Almond hull, a substantial byproduct comprising more than half of almond fresh weight, has recently gained attention due to its functionality and sustainability benefits. Despite heightened interest, information regarding its toxicity remains limited. In order to assess its genotoxic potential, we conducted Good Laboratory Practice-compliant in vitro and in vivo studies following Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. No evidence of toxicity or mutagenicity was observed in a bacterial reverse mutation assay using five tester strains, evaluating almond hull at concentrations up to 5 mg/plate, with or without metabolic activation. Almond hull did not induce chromosome structural damage in a chromosome aberration assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells, nor did it cause any spermatogonial chromosomal aberration in tested male BALB/c mice. To evaluate its ability to induce DNA damage in rodents, a combined micronucleus assay was conducted in KM mice of both sexes. Almond hull was administered at doses of 1250, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg/day via gavage once daily for 2 days. No adverse effects of almond hull were observed in the micronucleus assay. Our results indicate no evidence of the genotoxic potential of almond hull administered up to the maximum concentrations of 5 g/kg, as recommended by OECD guidelines.

The grinding of Tremella fuciformis is a critical step for its value-added processing and the efficient utilization of its functional components, significantly impacting product quality and process adaptability. This study investigated ultrafine grinding (UFG) as a mechano-physical strategy to improve product quality, systematically analyzing its impact on physical properties (particle size, powder characteristics, color), extraction efficiency, chemical composition, and rheological behavior compared to conventional grinding (CG). The results revealed that UFG treatment induced an extensive disruption of the matrix, reducing particle size by 91.8% (D90 = 18.18 μm) and significantly increasing specific surface area. Notably, this physical modification directly translated into enhanced processing performance. UFG powder exhibited reduced powder flowability, superior solubility and improved color brightness. This structural degradation proved beneficial for extraction, unlocking a substantially higher yield (60.98–66.48%). Concurrently, the aqueous extracts of UFG powder exhibited more fluid-like rheological characteristics. This study confirms the potential of UFG as an effective pretreatment for the intensive processing of T. fuciformis and indicates its promising application in functional food development and the extraction of bioactive components.

This study evaluated strategies for preventing biofilm formation on stainless steel sensor mesh screens by integrating anti-fouling approaches and applying mathematical models to stimulate biofilm elimination during anti-fouling processes. Results showed that the proposed sensor mesh housing equipped with an external low-level strength electric field effectively reduced microbial biofilm formation and mitigated sensor mesh biofouling. Additionally, the combined application of the alternating electric field and ultrasonic irradiation significantly enhanced biofilm prevention and control. Anti-fouling tests conducted in natural lake water revealed that microalgae and bacteria can form biofilms on stainless steel screen electrodes in a time-dependent manner, with the 48-h time interval being crucial for cell adhesion and biofilm formation. Moreover, the dynamic process of biofilm elimination during ultrasonic treatment was successfully simulated using different mathematic models, demonstrating their suitability for describing these anti-fouling processes. This work provides valuable insights into the protection of water-monitoring sensors and probes, and to minimize biofouling through the combined use of stainless steel mesh, electric field, and ultrasonic irradiation to ensure long-term performance of sensors in aquatic high-fouling environments.

Hot-air drying (HAD) of Tremella fuciformis often results in poor rehydration capacity, yellowing, and long preparation times, which significantly reduce its industrial and consumer value. This study introduces a heat-integrated pretreatment (HIP) as a simple and viable strategy to improve the quality of dried T. fuciformis . The effects of HIP on water status, microstructure, and rheological behavior were systematically investigated via using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheological analysis. HIP effectively regulated water migration and preserved the polysaccharide matrix, which promots a controllable conversion of bound water to free water, thus facilitating more uniform dehydration. Among the tested conditions, HIP at 80 °C for 5 min increased the rehydration capacity by 74% compared with conventional HAD, while maintaining structural integrity and polysaccharide content. The treated samples exhibited brighter appearance, improved gelation behavior, and superior rehydration performance. These findings elucidate the mechanism by which HIP modulates polysaccharide–water interactions during drying and demonstrate its strong potential for manufacturing high-quality, quick-soak dried T. fuciformis products with enhanced physicochemical and structural properties.