Tianjin University of Science & Technology

Fast and accurate detection-method for phosphoprotein (β-casein) is very important in evaluation of functional properties for food proteins and prevention the occurrence of early diseases. Herein, a novel concept, surface-tethered electrochemiluminescence (ECL) analysis, was proposed for meeting the demand for dual recognition and ultra-fast (20 s) detection of β-casein directly. The validation system based on lignin-mediated Zr-based quantum dots probe (QDs-AL@Zr) not only performed well in ECL behavior, but also conducted to efficiently enrich-to-test β-casein online. In a proof-of-concept trial, the prepared Au-electrode (AuE/TiO₂) is modified with a monolayer consisting of TiO₂, to absorbe β-casein and QDs-AL@Zr by TiO₂-β-casein-Zr matching. Subsequently, β-casein level could be determined by target-induced ECL-intensity. The proposed sensor displayed strong affinity for β-casein due to the coexistence of Zr-O-P and Ti-O-P clusters and presented a low detection limit reaching 5.7 × 10^-8 mg/mL. Significantly, the proposed dual-selective ECL sensor was obtained satisfactory results at different food samples.

Pichia kudriavzevii is a dominant yeast species in Chinese baijiu fermentation, yet its intraspecific diversity remains underexplored. This study used metabolomics and metagenomics analysis to investigate the impact of four distinct P. kudriavzevii strains (PK12, PK25, PK97, and PK360) on the metabolite profiles and microbial community structure in a controlled baijiu solid-state fermentation. Metabolomics analysis identified 49 key volatile compounds and 2792 non-volatile metabolites. Strain PK97 exhibited exceptional capacity for butanoic acid metabolism, inducing a 55.27-fold increase in butanoic acid and a 30.54-fold enhancement in ethyl butanoate production. Strain PK25 specialized in acetoin biosynthesis, while PK360 maximized 2-phenylethanol production. Metagenomic analysis uncovered that strains PK12, PK25, and PK360 promoted Lactobacillus acetotolerans population, increasing its relative abundance to 67.39%, 58.57%, and 71.79%, respectively. In contrast, strain PK97 orchestrated a dramatic ecological shift, elevating Enterobacter mori abundance from 0.56% to 17.60%, transforming the community from Lactobacillus-dominated to Enterobacteriaceae-enriched. Integration of metabolomic and metagenomic data revealed that strain PK97's promotion of Enterobacter mori correlated with significant upregulation of key enzymes including α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1), enoyl-CoA hydratase (EC 4.2.1.17), and succinyl-CoA synthetase (EC 6.2.1.5), creating a metabolic environment favoring enhanced starch hydrolysis, altered TCA cycle flux, and butanoic acid accumulation. Strain PK25 specifically upregulated acetyl-CoA hydrolase (EC 3.1.2.1), facilitating acetic acid and acetoin formation. Strain PK360 enhanced glucose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.9) and asparagine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.1) activities, accelerating galactose metabolism and amino acid transformations. These findings illustrate the impact of P. kudriavzevii intraspecific diversity on reshaping microbial ecology and flavor chemistry in Chinese baijiu, offering novel insights for targeted fermentation control and quality enhancement strategies in baijiu production.

Safflower Wash Medicine (SWM) is an external traditional Chinese medicine prepared by percolation of safflower and ten other herbal materials. It has been clinically used to treat acute soft tissue injury (ASTI) for nearly two decades, and has shown a favorable safety profile. However, the underlying material basis of SWM in treating ASTI remains unclear.

This study aimed to systematically investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic basis and mechanism of SWM in the treatment of soft tissue injuries.

The bioactive compounds in SWM were identified by UPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS analysis. The pharmacological effects were evaluated in vivo using three animal models, such as carrageenan-induced paw edema, formalin-induced pain, and weight-drop-induced soft tissue injury. To elucidate the mechanism, an integrated approach combining network pharmacology and western blotting was employed. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to assess the binding affinities between SWM's active components and key target proteins.

A total of 40 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and organic acids, were identified in SWM. In animal models, SWM significantly suppressed inflammatory swelling, reduced pain-related behaviors, promoted the regeneration of injured muscle fibers, and inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and IL-1β. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between multiple active components of SWM and the key targets such as PI3K and Akt.

This study demonstrates that SWM ameliorates soft tissue injury by activating the PI3K-Akt pathway and suppressing inflammatory responses. These findings provide, for the first time, a scientific basis for the clinical efficacy of SWM and support its broader application in treating ASTI.