Article
Food Science & Technology
Lin Yu, Hui Shi
Summary: Bacterial adhesion is crucial for biofilm formation, which can lead to cross contamination and pathogen growth on food surfaces. Plant extracts have been studied as green alternatives for anti-adhesion, effectively inhibiting the attachment of foodborne pathogens. Understanding the anti-adhesion mechanisms is essential for enhancing the efficiency and application of natural antimicrobial agents in the fresh produce industry.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Su-Hyeon Kim, Damilare Emmanuel Adeyemi, Mi-Kyung Park
Summary: KFS-EC3 is a polyvalent and lytic phage that can efficiently infect various bacteria, making it suitable for pathogen control in foods.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Samantha Bolten, Alexandra Belias, Kelly A. Weigand, Magdalena Pajor, Chenhao Qian, Renata Ivanek, Martin Wiedmann
Summary: Collation of literature on population dynamics of foodborne pathogens on fresh produce can inform future research and aid stakeholders. A scoping review was conducted to gather and synthesize relevant literature. Knowledge gaps were identified and future research directions were suggested.
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mohammadreza Dehghan Abnavi, Chandrasekhar R. Kothapalli, Daniel Munther, Parthasarathy Srinivasan
Summary: This study presented a modified disinfection kinetics model to evaluate the effect of organic content on the chlorine inactivation coefficient, showing a significant decrease in bactericidal efficacy of free chlorine in the presence of organic load. The chlorine inactivation coefficient of Escherichia coli O157:H7 decreased by 73% with higher levels of chemical oxygen demand (COD). Initial chlorine concentration and bacterial load were found to have no effect on the chlorine inactivation coefficient.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Joshua B. Gurtler, Kristen E. Gibson
Summary: This article presents recent scientific research on irrigation water contamination of fresh produce and the corresponding treatments. It also highlights multidisciplinary studies on the risks associated with bacterial pathogen contamination of produce through irrigation water and various approaches to mitigate these risks. Additionally, proposed changes to the Microbial Water Quality Profile requirement outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act, Produce Safety Rule, are discussed.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mei Bai, Jinming Dai, Changzhu Li, Haiying Cui, Lin Lin
Summary: Ultrasound technology is being studied for its unique advantages in removing biofilms, compared to traditional antibacterial methods. Low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) was found to efficiently weaken the metabolic capacity and biofilm-forming ability of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157: H7 (E. coli O157:H7) cells, but could not completely deactivate them. This study also showed that LFUS could hinder the process of irreversible adhesion and cell aggregation by down-regulating the genes involved in curli formation. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the further application of ultrasound in food preservation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Myung-Ji Kim, Chan-Ick Cheigh
Summary: The microbiological contamination of fresh-cut produce in Korea was evaluated in this study, revealing the presence of bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureus, and B. cereus. Some samples had high bacterial counts and should be implemented with strict control measures.
FOOD SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wei-Lun Huang, Chia-Jung Hsu, Jun Hao Wang, Zi-Han Hsu, Kuan-Hung Lu, Wen-Der Wang, Chia-Chi Huang
Summary: This study demonstrates that carbon nanodots can inhibit bacterial growth even without photoactivation, N-doping, and surface charge, showing potential applications in antibacterial wound dressing and food packaging. The nanodots exhibit antibacterial activities against various bacteria and manageable acute toxicity. The study reveals that the characteristics required for carbon nanodots to be antibacterial are not fully understood, and the biological pathways leading to such activities are more diverse than previously thought.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mehdi Zarei, Saeid Rahimi, Per Erik Joakim Saris, Amin Yousefvand
Summary: In order to prevent biofilm formation in the dairy industry, it is important to understand the interaction between different species during biofilm formation. The study found that P. fluorescens strains are the most important biofilm-formers on the surface of dairy processing equipment, and they can attract and/or shelter other spoilage or pathogenic bacteria. The ability of the P. fluorescens strains to form dual-species biofilms with different pathogens varied depending on the inoculation scenario.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Man-Seok Choi, Eun Bi Jeon, Ji Yoon Kim, Eun Ha Choi, Jun Sup Lim, Jinsung Choi, Shin Young Park
Summary: The efficacy of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment for reducing non-pathogenic Escherichia coli and E. coli O157:H7 in oysters was studied. Exposure to DBD plasma for at least 60 minutes resulted in significant reductions in both types of bacteria, with minimal impact on the glycogen content and texture of the oysters. This non-thermal intervention could be a promising method for improving the safety of fresh oysters.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qiaoqiao Zhou, Jiangfei Pan, Laiming Mo, Zhaofan Luo, Zhifeng Qin, Zong Dai, Changqing Yi
Summary: This study developed a cost-effective, portable, and easy-to-use on-site genetic diagnostics sensing system for pathogen screening. The system consists of a paper-based biochip and a smartphone-based portable device, which together enable simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens and have demonstrated practicality in foodborne pathogen detection.
Article
Biophysics
Yaqian Chen, Jiaqi Ma, Xuechi Yin, Ziai Deng, Xiaojing Liu, Di Yang, Lei Zhao, Jing Sun, Jianlong Wang, Daohong Zhang
Summary: An immersible amplification dip-stick immunoassay (DSIA) using multifunctional nanocomposites was developed for the sensitive detection of Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhi) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7). The reporter molecule, CoFe2O4 (CFO), possessed superior catalase-like activity and magnetic properties. It enabled a simple and highly sensitive detection with a dual-visible mode. The DSIA achieved matrix-interference-free detection with a dynamic range of 102-108 CFU/mL and a low assay limit of 102 CFU/mL, and showed reasonable recovery rates for contamination monitoring in milk and beef samples.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jutanat Srisamran, Edward R. Atwill, Rungtip Chuanchuen, Saharuetai Jeamsripong
Summary: This study investigated bacterial and pathogen contamination in vegetables from markets and supermarkets in Bangkok, identifying predictors associated with contamination. It highlights the importance of monitoring and surveillance for pathogen contamination in produce to enhance food safety.
FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jutanat Srisamran, Edward R. Atwill, Rungtip Chuanchuen, Saharuetai Jeamsripong
Summary: Produce-associated food-borne outbreaks are becoming increasingly important globally. This study investigated the contamination of retail produce from fresh markets and supermarkets in Bangkok with indicator bacteria and pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes. The study found high concentrations of indicator bacteria, higher in produce from fresh markets and produced using conventional methods. The prevalence of Salmonella contamination was linked to the rainy season, conventional agriculture, sweet basil, and certain storage practices.
FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Zhanqiang Su, Panpan Tong, Ling Zhang, Mengmeng Zhang, Dong Wang, Kaiqi Ma, Yi Zhang, Yingyu Liu, Lining Xia, Jinxin Xie
Summary: The study investigated antibiotic resistance and molecular characteristics of E. coli O157:H7 isolates from cattle farms and slaughtering houses in Xinjiang, China, revealing multidrug-resistant strains carrying virulence genes. This suggests clonal propagation in cattle population and cross-regional transmission in Xinjiang.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yijia Deng, Rundong Wang, Yuhao Zhang, Xuepeng Li, Ravi Gooneratne, Jianrong Li
Summary: This study examined the changes in color, flavor, taste, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of shrimp paste during fermentation using E-nose, E-tongue, and HS-SPME-GCMS. The results showed that the color of shrimp paste became dark brown and the inorganic sulfide odor was dominant during fermentation. The umami, richness, and aftertaste of shrimp paste reached their peak in the third year of fermentation. A total of 182 volatile compounds were detected, including 16 flavor markers. Correlation analysis revealed that various VOCs were related to saltiness, richness, umami, aftertaste-B, sourness, and bitterness of shrimp paste.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Changjiao Sun, Xingye Li, Bingna Huang, Ningjun Li, Anqi Wang, Changcheng An, Jiajun Jiang, Yue Shen, Chong Wang, Shenshan Zhan, Ravi Gooneratne, Haixin Cui, Yan Wang
Summary: This study developed an ethyl cellulose-based phenamacril nano-delivery system to improve the control of fusarium head blight in wheat. The synthesized nanocapsules showed excellent storage stability and wettability on crop leaves, and demonstrated significantly improved biological activity against Fusarium graminearum.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qi Deng, Haisheng Lin, Meifang Hua, Lijun Sun, Yuehua Pu, Jianmeng Liao, Zhijia Fang, Saiyi Zhong, Ravi Gooneratne
Summary: This study investigated the influence of dissolved oxygen (DO) on the synthesis of antimicrobial lipopeptides by Bacillus velezensis CMT-6. Higher DO levels were found to result in increased surfactin production, while iturin production was not affected. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes involved in the oxidation-reduction process were enriched. Additionally, the expression levels of surfactin synthetase genes were positively correlated with DO levels.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Shen, Changcheng An, Jiajun Jiang, Bingna Huang, Ningjun Li, Changjiao Sun, Chong Wang, Shenshan Zhan, Xingye Li, Fei Gao, Xiang Zhao, Haixin Cui, Ravi Gooneratne, Yan Wang
Summary: The use of nanomaterials and nanotechnology to construct a smart pesticide delivery system can increase the utilization rate of pesticides and reduce environmental pollution. The temperature-dependent nanogel can improve the controlled-release property of pesticides and adapt to the population growth trend of pests at different temperatures. The research also confirmed the relative safety of the system on cells and non-target organisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiajun Jiang, Bingna Huang, Ningjun Li, Changcheng An, Changjiao Sun, Yue Shen, Ravi Gooneratne, Haixin Cui, Shenshan Zhan, Yan Wang
Summary: A colorimetric assay based on LPS binding aptamer and gold nanoparticles was developed for rapid and accurate detection of LPS concentration, which contributes to the protection of food safety and human health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhijia Fang, Yinyan Chen, Yongbin Li, Lijun Sun, Qi Deng, Jingwen Wang, Ravi Gooneratne
Summary: This study examined the effects of different fatty acids on cadmium accumulation and toxicity in mice. It found that oleic acid was the most effective in facilitating cadmium excretion. The gut microbiota, particularly Burkholderia genus, played a crucial role in this process. The study also identified the mechanisms by which Burkholderia cepacia, a species in the genus, exhibited strong tolerance to cadmium and adsorbed it on its surface through the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yongbin Li, Zhijia Fang, Xuewei Zhou, Jian Gao, Jingwen Wang, Linru Huang, Yinyan Chen, Lijun Sun, Qi Deng, Ravi Gooneratne
Summary: Cadmium (Cd) pollution in the environment poses a threat to human health as it can easily enter the body through the food chain. Gut microbiota, specifically Escherichia coli, has the potential to reduce Cd-induced intestinal damage and promote Cd excretion. Threonine (Thr) has been found to effectively increase fecal Cd and enhance the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella genus and KF843036_g, leading to reduced Cd accumulation in the liver, kidney, and gut of Cd-exposed mice.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Yijia Deng, Rundong Wang, Xuepeng Li, Xiqian Tan, Yuhao Zhang, Ravi Gooneratne, Jianrong Li
Summary: The study examined the effects of fish oil (FO) supplementation on colonic function, immunity, and microbiota in Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp)-infected C57BL/6J mice. FO supplementation significantly reduced Vp infection, improved colonic barrier function, and enhanced immune response. It also promoted the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and their metabolites, leading to the alleviation of Vp infection.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jianzhen Liao, Siyuan Bi, Zhijia Fang, Qi Deng, Yinyan Chen, Lijun Sun, Yongqing Jiang, Linru Huang, Ravi Gooneratne
Summary: Cadmium, a common harmful pollutant, poses a significant threat to human health as it can easily enter the human body through the food chain. Gut microbiota play a key role in cadmium absorption. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is believed to have a potential role in treating cadmium poisoning. This study investigated the therapeutic effect and mechanism of DHA in cadmium-exposed mice by focusing on the gut microbiota. The results showed that DHA increased cadmium excretion and reduced cadmium accumulation in the organs of mice. Restoration of Parabacteroides abundance in the gut microbiota by DHA was also observed. Parabacteroides distasonis, a representative strain, showed capabilities of reducing cadmium toxicity and restoring gut damage caused by cadmium exposure. Furthermore, it significantly reduced cadmium content in various organs and increased cadmium content in feces. The succinic acid produced by P. distasonis played an important role in promoting cadmium excretion. These findings suggest a potential role of P. distasonis in DHA-mediated cadmium excretion in cadmium-exposed mice.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Meifang Hua, Qi Deng, Mei Qiu, Yijia Deng, Lijun Sun, Zhijia Fang, Jianmeng Liao, Jian Zhao, Ravi Gooneratne
Summary: In this study, it was found that iturin A, a cyclic lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis, has a significant inhibitory effect on the growth and synthesis of the T-2 toxin of Fusarium oxysporum. Iturin A was shown to disrupt cell membrane integrity and increase ROS levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed changes in gene expression related to oxidation-reduction processes, mycelial growth, cell integrity, transmembrane transport, and energy metabolism. This study provides theoretical guidance for the application of iturin A in the preservation of dried aquatic products.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yijia Deng, Rundong Wang, Yuhao Zhang, Jianrong Li, Ravi Gooneratne
Summary: Free amino acids formed in fermented meat products are crucial for the survival and metabolism of contaminating fungi, and their regulation is mainly controlled by the TORC1-Tap42 signaling pathway. This study investigated the effect of 18 amino acids on the growth, sporulation, toxin synthesis, and gene expression of Fusarium oxysporum. The results showed that certain amino acids positively regulated Fo17 growth and sporulation, while others significantly inhibited growth, not regulated by Tap42. This study contributes to our understanding of amino acid regulation in fermented foods and provides insights into controlling fungal contamination.
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sobhy A. El-Sohaimy, Malik A. Hussain
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Esther H-J Kim, Arran J. Wilson, Lidia Motoi, Suman Mishra, John Monro, Shanthi G. Parkar, Douglas Rosendale, Halina M. Stoklosinski, Carel M. H. Jobsis, Yukiko Wadamori, Duncan Hedderley, Marco P. Morgenstern
Summary: Understanding the variability in consumer chewing behavior is crucial for designing food products to cater to specific consumer segments. This study investigated the effects of chewing behavior on gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation using in vitro models and brown rice. The results showed that individual differences in chewing behavior significantly influenced digestibility of carbohydrates, microbial composition, and production of organic acid metabolites. These findings suggest that modifying chewing behavior may be an effective strategy for controlling blood glucose levels and shaping gut microbiota.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Deepa Agarwal, Alison Wallace, Esther H. -J. Kim, Yukiko Wadamori, Limei Feng, Duncan Hedderley, Marco P. Morgenstern
Summary: This study investigates the impact of 3D printing technology on the moisture content, microstructure, and sensory perception of gluten-free snacks. The results show that 3D-printed snacks have higher moisture loss and different sensory characteristics compared to conventionally-produced snacks.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoxuan Jin, Suyun Lin, Jing Gao, Esther H-J Kim, Marco P. Morgenstern, Arran J. Wilson, Deepa Agarwal, Yukiko Wadamori, Yong Wang, Jian Ying, Zhizhong Dong, Weibiao Zhou, Xiaoming Song, Qian Zhao
Summary: This study explores the differences in oral processing behavior and subsequent glycemic response between Asian (Chinese) and Caucasian subjects. Chinese subjects exhibited slower saliva flow rate but higher salivary alpha-amylase activity. They also took larger mouthful sizes, chewed for longer, and swallowed more particles with smaller sizes. Chinese subjects had higher overall glycemic response and peak blood glucose level compared to New Zealand subjects.
