Pressure-driven depolymerization of Antarctic krill aggregates: Structural reconfiguration and gelation-enhanced functionality.

Dietary replacement of fish meal with Antarctic krill meal improves growth, immune response, and disease resistance in Litopenaeus vannamei

Decoding molecular determinants of gelation disparity: A multi-parametric evaluation of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) protein matrices.

Antarctic krill oil (AKO) is a valuable nutraceutical; however, it is highly susceptible to oxidation. Encapsulation represents an effective strategy to enhance the storage stability of AKO. This study explored a novel approach for encapsulating AKO using sodium alginate (ALG) and gelatin (GLN) to improve its stability, and multiple parameters were systematically evaluated, including oil-loading efficiency, surface oil content, particle size, water activity, and thermal stability. Additionally, core-material retention efficiency, acid value, peroxide value, and anisidine value were measured after accelerated oxidation. The results demonstrated that the optimal encapsulation conditions consisted of an ALG:GLN ratio of 2:1, a 9% CaCl2 coagulation bath, 750 μm nozzle size, followed by freeze-drying. Under these conditions, the microcapsules achieved an oil-loading efficiency of 62.63% and a surface oil content of 19.21%. The water activity of the microcapsules was 0.516. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that AKO microcapsules encapsulated with ALG/GLN exhibited higher thermal stability (~300 °C) compared to those encapsulated with ALG alone (~280 °C). When AKO or its microcapsules were subjected to accelerated oxidation at 65 °C, compared to ALG-encapsulation alone, the ALG/GLN encapsulation system significantly reduced the oxidation indicators of the oil, such as acid value (24%), peroxide value (26%), and anisidine value (28%). In conclusion, incorporating GLN into ALG-based microcapsules significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of AKO and prolonged its shelf life.

Antarctic krill surimi is a novel type of gel-based food that has attracted increasing attention. However, pure Antarctic krill surimi generally exhibits poor gel-forming properties. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) offers a promising approach to address this limitation due to its gel-forming ability and thermal stability. This study investigated the effect of KGM (0.0-20.0 mg/g) on the functional properties and structural characteristics of Antarctic krill-KGM surimi gels. The results demonstrated that as KGM levels increased, water-holding capacity, whiteness, hardness, chewiness, and gel strength of the composite surimi gels first increased and then decreased, while cooking loss followed the opposite trend. Texture analysis showed that gel strength was significantly enhanced at 10.0 mg/g KGM, reaching a maximum value of 1581.78 ± 12.86 (p < 0.05). Water distribution analysis confirmed that the relative content of immobilized water increased with increasing KGM levels. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the Antarctic krill-KGM surimi gels were primarily linked by non-covalent intermolecular interactions. Furthermore, microstructural analysis showed that KGM contributed to a more homogeneous and continuous gel matrix. These results indicate that KGM can modulate electrostatic repulsion, spatial potential resistance, and act as a reinforcing filler in the surimi gel matrix. Overall, the results demonstrated that KGM is a feasible candidate for enhancing the quality of Antarctic krill surimi gels.

Antarctic krill oil (KO) is a richsource of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Endogenous PUFA-derived specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) have garnered attention due to their beneficial effects on body, especially the cardiovascular system. This study integrated non-targeted and targeted lipidomics to investigate KO's time-dependent effects on the comprehensive lipid profile and SPMs in rats. After 1- and 6-week supplementation, KO significantly altered lipid profiles, reducing arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4)-containing lipids while elevating eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6)-containing lipids. Targeted analysis identified and quantified 33 PUFA-derived oxylipins, including derivatives of ARA, 8 derivatives of EPA, and 13 derivatives of DHA. Notably, KO consumption substantially decreased pro-inflammatory oxylipins like LTB4, PGE2, and TXB2, while increasing anti-inflammatory LXA4 and SPMs such as RvE1, RvE2, RvD1, RvD4, and MaR1. Long-term intake amplified SPM accumulation, suggesting temporal regulation. These findings elucidate KO's potential mechanism in inflammation management through lipidome remodeling, supporting its application in functional foods for metabolic health enhancement.

Soy protein isolate-konjac glucomannan hydrogel as a sodium reservoir for flavor modulation and texture enhancement in low-salt Antarctic krill surimi.

Using machine learning method to predict the quality of fermented krill sauce based on the freshness of Antarctic krill.

Decolorization of Antarctic krill hydrolysate for salt reduction in surimi gel: improvement of taste, gel properties, and flavor profile

The impact of tea polyphenols on the oxidative stability in Antarctic krill meal during storage: phenomena, substances, and potential mechanism

Ultrasonic-vacuum combined effects on Antarctic krill oil oxidation stability: Potential mechanisms of oxygen reduction and influence on reverse micelle.

Understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) productivity along the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) requires the application of robust analytical approaches. Both design-based and model-based methodologies have been employed to address this challenge. The Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) is a indicator that provides valuable insights about population productivity. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal variability of the SPR for krill by modeling Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LBSPR) with 20 years of fishery-dependent length composition data. Results showed spatial and temporal heterogeneity among five fishing strata in the WAP, where SPR in Gerlache Strait stratum was consistently lower than the 20% SPR reference point, compared with Elephant, Bransfield Strait, Southwest and Joinville Island strata. Moreover, we demonstrate the sensitivity of LBSPR to changes in growth parameters, such as k and Linf, which are influenced by environmental variables like chlorophyll. Our findings underscore the value of incorporating environmental variability into stock assessment models, such as those based on SPR, to accurately assess krill stock conditions. Given the apparent spatial heterogeneity in intrinsic productivity identified through our SPR estimates, we propose using this approach to establish a management procedure based on a control rule for each stratum. This method adjusts the allocation of catch limits in line with the new management strategy of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). By integrating knowledge about spatial krill dynamics and its intrinsic productivity, advice can be recommended to promote the sustainable management of krill populations in Subarea 48.1.

Understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) productivity along the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) requires the application of robust analytical approaches. Both design-based and model-based methodologies have been employed to address this challenge. The Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) is a indicator that provides valuable insights about population productivity. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal variability of the SPR for krill by modeling Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LBSPR) with 20 years of fishery-dependent length composition data. Results showed spatial and temporal heterogeneity among five fishing strata in the WAP, where SPR in Gerlache Strait stratum was consistently lower than the 20% SPR reference point, compared with Elephant, Bransfield Strait, Southwest and Joinville Island strata. Moreover, we demonstrate the sensitivity of LBSPR to changes in growth parameters, such as k and Linf, which are influenced by environmental variables like chlorophyll. Our findings underscore the value of incorporating environmental variability into stock assessment models, such as those based on SPR, to accurately assess krill stock conditions. Given the apparent spatial heterogeneity in intrinsic productivity identified through our SPR estimates, we propose using this approach to establish a management procedure based on a control rule for each stratum. This method adjusts the allocation of catch limits in line with the new management strategy of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). By integrating knowledge about spatial krill dynamics and its intrinsic productivity, advice can be recommended to promote the sustainable management of krill populations in Subarea 48.1.

Antarctic polynyas serve as natural laboratories for investigating the complex atmosphere-ocean-ice interactions and potential ecological risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in remote polar environments. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of traditional and emerging PFAS in the Amundsen Sea Polynya (ASP) during the austral summer (December 2023 to January 2024), integrating their occurrence in seawater and biological samples with key hydrographic and biogeochemical parameters. Short-chain compounds, such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), exhibited nearshore enrichment driven by atmospheric deposition followed by summertime meltwater release. Continuous sea-ice formation and brine rejection within the ASP further promoted the expulsion of PFBA with brine and its accumulation in the underlying Winter Water layer. In contrast, long-chain compounds, particularly 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA), were preferentially incorporated into sea ice and advected toward the ASP margin─typically the marginal ice zone (MIZ)─by strong offshore winds. Their subsequent release during late-summer melting, coincident with elevated colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), resulted in enhanced 6:2 FTSA concentrations throughout the MIZ water column, possibly modulated by both microbial transformation and particle adsorption-settling processes. High bioaccumulation and biomagnification of 6:2 FTSA in Antarctic krill and Adélie penguins highlight its ecological risk to the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Furthermore, PFBA detection in Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) suggests potential interbasin transport via the Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC), implying that global mid- and deep-ocean waters may serve as a long-term reservoir for PFAS.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis. The prevalence of RA is estimated to be 0.5–1% worldwide. Methods: This work investigated the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) oil (BMO) on RA in rats, using green-lipped mussel oil (GMO) and Antarctic krill oil (KO) as controls. Results: The results suggested that BMO, GMO, and KO all alleviated paw swelling in rats and reduced serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody, and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF- and IL-17. Histopathological assessment further revealed that BMO, GMO, and KO prevented synovial fibroplasia, mitigated inflammatory cell infiltration, and improved cartilage damage in ankle joints. Overall, BMO exhibited slightly superior alleviating effects compared with GMO and KO. Plasma lipidomics analysis revealed that the lipid metabolites altered by BMO showed significant correlations with RA-related indicators, particularly pro-inflammatory cytokines. Functional enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of inflammation-related pathways, particularly the NF-B signaling pathway. Further validation demonstrated that BMO effectively suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-, IL-17) and the expression of NF-B p65, JAK2, and STAT3 proteins in synovial tissue. And IL-17 production in footpad tissues is closely associated with CD3-positive T cells. Similar effects were also observed for GMO and KO. Conclusions: Collectively, BMO might ameliorate RA by inhibiting NF-B and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways.

Comparative swarming dynamics of Antarctic krill and ice krill in the Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area.

Antarctic krill is a rich source of bioactive peptides with potential immunomodulatory properties. In this study, in vitro and in vivo models were used to evaluate the immunoregulatory effects of Antarctic krill enzymatic hydrolysates. Among the hydrolysates produced using different enzymes, the neutral protease yielded the highest degree of hydrolysis and most effectively promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 macrophages. The hydrolysate was further fractionated by ultrafiltration and Sephadex G-15 chromatography, resulting in the isolation of a highly active fraction, NAKP-A, which significantly enhanced macrophage proliferation, phagocytosis, and nitric oxide secretion. HPLC-MS/MS analysis and database screening further identified a key bioactive peptide (RDWPEGRG) exhibiting optimal immunostimulatory activity. Mechanistic studies revealed that RDWPEGRG upregulated the expression of immune-related genes (IL-6, CCL2, and CCL5) and enhanced mitochondrial respiration (as evidenced by an increased oxygen consumption rate) in RAW264.7 cells. Finally, using a rapamycin-induced immunosuppressed zebrafish model, RDWPEGRG was found to effectively restore immune competence by increasing macrophage activity and normalizing neutrophil counts. Collectively, these findings identify RDWPEGRG sourced from Antarctic krill hydrolysates as a potent immunostimulatory peptide, highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient for immune-enhancing food and nutraceutical applications.

Changes in muscle quality of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) during refrigerated storage: The role of protein degradation.

Study on browning mechanism of Antarctic krill meal during storage: based on the model system approach.

Mesoscopic properties of Antarctic krill protein amyloid fibrils described by soft matter physics