In this study, the physiological indicators, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and activities and expressions of key enzymes related to ROS metabolism were monitored to explore the mechanism of ozone treatment on the shelf life of postharvest Korla fragrant pears. The results show that postharvest fragrant pears treated with ozone had a higher firmness and lower weight loss rate and decay rate during their shelf life, especially in the late stage. Ozone treatment could also delay the occurrence of the respiratory peak and reduce the peak value. The generation rate of superoxide anion (O₂⁻), the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) level were reduced in the ozone-treated group, while the activities of key enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), related to ROS metabolism in postharvest fragrant pears were stimulated by ozone treatment, especially in the middle and late stages of shelf life. Analysis of the proteomics results indicates that the POD family enzymes were the main target protein in postharvest fragrant pears treated by ozone during the middle and late stages of shelf life. The activity and expression of antioxidant-related enzymes in postharvest fragrant pears were stimulated by ozone to accelerate the metabolism of ROS and maintain high quality, especially in the middle and late shelf lives.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an ancient Andean crop renowned for its exceptional nutritional profile and diverse bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, polyphenols, saponins, and essential fatty acids. As global incidence of colonic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer (CRC), and celiac disease continues to rise, the therapeutic potential of quinoa has garnered increasing scientific attention. This review systematically examines the role of quinoa, with focus on quinoa polysaccharides (QPs), in maintaining and improving colonic health. It summarizes the molecular structure, functional properties, and gut microbiota-modulating effects of QPs, alongside emerging findings on their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities. Furthermore, the review explores quinoa’s auxiliary effects in mitigating CRC progression and chemotherapy resistance, alleviating intestinal inflammation, and supporting gastrointestinal integrity in celiac patients. By integrating evidence from multi-omics technologies, cell and animal models, and limited clinical studies with mechanistic insights, this review provides a focused synthesis of quinoa bioactive compounds in relation to colonic health. It highlights how precision nutrition and multi-omics approaches could guide future applications of quinoa as a novel functional food-based intervention for colonic diseases.

Electrospun zein nanofibers are promising bio-based materials, but producing uniform ultrafine fibers with desirable performance remains challenging. This study examined the effects of process variables and three surfactants on zein fiber formation, diameter, and material properties. Zein solutions (30–40%, w/v) were prepared in glacial acetic acid, and 2% (w/w, based on zein) triethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (TEBAC), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), or span-80 was incorporated into the 30% zein solution. Zein concentration and feed rate yielded fiber diameters of 208.22–1001.90 nm. Surfactants reduced surface tension and increased conductivity, promoting jet stretching and generating uniform fibers with diameters near 100 nm. SDS produced the smallest fibers (98.92 ± 15.20 nm). TEBAC increased tensile strength from 11.08 to 63.26 MPa and improved dimensional retention in water, whereas SDS and span-80 increased elongation at break but reduced strength and stiffness. All surfactants increased wettability and altered intermolecular interactions and secondary structure of zein, although they reduced thermal stability. Overall, surfactants acted as both electrospinning aids and structure-directing modifiers, with TEBAC providing the best balance of fineness, strength, and aqueous stability. These ultrafine, robust, and water-stable nanofibers are promising as functional coating layers for high-moisture food packaging and as carriers for antioxidants or antimicrobial agents.