Interfacial multilayer self-assembly of protein and polysaccharides: Ultrasonic regulation, stability and application in delivery lutein.

In this study, the layer-by-layer adsorption behavior of sodium caseinate, pectin, and chitosan on the oil-water interface was illustrated using multi-frequency ultrasound. We investigated the impact of ultrasound on various factors, such as particle size, zeta potential, and interfacial protein/polysaccharide concentration. It was observed that ultrasound has significantly decreased droplet size and increased the surface area at the interface, hence promoting the adsorption of protein/polysaccharide. In the sonicated multilayer emulsion, the concentrations of interface proteins, pectin, and chitosan increased to 84.82 %, 90.49 %, and 83.31 %, respectively. The findings of the study indicated that the application of ultrasonic treatment had a significant impact on the emulsion's surface charge and the prevention of droplet aggregation. As a result, the stability of the emulsion system, including its resistance to salt, temperature, and storage conditions, has been significantly improved. Moreover, the emulsion showed an increase in the retention rate of lutein by 21.88 % after a high-temperature water bath and by 19.35 % after UV irradiation. Certainly, the multilayer emulsion treated with ultrasound demonstrated a superior and prolonged releasing behavior. These findings demonstrated the suitability of the ultrasound treatment for the preparation of emulsions to deliver bioactive compounds.

Preparation and functional characterization of pullulan-sodium alginate composite film enhanced with ultrasound-assisted clove essential oil Nanoemulsions for effective preservation of cherries and mushrooms.

Clove essential oil (CEO) exhibited potent antibacterial efficacy and are obtained from Eugenia caryophyllata tree flower buds. Herein, CEO nanoemulsions were prepared using various concentrations of casein protein treated with ultrasound for different time interval. The study demonstrated that CEO nanoemulsions with 5% casein protein subjected to ultrasound for 10 min displayed the most minimal particle size. The pullulan­sodium alginate film incorporated with nanoemulsions treated with ultrasound exhibited enhanced physico-mechanical characteristics. Based on the structural analysis, the application of ultrasonic treatment improved intermolecular compatibility and organized molecular structure by strengthening hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the composite film displayed remarkable efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus as well as longer retention of essential oils. The use of the developed films to protect cherry fruits and mushrooms produced promising results, emphasizing their potential in food packaging applications.

Relationships between Bitter Taste Receptor Gene Evolution, Diet, and Gene Repertoire in Primates.

Bitter taste perception plays a critical role in deterring animals from consuming harmful and toxic substances. To characterize the evolution of primate Tas2r, test the generality of Tas2r duplication in Cercopithecidae species, and examine whether dietary preferences have shaped the Tas2r repertoire of primate species, we identified Tas2r in the genomes of 35 primate species, including 16 Cercopithecidae, 6 Hominidae, 4 Cebidae, 3 Lemuridae, and 6 other species. The results showed that the total number of primate Tas2r ranged from 27 to 51, concentrating on 2 to 4 scaffolds of each species. Closely related genes were tandemly duplicated in the same scaffold. Phylogenetic construction revealed that Tas2r can be divided into 21 clades, including anthropoid-, Strepsirrhini-, and Cercopithecidae-specific Tas2r duplications. Phylogenetically independent contrast analysis revealed that the number of intact Tas2r significantly correlated with feeding preferences. Altogether, our data support diet as a driver of primate Tas2r evolution, and Cercopithecidae species have developed some specific Tas2r duplication during evolution. These results are probably because most Cercopithecidae species feed on plants containing many toxins, and it is necessary to develop specialized Tas2r to protect them from poisoning.

Enhancing storage and gastroprotective viability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum encapsulated by sodium caseinate-inulin-soy protein isolates composites carried within carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel.

Probiotics are subjected to various edible coatings, especially proteins and polysaccharides, which serve as the predominant wall materials, with ultrasound, a sustainable green technology. Herein, sodium caseinate, inulin, and soy protein isolate composites were produced using multi-frequency ultrasound and utilized to encapsulateLactiplantibacillus plantarumto enhance its storage, thermal, and gastrointestinal viability. The physicochemical analyses revealed that the composites with 5 % soy protein isolate treated with ultrasound at 50 kHz exhibited enough repulsion forces to maintain stability, pH resistance, and the ability to encapsulate larger particles and possessed the highest encapsulation efficiency (95.95 %). The structural analyses showed changes in the composite structure at CC, CH, CO, and amino acid residual levels. Rheology, texture, and water-holding capacity demonstrated the production of soft hydrogels with mild chewing and gummy properties, carried the microcapsules without coagulation or sedimentation. Moreover, the viability attributes ofL. plantarumevinced superior encapsulation, protecting them for at least eight weeks and against heat (63 °C), reactive oxidative species (H2O2), and GI conditions.

Recent advancements in the utilization of ultrasonic technology for the curing of processed meat products: A comprehensive review.

Curation meat products involves multiple stages, including pre-curing processing (thawing, cleaning, and cutting), curing itself, and post-curing processing (freezing, and packaging). Ultrasound are nonthermal processing technology widely used in food industry. This technology is preferred because it reduces the damages caused by traditional processing techniques on food, while simultaneously improving the nutritional properties and processing characteristics of food. The utilization of ultrasonic-assisted curing technology has attracted significant attention within the realm of meat product curing, encouraging extensive research efforts. In terms of curing meat products, ultrasonic-assisted curing technology has been widely studied due to its advantages of accelerating the curing speed, reducing nutrient loss, and improving the tenderness of cured meats. Therefore, this article aims to comprehensively review the application and mechanism of ultrasound technology in various stages of meat product curing. Furthermore, it also elaborates the effects of ultrasonic-assisted curing on the tenderness, water retention, and flavor substances of the meat products during the curing process. Besides, the implication of the ultrasound in the processing of meat curation plays a potent role together with other technologies or methods. The use of ultrasound technology in the process of meat curation was analyzed, which might be a theoretical insight for the industrialization prospects of the meat product.

Exploring the potential of pullulan-based films and coatings for effective food preservation: A comprehensive analysis of properties, activation strategies and applications.

Pullulan is naturally occurring polysaccharide exhibited potential applications for food preservation has gained increasing attention over the last half-century. Recent studies focused on efficient preservation and targeted inhibition using active composite ingredients and advanced technologies. This has led to the emergence of pullulan-based biofilm preservation. This review extensively studied the characteristics of pullulan-based films and coatings, including their mechanical strength, water vapor permeability, thermal stability, and potential as a microbial agent. Furthermore, the distinct characteristics of pullulan, production methods, and activation strategies, such as pullulan derivatization, various compounded ingredients (plant extracts, microorganisms, and animal additives), and other technologies (e.g., ultrasound), are thoroughly studied for the functional property enhancement of pullulan-based films and coatings, ensuring optimal preservation conditions for diverse food products. Additionally, we explore hypotheses that further illuminate pullulan's potential as an eco-friendly bioactive material for food packaging applications. In addition, this review evaluates various methods to improve the efficiency of the film-forming mechanism, such as improving the direct coating process, bioactive packaging films, and implementing layer-by-layer coatings. Finally, current analyses put forward suggestions for future advancement in pullulan-based bioactive films, with the aim of expanding their range of potential applications.

The effects of different hydrocolloids on lotus root starch gelatinization and gels properties.

In this study, xanthan gum (XG), sodium alginate (SA), guar gum (GG), and gum Arabic (GA), were used to modify Lotus root starch (LRS). The incorporation XG, SA, and GG significantly (p < 0.05) influence the swelling power (SP) of LRS, among which the 1.5 % of XG exhibited the highest value of 25.84 g/g at 90 °C. Gelatinization analysis revealed that XG raised the final viscosity (FV) and lowered the breakdown (BD), while SA significantly increased peak viscosity (PV) and BD. Furthermore, GG and GA exhibited a substantial reduction in setback (SB). The incorporation of XG, SA, and GG enhanced the rheological and structural properties (e.g., gel strength and elasticity) of LRS. Particularly, XG demonstrated a more prominent effect, while GA exhibited an opposite trend. Moreover, the structural analyses revealed that hydrophilic colloids have no impact on the functional group and crystal structure of the LRS. However, complex system exhibited the more stable hydrogen bonding. The addition of 1.5 % XG exhibited the most stable hydrogen bonding and highest water binding affinity. Overall, the results demonstrated the effect of different hydrophilic colloids on LRS, offering a theoretical basis for LRS applications and novel insights for the use of starches and hydrocolloids.

Multi-scale ultrasound induced composite coacervates of whey protein and pullulan polysaccharide on emulsion forming and stabilizing mechanisms.

A non-destructive technique known as multi-scale ultrasound (MSU) was employed to modify the emulsion consisting of glycosylated bovine whey protein (WP) and pullulan (Pu). To assess the effect on the structural and emulsifying properties of the WP-Pu, the formulated emulsion, was treated with divergent MSU at (single: 20 kHz, 40 kHz, and 60 kHz; dual: 20-40 kHz, 40-60 kHz, and 20-60 kHz; and tri: 20-40-60 kHz) frequency for a duration of 30 min. The tri-frequency, treated emulsion showed improved emulsifying stability compared to the control and MSU-treated single, and dual-frequency samples, as indicated by the particle size, structural morphology, and adsorbed protein. The molecular docking and numerous spectral analysis provided evidence that WP can undergo successful phenolation. This modified form of WP then interacts with Pu through various forces, including H-bonding and other mechanisms, resulting in the formation of a composite emulsion. The rheological properties revealed that both the control emulsion and the MSU-treated emulsion exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow behavior. This behavior is characterized by shear thinning, where the viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate. The shear rates tested ranged from 1 to 300 1/s, additionally, the degree of crystallinity increased from 18.2° to 19.4°. Overall, the tri-frequency effect was most pronounced compared to single and dual-frequency. Ultrasonication, an emerging non-thermal technology, proves to be an efficient approach for the formulation of WP-Pu composites. These composites have significant potential for use in drug delivery systems and functional foods.

Production of Kudzu Starch Gels with Superior Mechanical and Rheological Properties through Submerged Ethanol Exposure and Implications for In Vitro Digestion.

Producing starch gels with superior mechanical attributes remains a challenging pursuit. This research sought to develop a simple method using ethanol exposure to produce robust starch gels. The gels' mechanical properties, rheology, structural characteristics, and digestion were assessed through textural, rheological, structural, and in vitro digestion analyses. Our investigation revealed an improvement in the gel's strength from 62.22 to178.82 g. The thermal transitions were accelerated when ethanol was elevated. The exposure to ethanol resulted in a reduction in syneresis from 11% to 9.5% over a period of 6 h, with noticeable changes in size and color. Rheologically, the dominating storage modulus and tan delta (<0.55) emphasized the gel's improved elasticity. X-ray analysis showed stable B- and V-type patterns after ethanol exposure, with relative crystallinity increasing to 7.9%. Digestibility revealed an ethanol-induced resistance, with resistant starch increasing from 1.87 to 8.73%. In general, the exposure to ethanol played a crucial role in enhancing the mechanical characteristics of kudzu starch gels while simultaneously preserving higher levels of resistant starch fractions. These findings have wide-ranging implications in the fields of confectioneries, desserts, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, underscoring the extensive academic and industrial importance of this study.

Improvement of physicochemical properties, microstructure and stability of lotus root starch/xanthan gum stabilized emulsion by multi-frequency power ultrasound.

Multi-frequency power ultrasound was applied as an environmentally friendly technique to control the nanoparticles (LS/XG-NPs) embedded with lotus root starch/xanthan gum, with the aim of enhancing the stability of Pickering emulsions. The present investigation was centered on evaluating the impact of ultrasound technology on various aspects of the emulsions, encompassing their mean particle size, particle size distribution, zeta potential, microstructure, rheological characteristics, and environmental stability. The findings of this study indicate that ultrasonic treatment enhanced the adsorption of LS/XG-NP onto oil droplets surface, resulting in a reduction in their size. Additionally, ultrasonic treatment decreased the viscosity and Brownian motion rate of the emulsion stabilized by LS/XG-NP, leading to increased fluidity. Furthermore, the emulsion's thermal stability and resistance to environmental oxidation were significantly enhanced through ultrasonic treatment. The Pickering emulsions that were prepared using ultrasound demonstrated excellent resistance to acid, alkali (pH 2-8) and salt ions (50-300 mM NaCl) for a period of 30 days during storage. It was worth anticipating that ultrasound-assisted LS/XG-NPs could efficiently retard the volatilization of fishy odor components within fish oil. Taken together, the present research has evinced the efficacy of ultrasound in enhancing the stability of Pickering emulsions coated with LS/XG-NPs. These findings offer significant novel insights into the advancement of ultrasound-assisted Pickering emulsions that are stabilized with starch-based or biopolymeric materials.

A comprehensive review of ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) for bioactive components: Principles, advantages, equipment, and combined technologies.

The increasing focus on health and well-being has sparked a rising interest in bioactive components in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. These components are gaining popularity due to their potential benefits for overall health. The growing interest has resulted in a continuous rise in demand for bioactive components, leading to the exploration of both edible and non-edible sources to obtain these valuable substances. Traditional extraction methods like solvent extraction, distillation, and pressing have certain drawbacks, including lower extraction efficiency, reduced yield, and the use of significant amounts of solvents or resources. Furthermore, certain extraction methods necessitate high temperatures, which can adversely affect certain bioactive components. Consequently, researchers are exploring non-thermal technologies to develop environmentally friendly and efficient extraction methods. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) is recognized as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient extraction technology. The UAE has the potential to minimize or eliminate the need for organic solvents, thereby reducing its impact on the environment. Additionally, UAE has been found to significantly enhance the production of target bioactive components, making it an attractive method in the industry. The emergence of ultrasonic assisted extraction equipment (UAEE) has presented novel opportunities for research in chemistry, biology, pharmaceuticals, food, and other related fields. However, there is still a need for further investigation into the main components and working modes of UAEE, as current understanding in this area remains limited. Therefore, additional research and exploration are necessary to enhance our knowledge and optimize the application of UAEE. The core aim of this review is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, benefits and impact on bioactive components of UAE, explore the different types of equipment used in this technique, examine the various working modes and control parameters employed in UAE, and provide a detailed overview of the blending of UAE with other emerging extraction technologies. In conclusion, the future development of UAEE is envisioned to focus on achieving increased efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced safety, and improved reliability. These key areas of advancement aim to optimize the performance and practicality of UAEE, making it a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable extraction technology.

The evolution of bitter taste receptor gene in primates: Gene duplication and selection.

Bitter taste perception plays an important role in preventing animals from digesting poisonous and harmful substances. In primates, especially the Cercopithecidae species, most species feed on plants; thus, it is reasonable to speculate that most of the bitter taste receptor genes (T2Rs) of primates are under purifying selection to maintain the functional stability of bitter taste perception. Gene duplication has happened in T2Rs frequently, and what will be the fate of T2Rs copies is another question we are concerned about. To answer these questions, we selected the T2Rs of primates reported in another study and conducted corresponding selective pressure analyses to determine what kind of selective pressure was acting on them. Further, we carried out selective pressure analyses on gene copies and their corresponding ancestors by considering several possible situations. The results showed that among the 25 gene groups examined here, 15 groups are subject to purifying selection and others are under relaxed selection, with many positively selected sites detected. Gene copies existed in several groups, but only some groups (clade1_a1-b2, clade1_c-c2, clade1_d1-d3, clade1_f1-f2, T2R10, T2R13, and T2R42) have positively selected sites, inferring that they may have some relation to functional divergence. Taken together, T2Rs in primates are under diverse selective pressures, and most gene copies are subject to the same selective pressures. In such cases, the copies may be just to keep the function conservative, and more copies can increase the quantity of the bitter taste receptor, raise the efficiency of bitter substance recognition, and finally enhance the fitness of feeding during the evolutionary course of primates. This study can improve our understanding of T2Rs evolution in primates.

Ultrasonic and homogenization: An overview of the preparation of an edible protein-polysaccharide complex emulsion.

Emulsion systems are extensively utilized in the food industry, including dairy products, such as ice cream and salad dressing, as well as meat products, beverages, sauces, and mayonnaise. Meanwhile, diverse advanced technologies have been developed for emulsion preparation. Compared with other techniques, high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) are two emerging emulsification methods that are cost-effective, green, and environmentally friendly and have gained significant attention. HIUS-induced acoustic cavitation helps in efficiently disrupting the oil droplets, which effectively produces a stable emulsion. HPH-induced shear stress, turbulence, and cavitation lead to droplet disruption, altering protein structure and functional aspects of food. The key distinctions among emulsification devices are covered in this review, as are the mechanisms of the HIUS and HPH emulsification processes. Furthermore, the preparation of emulsions including natural polymers (e.g., proteins-polysaccharides, and their complexes), has also been discussed in this review. Moreover, the review put forward to the future HIUS and HPH emulsification trends and challenges. HIUS and HPH can prepare much emulsifier-stable food emulsions, (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, and protein-polysaccharide complexes). Appropriate HIUS and HPH treatment can improve emulsions' rheological and emulsifying properties and reduce the emulsions droplets' size. HIUS and HPH are suitable methods for developing protein-polysaccharide forming stable emulsions. Despite the numerous studies conducted on ultrasonic and homogenization-induced emulsifying properties available in recent literature, this review specifically focuses on summarizing the significant progress made in utilizing biopolymer-based protein-polysaccharide complex particles, which can provide valuable insights for designing new, sustainable, clean-label, and improved eco-friendly colloidal systems for food emulsion. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Utilizing complex particle-stabilized emulsions is a promising approach towards developing safer, healthier, and more sustainable food products that meet legal requirements and industrial standards. Moreover, the is an increasing need of concentrated emulsions stabilized by biopolymer complex particles, which have been increasingly recognized for their potential health benefits in protecting against lifestyle-related diseases by the scientific community, industries, and consumers.

Characterization of Nano-SiO2/Zein Film Prepared Using Ultrasonic Treatment and the Ability of the Prepared Film to Resist Different Storage Environments.

This study has developed, ultrasound-assisted, a novel food packaging film (U-zein/SiO2) for food packaging applications. Incorporating an optimal concentration of 18 mg/mL of nano-SiO2 and subjecting the film to 10 min of ultrasonic treatment resulted in a remarkable increase of 32.89% in elongation at break and 55.86% in tensile strength. In addition, the incorporation of nano-SiO2 effectively reduces the water content and solubility of the composite film, resulting in improved water/oxygen barrier properties. These physiochemical properties were further improved with the application of ultrasound. The analysis of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electronic microscope demonstrated that the ultrasound treatment improved the hydrogen bonds, improved thermal stability, molecular arrangement, structure stability, and intermolecular compatibility of the composite film, resulting in enhanced physio-mechanical properties of the film. In addition, the ultrasound treatment led to a smoother film surface and reduced the pores on the film's cross-section. Moreover, the U-zein/SiO2 film exhibited excellent mechanical and water/oxygen barrier properties in different storage environments over a period of 30 days. These results offer sound theoretical support for the practical application of the prepared preservative film.

Synergistic impact of heat-ultrasound treatment on the properties and digestibility of Sagittaria sagittifolia L. starch-phenolic acid complexes.

The current research investigated the multi-scale structural interactions between arrowhead starch (AS) and phenolic acids, such as ferulic acid (FA) and gallic acid (GA) to identify the mechanism of anti-digestion effects of starch. AS suspensions containing 10 % (w/w) GA or FA were subjected to physical mixing (PM) followed by heat treatment at 70 °C for 20 min (HT) and a synergistic heat-ultrasound treatment (HUT) for 20 min using a dual-frequency 20/40 KHz system. The synergistic HUT significantly (p < 0.05) increased the dispersion of phenolic acids in the amylose cavity, with GA showing a higher complexation index than FA. XRD analysis showed a typical V-type pattern for GA, indicating the formation of an inclusion complex, while peak intensities decreased for FA following HT and HUT. FTIR revealed sharper peaks possibly of amide bands in the ASGA-HUT sample compared to that of ASFA-HUT. Additionally, the emergence of cracks, fissures, and ruptures was more pronounced in the HUT-treated GA and FA complexes. Raman spectroscopy provided further insight into the structural attributes and compositional changes within the sample matrix. The synergistic application of HUT led to increased particle size in the form of complex aggregates, ultimately improving the digestion resistance of the starch-phenolic acid complexes.

Effects of multi-frequency ultrasound on sodium caseinate/pectin complex: Emulsifying properties, interaction force, structure and correlation.

This study aimed to improve the emulsification properties of the sodium caseinate (Cas) and pectin (Pec) complex using multi-frequency power ultrasound to regulate the complexation of Cas and Pec. The results revealed that optimal ultrasonic treatment (Frequency 60 kHz, power density 50 W/L, and time 25 min) led to a 33.12 % increase in emulsifying activity (EAI) and a 7.27 % increase in emulsifying stability index (ESI) of the Cas-Pec complex. Our results demonstrated that electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds were the main driving forces for complex formation, and these were reinforced by ultrasound treatment. Moreover, it was observed that ultrasonic treatment improved the surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and secondary structure of the complex. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses revealed that the ultrasonically prepared Cas-Pec complex had a dense, uniform spherical structure with reduced surface roughness. It was further confirmed that the complex's emulsification properties were highly correlated with its physicochemical and structural properties. Multi-frequency ultrasound changes the interaction by regulating protein structure and ultimately acting on the interfacial adsorption behavior of the complex. This work contributes to expanding the role of multi-frequency ultrasound in modifying the emulsification properties of the complex.

Preparation and characterization of ultrasound-assisted essential oil-loaded nanoemulsions stimulated pullulan-based bioactive film for strawberry fruit preservation.

Ultrasound is a high-energy approach that can help with homogenization and dispersion in cavitation. In this study, nanoemulsions of curcumin and orange essential oil were prepared with ultrasound treatment at different times. The ultrasound-treated nanoemulsions for 10 min exhibited the smallest droplet size, the best storage, and higher thermal stability. The pullulan-based film with ultrasound-assisted nanoemulsions exhibited improved water vapor permeability and moisture content and the highest tensile strength and elongation at break. The structural analysis showed that ultrasonic treatment enhanced the H-bond, resulting in a more orderly molecular arrangement and intermolecular compatibility. Furthermore, the bioactive film had the maximum oil retention time. It possessed excellent bacteriostatic properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus due to the smallest oil droplets and uniform distribution in the film matrix. Besides, the weight loss and deterioration of the strawberry fruit were effectively reduced, thus prolonging the shelf life.

Preparation technology and preservation mechanism of γ-CD-MOFs biaological packaging film loaded with curcumin.

To prevent food spoilage caused by microbial infection, the development of an environmentally friendly antimicrobial preservation material is crucial. Here, the microporous γ-CD-MOFs was utilized to encapsulate the hydrophobic active substance curcumin, resulting in the preparation of a non-toxic antimicrobial material (Cur-CD-MOFs). The results revealed that curcumin encapsulation in Cur-CD-MOFs occurred primarily in the carbonyl group, benzene ring, and enolic side ring of curcumin. The Cur-CD-MOFs had a 100% bactericidal effect on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at 4 h and 8 h, and a strong inhibitory effect on aerial mycelium of Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea. Furthermore, the incorporation of Cur-CD-MOFs improved the Pul/Tre film barrier and mechanical properties. The effectiveness of Cur-CD-MOFs-Pul/Tre in retaining fruit freshness was validated using Centennial Seedless grapes. This study confirmed that Cur-CD-MOFs is a promising antibacterial material, and Cur-CD-MOFs-Pul/Tre will be a potent candidate for food preservation.

Pickering emulsion: A multi-scale stabilization mechanism based on modified lotus root starch/xanthan gum nanoparticles.

New Pickering emulsion stabilizer LS/XG-NPs (Lotus root starch/xanthan gum nanoparticles) was prepared via autoclaving-cooling method followed by combination with XG. The LS/XG-NPs showed uniform and stable particles with particle size <500 nm, PDI <30, and zeta potential 30-40. The autoclaving-cooling treatment completely changed the crystalline form (from A-type to B-type) and structure of starch; hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions were proved to be existed between starch and XG in LS/XG-NPs. The addition of XG increased the contact angle of LS/XG-NPs from 58.79° to 85.42°. In the prepared Pickering emulsion, the LS/XG-NPs adsorbed well on the oil droplets surface, forming a three-dimensional gel network with evenly distributed oil droplets. The Pickering emulsion prepared with LS/XG-NPs showed excellent storage stability and auto-oxidation resistance; the EPA + DHA content in the emulsion remained at 92.46 % after 5 d of storage. The results of this study suggest that LS/XG-NPs have the potential to be food-grade Pickering emulsifiers that not only stabilize emulsions but also prevent emulsion oils from oxidizing.

Ultrasound-assisted development and characterization of novel polyphenol-loaded pullulan/trehalose composite films for fruit preservation.

A novel food packaging film was developed by incorporating a tea polyphenols-loaded pullulan/trehalose (TP@Pul/Tre) into a composite film with ultrasound-assisted treatment of dual-frequency (20/35 kHz, 40 W/L) for 15 min to assess the physicochemical and mechanical properties of a composite film. The optimized ultrasound-assisted significantly increases elongation at break, tensile strength, and improves the composite film's UV/water/oxygen barrier properties. Structure analysis using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction and thermal stability revealed that these improvements were achieved through ultrasound-enhanced H-bonds, more ordered molecular arrangements, and good intermolecular compatibility. Besides, the ultrasound-assisted TP@Pul/Tre film has proven to have good antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with approximately 100 % lethality at 4 h and 8 h, respectively. Moreover, the ultrasound-assisted TP@Pul/Tre film effectively delayed moisture loss, oxidative browning, decay, and deterioration in fresh-cut apples and pears, thereby extending their shelf life. Thus, ultrasound has proved to be an effective tool for improving the quality of food packaging films, with a wide range of applications.