced processing technology to obtain higher content of polysaccharides and peptides. The verification results of its biological activity provide a scientific basis for the commercial production of Auricularia auricula beverage in the field of health care.

Objective To explore the stabilizing effects and mechanism of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TFP) on soybean oil Pickering emulsion. Methods In this study, TFP was used to construct soybean oil Pickering emulsion. The effects of TFP concentration on emulsion stability were systematically analyzed by characterizing the particle size distribution, rheological properties, thermal stability and storage stability of the emulsion. Results Microscopic observation and particle size analysis indicated that when the TFP concentration was 0.5%, the droplet size was the smallest and the uniformity was the highest. In addition, rheological analysis showed that the Pickering emulsion was characterized by pseudoplastic fluid, and the viscosity of the emulsion decreased significantly with the increase of temperature, while the increase of TFP concentration increased the viscosity of the emulsion. Especially when the shear rate was 0.1 s^-1, the apparent viscosity of 0.5% TFP emulsion reached 516.4400 mPa·s, which was 45 times of 0.1% emulsion. When the TFP concentration were 0.4% and 0.5%, after heating treatment at 95 ℃ for 30 min, the emulsion stability still reached (99.03±0.15)% and (91.38±0.70)%, and the particle size remained stable, showing excellent thermal stability. After 14 days of storage, there was no stratification appeared in the 0.5% TFP emulsion, exhibiting excellent storage stability. The results showed that the concentration of TFP was positively correlated with the stability of Pickering emulsion. Conclusion TFP inhibits droplet aggregation through interfacial film enhancement and steric hindrance effects, thereby improving the stability of Pickering emulsions. This study provides theoretical support and experimental reference for the development and application of polysaccharides stabilizers in Pickering emulsions.

Objective To investigate the variation in heavy metal elements content in Mizuhopecten yessoensis and Anadara broughtonii from the Dalian Region. Methods Samples of Mizuhopecten yessoensis and Anadara broughtonii were collected monthly over the course of a year in Dalian. The content of heavy metal elements, including Pb, Cd, Cr, and Cu, were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The study examined the monthly trends in the accumulation of these elements in the 2 types of shellfish. The single-factor pollution index method and the target hazard quotient method were used to evaluate the consumption risk and potential health risks to humans from consuming shellfish products with accumulated heavy metals. Results The Cd content in Mizuhopecten yessoensis peaked in March, with the highest detected value reaching 4.50 mg/kg, exceeding the national food safety standard limit. The Cu content in Mizuhopecten yessoensi was significantly higher in March, April, and October compared to other months, but all annual detection values were below the limit. In Anadara broughtonii, the Cd content peaked in March and April, with the highest detected value being 1.92 mg/kg, but no significant variation pattern was observed in other months, and all annual detection values were below the limit. The content of other heavy metal elements did not show significant variation patterns over time or seasons. Conclusion The heavy metal content in Mizuhopecten yessoensis shows the most significant monthly variation. For Cd, Mizuhopecten yessoensis are contaminated in March, April, and May, posing health risks if consumed. Anadara broughtonii remaines within safe consumption levels throughout the year, with lower health risks.

In recent years, the incidence of glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases has increased significantly, often accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Mannans, as a class of functional polysaccharides with diverse sources, play an important role in regulating the gut microbiota and impacting host health, garnering widespread attention. This review delved into the structural characterization of glucomannans, galactomannans, and mannan oligosaccharides from various sources, with particular emphasis on the impact of mannans on the gut microbiota and their potential applications in precision nutrition. Studies indicated that mannans could selectively promote the growth of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while inhibiting the proliferation of pathogens like Escherichia coli, affecting the production of short-chain fatty acids and the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids, thereby optimizing the structure and function of the gut microbiota. The review also summarized the intestinal fermentability of mannans and their health benefits in metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, offering new intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases.

Objective To elucidate the effects of different cooling rates after purification on the volatile flavor compounds of anhydrous live Crassostrea gigas. Methods This study employed gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) to analyze the volatile flavor compounds of oysters that were purified for 24 hours and then cooled to 4 °C at varying rates (1, 3, 7, 11 and 16 °C/h). Results The results indicated that 45 kinds of known compounds were detected via GC-IMS, with 5 kinds of compounds identified in their dimeric forms. These compounds included 10 kinds of alcohols, 8 kinds of aldehydes, 6 kinds of esters, 7 kinds of ketones, 4 kinds of hydrocarbons, 3 kinds of furans, 3 kinds of alkenes, and 4 kinds of other compounds. Propanal and isovaleraldehyde levels decreased with increasing cooling rates, while acetone levels increased significantly. A total of 25 kinds of differential flavor compounds, including propionaldehyde, n-butanal, 2-butanone and acetone, were selected based on variable importance in the projection, and these compounds might serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing oysters during the distribution process. Conclusion This study demonstrates that different cooling rates after purification have a significant impact on Crassostrea gigas in anhydrous preservation, providing theoretical support for the preservation and freshness maintenance of Crassostrea gigas.