Volatile active ingredients in biopolymer nanofibers are prone to burst and uncontrolled release. In this study, we used electrospinning and crosslinking to design a new sustained-release active packaging containing zein and eugenol (EU). Vapor-phase glutaraldehyde (GTA) was used as the crosslinker. Characterization of the crosslinked zein nanofibers was conducted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical properties, water resistance, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. It was observed that crosslinked zein nanofibers did not lose their fiber shape, but the diameter of the fibers increased. By increasing the crosslink time, the mechanical properties and water resistance of the crosslinked zein nanofibers were greatly improved. The FT-IR results demonstrated the formation of chemical bonds between free amino groups in zein molecules and aldehyde groups in GTA molecules. EU was added to the zein nanofibers, and the corresponding release behavior in PBS was investigated using the dialysis membrane method. With an increase in crosslink time, the release rate of EU from crosslinked zein nanofibers decreased. This study demonstrates the potential of crosslinking by GTA vapors on the controlled release of the zein encapsulation structure containing EU. Such sustainable-release nanofibers have promising potential for the design of fortified foods or as active and smart food packaging.

Probiotics have gained increasing recognition for their potential to mitigate antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). However, the precise mechanisms underlying their effects remain unclear. This study developed a mouse model of AAD using ceftriaxone to investigate the alleviating effects and mechanisms of Bifidobacterium animalis A6 (A6). The findings indicated that A6 supplementation effectively attenuated ceftriaxone-associated diarrhea in mice. The morphological damage to the villi and crypts was partially restored and more neatly reorganized following the A6 intervention. Additionally, intestinal morphology observations revealed a significant increase in the thickness of the mucus layer in the A6-treated group. Further examination of key regulatory genes associated with mucus secretion demonstrated that the A6 intervention effectively upregulated the expression of mucin1, thereby reinforcing the mucus layer. Concurrently, the A6 intervention upregulated the expression of the AQP4 and SLC26A3 genes in the intestine, which is responsible for restoring water absorption capacity in AAD mice. Additionally, the A6 treatment reduced ceftriaxone-induced harm to the intestinal microbiota of the mice, boosting beneficial bacteria like Bacteroidales, Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the potential therapeutic role of A6 in restoring intestinal homeostasis and alleviating symptoms associated with AAD.

In the pathogenesis of dental caries, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) plays a central role. S. mutans can produce extracellular polysaccharides, which can help the bacteria form biofilms on the tooth surface, create a stable living environment, and hinder the removal of bacteria by natural defense substances in the oral cavity such as saliva. Meanwhile, the oral microbiota and dietary habits exert long-term influences on its development. This study, employing the BALB/c mouse model, explored the effects of L. paracasei L9 on dental caries. In the experiment, mice underwent the S. mutans inoculation and were subsequently treated with L. paracasei L9 or S. salivarius K12 for 28 consecutive days. The results showed that L. paracasei L9 significantly ameliorated early enamel caries, and both L. paracasei L9 and S. salivarius K12 cooperatively downregulated the expressions of critical cariogenic factors, effectively suppressing the initial adhesion of S. mutans and the formation of dental plaques. L. paracasei L9 reshaped the oral microbiota of caries-affected mice, selectively reducing pathogens abundances and augmenting abundances of probiotics such as Lactobacillaceae and Streptococcus salivarius. This study offers a strategic approach for the management of dental caries, highlighting the potential of these probiotics in the field of oral health.

The mechanism of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) in alleviating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has not yet been clear. The fatty acid composition of PC, especially the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), may be a critical determinant of their structural and functional roles. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the unsaturation levels of egg yolk PC and their impact on neurological health in a murine model of AD. The results showed that oral administration of high and low unsaturation PC (HUP, LUP) enhanced learning and memory abilities in AD mice, with the HUP intervention demonstrating superior efficacy compared to the LUP. Follow-up biochemical analysis of the brain tissue also suggested that HUP intervention effectively mitigated oxidative-stress damage and inhibited tau hyperphosphorylation in AD mice. Meanwhile, lipidomic analyses of the mouse hippocampus revealed that HUP intervention substantially increased the levels of phospholipids, such as PEt (phosphatidylethanol) and BisMePA (bis(methylthio)phenylacetic acid), which are recognized as vital components of neuronal cell membranes. Furthermore, HUP intervention markedly elevated the levels of phospholipids incorporating PUFAs in the hippocampus. These results revealed a mitigating role for unsaturated egg yolk PC in AD prevention and offer new insights into AD prevention from a lipidomic perspective.

The research employed Caenorhabditis elegans to compare the anti-infection and lifespan-extending properties of Bifidobacterium. The results demonstrated that BL-99 and YLGB-1496 intervention improved the nematodes’ resistance to Staphylococcus aureus infection, resulting in lifespan extensions of 5.90% and 14.38%, respectively, accompanied by the alleviation in the decline of pharyngeal pumping rate and locomotor capacity. Furthermore, both probiotic strains significantly extended the mean lifespan of nematodes by 10.96% and 12.14%, and significantly alleviated pharyngeal pumping and locomotion. Importantly, BL-99 and YLGB-1496 have different underlying mechanisms of action. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that the BL-99 strain enhanced nematode resistance to Gram-positive pathogens through the upregulation of lysozyme, saposin-like antimicrobial peptides, and c-type lectin family genes. Conversely, YLGB-1496 improved the epidermal permeability barrier by upregulating genes involved in collagen synthesis and assembly. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the species-specific effects of Bifidobacteria on pathogen resistance and lifespan extension.