Metallothionein is a cysteine-rich protein with a high metal content that is widely found in nature. In addition to heavy metal detoxification, metallothionein is well known as a potent antioxidant. The high sulfhydryl content of metallothionein confers excellent antioxidant activity, enabling it to effectively scavenge free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress damage. In addition, metallothionein can play a neuroprotective role by alleviating oxidative damage in nerve cells, have an anticancer effect by enhancing the ability of normal cells to resist unfavorable conditions through its antioxidant function, and reduce inflammation by scavenging reactive oxygen species. Due to its diverse biological functions, metallothionein has a broad potential for application in alleviating environmental heavy metal pollution, predicting and diagnosing diseases, and developing skin care products and health foods. This review summarizes the recent advances in the classification, structure, biological functions, and applications of metallothionein, focusing on its powerful antioxidant effects and related functions.

Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized peptides or proteins possessing antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria. A novel bacteriocin, plantaricin LPL-1 was determined as a class IIa bacteriocin according to the YGNGV motif, and producer strain Lactobacillus plantarum LPL-1 was identified based on physio-biochemical characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence. The novel bacteriocin, plantaricin LPL-1 was purified by salt precipitation, cation exchange, gel filtration, and reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The molecular mass of plantaricin LPL-1 was 4347.8467 Da by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis and entire amino acid sequence of plantaricin LPL-1 was VIADKYYGNGVSCGKHTCTVDWGEAFSCSVSHLANFGHGKC. Plantaricin LPL-1 possessed the merits of easy degradation by proteases, wide pH stability (2–10), high thermal stability (121∘C, 20 min), surfactants stability and bactericidal activity against foodborne spoilage and pathogens bacteria. The mode action and membrane permeabilization of plantaricin was identified. The information of plantaricin LPL-1 indicated that it is not only a novel class IIa bacteriocin, but also a promising natural and safe biologic preservative for the food preservation industry.

In Bacillus subtilis, robust biofilm formation requires large quantities of ferric iron. Here we show that this process requires preferential production of a siderophore precursor, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate, instead of the siderophore bacillibactin. A large proportion of iron is associated extracellularly with the biofilm matrix. The biofilms are conductive, with extracellular iron potentially acting as electron acceptor. A relatively small proportion of ferric iron is internalized and boosts production of iron-containing enzymes involved in respiratory electron transfer and establishing strong membrane potential, which is key to biofilm matrix production. Our study highlights metabolic diversity and versatile energy generation strategies within B. subtilis biofilms.

Food microbial contamination not only poses the problems of food insecurity and economic loss, but also contributes to food waste, which is another global environmental problem. Therefore, effective packaging is a compelling obstacle for shielding food items from outside contaminants and maintaining its quality. Traditionally, food is packaged with plastic that is rarely recyclable, negatively impacting the environment. Bio-based materials have attracted widespread attention for food packaging applications since they are biodegradable, renewable, and have a low carbon footprint. They provide a great opportunity to reduce the extensive use of fossil fuels and develop food packaging materials with good properties, addressing environmental problems and contributing significantly to sustainable development. Presently, the developments in food chemistry, technology, and biotechnology have allowed us to fine-tune new methodologies useful for addressing major safety and environmental concerns regarding packaging materials. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the development and potential for application of new bio-based materials from different sources in antimicrobial food packaging, including carbohydrate (polysaccharide)-based materials, protein-based materials, lipid-based materials, antibacterial agents, and bio-based composites, which can solve the issues of both environmental impact and prevent foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. In addition, future trends are discussed, as well as the antimicrobial compounds incorporated in packaging materials such as nanoparticles (NPs), nanofillers (NFs), and bio-nanocomposites.