Biopolymer-based encapsulation represents an effective strategy to enhance probiotic stability and targeted gastrointestinal delivery. In this study, gel capsules composed of sodium alginate (SA) and wheat starch (ST) were developed via extrusion to encapsulate Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) and Bacillus clausii (B. clausii), aiming to improve probiotic viability and controlled release. Capsule morphology, color, swelling behavior, encapsulation efficiency, and probiotic survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were systematically evaluated as a function of polymer ratio and probiotic loading. Capsule diameters ranged from 236.6 to 279.17 μm and were primarily governed by the SA-ST ratio, with higher ST content yielding smaller, more compact structures. Encapsulation efficiency varied between 71.2% and 96.7%, reaching maximal values in formulations with balanced SA:ST ratios (1:1) and higher probiotic loads. All formulations maintained high cell viability (>96%) following encapsulation. In vitro digestion studies demonstrated that SA-ST capsules significantly enhanced probiotic survival in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with the highest cumulative survival observed in ST-rich matrices containing 20% probiotic load. Swelling analyses revealed that ST incorporation promoted controlled hydration and matrix relaxation without compromising structural integrity, supporting sustained release behavior. Overall, the SA-ST biopolymer system provides a simple, scalable, and cost-effective platform for co-encapsulation of L. rhamnosus and B. clausii, offering synergistic protection, high encapsulation efficiency, and improved gastrointestinal stability, with promising applications in functional foods and pharmaceutical formulations.

Eighty-four bacterial isolates obtained from fruits and medicinal plant leaves were screened for probiotic potential. Twenty-eight lactic acid bacteria (LAB) demonstrated strong tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, with >80% survivability at pH 2, >45% at pH 3, and >65% survival in 0.3% bile salt. These isolates were further evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, of which five strains (JM3, BAN1, BAN5, KIW3, and TL4) exhibited moderate antagonistic effects. Antibiotic susceptibility profiling revealed predominantly intermediate resistance patterns, consistent with previously reported probiotic LAB, indicating acceptable safety characteristics. Phytase activity was detected in two strains, with BAN1 showing the highest activity, suggesting potential to enhance mineral bioavailability. Morphological and biochemical characterization identified all five selected isolates as Gram-positive, catalase-negative, rod-shaped bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus. Based on their acid–bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility profile, and phytase production, strains JM3 and BAN1 emerged as the most promising candidates. These findings indicate their potential application in functional foods and fermented products, warranting further molecular identification and in vivo validation.

Drying is a thermodynamic process involving moisture phase transition and migration, crucial for extending the shelf life of traditional Chinese medicinal materials and reducing postharvest degradation. Eriobotryae folium (EF), the dried leaf of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. (Rosaceae), is valued for its medicinal and functional food applications. The retention of its bioactive compounds is strongly influenced by drying methods. In this study, the effects of shade drying, hot air-drying (50°C, 75°C, 100°C), microwave drying, and vacuum freeze-drying on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of EF were systematically evaluated. Using fingerprint profiling and multivariate statistical analysis, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and neochlorogenic acid (CGAs) were identified as key differential components. Spectrum-effect relationship analysis, based on Pearson product-moment correlation analysis (PPMC) and gray relational analysis (GRA), confirmed these three compounds as not only distinguishing markers under different drying conditions but also major bioactive constituents contributing to EF's therapeutic effects. Thus, they are proposed as potential quality markers. A reliable quantitative method was developed for their determination, combined with final moisture content and visual assessment of appearance, to analyze which drying method yielded samples with the best overall quality. CGAs were confirmed as key differential components. Spectrum-effect relationship analysis confirmed these three compounds as distinguishing markers and major bioactive constituents. Microwave-dried samples exhibited the best overall quality. This study established an integrated evaluation system-"fingerprint profiling-spectrum-effect correlation-targeted component quantification"-providing a practical and scientific approach for EF quality control and offering a reference for standardizing processing of leaf-derived herbal medicines.

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) are bioactive compounds with promising applications in functional foods, but their enzymatic production is hindered by high costs and operational instability. To address this, we developed a food-compliant magnetic bimodal mesoporous silica (Fe3O4@BMS) biocatalyst for sustainable COS synthesis via cellulase immobilization. The hierarchically structured carrier combined small (2-5 nm) and large (20-40 nm) mesopores, offering a large surface area of 851 m2/g. The immobilized cellulase demonstrated superior stability, maintaining 83.60 ± 3.32% residual activity at 80 °C, alongside exceptional pH adaptability (3-9). Magnetic Fe3O4 integration facilitated rapid biocatalyst recovery, retaining about 70% of catalytic efficiency after 10 repeated cycles. In a scaled-up stirred-tank reactor, the system achieved a high yield of 316.33 ± 9.39 mg/g reducing sugar from chitosan after 5 h under optimized conditions. This work offers an industrially scalable route for COS production, aligning with green chemistry and food safety standards.

A galactoglucan from calcium chloride-stimulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZGS521: Structural characterization, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Emerging strategies for polysaccharide modification and functional enhancement in food systems.

A simple ratiometric fluorogenic and chromogenic chemodosimeter for hydrazine detection in pure aqueous solution: Applications in food and soil samples, along with smartphone-based sensing systems.

Ion-gated DNA nanorollers integrated with hierarchical multi-enzyme mimetic nanozyme for enhanced electrochemical aptasensing of atrazine.

The high proportion of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) in natural plant materials critically limits the solubility, functionality, and processing performance of dietary fiber (DF), making the conversion of IDF to soluble dietary fiber (SDF) a key focus in current research. Although numerous physical, chemical, and biological modification technologies have been developed, most studies focus on treatment outcomes but fail to adequately address two key determinants: the intrinsic properties of DF, specifically the typical composition of DFs from different sources, cellulose crystalline regions, and the inherent structural recalcitrance resulting from lignocellulosic network cross-linking; and the synergistic effects of parameters, referring to the impact of processing variables (such as power, pressure, and enzyme type) on DFs from various sources. This review provides a systematic comparison of mainstream and emerging modification strategies, highlighting their mechanisms, advantages, and limitations across diverse DF matrices. Based on this, lignocellulose is utilized as a representative IDF model to explain how its dense, multilayered architecture acts as the primary barrier to efficient SDF generation. Furthermore, this review synthesizes advances in the targeted disruption of lignocellulosic components, including targeted lignin degradation and the depolymerization of cellulose and hemicellulose, to propose strategies for overcoming IDF recalcitrance. Finally, the application potential of these modification pathways in improving DF utilization in foods is evaluated, enabling innovative formats such as personalized nutrition, 3D-printed products, and biodegradable materials. Overall, this review integrates technique-level insights with structure-guided strategies, offering a mechanistic framework and practical roadmap for achieving efficient, directional IDF modification and SDF enhancement.

Yam (Dioscorea trifida L.f.): A review of its nutritional value, benefits, and food applications

Philippine marine macroalgae as sources of bioactive natural products and macronutrients for food applications.

Comparative analysis of protein extraction, functional properties, and digestibility of seven microalgae for food applications.

Different modified polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis and its protective effects on oxidative damage.

Natural pigments are essential for the visual attractiveness of foods, being a healthy alternative to artificial colorings. Chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins and betalains stand out as bioactive pigments that promote health benefits and contribute to disease prevention. The stability of these pigments is influenced by factors such as light and temperature, requiring strategies such as microencapsulation for protection. Encapsulation can be performed by a variety of physical and chemical techniques capable of improving the bioavailability and durability of these pigments. However, challenges remain, such as a detailed understanding of the synthesis and degradation of these pigment compounds and interactions with food matrices. Although there is extensive research on the study of isolated pigments, there is a lack of comparative reviews on the stability and acceptance of these compounds by consumers. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the molecular mechanisms, extraction trends, encapsulation of natural pigments and sensory impacts on consumer perception.

Dihydromyricetin-loaded TPGS/gelatin grafted-β-Cyclodextrin/ chitosan grafted-β-Cyclodextrin nano-delivery system for improving oral absorption.

Gliadin hydrolysate-chitosan bilayer nanoparticles for berberine delivery: Controlled release, enhanced antioxidant activity, and lipid digestion regulation.

Construction of a gluten-like system via Auricularia auricula polysaccharide-mediated glycosylation of zein: Interactions, gel properties, and applications in gluten-free staple foods

Preparation of polysaccharide derivatives from the stems of Pleurotus geesteranus and antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities.

Establishing one-step hairy root transformation system in safflower using RUBY reporter.

Development of zein-soy protein isolate-rutin supramolecular nanoparticles via pH-ultrasound-shifting method: Structural characterization, stability, and gastrointestinal bioaccessibility.