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To investigate the inhibitory activity and mechanism of naringin on α-glucosidase, the inhibition effect, type, and molecular mechanism of naringin on α-glucosidase were investigated by integrative analysis of enzyme kinetics, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking simulation. The results showed that IC50 of naringin against α-glucosidase was 0.174 mmol/L, which was significantly lower than that of acarbose (IC50=0.721 mmol/L). The inhibition type was non-competitive inhibition with a Ki of 0.114 mmol/L. The binding of naringin and α-glucosidase led to the internal fluorescence quenching of the enzyme molecule. Furhter analysis indicated that the quenching constant was 0.1598×104 L/mol, and there was only one binding site. The molecular docking results showed that naringin was bound to a hydrophobic pocket of α-glucoside enzyme by the driving force of hydrogen bond, ionic bond, hydrophobic action, π-π-T stacking, and electrostatic action, with a binding energy of −7.6 kJ/mol. The results indicated that naringin was a good food-borne α-glucosidase inhibitor, and therefore had a good application prospect in the adjuvant treatment of diabetes functional food.

Egg-based yoghurt (EBY) is a novel yoghurt fermented by lactic acid bacteria with high nutritional and health values, serving as a potential alternative to milk-based yoghurt. However, the hardness, adhesiveness, and water-holding capacity of egg-based yoghurt need to be further improved. In this study, the improvement in EBY quality by gellan gum and its underlying mechanism were investigated. The results showed that gellan gum significantly improved the quality of EBY (p < 0.05). Among the five concentration gradients tested, the EBY supplemented with 0.045% gellan gum exhibited the best quality with the highest sensory score of 83.57. With the increasing amount of gellan gum, hydrogen bonding interactions in the yoghurt significantly increased, while ionic bonding remained unchanged, but hydrophobic interactions and disulphide bonding gradually decreased. Low-field NMR assay results demonstrated that gellan gum significantly raised the amount of strongly bonded water while decreasing the amount of immobile water in the yoghurt. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that EBY with 0.045% gellan gum had a better texture, whereas too much or too little gellan gum led to a coarser structure. In summary, gellan gum altered the water phase state and enhanced the water holding capacity through increased hydrogen bonding interactions, which consequently improved the yoghurt's texture and sensory qualities. This study provides a reference for the development and application of EBY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple potato anthocyanins (PPAs) are recognized for their broad physiological activities, including significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and gut microbiota‐regulating effects. However, their limited bioavailability in biological systems restricts the full realization of these potentials. In order to improve the bioavailability of PPA, this paper established and optimized the preparation process of W/O/W purple potato anthocyanin nanoparticles (PPA‐NPs). Based on the determination of the metabolites of PPA‐NPs, in vivo experiments were conducted in rats to investigate the absorption and metabolism, antioxidant activity, and the impact on the intestinal microbiota of PPA‐NPs. UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MSMS analysis showed that the absorption of anthocyanins was increased by 220.36% in rats gavaged with PPA‐NPs compared to rats gavaged with PPA directly. Subsequent in vivo experiments revealed that PPA‐NPs significantly bolster primary antioxidant markers, evidenced by elevated glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels and reduced malondialdehyde content. Moreover, PPA‐NPs were found to positively alter the gut microbiome structure in aged rats, notably increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Rothia, and improving microbial diversity. These findings suggest that W/O/W PPA‐NPs markedly improve the bioavailability of PPAs, showcasing promising antioxidant properties and potential health benefits for gut health in vivo. Overall, this research presents a novel approach for developing nanodelivery systems aimed at enhancing the bioavailability of water‐soluble substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are highly regarded for their multiple functions, such as regulating gut health, enhancing the immune system, and preventing chronic diseases. However, their stability in harsh environments and targeted release remain significant challenges. Therefore, exploring effective protection and delivery strategies to ensure targeted release of probiotics is critically important. Polysaccharides, known for their non-toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and superior biodegradability, show broad prospects in probiotic delivery by forming physical barriers to protect the probiotics. Particularly, polysaccharide-based gels (PBGs), with their unique "spider-web" like structure, capture and ensure the targeted release of probiotics, significantly enhancing their efficacy. This review discusses common polysaccharides used in PBG preparation, their classification and synthesis in food applications, and the advantages of PBGs as probiotic delivery systems. Despite their potential, challenges such as inconsistent gel properties and the need for improved stability remain. Future research should focus on developing novel PBG materials with higher biodegradability and mechanical strength, optimizing the physicochemical properties and cross-linking methods, as well as designing multilayered structures for more precise release control. Additionally, exploring the co-delivery of probiotics with prebiotics, active ingredients, or multi-strain systems could further enhance the efficacy of probiotic delivery., (© 2025 Institute of Food Technologists®.)