Search Results (7,761)

Pesticide residues still pose a risk to human health. With the rapid development of rapid testing technology, the levels of different types of pesticide residues in agricultural products can be identified in a shorter period; thus, the safety of food can be guaranteed. However, the effectiveness of commercially available testing products has yet to be evaluated. In this study, colloidal gold immunochromatographic qualitative testing products manufactured by 34 companies were tested for their assay performance on Emamectin Benzoate, Isocarbophos, and fipronil with standardized cowpea samples. The results indicated that most of the evaluated products were identified as having ‘passed’. Most pesticide residue rapid test immunoassay products can be considered ideal means for testing certain pesticide residues. However, further evaluation of pesticide residue rapid test immunoassay products is needed, as detection technologies are still developing. Full article

Background: Glyphosate has been extensively used as herbicide since the early 1970s. The daily exposure limit is set at 0.3 mg/kg bw/d in Europe and 1.75 mg/kg bw/d in the USA. Among its derivatives, aminomethylphosphonic acid is the most stable and abundant. Understanding their biological effects then requires reliable methods for quantification in biological samples. Methods: We developed and validated a fast, low-cost, and reliable chromatographic method for determining glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid concentrations. The validation included following parameters: specificity, selectivity, matrix effect, accuracy, precision, calibration performance, limit of quantification, recovery, and stability. Sample extraction employed an anion exchange resin with elution using hydrochloric acid 50.0 mmol/L. For HPLC analysis, analytes were derivatized, separated on a C18 column with a mobile phase of phosphate buffer (0.20 mol/L, pH 3.0) and acetonitrile (85:15), and detected at 240 nm. Results: The method demonstrated high reliability and reproducibility across various matrices. Its performance met all validation criteria, confirming its suitability for quantifying glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in different biological and experimental setups. Conclusions: This method can offer a practical resource for applications in experimental research, medical diagnostics, quality control, and food safety. Full article

Peanut skin is a potential medicinal material. The adulteration of peanut skin samples with starchy substances severely affects their medicinal value. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the adulterants present in peanut skin using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy. Two adulterants, sweet potato starch and corn starch, were included in this study. First, spectral information of the adulterated samples was collected for characterization. Then, the applicability of different preprocessing methods and techniques to the obtained spectral data was compared. Subsequently, the Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS) algorithm was used to extract effective variables from the preprocessed spectral data, and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), a Support Vector Machine (SVM), and a Black Kite Algorithm-Support Vector Machine (BKA-SVM) were employed to predict the adulterant content in the samples, as well as the overall adulteration level. The results showed that the BKA-SVM model performed excellently in predicting the content of sweet potato starch, corn starch, and overall adulterants, with determination coefficients ($R_P^2$) of 0.9833, 0.9893, and 0.9987, respectively. The experimental results indicate that FT-NIR spectroscopy combined with advanced machine learning techniques can effectively and accurately detect adulterants in peanut skin, providing a reliable technological support for food safety detection. Full article

In this study, Fe₃O₄ was used as a magnetic core, combined with the characteristics of mesoporous adsorbents, to prepare a novel magnetic mesoporous composite material named MMC. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) were used as functional monomers, and a simple etching method was employed. The resulting MMC was used as an effective adsorbent for the magnetic solid-phase extraction of trace residues of six bisphenol endocrine disruptors (bisphenol A, bisphenol B, bisphenol C, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, and bisphenol AP) from environmental water and food samples. Characterization results indicated that the surface of MMC exhibited a distinct wormhole-like mesoporous structure, with the successful incorporation of CTAB functional groups and Si-OH. The crystal structure of Fe₃O₄ remained stable throughout the preparation process. Mapping analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of CTAB functional groups without aggregation and demonstrated high magnetic intensity, enabling rapid separation and collection under an external magnetic field. Extraction and elution conditions were optimized, and tests were conducted for interfering substances such as humic acid, glucose, fructose, and sucrose under optimal parameters. The results showed that recovery rates were not significantly affected. The quality evaluation of the method demonstrated good linearity, a broad linear range, low limits of detection and quantification, and satisfactory recovery rates. Blank and spiked analyses were conducted for seven real samples, including environmental water (rivers and lakes) and food samples (dairy, juice, and carbonated beverages), with satisfactory spiked recovery rates achieved. Thus, the developed analytical method enables the analysis and detection of trace residues of various bisphenol pollutants in complex matrices, such as environmental water and food samples, providing a valuable reference for trace analysis of similar contaminants in complex matrices. Full article

Cropland is fundamental to food security, and monitoring cropland non-agriculturalization through satellite enforcement can effectively manage and protect cropland. However, existing research primarily focuses on optical imagery, and there are problems such as low data processing efficiency and long updating cycles, which make it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale rapid monitoring. To comprehensively and accurately obtain cropland change information, this paper proposes a method based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, combining optical imagery and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for quick and accurate detection of cropland non-agriculturalization. The method uses existing land-use/land cover (LULC) products to quickly update cropland mapping, employs change vector analysis (CVA) for detecting non-agricultural changes in cropland, and introduces vegetation indices to remove pseudo-changes. Using Shanwei City, Guangdong Province, as a case study, the results show that (1) the cropland map generated in this study aligns well with the actual distribution of cropland, achieving an accuracy of 90.8%; (2) compared to using optical imagery alone, the combined optical and SAR data improves monitoring accuracy by 22.7%, with an overall accuracy of 73.65%; (3) in the past five years, cropland changes in Shanwei followed a pattern of an initial increase followed by a decrease. The research in this paper can provide technical reference for the rapid monitoring of cropland non-agriculturalization on a large scale, so as to promote cropland protection and rational utilization of cropland. Full article

Zein exhibits excellent biodegradability, thermal stability, UV resistance, and water barrier properties, making it a promising candidate for food packaging applications. However, pure zein films suffer from brittleness and poor mechanical strength, which limit their practical use. In this study, a unique bilayer packaging film (ZP/P-C) was developed using a layer-by-layer solution casting technique, where hydrophobic zein was coated onto a polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan composite layer (P-C). Incorporating PEG400 into the zein layer improved the interfacial compatibility of the bilayer film, increasing its uniformity and toughness. The resulting bilayer films demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties, flexibility, and water vapor barrier performance. Specifically, the ZP_7.5/P-C bilayer film showed an elongation at break of 68.74% and a modulus of elasticity of 187.19 MPa. It had a water vapor permeability of 6.60 × 10⁻¹¹ g·m·m⁻²·s⁻¹·Pa⁻¹ and provided near-complete UV protection within the 200–350 nm range. Furthermore, an intelligent detection bilayer film was created by integrating anthocyanin extract into the zein layer. Adding anthocyanin improved the film’s antioxidant properties and allowed it to respond colorimetrically to total volatile basic nitrogen. The bilayer film ZP_BA1.0/P-C displayed an excellent antioxidant activity (45.8%) and remarkable color change (ΔE = 20.2) in response to ammonia, effectively indicating shrimp spoilage in 48 h (ΔE > 10). This investigation spotlights the potential of zein-based bilayer films in active and intelligent food packaging, offering innovative strategies to improve food safety and extend the shelf life of perishable goods. Full article

This descriptive review summarizes the most recent findings on the induction and distribution of viable non-culturable (VBNC) Listeria monocytogenes in food production conditions and food. The aim was to obtain information on the factors that favor the transition to the VBNC state in L. monocytogenes; its resuscitation capacity; and, according to scientific articles published since 2020, how food contamination by the bacterium in a VBNC state can be prevented. The methods used for VBNC L. monocytogenes detection were also reviewed. A few studies reported the presence of VBNC L. monocytogenes in food, in which fresh produce and chicken meat were considered. Different physicochemical stresses such as exposure to disinfectants with diverse actions and essential oils, desiccation, low temperatures, absence of nutrients, high NaCl and iron concentrations, and low pH adjusted with acetic acid were reported to induce the VBNC state in L. monocytogenes. The VBNC forms of L. monocytogenes were able to regain growth and virulence. This could pose a safety risk that cannot be revealed by the standard culture-dependent methods recommended for L. monocytogenes detection. Therefore, the presence in food and food production plants of VBNC L. monocytogenes should be prevented by the appropriate use of hurdles and cleaning/disinfection procedures. The opportunity to harmonize VBNC cell detection methods for regular use in food safety evaluation also emerged. Full article

Enavogliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, was approved in 2022 by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus and has been investigated for expanded therapeutic efficacy in diabetic retinopathy and cardioprotection. In this study, we developed and validated an analytical method to precisely detect enavogliflozin in mouse plasma, employing liquid–liquid extraction combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Overall, the analytical method, covering a range of 5–3000 ng/mL, is reliable for investigating the time-concentration profiles of enavogliflozin, demonstrating acceptable accuracy, precision, extraction recovery, and minimal matrix effects without stability concerns as evidenced by assessments of post-treatment stability, freeze–thaw stability, and short-term stability of enavogliflozin. Pharmacokinetic profiles and all pharmacokinetic parameters of enavogliflozin in mice did not differ between fed and fasted states after oral administration of enavogliflozin (1 mg/kg). Additionally, no differences in the pharmacokinetic profiles of enavogliflozin were observed among single, 7-day repeated, and 14-day repeated oral administrations at 1 mg/kg. In the tissue distribution study, enavogliflozin showed the highest distribution in the kidneys, followed by the large intestine, stomach, small intestine, liver, heart, lungs, spleen, and testes after oral administration at both 1 and 3 mg/kg doses. Dose proportionality in tissue distribution was observed except for the kidneys. In conclusion, enavogliflozin can be administered without concern for pharmacokinetic changes, regardless of single or multiple dosing and whether in fed or fasted states. Furthermore, the tissue distribution profile may offer valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of this drug. Full article

Antibiotic resistance, in particular the dissemination of carbapenemase-producing organisms, poses a significant threat to global healthcare. This study introduces the qPCR CarbaScan LyoBead assay, a robust, accurate, and efficient tool for detecting key carbapenemase genes, including blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48, and blaVIM. The assay utilizes lyophilized beads, a technological advancement that enhances stability, simplifies handling, and eliminates the need for refrigeration. This feature renders it particularly well-suited for point-of-care diagnostics and resource-limited settings. The assay’s capacity to detect carbapenemase genes directly from bacterial colonies without the need for extensive sample preparation has been demonstrated to streamline workflows and enable rapid diagnostic results. The assay demonstrated 100% specificity and sensitivity across a diverse range of bacterial strains, including multiple allelic variants of target genes, facilitating precise identification of resistance mechanisms. Bacterial strains of the species Acinetobacter baumannii, Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were utilized as reference material for assay development (n = 9) and validation (n = 28). It is notable that the assay’s long shelf life and minimal operational complexity further enhance its utility for large-scale implementation in healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring. The findings emphasize the necessity of continuous surveillance and the implementation of rapid diagnostic methods for the effective detection of resistance genes. Furthermore, the assay’s potential applications in other fields, such as toxin-antitoxin system research and monitoring of resistant bacteria in the community, highlight its versatility. In conclusion, the qPCR CarbaScan LyoBead assay is a valuable tool that can contribute to the urgent need to combat antibiotic resistance and improve global public health outcomes. Full article

Food safety is a pressing global concern due to the risks posed by contaminants such as pesticide residues, heavy metals, allergens, mycotoxins, and pathogenic microorganisms. While accurate, traditional detection methods like ELISA, HPLC, and mass spectrometry are often time-consuming and resource-intensive, highlighting the need for innovative alternatives. Biosensors based on biological recognition elements such as enzymes, antibodies, and aptamers, offer fast, sensitive, and cost-effective solutions. Using transduction mechanisms like electrochemical, optical, piezoelectric, and thermal systems, biosensors provide versatile tools for detecting contaminants. Advances in DNAzyme- and aptamer-based technologies enable the precise detection of heavy metals, while enzyme- and protein-based biosensors monitor metal-induced changes in biological activity. Innovations like microbial biosensors and DNA-modified electrodes enhance detection accuracy. Biosensors are also highly effective in identifying pesticide residues, allergens, mycotoxins, and pathogens through immunological, enzymatic, and nucleic acid-based techniques. The integration of nanomaterials and bioelectronics has significantly improved the sensitivity and performance of biosensors. By facilitating real-time, on-site monitoring, these devices address the limitations of conventional methods to ensure food quality and regulatory compliance. This review highlights the transformative role of biosensors and how biosensors are improved by emerging technologies in food contamination detection, emphasizing their potential to mitigate public health risks and enhance food safety throughout the supply chain. Full article

Bacillus cereus is a widespread foodborne pathogen that can cause food poisoning when present in food at certain levels. Ingesting contaminated food may lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, life-threatening conditions. In this study, a simple and super-fast method for detecting B. cereus was developed, which combines cellulose filter paper-based DNA extraction, multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification (MIRA), and lateral flow dipstick (LFD) technology. Initially, PCR was adopted to evaluate the DNA extraction efficiency of the filter paper, followed by the optimization of the lysis formula and extraction conditions. With the above optimization, DNA that can be used for subsequent nucleic acid amplification can be obtained within 3 min. Then, the isothermal amplification of MIRA–LFD was established and optimized to evaluate the detection specificity and sensitivity. Finally, the developed method was applied to detect B. cereus in cooked rice samples. The results indicated that the entire amplification procedure of MIRA-LFD only takes 15 min at 39 °C. The whole super-fast detection system could be completed in less than 20 min, from DNA extraction to result interpretation, which achieved a detection limit of 12 fg/μL of DNA concentration, corresponding to approximately 115 CFU/mL in actual samples. Full article

Rapid and reliable detection of pathogens requires precise and optimized analytical techniques to address challenges in food safety and public health. This study focuses on the parametric characterization of an electrochemical aptasensor for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) iron-regulated surface determinant protein A (IsdA) using cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis, which offers a robust method for evaluating electrode modifications and electrochemical responses. Key parameters were optimized to ensure maximum sensitivity, including an aptamer concentration of 5 μM, an incubation time of 4 h, a potential range from −0.1 to 0.9 V, and a scan rate of 0.05 V/s. The aptasensor achieved stability and peak performance at pH 7.5 and 25 °C. These conditions were critical for detecting the IsdA protein as a biomarker of S. aureus. The aptasensor applicability was demonstrated by successfully detecting S. aureus in food samples such as milk and apple juice with high specificity and reliability. Zeta potential measurements confirmed the layer-by-layer charge dynamics of the AuNPs-aptamer-IsdA system. This work emphasizes the importance of CV in understanding the performance of the electrochemical sensor, and supports the aptasensor as a practical, sensitive, and portable tool for addressing critical gaps in foodborne pathogen detection. Full article

Japan faces a significant labor shortage due to an aging population, particularly in the agricultural sector. The rising average age of farmers and the declining participation of younger individuals threaten the sustainability of farming practices. These trends reduce the availability of agricultural labor and pose a risk to lowering Japan’s food self-sufficiency rate. The reliance on food imports raises concerns regarding price fluctuations and sanitation standards. Moreover, the challenging working conditions in agriculture and a lack of technological innovation have hindered productivity and increased the burden on the existing workforce. To address these challenges, “smart agriculture” presents a promising solution. By leveraging advanced technologies such as sensors, drones, the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation, smart agriculture aims to optimize farm operations. Real-time data collection and AI-driven analysis play a crucial role in monitoring crop growth, assessing soil conditions, and improving overall efficiency. This study proposes enhancements to the YOLO (You Only Look Once) object detection model to develop an automated tomato harvesting system. This system uses a camera to detect tomatoes and assess their ripeness for harvest. Our objective is to streamline the harvesting process through AI technology. Our improved YOLO model integrates two novel loss functions to enhance detection accuracy. The first, “VSR”, refines the model’s ability to classify tomatoes and determine their harvest readiness. The second, “SBCE”, enhances the detection of small tomatoes by training the model to recognize a range of object sizes within the dataset. These improvements have significantly increased the system’s detection performance. Our experimental results demonstrate that the mean Average Precision (mAP) of YOLOv7-tiny improved from 61.81% to 70.21%. Additionally, the F1 score increased from 0.61 to 0.71 and the mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) rose from 65.03% to 66.44% on the tomato dataset. These findings underscore the potential of our proposed system to enhance efficiency in agricultural practices. Full article

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) monitors the presence and concentration of contaminants in food to mitigate health risks. EU legislation sets maximum levels of heavy metals in foods, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and total Hg (THg) in seafood, due to their toxicity. In the framework of official control, between 2014 and 2023, 5854 seafood samples were collected and 4300 analyses for THg, 3338 for Cd, and 2171 for Pb were performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). The aim was to assess the proportion of contaminated foods in the dataset, the concentration of contaminants, and the potential health risks associated with their intake. Of the total samples analyzed, 142 (2.43%) were found to be non-compliant (n.c.). Concentrations exceeding the limits for Cd were primarily detected in cephalopods (n = 17), mainly squids. In contrast, Hg levels exceeded the limits in marine fish (n = 118), notably in swordfish (11.30% of n.c. samples among those analyzed for this species), sharks (6.48%), and tuna species (3.11%). Regarding Pb, only a single bivalve sample was found to exceed the maximum limits. A preliminary assessment of weekly exposure to Hg through swordfish consumption raised concerns about the frequent intake of marine top predators, particularly for vulnerable people. Full article

This study aimed to perform an in-depth investigation of olive oil mill wastewater (OOMW). Two OOMW samples (OOMW-A and OOMW-B) from conventionally farmed olives were collected from two different olive oil mills in Palermo province (Italy). Multiresidual analysis indicated that both OOMW samples were unsuitable for food production due to pesticide residues. Specifically, OOMW-A contained 4 active compounds totaling 5.7 μg/L, while OOMW-B had 16 analytes with a total content of 65.8 μg/L. However, polyphenol analysis in the OOMW revealed 23 compounds with high concentrations of hydroxytyrosol, secoiridoid derivatives, phenolic acids, flavones, and total polyphenol content ranging from 377.5 μg/mL (for OOMW-B) to 391.8 μg/mL (for OOMW-A). The microbiological analysis of OOMW samples revealed only detectable viable bacteria (10² CFU/mL) of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) group. Two distinct LAB strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OMW1 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides OMW23, were identified. These strains demonstrated notable acidification capabilities and produced antibacterial compounds. In conclusion, despite the high polyphenolic content and microbiological suitability of OOMW, the presence of micro-contaminants hinders their use in food production. Thus, further studies are underway to investigate OOMW from organically farmed olives for bakery product functionalization, employing the two selected LAB strains resistant to olive polyphenols as leavening agents. Full article