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The utilization of agro-industrial residues is an interesting issue contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection. Lycium barbarum leaves (LBL) are agro-industrial residues of the L. barabrum berry cultivation and seriously underutilized, leading to resource waste and environmental pollution. In this study, we prepared cost-effective enzyme cocktails with high xylanase activity from a novel soil-derived fungal strain Aspergillus costaricensis LS18. The xylanase activity of these on-site produced enzyme cocktails was 3.49 ± 0.55 U/mL. Through the hydrolysis using the enzyme cocktails with 6% substrate loading at 45 °C for 12 h, 86.57 ± 1.81% of total reducing sugars (RS) from LBL was released. The concentration of RS in the hydrolysates reached 8.17 ± 0.33 mg/mL. In this study, LBL were added values by two mutually independent bioprocess ways. On the one hand, LBL were used as the only nutrients in the medium for the on-site production of enzyme cocktails by fermentation. On the other hand, through hydrolysis using this enzyme cocktail, LBL biomass was efficiently hydrolyzed and fermentable monosugars were gained. This study could benefit to the exploitation of LBL resources and provide the references for utilization of other agro-industrial residues. [Display omitted] • Composition and enzymolysis characteristics of LBL were investigated. • A novel high-producing xylanase fungal strain LS18 was isolated from ancient forest soil. • Underutilized LBL and LS18 were employed for preparation of cost-effective enzyme cocktail. • LBL were efficiently hydrolyzed by self-prepared enzyme cocktails. • A new protocol of cost-effective conversion of biomass into fermentable sugar was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercus gilva , an evergreen tree species in Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis , is an ecologically and economically valuable species in subtropical regions of East Asia. Predicting the impact of climate change on potential distribution of Q. gilva can provide a scientific basis for the conservation and utilization of its genetic resources, as well as for afforestation. In this study, 74 distribution records of Q. gilva and nine climate variables were obtained after data collection and processing. Current climate data downloaded from WorldClim and future climate data predicted by four future climate scenarios (2040s SSP1-2.6, 2040s SSP5-8.5, 2060s SSP1-2.6, and 2060s SSP5-8.5) mainly based on greenhouse gases emissions of distribution sites were used in MaxEnt model with optimized parameters to predict distribution dynamics of Q. gilva and its response to climate change. The results showed that the predicted current distribution was consistent with natural distribution of Q. gilva , which was mainly located in Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guizhou, and Taiwan provinces of China, as well as Japan and Jeju Island of South Korea. Under current climate conditions, precipitation factors played a more significant role than temperature factors on distribution of Q. gilva , and precipitation of driest quarter (BIO17) is the most important restriction factor for its current distribution (contribution rate of 57.35%). Under future climate conditions, mean temperature of driest quarter (BIO9) was the essential climate factor affecting future change in potential distribution of Q. gilva. As the degree of climatic anomaly increased in the future, the total area of predicted distribution of Q. gilva showed a shrinking trend (decreased by 12.24%–45.21%) and Q. gilva would migrate to high altitudes and latitudes. The research results illustrated potential distribution range and suitable climate conditions of Q. gilva , which can provide essential theoretical references for the conservation, development, and utilization of Q. gilva and other related species. • Future climate data predicted based on GHGs emission were used in SDM of Q. gilva. • BIO17 was the most important restriction factor for Q. gilva 's current distribution. • BIO9 would be the essential factor affecting Q. gilva 's future potential distribution change. • As the degree of climatic anomaly increases, Q. gilva 's distribution tends to shrink. • Northward migration of Q. gilva was accompanied by a shift to the south in 2040s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo biloba seeds contain a variety of nutritional and functional components and have high edible and medicinal effects, making them one of the famous food and medicine homologous materials. But G. biloba seeds also contain some harmful ingredients, which have severely restricted the healthy development of the G. biloba seed food industry. Overconsumption of G. biloba seeds can lead to food poisoning. Ginkgotoxin (4′-O-methylpyridoxine, MPN) and ginkgotoxin-5′-glucoside (4′-O-methylpyridoxine-5′-glucoside, MPNG) are the main toxic ingredients of G. biloba seeds and have been studied intensively. This work tries to comprehensively summarize the research status of MPN and MPNG (collectively known as ginkgotoxins), building the scientific basis for further research on ginkgotoxins, with the aspiration to promote the healthy development of the G. biloba seed food industry. In this review, the isolation, identification, extraction, and detection of ginkgotoxins are first introduced. Then, the synthesis and distribution of ginkgotoxins are described and discussed. Finally, the methods used for removing ginkgotoxins and the effects of processing on the ginkgotoxins are analyzed and compared. Reducing ginkgotoxins while preserving the nutritional and functional components of G. biloba seed foods will undoubtedly be a pressing issue in further research. [Display omitted] • Ginkgo biloba seeds contain a variety of nutritional and functional components. • Overconsumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds leads to poisoning. • Ginkgotoxin and ginkgotoxin-5′-glucoside is responsible for Ginkgo biloba seeds poisoning. • MPN and MPNG can be completely removed by some physical and biotechnological methods. • Food processing techniques can only reduce toxicity to a limited extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of fish meal by fermented moringa leaves (FMLs) on growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status, nonspecific immunity, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS III). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic balanced diets, including three FML diets (substituting 20%, 40%, 60% of the fish meal in basal diet, F20, F40 and F60, respectively) and a basal diet (a diet containing 10% fish meal) were used. Each diet was randomly allocated to four fish groups (F20, F40, F60 and control) reared in a recirculating system. After 50 days of the feeding trial, fish were challenged by A. hydrophila. The result revealed that final mean body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE) and survival rate (SR) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in F20 and F40 groups compared with the control group. Decreased hepatosomatic index (HSI), body crude lipid, serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, and increased serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were observed in F40 and F60 groups compared with the control and F20 groups. All FMLs-supplemented groups increased (P < 0.05) serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lysozyme activities, complement component 3 (C3) and serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentration, or decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCC) contents (P < 0.05). After the challenge test, the significant downregulation of toll-like receptors2 (TLR2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 mRNA transcription levels was observed in spleens of FMLs supplemented groups. Dietary F40 and F60 showed higher (P < 0.05) relative percent survival (RPS) (48.72% and 43.59%, respectively) against A. hydrophila infection than control. These results indicate that, as a dietary fish meal substitute, FMLs enhance the growth, and antioxidant and immune response, and regulate the expression of immune-related genes and increase disease resistance against A. hydrophila via TLR2 pathway in gibel carp, with greatest effects of 40% fish meal substitution. • 40% of fishmeal replaced by FMLs could improve growth performance of gibel carp. • Dietary FMLs could improve antioxidant capability and the health of the body. • Dietary FMLs could improve immune response and disease resistance against A. hydrophila. • 10 g FMLs per 100 g diet is recommended to be added in feed for gibel carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between whey protein isolate (WPI) and saponins plays a key role in regulating and improving foam properties. In this study, the influences of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge leaves saponins (XLS) on the foaming properties of WPI were characterized. Results revealed that 0.2 or 0.3% XLS could significantly increase the particle size and turbidity, as well as significantly decrease the protein solubility. The spectrum results showed that there was an interaction between WPI and XLS, which caused the change in protein structure and exposed more hydrophobic groups. Importantly, WPI with 0.3% XLS significantly increased the surface hydrophobicity and decreased the surface tension, resulting in better foaming ability and foam stability. Moreover, the rheological determination suggested that WPI with XLS increased both the apparent viscosity and viscoelasticity. The best foaming performance of WPI was achieved with 0.3% XLS at pH 3, along with the formation of the most compact, smallest, and densest bubbles. According to the classification of mixed conditions suggested by principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis, WPI had good scores in the presence of both 0.2% and 0.3% XLS at pH 3, suggesting that XLS is a promising acidic foam additive applied to WPI food foam. • Both pH and XLS can change the interface properties of WPI. • XLS improved both foaming ability and stability of WPI. • XLS improved rheological properties of WPI by change the state of water. • Quantative associations between foam and physicochemical properties were studied. • WPI-XLS dispersions can be used for the development of acidic food foam in dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera is a perennial plant species of the Moringaceae family known as the "miracle tree" since practically all of its parts can be utilized as food. In particular, the high protein content and rich nutrients in Moringa oleifera leaf has drawn the attention of researchers. As a sustainable and promising protein source, Moringa oleifera leaf protein is superior to other conventional plant proteins in the aspects of biological potency and nutritive value. Significant research on its functional characteristics has also highlighted its potential as a raw material for food processing. Thus, the application of Moringa oleifera leaf protein in the food industry, as a protein-rich sustainable food source, is of great interest. The present review gives an overview of Moringa oleifera leaf protein with emphases on the extraction methods, composition analysis, and functional characteristics. Diverse applications of Moringa oleifera leaf protein in food, as well as its restrictions, have also been identified in this review, highlighting the potential of this plant-based protein for novel food products and providing directions for future research. • Moringa oleifera leaf is high in protein. • Moringa oleifera leaf as a sustainable protein source has attracted great interest. • Protein obtained from Moringa oleifera leaf presents higher digestibility. • Moringa oleifera leaf protein has diverse applications in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of total, organic and inorganic selenium (Se) in edible plants and surrounding soils of a moderately Se-enriched area of Mingyueshan (Yichun, China). The absorption and transport capacity of Se in plants as well as the total daily intake Se by local residents consuming the studied plants were investigated. A total of 167 samples were collected from 31 plants and their surrounding soils and measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) and atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry. Selenium, mainly in organic form, was detected in most samples. Most plants were found to easily absorb inorganic Se from the soil, and based on the absorption and transport capacity, the Se distribution was as follows: root > leaf > stem or rhizome > fruit. The total daily intake of Se by local residents consuming the studied plans was 50 µg, mainly owing to Oryza sativa and leafy vegetables. • Most edible plants were found to easily absorb inorganic selenium from soil. •. Selenium was mainly stored in plants in the form of organic selenium. • Absorption and transport capacity of selenium in plants was as follows: root > leaf > stem or rhizome > fruit. • The total daily intake of selenium by local residents consuming the studied plants was 50 μg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]