Increase In Sugar Content Research Articles

Releasing a sugar brake generates sweeter tomato without yield penalty.

In tomato, sugar content is highly correlated with consumer preferences, with most consumers preferring sweeter fruit1-4. However, the sugar content of commercial varieties is generally low, as it is inversely correlated with fruit size, and growers prioritize yield over flavour quality5-7. Here we identified two genes,tomato(Solanum lycopersicum) calcium-dependent protein kinase 27 (SlCDPK27; also known as SlCPK27) and its paralogue SlCDPK26, that control fruit sugar content. They act as sugar brakes by phosphorylating a sucrose synthase, which promotes degradationof the sucrose synthase. Gene-edited SlCDPK27 and SlCDPK26 knockouts increased glucose and fructose contents by up to 30%, enhancing perceived sweetness without fruit weight or yield penalty. Although there are fewer, lighter seeds in the mutants, they exhibit normal germination. Together, these findings provide insight into the regulatory mechanisms controlling fruit sugar accumulation in tomato and offer opportunities to increase sugar content in large-fruited cultivars without sacrificing size and yield.

Effect of In Vitro Pretreatment with Ag-Containing Amino Acid Nanofibers on Biometrics and Antioxidant Activity in Drought-Stressed Ex Vitro-Adapted Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Biotechnological methods prevent the destruction of natural populations of medicinal plants due to climate change and developing agriculture. This study evaluates the effects of in vitro pretreatment with two types of silver-containing amino acid nanofibers (NF-1%Ag and NF1-Ag salt) on the drought tolerance of ex vitro soil-adapted Steviia rebaudiana Bertoni. The duration of the drought was five days. The data suggested that the pretreatment with the studied nanofibers during plant propagation enhanced the plant tolerance to drought stress manifested in a smaller decrease in plant biomass accumulation and a smaller increase in sugar content. The pretreatment with the two tested nanoparticles of well-watered plants increased the leaf fresh biomass accumulation of the ex vitro-adapted S. rebaudiana compared to the untreated WW control plants. The highest values were reported at 10 mg L−1 NF1-Ag salt. Five days of drought led to a decrease in the leaf fresh biomass compared to the WW plants, with the recorded lowest reduction again at 10 mg L−1 NF1-Ag salt. These observations correlate with antioxidant activity improvement. The results show that adding 10 mg L−1 NF1-Ag salt to the MS medium led to higher ex vitro-adapted S. rebaudiana resistance to water deficit than 100 mg L−1. This paper discusses the impact of the selected nanofibers on parameters characterizing plant growth and antioxidant activity of drought-stressed ex vitro-adapted Stevia rebaudiana plants.

Effect of Matrix on the Aroma Sensorial Expression of Osmanthus fragrans in Kuei Hua Chen Chiew

To develop a low-alcohol, low-sugar Kuei Hua Chen Chiew (KHCs) without compromising its flavor profile, it is essential to investigate the impact of matrix substances in wine on the overall aroma and taste of KHCs. In this study, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and food sensory evaluation methods were used to identify the key aromatic components related to the aroma characteristics of Osmanthus fragrans. Ten specific compounds were found to significantly influence the fragrance profile of O. fragrans. Sensory analysis further identified four primary aroma attributes of O. fragrans: floral, fruity, sweet, and herbal notes. Simulated KHCs solutions were prepared to examine the effects of sugar and ethanol on osmanthus aroma and related compounds. Increased sugar content enhanced floral, fruity, and sweet aromas in the system, while ethanol addition intensified herbal notes and associated volatile compounds.

Ultrasonic‐assisted enhancement of malt characteristics in amaranth: A study on physicochemical, amino acid, sugar profile, rheological properties, and muffin making

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the potential of incorporating ultrasonication treatment into the soaking process before germination as a method to enhance the nutritional profile of amaranth. While ultrasound has been used to expedite germination in various grains, its impact on germinated grains from a food science perspective remains underexplored. The research focused on the effects of ultrasonication on the composition, functional, and rheological properties of amaranth grains post‐germination.FindingsThe study revealed that germination alone significantly increased γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), protein content, phenolic acids, amino acids, and total dietary fiber while reducing phytic acid and rheological parameters. Incorporating ultrasonication during soaking further elevated amino acids, GABA, protein, and phenolic acid levels. Notably, ultrasonication increased protein content by 25%, antioxidants by 35%, and dietary fiber by 20%, and attributed to cell wall breakdown and enhanced enzymatic activity during germination. Phytic acid levels decreased by up to 95% with prolonged ultrasonication, enhancing nutritional quality. Additionally, GABA levels revealed a significant rise, with an 82% and 87% increase in the Annapurna and Durga varieties, respectively. The study also found that ultrasonication led to reduced starch content, decreased pasting properties, and increased sugar content in the grains. Muffins made with ultrasonicated amaranth showed lower water activity levels, indicating better shelf stability, though specific volume decreased due to starch breakdown and increased amylase activity.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that ultrasonication combined with germination is an effective method for enhancing the nutritional and functional properties of amaranth grains. This method significantly boosts health‐promoting components like GABA, proteins, and antioxidants while also affecting key baking quality parameters.Significance and NoveltyThis research introduces a novel application of ultrasonication to improve the physiochemical, antioxidant, functional, and rheological properties of amaranth grains. The findings suggested a promising strategy for developing nutrient‐rich, functional food ingredients, addressing the growing demand for healthier food products.

Impact of aeroponic cultivation and plant growth regulators on the biochemical composition of grapevine leaves

Background: Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is a globally important perennial fruit crop, renowned for its economic value and cultural significance. Grape leaves, while often underappreciated, play a vital role in culinary traditions and are valued for their cultural, nutritional, and health benefits. However, the availability of grape leaves is constrained by viticulture practices and chemical treatments that prioritize fruit production over leaf harvesting. This study seeks to compare the biochemical characteristics of grapevine leaves from the cultivar 'Deghin Yerevani' grown from virus-free, tissue-cultured plants under aeroponic and soil conditions within a greenhouse. Objective: To evaluate the impact of aeroponic versus soil-based cultivation and the application of specific growth regulators on the biochemical composition and nutrient content of 'Deghin Yerevani' grapevine leaves, with the goal of optimizing conditions for high-quality leaf production. Materials and Methods: This study, conducted from 2021 to 2023 at the Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnology, ANAU, utilized virus-free in vitro plants of Vitis vinifera L. cv. 'Deghin Yerevani', sourced from the National Grape Field Collection. Plants were cultured in four treatment groups with varying growth media compositions: PGR-free, with Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), with IAA and Gibberellic acid (GA₃), and with IAA, GA₃, and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). Post-culturing, plants were transferred to either an aeroponic system, which used a misting cycle and maintained controlled environmental conditions, or to a greenhouse with a defined soil mix and monitored moisture levels. Both systems operated for 8 weeks, with each treatment replicated three times. Chlorophylls a and b, ascorbic acid, sugars, and macro- and micronutrient contents were analyzed, and statistical significance was determined using standard error and Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). Results: Grapevine leaves from 'Deghin Yerevani' plants grown in aeroponic systems exhibited significantly higher chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll compared to those grown in soil. Growth regulators, particularly IAA, GA3, and BAP, enhanced chlorophyll content, sugar levels, and Vitamin C across both cultivation methods. Aeroponic systems showed superior results with increased sugar content (5.7 g/100g) and Vitamin C (20.4 mg/100g) compared to soil-based cultivation. Nutrient analysis revealed higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in aeroponics. Overall, growth regulators and aeroponic cultivation improved the biochemical and nutrient profiles of grapevine leaves. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that aeroponic cultivation and the application of growth regulators significantly enhanced the biochemical composition of grapevine leaves. Higher levels of chlorophyll, sugar, and Vitamin C, along with improved nutrient content, were observed in aeroponic systems compared to soil-based cultivation. These findings underscore the benefits of aeroponics and growth regulators in optimizing grapevine leaf quality, suggesting potential for improved yield and nutritional value in grapevine production. Keywords: 'Deghin Yerevani', grapevine, in vitro propagation, functional foods, Aeroponic Cultivation, Plant Growth Regulators

Increased sugar content impairs pollen fertility and reduces seed-setting in high-photosynthetic-efficiency rice

Crop yield depends on biomass, which is primarily associated with photosynthesis. We previously demonstrated that two photorespiratory bypasses, i.e., GOC (glycolate oxidase + oxalate oxidase + catalase) and GCGT (glycolate oxidase + catalase + glyoxylate carboligase + tartronic semialdehyde reductase), significantly increased photosynthesis, biomass, and grain yield, but decreased seed-setting rates in rice. This study explored the underlying mechanism of how elevated photosynthetic efficiency impacted the seed-setting. First, pollen germination assessed in vivo and in vitro, revealed a reduced germination rate in GCGT rice. Subsequent analysis found that photosynthates highly accumulated in the leaves and stems; sucrose and soluble sugar levels were increased but the starch level was reduced in the anthers. Uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP-Glc) was increased but uridine diphosphate galactose (UDP-Gal) was unaltered, thus causing an imbalance in the UDP-Glc/UDP-Gal ratio in GCGT anthers. Most anthers in GCGT plants had two locules in contrast to four in the wild-type (WT). Pollen tapetum was developmentally abnormal, and genes related to sucrose synthesis, transport, and tapetal programmed cell death (PCD) were upregulated, whereas those involved in starch synthesis and conversion were downregulated in GCGT anthers. Taken together, our results demonstrated that an increase in sugar content was the primary factor causing reduced seed-setting rates in high photosynthetic efficiency rice, during which metabolic disorder of sugars and UDP sugar imbalance in anthers lead to impaired pollen fertility.

No support for the optimal allocation to indirect plant defenses mediated by ant-hemipteran interactions

The Optimal Defense Theory (ODT) postulates that reproductive structures should be more heavily defended because they contribute the most to a plant's fitness and have the highest probability of being attacked by herbivores. Ants can provide indirect defense to plants through their mutualistic interactions with hemipteran insects. In this well-studied interaction, ants provide protection to hemipterans against their natural enemies (e.g., predators and parasitic wasps) in exchange for the sugar-rich honeydew secreted by hemipterans. In turn, ants attending hemipterans can indirectly benefit plants by suppressing other harmful herbivores. Despite the numerous investigations of this ant-hemipteran mutualism, patterns of optimal allocation to indirect plant defenses mediated by this mutualistic interaction have not been previously investigated. In this study, we evaluated whether allocation to indirect plant defenses mediated by ant-hemipteran interactions and the effectiveness of such indirect defenses differ between vegetative branches (with only leaves) and reproductive branches (with leaves and inflorescences) of the tropical shrub Solanum lycocarpum. For this, we selected plants with aggregations of the ant-tended hemipteran Enchenopa brasiliensis in both reproductive and vegetative branches. We then estimated indirect defenses (measured as the production of sugar in the plant sap and hemipteran honeydew, as well as ant attraction), and their effectiveness in terms of plant protection by ants (measured as the damage and survival of leaf-chewing herbivores). Supporting ODT predictions, we found that the sugar concentration in the plant sap, and consequently in hemipteran honeydew, was higher in reproductive than in vegetative branches. However, the increase in sugar concentration in hemipteran honeydew did not result in greater ant attraction to reproductive branches. Additionally, contrary to ODT predictions, we found that ants attending hemipterans did not enhance plant protection against leaf-chewing herbivores on reproductive branches. Overall, our study demonstrated that the patterns of allocation to indirect defenses mediated by ant-hemipteran interactions in S. lycocarpum plants did not support the predictions of the ODT.

Impact of climate change on the (poly)phenol composition of botrytization in the Tokaj wine region

Tokaj wine region is famous for its aszú wines, which are made of noble rotted raw materials. There is also a continuous change in the life activity of Botrytis cinerea as a result of climate change, which not only alters the rate of acidification but also its characteristic biochemical processes. Increasing sugar content is associated with a fructose excess, an increase in succinic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, a change in the composition of phenolic compounds and an increase in phenolic acid content. This study examines the polyphenol content measured in the last 4 vintages and presents the typical phenolic acid composition.

On-vine drying (passérillage) improves the quality of “Hutai No. 8” table grape wine: Focusing on phenolics, aromas, color and sensory attributes

On-vine drying (passérillage) was employed for Hutai No.8 table grapes with different water loss rates and that are used for winemaking to alter the qualities of wine. Results showed that on-vine drying increased sugar content, thereby elevating alcohol and glycerol contents in the resulting wine. A moderate drying treatment (D2, 18 % water loss) produced wine with optimal red color characteristics. The D2 wine contained abundant individual phenolics such as caffeic acid, salicylic acid, resveratrol, p-coumaric acid, and proanthocyanidin B1, which exhibited strong positive correlations with color parameters (a⁎, C*ab and △E*ab). Similar trends were observed in aroma compounds, with ethyl acetate, ethyl caproate, diethyl succinate, geraniol, linalool, 4-terpinenol, α-terpineol, and β-ionone contents showing significant increment in D2, aligning with enhanced sensory evaluations of wines. Thus, improvement of wine quality can be achieved through moderate on-vine drying (18 % water loss)，serving as a valuable reference for table grape winemaking.

Lipogenesis in Nasonia vitripennis: Influence of sugar chemistry, preferential production of triacylglycerides, and comparison of fatty acid biosynthetic capacity with Drosophilamelanogaster

Sugar consumption increases the fecundity and longevity in many species of parasitic wasps (parasitoids) but whether these insects use sugars to synthesize significant amounts of fatty acids and storage fat de novo (lipogenesis) is discussed controversially. It has long been assumed that parasitic wasps lost this ability during evolution, mainly because in several species wasps with ad libitum access to sugar did not increase teneral lipid levels. Recent studies demonstrated that many species are nonetheless capable of synthesizing fatty acids de novo from glucose. It is unclear, however, whether also other sugars are used for fatty acid biosynthesis and whether an increase of sugar concentration to levels occurring in natural sugar sources translates into higher fatty acid production. Furthermore, it has been suggested that fatty acid production in parasitoids is negligible compared to species increasing teneral fat reserves such as Drosophila melanogaster. Here we show by stable isotope labeling experiments that females of Nasonia vitripennis convert D-glucose, D-fructose, sucrose, and α,α-trehalose, major sugars consumed by adult parasitoids in nature, equally well to palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid. Lipogenesis from D-galactose occurs as well albeit to a lesser extent. Sugar concentration is crucial for lipogenic activity, and almost 80% of de novo synthesized fatty acids were incorporated into storage fat (triacylglycerides). Comparison of fatty acid biosynthesis within a 48-h feeding period with D. melanogaster revealed that N. vitripennis produced approximately half as many fatty acids per body mass unit. Both species fed equal amounts of the glucose offered. We conclude that lipogenesis is far from negligible in N. vitripennis and plays an important role for the energy balance when teneral lipid reserves deplete.

Effect of seed priming with auxin on ROS detoxification and carbohydrate metabolism and their relationship with germination and early seedling establishment in salt stressed maize

As crucial stages in the plant ontogeny, germination and seedling establishment under adverse conditions greatly determine staple crop growth and productivity. In the context of green technologies aiming to improve crop yield, seed priming is emerging as an effective approach to enhance seed vigor and germination performance under salt stress. In this study, we assess the efficiency of seed priming with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in mitigating the adverse effects of salt stress on maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings during germination and early seedling stages. In unprimed seeds, salt stress reduced germination indices, and seedling (both radicle and coleoptile) growth, together with decreased tissue hydration. However, seed priming using IAA significantly improved maize salt response, as reflected by the increased seed germination dynamics, early seedling establishment, and water status. Besides, seedlings from IAA-primed seeds showed a higher activity of α-amylase, resulting in increased sugar contents in roots and coleoptiles of salt-stressed plants. Further, IAA-seed priming stimulated the accumulation of endogenous IAA in salt-stressed seedlings, in concomitance with a significant effect on reactive oxygen species detoxification and lipid peroxidation prevention. Indeed, our data revealed increased antioxidant enzyme activities, differentially regulated in roots and coleoptiles, leading to increased activities of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPX). In summary, data gained from this study further highlight the potential of IAA in modulating early interactions between multiple signaling pathways in the seed, endowing maize seedlings with enhanced potential and sustained tolerance to subsequent salt stress.

ALA Promotes Sucrose Accumulation in Early Peach Fruit by Regulating SPS Activity.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), as a novel plant growth regulator, is a critical precursor for the biosynthesis of porphyrin compounds in all organisms. Many studies have reported that exogenous ALA treatment could improve fruit sweetness. However, the mechanism by which ALA promotes the increase in sugar content in fruit remains unclear. In this study, we found that ALA significantly promoted sucrose accumulation and SPS (sucrose phosphate synthase) activity in peach fruit. At 14, 28, 42, 50 and 60 days after ALA treatment, sucrose content of fruit was increased by 23%, 43%, 37%, 40% and 16%, respectively, compared with control treatment, and SPS enzyme activity was increased by 21%, 28%, 47%, 37% and 29%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the sucrose content of peach fruit under ALA treatment was significantly positively correlated with SPS activity. Subsequently, bioinformatics was used to identify SPS gene family members in peach fruit, and it was found that there were four members of the PpSPS gene family, distributed on chromosomes 1, 7 and 8, named PpSPS1, PpSPS2, PpSPS3 and PpSPS4, respectively. The results of qRT-PCR showed that PpSPS2 and PpSPS3 were highly expressed in response to ALA during fruit development, and the expression of PpSPS2 was positively correlated with SPS activity and sucrose accumulation in peach fruit. The results of tobacco subcellular localization showed that PpSPS2 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus, while PpSPS3 was mainly distributed in the nucleus. The results of this study will lay the foundation for further study on the functions of PpSPS and the regulation of sugar metabolism during the development and ripening of peach fruit by ALA.

Biorefinery of red seaweed Palmaria palmata for production of bio-based chemicals and biofuels

The seaweed Palmaria palmata was used as feedstock for production of chemical/fuel precursors (acetone, butanol, ethanol) and biogas. Palmaria palmata consists of xylan as major cell wall polysaccharide, as well as galactan and glucan. First, the biomass was subjected to acid hydrolysis at laboratory scale to solubilise fermentable sugars using acetic or hydrochloric acid as catalysts. Differences were observed in composition and amenability to hydrolysis of seaweeds from different harvests. Highest saccharification yields were obtained using HCl (pH 1.7, 120 °C, up to 80 % of xylose). Hydrolysates were fermented to acetone-butanol-ethanol by Clostridium beijerinckii reaching yields of 0.28 g products/g consumed sugars. The process by-products (solids after acetic acid hydrolysis and spent fermentation broth) were used as feedstocks for anaerobic digestion showing biogas yields between 310 and 650 L/kg dry organic material when mixed in different ratios with sugar beet pulp. Subsequently, the hydrolysis and fermentation processes were upscaled up to a 100-L pilot volume where nanofiltration was implemented to increase sugar concentration and remove salts. While high monomeric sugar yields were replicated during upscaling, fermentation inhibition was observed in the upscaled process. This paper shows Palmaria palmata to be a suitable feedstock for the co-production of bio-butanol and biogas and highlights process development needs to desalt and detoxify seaweed hydrolysates prior to fermentation.

Bioconversion of the invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae into enzymes and polyhydroxyalkanoates

The invasive macroalgae Rugulopteryx okamurae has been used as raw material for the production of hydrolytic enzymes and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), bioplastic precursors. The fungus Aspergillus oryzae, grown in solid state fermentation (SSF) on the macroalga biomass, produced several hydrolytic enzymes, mainly xylanase and alginate lyase. Also, SSF was used as biological pretreatment of the macroalga to enhance the release of fermentable sugars after enzyme hydrolysis for subsequent PHA production. To increase sugar concentration and reduce the total cost of the process, the enzyme hydrolysis was performed at a high solid load and stirring rate, reducing the enzyme cocktail dose used by 63.5 %. At these conditions, the hydrolysate contained 18.52 g/L of reducing sugars, which were fermented with Cupriavidus necator, reaching a maximum of 288.0 mg PHA/L at 24 h.

Effect of Phosphorus Fertilizer on Morpho-physiological, and Biochemical Traits of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Plants Under Water Deficit

Aims: To evaluate the effect of water deficit (WD) and P-fertilizer on the growth and biochemical composition of Bambara groundnut. Study Design: The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three factors: landraces (L1, L2, and L3), single superphosphate doses (0, 20, 40, 60, 100 mg P2O5.kg-1), and watering regime (90% (control), 60%, and 30% of field capacity (FC)). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I for three months. Methodology: The seedlings (radicle at 2 mm) were sown in the polyethylene pots filled with substrate with the appropriate P-doses. The plants were grown for up to four weeks under normal watering level (90%_FC). Four weeks after sowing (WAS), the WD was applied by stopping irrigation and maintaining the desired FC. At harvest (8WAS), growth, physiological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: P-fertilizer significantly improved growth and biochemical composition under WD or none. The plant height increased from 20.3% from 0 to 100 mg P2O5 at 30%_FC to L2 at the 8th week. At 90%_FC, the doses 20, 40, 60, 100 mg increased sugars content by 52.6, 59.4, 64.6, and 90.4%, respectively, compared to 0 mg at L3. Proline content at 30%_FC was twice (2.5) that of 90%_FC at L2. Increased accumulation of sugars, proline, and amino acids in leaves was recorded at the severe level of WD. Conclusion: P-fertilizer mitigated the adverse effect of WD on the growth and biochemical composition of Bambara groundnut. A sufficient P-supply (60 mg P2O5.kg-1) was recommended to help Bambara groundnut plants tolerate WD. L1 and L3 appear to be more tolerant than L2 and can be recommended to farmers. As the adaptation mechanisms of these landraces to WD are different, it would be advisable to evaluate their performance in the field to better assess their behavior.

Evaluation the Ingredients and Influence of Thermal Treatment on Physicochemical Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Evernia prunastri from Algeria

Background: Lichen is a symbiotic organism with unique structure composed of a fungal partner and an algal partner. It has been utilized in folk foods and medicines. The objective of the present study was to analyze the ingredients and the impact of heating on various physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics of a 500 g sample of lichen Evernia prunastri from Jijel, Algeria collected in May 2021. Methods: The nutritional value of the lichen was determined by studying various parameters. The metal contents were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The effect of heating (70 and 100 °C) on the physicochemical parameters, and bioactive compounds of aqueous extracts obtained by maceration in distilled water was studied. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Results: A high percentage of carbohydrates (64.00%) were observed in the lichen material. Pectin, fats, and crude proteins levels were low. High ash content (10.85%) was obtained with the presence of metal elements. Preliminary phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids with 51.13 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/100 g and 17.87 mg Quercetin Equivalent (QE)/100 g of lichen, respectively. The lichen sample subjected to 70 °C demonstrated an increase in the parameters examined, with the exception of proteins and vitamin C. Conversely, the lichen sample treated at 100 °C exhibited a reduction in vitamin C, protein, and bioactive compound content, as well as an increase in sugar content. Titratable acidity and pH parameters were unaffected. Conclusion: The appreciable quantities of carbohydrates, crude fibers, and other compounds in this lichen suggest a potential use for these active ingredients in the preparation of functional food. Heating to 70 °C produces a preparation enriched in bioactive substances and sugars. However, heating to 100 °C, exposes the various tissues to degradation, potentially leading to a decrease in nutrients

Enhanced H2 Generation via Piezoelectric Reforming of Waste Sugars and Fruits Using Au-Decorated g-C3N4

The food industry is responsible for generating considerable amounts of waste, such as excess fruits and leftover sugars, which contribute to resource depletion and pose environmental challenges. This research delves into the application of gold-modified graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (Au/CN) as a potent catalyst for the transformation of these food wastes into H2 via piezoelectric reforming during sonication. Au/CN demonstrated a superior rate of H2 evolution compared to pristine g-C3N4 (i.e., 1533.3 vs. 364.9 µmol/g/h) and it maintained its efficiency through multiple cycles of use. The catalytic activity was found to be optimal at a neutral pH level and with increased sugar concentrations. The enhanced catalytic performance of Au/CN was ascribed to the efficient segregation of charge carriers as well as the reduced charge transfer distance. This study underscores the viability of using Au/CN as a means for converting food wastes into a sustainable source of H2 energy.

PGPB Consortium Formulation to Increase Fermentable Sugar in Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue: A Study in the Field.

Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue is used as the primary raw material in tequila production due to its fructans (inulin) content. This study evaluates the formulation of a plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) consortium (Pseudomonas sp. and Shimwellia sp.) to increase sugars in A. tequilana under field conditions. A total of three doses were tested: low (5 L ha-1), medium (10 L ha-1), and high (15 L ha-1), with a cellular density of 1 × 108 CFU mL-1 and one control treatment (without application). Total reducing sugars (TRS), inulin, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and plant growth were measured in agave plants aged 4-5 years at 0 (T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months. Yield was recorded at T12. The TRS increased by 3%, and inulin by 5.3% in the high-dose treatment compared to the control at T12. Additionally, a low content of sucrose, glucose, and fructose (approximately 1%) was detected. At T12, the weight of agave heads increased by 31.2% in the medium dose and 22.3% in the high dose compared to the control. The high dose provided a higher inulin content. The A. tequilana plants were five years old and exhibited growth comparable to the standards for 6-7-year-old plants. This study demonstrates a sustainable strategy for tequila production, optimizing the use of natural resources and enhancing industry performance through increased sugar content and yield.

TaTPS11 enhances wheat cold resistance by regulating source-sink factor

The presence of sugar in plant tissue can lead to an increase in the osmotic pressure within cells, a decrease in the freezing point of plants, and protection against ice crystal damage to the tissue. Trehalose is closely related to sucrose, which comprises the largest proportion of sugar and has become a hot topic of research in recent years. Our previous studies have confirmed that a key trehalose synthesis gene, TaTPS11, from the cold-resistant winter wheat DM1, could enhance the cold resistance of plants by increasing sugar content. However, the underlying mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear. In this study, we cloned TaTPS11-6D, edited TaTPS11-6D using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and transformed ‘Fielder’ to obtain T2 generation plants. We screened out OE3-3 and OE8-7 lines with significantly higher cold resistance than that of ‘Fielder’ and Cri 4–3 edited lines with significantly lower cold resistance than that of ‘Fielder’. Low temperature storage limiting factors were measured for OE3-3, OE8-7 and Cri 4–3 treated at different temperatures.The results showed that TaTPS11-6D significantly increased the content of sugar in plants and the transfer of sugar from source to storage organs under cold conditions. The TaTPS11-6D significantly increased the levels of salicylic, jasmonic, and abscisic acids while also significantly decreasing the level of gibberellic acid. Our research improves the model of low temperature storage capacity limiting factor.

Investigation of Antiproliferative Effects of Combinations of White and Black Garlic Extracts with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) on Caco-2 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Garlic is rich in bioactive compounds that are effective against colon cancer cells. This study tests the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of cold-extracted white and black garlic extracts. Black garlic extracted in water (SSU) exhibits the highest antioxidant activity, phenolic content, and flavonoid content, while black garlic extracted in ethanol (SET) shows the lowest values. Caspase-3 activity is notably higher in the white garlic extracted in methanol (BME), white garlic extracted in methanol combines with 5-FU, black garlic extracted in ethanol (SET), black garlic extracted in ethanol combines with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and 5-FU treatments compare to the control group (p > 0.05). BME+5-FU displays the highest caspase-8 activity (p < 0.05). A decrease in NF-κB levels is observed in the SET+5-FU group (p>0.05), while COX-2 activities decrease in the BME, SET+5-FU, SET, and 5-FU groups (p>0.05). Wound healing increases in the BME, BME+5-FU, SET+5-FU, and 5-FU groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, aqueous black garlic extract may exhibit pro-oxidant activity despite its high antioxidant capacity. It is worth noting that exposure to heat-treated food and increased sugar content may lead to heightened inflammation and adverse health effects. This study is the first to combine garlic with chemo-preventive drugs like 5-FU in Caco-2 cells.