The supplementation of pig diets with exogenous enzymes is widely used with the expectation that it will improve the efficiency of nutrient utilization, thereby, improving growth performance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 0.1% (v/v) multi-enzyme (a mixture of arazyme (2,500,000 Unit/kg), xylanase (200,000 Unit/kg) and mannanase (200,000 Unit/kg)) supplementation derived from invertebrate symbiotic bacteria on pig performance. Here, 256 growing pigs were assigned to control and treatment groups, respectively. The treatment group exhibited a significantly reduced average slaughter age; the final body weight and average daily gain increased compared with that of the control group. In the treatment group, the longissimus muscle showed a remarkable decrease in cooking loss, shear force, and color values with increased essential and non-essential amino acid concentrations. Furthermore, the concentrations of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment group increased. Feed additive supplementation increased the family of Ruminococcaceae and genera Lactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, Turicibacter, and Oscillibacter, which play a positive role in the host physiology and health. Predicted metabolic pathway analysis confirmed that operational taxonomic units and predicted amino acid biosynthesis pathways were strongly associated. The results suggest that applying exogenous enzymes derived from invertebrate symbiotic bacteria enhances animal performance.

Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) are recognized as emerging contaminants posing potential risks to human health. Recent evidence highlights the potential of food-grade microbial strains to bind these particles and facilitate their removal, suggesting a promising probiotic-based strategy for mitigating their adverse health effects. This study investigated the adsorption and biodegradation capabilities of Bacillus subtilis DCP04, a strain isolated from Korean fermented soybean paste, cheonggukjang, on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) particles. Biofilm formation assays and morphological observations confirmed the strain’s ability to adhere to the surface of LDPE. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that DCP04 effectively adsorbed LDPE particles in a size-, time-, and concentration-dependent manner. This interaction induced significant morphological changes and increased hydrophilicity on the polymer surface. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the activities of laccase and manganese peroxidase and a measurable weight loss in LDPE films, suggesting direct enzymatic involvement in polymer degradation. Crucially, the DCP04 strain also met key safety and functional criteria for use as a probiotic. These findings highlight the potential of DCP04 strain as a functional probiotic agent for mitigating the accumulation of MPs and NPs within the human body.

Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) is widely recognized for its aromatic flavor and established pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. While these biological activities underpin its therapeutic potential, recent advances have expanded the application of vanillin into the field of biomaterials. In particular, vanillin’s unique chemical structure enables its use as a multifunctional building block for the development of innovative hydrogels with dynamic covalent bonding, injectability, and self-healing capabilities. Vanillin-based hydrogels have demonstrated promising applications in wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and antimicrobial platforms, combining structural support with intrinsic bioactivity. These hydrogels benefit from vanillin’s biocompatibility and functional versatility, enhancing mechanical properties and therapeutic efficacy. This review provides an overview of vanillin’s pharmacological effects, with a primary focus on the synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications of vanillin-derived hydrogels. By highlighting recent material innovations and their translational potential, we aim to position vanillin as a valuable natural compound bridging bioactivity and biomaterial science for future clinical and therapeutic advancements.