Food Biotechnology Research Articles

Exploring the GMO narrative through labeling: strategies, products, and politics

ABSTRACT Labels are influential signals in the marketplace intended to inform and to eliminate buyer confusion. Despite this, food labels continue to be the subject of debate. None more so than non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) labels. This manuscript provides a timeline of the evolution of GMO labels beginning with the early history of the anti-GMO movement to the current National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard in the United States. Using media and market intelligence data collected through Buzzsumo™ and Mintel™, public discourse of GMOs is analyzed in relation to sociopolitical events and the number of new food products with anti-GMO labels, respectively. Policy document and publication data is collected with Overton™ to illustrate the policy landscape for the GMO topic and how it has changed over time. Analysis of the collective data illustrates that while social media and policy engagement around the topic of GMOs has diminished over time, the number of new products with a GMO-free designation continues to grow. While discourse peaked at one point, and has since declined, our results suggest that the legacy of an anti-GMO narrative remains firmly embedded in the social psyche, evidenced by the continuing rise of products with GMO-free designation. Campaigns for GMO food labels to satisfy consumers’ right to know were successful and the perceived need for this information now appears to be self-sustaining.

The effect of epistemic beliefs and emotions on students' attitudes toward genetically modified foods

AbstractA large body of research literature has explored socio‐scientific issues (SSIs) in science teaching and learning, documenting the impact of epistemic beliefs on epistemic emotion, which influences student's reactions to complex scientific topics. Often, students' reactions reflect scientific misconceptions, the correction of which may result in emotional and attitudinal changes. However, research has not fully explored the impact of students' epistemic beliefs on emotions and attitudes toward genetically modified foods (GMFs). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of students' epistemic beliefs on epistemic emotions and attitudes toward GMFs. A quantitative correlational research design was utilized with 78 students at a large private university in the Mid‐Atlantic United States. Participants' epistemic beliefs were assessed prior to reading a refutation text and a persuasive text about GMFs. Afterward, they completed questionnaires about epistemic emotions and attitudes toward GMFs. Results indicated that no statistically significant predictive relationship exists between the participants' epistemic beliefs and emotions or between epistemic beliefs and attitudes toward GMFs. However, a statistically significant predictive relationship was demonstrated between negative epistemic emotions and negative attitudes toward GMFs. The scholarly contributions and practical implications of these findings are discussed along with recommendations for future research.

Effect of Genetically Modified Soybean Oil Consumption on Biochemical and Histological Changes of Liver and Kidney in Rats

Background: The use of transgenic foods has increased global food production and food security. However, there are concerns about their potential negative impacts on health. Studies conducted on the effect of transgenic products on humans and animals are limited, and they do not provide an answer regarding the possible health hazards of transgenic products. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of a diet containing genetically modified soybean oil on organ health and biochemical changes in an experimental model. Methods: The current study was conducted on 18 male Wistar rats in three different groups (6 rats per group). One group was fed a diet containing %10 genetically modified soybean oil for 90 days, while the other two groups served as control groups, receiving either non-genetically modified soybean oil or a standard diet, respectively. Body weight and food consumption were measured once and three times a week, respectively. Results: Our findings indicated that transgenic soybean oil contributed to several histological derangements, including congestion, necrosis, and bile duct hyperplasia in the liver analysis. Similarly, congestion, hemorrhage, and glomerulosclerosis were observed in the kidney analysis. Moreover, transgenic soybean oil significantly increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (P=0.047) and insulin (P=0.048) levels compared to a standard diet. Furthermore, urea and triglycerides (TG) were significantly higher in genetically modified (GM)-fed rats compared to rats fed with standard or non-GM diet (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, a 90-day treatment with transgenic soy-based oil caused significant organ changes in the liver and kidneys of rats. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects to better elucidate these impacts.

Feeling the heat: undergraduate science students’ emotional management during classroom debates

ABSTRACT Addressing a need to prepare the next generation of scientists to effectively engage in adversarial science communication, the present study examines a group of undergraduate science students from a Canadian university who, after receiving expert instruction, participated in classroom debates about science controversies recently politicized in the Canadian social media (e.g. the flat Earth, genetically-modified foods, and human overpopulation). Our research questions were: (1) What emotions were experienced and how were these managed by students while participating in classroom debates? (2) How did students’ emotional management influence their debate performance? A video-based micro-ethnography revealed that more than half of the students (16/28) experienced feelings of stress and nervousness when engaging debaters with opposing/disagreeing views. Although some were able to manage these emotions, others were unable to feel relaxed, which negatively influenced their debate performance. These latter students’ initial confidence and preparation were undermined by their felt anxiety, leading to rhetorically weak and error-filled performances that went against their expectations. Highlighting the complexity of pedagogically promoting student development of communicative competence in adversarial social contexts, our findings reveal a need for science communication instructors to find ways to effectively prepare science students to manage their own emotions.

Fluorine materials scavenge excess carbon dioxide and promote Escherichia coli growth

Fluorinated solvents have been used as oxygen carriers in closed microbial cultures to sustain aerobic conditions. However, the growth-promoting effects of fluorinated solvents remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which fluorinated solvents promote microbial growth and to explore alternative materials that can be easily isolated after culture. Escherichia coli and HFE-7200, a fluorinated solvent, were used to explore factors other than oxygen released by fluorinated solvents that promote microbial growth. E. coli growth was promoted in gas-permeable cultures, and HFE-7200 alleviated medium acidification. Gas chromatography confirmed that HFE-7200 functioned as a scavenger of carbon dioxide produced by E. coli metabolism. Because fluorinated solvents can dissolve various gases, they could scavenge metabolically produced toxic gases from microbial cultures. Furthermore, using polytetrafluoroethylene, a solid fluorine material, results in enhanced bacterial growth. Such solid materials can be easily isolated and reused for microbial culture, suggesting their potential as valuable technologies in food production and biotechnology.

Teaching food biotechnology in a university engineering program: blended and in-person approaches in Ecuador

Food biotechnology is a modern science that generates interesting goods and services for society, it is part of the curriculum of agribusiness engineering careers in Ecuadorian universities. The objective was to determine the influence of the teaching system (in-person and blended) on learning levels. The sample consisted of four hundred students of the fifth level of the aforementioned career, divided into 8 different academic semester periods, during 4 consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021), four in an in-person system and four in a blended system (in-person and online) of an Ecuadorian public university, through a quasi-experimental type of research. The evaluation was carried out using both the grade records obtained by the students, as well as the application of a theoretical and practical test at the end of the course. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Student's t-test (P≤0.05). It was found that the in-person education system allows 72 % of learning of Biotechnology knowledge while the blended system improves it by up to 86 % with statistical differences between them, so Biotechnology is better understood and applied through a blended system of education.

Expert opinion and public support of genetically modified food policy: Does deficit model work in China?

AbstractTo what extent do expert opinions affect public opinion in policy making? While most existing studies were conducted in democracies, experts' influence under authoritarian settings is still understudied. This paper examines how expert opinion and vocational affiliation influence public attitudes toward genetically modified (GM) food in China. Through a survey experiment with over 1600 respondents, we find that experts' endorsement can increase policy support for GM food but that their opposition exerts no influence. Different vocational affiliations do not generate significantly different effects, although endorsement from foreign experts has larger effects than endorsement from domestic counterparts, who have closer connections with the Chinese government. We finally discuss the policy implications of expert involvement in policy making and promoting GM food in China based on the above findings.

The moderating role of perceived health risks on the acceptance of genetically modified food.

The public perspective on genetically modified foods (GMFs) has been intensely debated and scrutinized. Often, discussions surrounding GMF tend to revolve solely around the potential health risks associated with their consumption. However, it is essential to acknowledge that public perceptions of genetically modified foods are multifaceted, encompassing environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and economic implications. This paper studies the factors predicting GMF acceptance employing the representative sample of the Czech population (N = 884, aged 18-90 years, M ± SD: 48.17 ± 17.72; 53.40% women, 18.04% with higher education). The research relies on the Behavioral Change Model and the Health Belief Model. We employ hierarchical ordinal regressions to study the effects of information, environmental concerns, perceived health risks, food habits, purchasing habits, and socio-demographics on GMF acceptance. The results suggest that the (un)willingness to purchase GMF is primarily driven by the health risks - the environmental concerns were largely unimportant. The impact of information provision on GMF acceptance proved positive, suggesting information and education to be the main channels of creating public acceptance. The intrinsic interest regarding information related to GMF had an adverse impact on the perception of GMF morality. The benefits of the GMF proved unrelated to the GMF acceptance, indicating the gap in the information campaign. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, public health professionals, and market researchers to communicate the GMF agenda effectively to the general public.

Study of the properties of pectin substances for the production of healthy food products

The article is devoted to the research in the field of using frozen grapes in the technology of production of products for a healthy diet. The main objectives of the research are to substantiate technological significance of frozen table grapes for the development of functional desserts. To study the influence of negative temperatures on the gelling and complexing ability of pectin substances in frozen grapes with subsequent defrosting of the raw material. The object of the research was table grapes of 5 varieties grown in the Krasnodar region. Experimental studies of technological and biochemical parameters of fresh and frozen grapes in order to study and confirm the use of grapes in the food industry for the development of desserts with different functional areas were carried out on the territory of the Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin in the laboratories of the Faculty of Food Production and Biotechnology. Biochemical methods of analysis, generally accepted in the food industry, were used as research tools. It is well known that low-temperature freezing helps to maximize the preservation of the nutritional value of plant materials, however, in the health food industry, recipes and technologies for processing frozen grapes are practically not represented. An information search of scientific literature has shown that there are no studies on the study and selection of grape varieties for canning by freezing and the production of functional products from defrosted raw materials, which indicates the need to conduct experimental studies, study the kinetics of the chemical and biochemical composition of fresh, frozen and defrosted grapes in order to differentiate raw materials for the production of desserts with different functional orientations. Using biochemical analysis methods, it has been established that, regardless of varietal characteristics, the main components of the chemical composition of grapes are preserved during freezing and further defrosting.

Information sources and consumer attitudes toward genetically modified food in China

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of different information source on consumer attitudes toward genetically modified food.Design/methodology/approach The data used in this study are obtained from a large-scale nationwide consumers' survey in urban China conducted by the China Center for Agricultural Policy, Peking University, in 2020. A descriptive analysis between information sources and consumer attitudes toward GM food was conducted. Based on the collected data, an econometric model on the determinants of consumer attitudes was constructed and used for analysis.Findings This study shows that the impact of new media is currently no different than that of traditional media, indicating that the media campaign successfully reduced the spread of rumors and misinformation regarding GM food. Moreover, this study also shows that consumers whose main information source regarding GM foods is school hold more positive feelings toward such food.Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the impact of information source on consumer attitudes toward GM food. To reverse consumers' negative attitudes, China has launched a widespread media campaign since the first decade of the 2000s. Results of this study show that authorities' efforts to manage and surveil new media have yielded the desired outcome.

Public Perception of Genetically Modified Organisms and the Implementation of Biosafety Measures in Kenya

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are an important nexus of biotechnology, agriculture, and research. GMOs have gained popularity because of their potential to address global food insecurity. However, the widespread adoption of GMOs has sparked debates and controversies. This study collected data on the threats and effects of the GMO ban and the status of implementation of Biosafety Act and Cartagena Protocol on biosafety in Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was used with 216 participants sampled purposively and 16 key informants interviewed in a qualitative survey with triangulation of data from a scoping literature review. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents indicated GMOs and genetically modified (GM) foods are a solution to food security in Africa. A majority believe that the introduction of GMO technology and the use of GM food is beneficial (52.3%). Fifty-five percent of the respondents indicated that GM foods are safe. Most respondents (>90%) indicated that there is a low threat of GMO technology on the environment, human health, and animal health. The respondents (54.3%) agreed there is good adherence to the Cartagena Protocol. The correlation between awareness of the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety and views on whether there are adequate legal and regulatory frameworks was r = 0.4, indicating a weak but positive relationship between the two. Respondents who reported that the legal and regulatory frameworks were adequate were, therefore, likely (r = 0.4) to be aware of the Cartagena Protocol. There was a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.67) on views that GM food is a solution to food insecurity. Understandably, the relationship between GM food health concerns and GM food as safe was moderately negative (r = −0.4591). The findings are important in addressing gaps in the current GMO regulations and implementation aimed at increasing awareness of GMO technology as well as informing policy on biotechnology.

Laboratory Performance Study of the Japanese Official Method to Detect Genetically Modified Papaya Line PRSV-YK

Since the establishment of procedures for the safety assessment of food products that use recombinant DNA technology, the manufacture, import, and sale of genetically modified (GM) foods that have not undergone safety assessment are prohibited under the Food Sanitation Act. Therefore, a performance study to confirm the GM food testing operations of each laboratory is very important to ensure the reliability of the GM food monitoring system. In 2022, GM papaya line PRSV-YK-which has not yet been authorized in Japan-was selected for testing, and a papaya paste and a DNA solution were used as the test samples. With these samples, a laboratory performance study of the DNA extraction and real-time PCR operations was conducted. This confirmed that the 18 participating laboratories were generally performing the DNA extraction and real-time PCR operations correctly. However, some laboratories using certain DNA amplification reagent with some real-time PCR instruments were not able to determine the PRSV-YK detection test. This suggests that the PRSV-YK detection test may not be able to correctly detect samples containing GM papaya when performed with these combinations of instruments and reagent. In order to ensure the reliability of the PRSV-YK detection test, it is necessary to examine in detail how the combination of DNA polymerase reagents and real-time PCR instruments affects the detection limit, and to implement an appropriate solution.

Detection and occurrence of genetically modified rice and potato in the Saudi food market.

The number of food products with genetically modified (GM) crops on the global market has increased due to advancements in genetic engineering technology. Legislation regulating the labeling and use of GM crops has increased considerably worldwide to provide consumers with health and safety assurance. It is still unclear whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are present in the food market of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to a lack of scientific studies. This work was planned to detect GM rice and GM potatoes in the Saudi food market. One hundred non-labeled rice and rice product samples and 50 potato and potato samples were collected randomly from different market sites of Makkah, Riyadh and Jeddah during 2022-2023. The cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method was used to extract DNA. Viviants DNA extraction kit was used to extract DNA from rice starch and potato chips. To find GMOs in samples, CMOScreen 35S and NOS test kits were utilized. DNA-based qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to screen targets for PCR detection of GM rice sequences. The results indicated that 32 (32%) rice samples were positive for CaMV 35S promoter, while no positive result was detected for the NOS terminator. Besides, 30% of potato samples were positive for the CaMV 35S promoter, and the same samples were positive for the presence of the Cry V gene. It could be concluded that there were GM rice and potatoes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's food markets. Establishing strong regulations and certified laboratories to monitor genetically modified foods (GMF) or crops in the Saudi market is recommended.

Environmentally Friendly Approaches for Extraction from Plant Material through the View of the Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction Operating Conditions

Increasing the shelf life of foods is one of the most important trends in food biotechnology. Extracts of aromatic plants have natural antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that can extend the shelf life of food. This study aims to improve the extraction efficiency of extracts from rosemary and a mixture of black cumin and oregano. It was found that the highest value of antioxidant activity (96.78%) was when extracts were obtained from rosemary using ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction according to the following parameters: (45℃-30min the dose of the mixture of enzymes cellulase + pectinase: 0.5 g in the ratio 1:1, processing mode 22.5kHz, power 400watts), also it was observed that the highest content of total phenols (148.56mg GAE/gram) and flavonoids (37.45mg QE/gram), was when extracts were obtained from rosemary, a mixture of herbs (black cumin and oregano), respectively according to the following parameters: (55℃-30min – the dose of the mixture of enzymes cellulase + pectinase: 0.5 g in the ratio 1:1, processing mode 22.5kHz, power 400watts). The results obtained confirm the high potential of using this technology in the food industry

Research on the Training Mode of Food Biotechnology Specialty Integrated with Post Course Contest and Certificate in Higher Vocational Education

Research on the Training Mode of Food Biotechnology Specialty Integrated with Post Course Contest and Certificate in Higher Vocational Education

Творожный продукт из козьего молока для специализированного питания

The research featured milk-protein goat curd fortified with functional ingredients and a vitamin-mineral complex. The study was a joint project by the Pavlodar State University (Pavlodar, Republic of Kazakhstan) and the Department of Food and Food Biotechnology of the Omsk State Agrarian University (Omsk, Russia). It featured Saanen goats from specialized breeding farms. The physical, chemical, and microbiological variables were reviewed for compliance with State Standard GOST 32940-2014: Goat’s milk. Specifications (January 1, 2016). The experimental tests involved standard sensory, chemical, and microbiological methods. They resulted in a new formulation with optimal biotechnological variables for a novel curd product with functional ingredients, a vitamin and mineral complex, and an activated bioenrichment agent. The latter was based on the LAT PB T biopreparation with Bifidobacterium Longum, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Bifidobacterium Infantis, and Streptococcus Thermophillus. After being tested at a leading dairy plant in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan, the biotechnology was applied for a patent.

Studies on Biosensors- Recent Developments and Future Perspectives on Biotechnological Applications: An Overview

The current review compiles the recent trends and future applications of biosensors in many fields of Biotechnology to detect various biological and biochemical entities in the fields of environmental biotechnology, food biotechnology, medical science and agriculture biotechnology. A biosensor is a an analytical or bioreceptor-integrated device that determines the concentration of analyte in a medium and provides quantitative information. The biosensors that monitors the air, soil and water are whole cell-based biosensors that use microbial cell to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), heavy metals, waterborne bacterial pathogens, measure indoor air quality (IAQ), etc. In this review, plant diseases caused by various pathogens are detected by nucleic acid-based affinity biosensors. In this article, authors also focus on medical-based biosensors that monitor the concentration of various biomolecules such as human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG), glucose, etc. to detect pregnancy and other diseases. Apart from this, it also includes food technology and processing-based biosensors to determine and verify the food quality by detecting microbial contaminants, nutrient contents and product freshness by detecting biogenic amines, lactic acid, etc. This review provides new insights into developing certain fascinating and economically interesting models likely to be eco-friendly. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The Consumer Attitude Towards the Consumption of Genetically Modified Foods in Zambia: A Case of Kitwe District on the Copperbelt

The purpose of this study was to explore consumer’s attitudes towards the consumption of Genetically Modified foods, in Kitwe district of the Copperbelt Province, Zambia and to learn the current government stance and policy on GM foods. The sample comprised of 353 men and women randomly selected. For data collection and analysis, combinations of both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed, with instruments consisting of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and document analysis. SPSS software was used for generating graphs for quantitative data. Analyses data showed that, most of the respondent’s attitudes towards GM seem to be negative; the biggest issue that drew negativity towards GMO were regarding trust, risk, social norms and the intention to purchase. The public does not trust GMOs because not much tests or research have been done here in Zambia for any side effects.

Engaging with misinformation and misinformation corrective messages on social media: Examining the role of source cues, social endorsement cues, and prior attitudes

ABSTRACTThis study seeks to understand how individuals engage with misinformation and corrective messages about genetically modified (GM) food safety on social media. Based on a 2 (expert source vs. social peer source) x 2 (high social endorsements vs. low social endorsements) between-subject experiment (N = 264), this study examined the role of source cues, social endorsement cues, and prior attitudes in influencing individuals’ social media engagements. Results found that individuals selectively engaged with misinformation and corrective messages based on their prior attitudes. Individuals with more negative prior attitudes toward GM foods were more likely to share, click ‘likes,’ add a positive comment, and were less likely to add a negative comment to the misinformation message that doubts GM food safety. Conversely, individuals with more positive prior attitudes toward GM foods were more likely to share, click ‘likes,’ and were less likely to add a negative comment to the corrective message that supports GM food safety. Individuals were more likely to endorse a corrective message when it was attributed to an expert (vs. social peer) source. However, social media endorsements had no significant impact on individuals’ social media engagement with the corrective message.

Apple pomace as an alternative substrate for butanol production

Butanol-producing strains Clostridium sp. UCM B-7570 and C. acetobutylicum UCM B-7407 were used for research from “Collection of strains of microorganisms and plant lines for food and agricultural biotechnology” of the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, glycerol (BASF, Germany) and apple pomace (total moisture 4%) after apple juice production. The aim of this work was to study the possibility of using apple pomace by domestic butanol-producing strains of Clostridium sp. UCM B-7570 and C. acetobutylicum UCM B-7407 as a substrate. Producers were cultured on medium with different concentrations of apple pomace, glycerol was used for the inoculation. The presence of ethanol, acetone, and butanol in the culture liquid was determined using a gas chromatograph. It was determined that a significant part of the macrocomponent composition of the extracts can be used in bioconversion by producing strains of the genus Clostridium. It was determined that the highest concentration of butanol (10 g/dm3) was at a concentration of 120 g/dm3 in the extracts. The obtained data showed the possibility of using apple pomace as a substrate in biobutanol technology.