Study on the Digestion-Induced Changes in the Characteristics and Bioactivity of Korean Native and Overseas Cattle-Derived Peptides.

This study was conducted to compare and analyze the changes in the biochemical characteristics and biological activity of peptide extracts derived from Chickso, Hanwoo, and Wagyu beef during digestion. The results of the in vitro digestion analysis revealed that the digestion rate, total free amino acid content, and antioxidant and antihypertensive activities of Chickso loin and shank myofibrillar proteins were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of Hanwoo and Wagyu loin and shank myofibrillar proteins. Particularly, the peptide extracts of Chickso loin and shank had a high angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity. In mice in vivo digestion experiment, the blood serum of mice fed with Chickso loin peptide extract (<10 kDa) showed the highest antioxidant enzyme activity. Thus, Chickso peptide extracts were deemed to be similar or more bioactive than Hanwoo and Wagyu peptide extracts, and can be used as bioactive materials.

Analytical Methods and Effects of Bioactive Peptides Derived from Animal Products: A Mini-Review.

Peptides with bioactive effects are being researched for various purposes. However, there is a lack of overall research on pork-derived peptides. In this study, we reviewed the process of obtaining bioactive peptides, available analytical methods, and the study of bioactive peptides derived from pork. Pepsin and trypsin, two representative protein digestive enzymes in the body, are hydrolyzed by other cofactors to produce peptides. Bicinchoninic acid assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, chromatography, and in vitro digestion simulation systems are utilized to analyze bioactive peptides for protein digestibility and molecular weight distribution. Pork-derived peptides mainly exhibit antioxidant and antihypertensive activities. The antioxidant activity of bioactive peptides increases the accessibility of amino acid residues by disrupting the three-dimensional structure of proteins, affecting free radical scavenging, reactive oxygen species inactivation, and metal ion chelating. In addition, the antihypertensive activity decreases angiotensin II production by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme and suppresses blood pressure by blocking the AT1 receptor. Pork-derived bioactive peptides, primarily obtained using papain and pepsin, exhibit significant antioxidant and antihypertensive activities, with most having low molecular weights below 1 kDa. This study may aid in the future development of bioactive peptides and serve as a valuable reference for pork-derived peptides.

Crusting-fabricated three-dimensional soy-based scaffolds for cultured meat production: A preliminary study.

Crusting has been developed as a non-chemical and non-machine intensive scaffold fabrication method. This method is based on the self-assembling ability of soy biomolecules, allowing the fabrication of a three-dimensional network for cell growth. Preliminary characterization revealed differences in pore size, water absorption, and degradation between pure soy-based scaffold (Y2R) and with added glycerol (Y2G). The Fourier-transform infrared spectrum absorbance peaks of functional groups related to proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids hinted the integration of soy biomolecules potentially via the Maillard reaction, as supported by the visible browning of the scaffold surface. Microscopic images revealed aligned myotubes in both scaffolds, with Y2G myotubes having greater proximity after 72 h of proliferation. Both spontaneous and electro-stimulated contractions were recorded as early as 72 h in proliferation medium. Crusting-fabricated soy-based scaffolds can further be explored for its application in cultured meat production.

Analysis of current technology status for the industrialization of cultured meat.

Cultured meat is expected to become an important material for future food production; however, contrary to initial expectations, the full-scale industrialization of cultured meat is slow and the actual level and opened technology amount is very limited. This study reviews the publicly available technologies of cultured meat and suggests future developmental directions and research agenda. As a result of analyzing papers, patents, and press releases published over the past 10 years, it was found that cultured meat production technology is still at the prototype production level. This is because most papers published are about culture medium and scaffold development, culture conditions, and there is almost no research on finished cultured meat products. Worldwide, most of the filed patents are for producing cultured meat principles; most of them do not use food-grade materials and are not economically feasible for industrialization. Therefore, future research on the industrialization of cultured meat should focus on effective acquisition technologies for satellite cells; cell lineage and undifferentiated state maintenance technologies; the development of serum-free media and culture devices; the prevention of genetic modification, safety verification, and mass production. Furthermore, basic research on mechanisms and influencing factors related to cultured meat production is warranted.

The Color-Developing Methods for Cultivated Meat and Meat Analogues: A Mini-Review.

Novel meat-inspired products, such as cell-cultivated meat and meat analogues, embrace environmental sustainability, food safety and security, animal welfare, and human health, but consumers are still hesitant to accept these products. The appearance of food is often the most persuasive determinant of purchasing decisions for food. Producing cultivated meat and meat analogues with similar characteristics to conventional meat could lead to increased acceptability, marketability, and profitability. Color is one of the sensorial characteristics that can be improved using color-inducing methods and colorants. Synthetic colorants are cheap and stable, but natural pigments are regarded as safer components for novel food production. The complexity of identifying specific colorants to imitate both raw and cooked meat color lies in the differences in ingredients and methods used to produce meat alternatives. Research devoted to improving the sensorial characteristics of meat analogues has noted various color-inducing methods (e.g., ohmic cooking and pasteurization) and additives (e.g., lactoferrin, laccase, xylose, and pectin). Additionally, considerations toward other meat components, such as fat, can aid in mimicking conventional meat appearance. For instance, the use of plant-based fat replacers and scaffolds can produce a marked sensory enhancement without compromising the sustainability of alternative meats. Moving forward, consumer-relevant sensorial characteristics, such as taste and texture, should be prioritized alongside improving the coloration of meat alternatives.

Current Research, Industrialization Status, and Future Perspective of Cultured Meat.

Expectations for the industrialization of cultured meat are growing due to the increasing support from various sectors, such as the food industry, animal welfare organizations, and consumers, particularly vegetarians, but the progress of industrialization is slower than initially reported. This review analyzes the main issues concerning the industrialization of cultured meat, examines research and media reports on the development of cultured meat to date, and presents the current technology, industrialization level, and prospects for cultured meat. Currently, over 30 countries have companies industrializing cultured meat, and around 200 companies that are developing or industrializing cultured meat have been surveyed globally. By country, the United States has over 50 companies, accounting for more than 20% of the total. Acquiring animal cells, developing cell lines, improving cell proliferation, improving the efficiency of cell differentiation and muscle production, or developing cell culture media, including serum-free media, are the major research themes related to the development of cultured meat. In contrast, the development of devices, such as bioreactors, which are crucial in enabling large-scale production, is relatively understudied, and few of the many companies invested in the development of cultured meat have presented products for sale other than prototypes. In addition, because most information on key technologies is not publicly available, it is not possible to determine the level of technology in the companies, and it is surmised that the technology of cultured meat-related startups is not high. Therefore, further research and development are needed to promote the full-scale industrialization of cultured meat.

Current technology and industrialization status of cell-cultivated meat.

Interest and investment in cultivated meat are increasing because of the realization that it can effectively supply sufficient food resources and reduce the use of livestock. Nevertheless, accurate information on the specific technologies used for cultivated meat production and the characteristics of cultivated meat is lacking. Authorization for the use of cultivated meat is already underway in the United States, Singapore, and Israel, and other major countries are also expected to approve cultivated meat as food once the details of the intricate process of producing cultivated meat, which encompasses stages such as cell proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and assembly, is thoroughly established. The development and standardization of mass production processes and safety evaluations must precede the industrialization and use of cultivated meat as food. However, the technology for the industrialization of cultivated meat is still in its nascent stage, and the mass production process has not yet been established. The mass production process of cultivated meat may not be easy to disclose because it is related to the interests of several companies or research teams. However, the overall research flow shows that equipment development for mass production and cell acquisition, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as for three-dimensional production supports and bioreactors have not yet been completed. Therefore, additional research on the mass production process and safety of cultivated meat is essential. The consumer's trust in the cultivated meat products and production technologies recently disclosed by some companies should also be analyzed and considered for guiding future developments in this industry. Furthermore, close monitoring by academia and the government will be necessary to identify fraud in the cultivated meat industry.

Preliminary study on comparison of egg extraction methods for development of fetal bovine serum substitutes in cultured meat.

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) substitution remains one of the challenges to the realization of cultured meat production in the marketplace. In this study, three methods were developed to extract a substitute for FBS using egg white extract (EWE): using 25 mM CaCl2/2.5 % ammonium sulfate/citric acid (A); ethyl alcohol (B); and 5 % ammonium sulfate/citric acid (C). B EWE can effectively replace up to 50 % of FBS in growth media (10 % of the total). Ovalbumin in the extracts can promote cell proliferation, and components along the 12 kDa protein band have the potential to inhibit cell proliferation. Chick primary muscle cells applied with B EWE, an edible material that improved the cost and time efficiency of cultured meat production, effectively proliferated/differentiated. Therefore, EWE extracted using ethyl alcohol may be used as an FBS substitute to reduce animal sacrifices and should be considered a viable alternative to FBS for cultured meat.

Effect of Ni Sulfate Residue on Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) in Porous NiFe@NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide.

The development of cost-effective and high-performance oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts is a significant challenge. This study presents the synthesis of binder-free NiFe@NiFe layered double hydroxide (NNF) via one-pot electrodeposition on carbon paper and Ni foam at high current densities. The presence of Ni sulfate residues on the prepared NNF is also investigated. The findings indicate that Ni sulfate significantly improves OER performance and durability. The sulfate content can be controlled by varying the method and duration of washing. NNF prepared through dipping (NNF-D) exhibits outstanding OER activity with a low overpotential of 241 mV, which is 25 mV lower than that of NNF washed for 60 s (NNF-W-60 s) at 10 mA cm-2 in 1 m KOH. Furthermore, density functional theory analyses indicate that the Ni sulfate residue helps modify the electronic structure, thereby optimizing the binding strength of *OOH. This synthetic strategy is expected to inspire the development of next-generation catalysts utilizing various adsorbates.

Mucosal TLR5 activation controls healthspan and longevity.

Addressing age-related immunological defects through therapeutic interventions is essential for healthy aging, as the immune system plays a crucial role in controlling infections, malignancies, and in supporting tissue homeostasis and repair. In our study, we show that stimulating toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) via mucosal delivery of a flagellin-containing fusion protein effectively extends the lifespan and enhances the healthspan of mice of both sexes. This enhancement in healthspan is evidenced by diminished hair loss and ocular lens opacity, increased bone mineral density, improved stem cell activity, delayed thymic involution, heightened cognitive capacity, and the prevention of pulmonary lung fibrosis. Additionally, this fusion protein boosts intestinal mucosal integrity by augmenting the surface expression of TLR5 in a certain subset of dendritic cells and increasing interleukin-22 (IL-22) secretion. In this work, we present observations that underscore the benefits of TLR5-dependent stimulation in the mucosal compartment, suggesting a viable strategy for enhancing longevity and healthspan.

Current Technologies and Future Perspective in Meat Analogs Made from Plant, Insect, and Mycoprotein Materials: A Review.

This study reviewed the current data presented in the literature on developing meat analogs using plant-, insect-, and protein-derived materials and presents a conclusion on future perspectives. As a result of this study, it was found that the current products developed using plant-, insect-, and mycoprotein-derived materials still did not provide the quality of traditional meat products. Plant-derived meat analogs have been shown to use soybean-derived materials and beta-glucan or gluten, while insect-derived materials have been studied by mixing them with plant-derived materials. It is reported that the development of meat analogs using mycoprotein is somewhat insufficient compared to other materials, and safety issues should also be considered. Growth in the meat analog market, which includes products made using plant-, insect-, and mycoprotein-derived materials is reliant upon further research being conducted, as well as increased efforts for it to coexist alongside the traditional livestock industry. Additionally, it will become necessary to clearly define legal standards for meat analogs, such as their classification, characteristics, and product-labeling methods.

Preparation of Well-Defined Double-Metal Cyanide Catalysts for Propylene Oxide Polymerization and CO2 Copolymerization.

Reevaluating the composition of the double metal cyanide catalyst (DMC) as a salt of (NC)6Co3- anions with 1:1 Zn2+/(X)Zn+ cations (X = Cl, RO, AcO), we prepared a series of well-defined DMCs, [ClZn+][Zn2+][(NC)6Co3-][ROH], [(RO)Zn+][Zn2+][(NC)6Co3-], [(AcO)Zn+][Zn2+][(NC)6Co3-], [(RO)Zn+]p[ClZn+](1-p)[Zn2+][(NC)6Co3-], [(AcO)Zn+]p[(tBuO)Zn+]q[Zn2+][(NC)6Co3-], and [(AcO)Zn+]p[(tBuO)Zn+]q[ClZn+]r[Zn2+][(NC)6Co3-]. The structure of [(MeOC3H6O)Zn+][Zn2+][(NC)6Co3-] was precisely determined at the atomic level through Rietveld refinement of the synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data. By evaluating the catalyst's performance in both propylene oxide (PO) polymerization and PO/CO2 copolymerization, a correlation between structure and performance was established on various aspects including activity, dispersity, unsaturation level, and carbonate fraction in the resulting polyols. Ultimately, our study identified highly efficient catalysts that outperformed the state-of-the-art benchmark DMC not only in PO polymerization [DMC-(OAc/OtBu/Cl)(0.59/0.38/0.15)] but also in PO/CO2 copolymerization [DMC-(OAc/OtBu)(0.95/0.08)].

Attention to Innate Circadian Rhythm and the Impact of Its Disruption on Diabetes.

Novel strategies are required to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and/or clinical outcomes and complications of diabetes. In this regard, the role of the circadian system may be a potential candidate for the prevention of diabetes. We reviewed evidence from animal, clinical, and epidemiological studies linking the circadian system to various aspects of the pathophysiology and clinical outcomes of diabetes. The circadian clock governs genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and behavioral signals in anticipation of cyclic 24-hour events through interactions between a "central clock" in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and "peripheral clocks" in the whole body. Currently, circadian rhythmicity in humans can be subjectively or objectively assessed by measuring melatonin and glucocorticoid levels, core body temperature, peripheral blood, oral mucosa, hair follicles, rest-activity cycles, sleep diaries, and circadian chronotypes. In this review, we summarized various circadian misalignments, such as altered light-dark, sleep-wake, rest-activity, fasting-feeding, shift work, evening chronotype, and social jetlag, as well as mutations in clock genes that could contribute to the development of diabetes and poor glycemic status in patients with diabetes. Targeting critical components of the circadian system could deliver potential candidates for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the future.

Unveiling the Potential of Pt Nanoparticle-Decorated PEDOT:PSS Membranes for Efficient Gas Separation.

In the dynamic landscape of industrial processes, membrane technology offers a paradigm shift beyond energy-intensive separation techniques, exemplifying a progressive leap toward sustainability. In this regard, highly flexible and uniform poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)-engineered membranes at a reduced thickness have been fabricated on track-etched poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrates. The membranes were functionalized and embedded with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) having a higher affinity toward H2 gas. The materials and fabricated membranes were characterized by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques for morphological and structural analysis. FTIR and Raman characterizations were performed to study the characteristic bonds. The uniformity and quantification of Pt nanoparticle binding were tested through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) studies and FESEM with EDS mapping. The gas separation performance was studied using H2, N2, and CO2 gases in pure and mixed (H2/CO2 in 50:50) states. It was observed that the modified membrane showed a 116% increment in H2 permeability and 82 and 107% increment in H2/CO2 and H2/N2 selectivity values with pure gas, while a 121% increment in H2 permeability and 156% increment in H2/CO2 selectivity using mixed gas. The separation performance in pure and mixed gas states with repeated experiments conspicuously highlighted their prospective viability as prime contenders for gas separation applications.

Oncogenic role of FOXM1 in human prostate cancer (Review).

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer­related mortality among men worldwide. In particular, castration­resistant prostate cancer presents a formidable clinical challenge and emphasizes the need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a multifaceted transcription factor that is implicated in the acquisition of the multiple cancer hallmark capabilities in prostate cancer cells, including sustaining proliferative signaling, resisting cell death and the activation of invasion and metastasis. Elevated FOXM1 expression is frequently observed in prostate cancer, and in particular, FOXM1 overexpression is closely associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer. In the present review, recent advances in the understanding of the oncogenic role of deregulated FOXM1 expression in prostate cancer were highlighted. In addition, the molecular mechanisms by which FOXM1 regulates prostate cancer development and progression were described, thereby providing knowledge and a conceptual framework for FOXM1. The present review also provided valuable insight into the inherent challenges associated with translating biomedical knowledge into effective therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.

6-Pentyl-α-Pyrone from Trichoderma gamsii Exert Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Mouse Macrophages.

Filamentous fungi produce several beneficial secondary metabolites, including bioactive compounds, food additives, and biofuels. Trichoderma, which is a teleomorphic Hypocrea that falls under the taxonomic groups Ascomycota and Dikarya, is an extensively studied fungal genus. In an ongoing study that seeks to discover bioactive natural products, we investigated potential bioactive metabolites from the methanolic extract of cultured Trichoderma gamsii. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), one major compound was isolated and structurally identified as 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP) based on nuclear magnetic resonance data and LC-MS analysis. To determine its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as the underlying mechanisms, we treated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw264.7 mouse macrophages with 6PP. We found that 6PP suppresses LPS-induced increase in the levels of nitric oxide, a mediator of oxidative stress and inflammation, and restores LPS-mediated depletion of total glutathione by stabilizing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an antioxidative factor, and elevating heme oxygenase-1 levels. Furthermore, 6PP inhibited LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines, which are, at least in part, regulated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). 6PP suppressed proinflammatory responses by inhibiting the nuclear localization of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), as well as by dephosphorylating the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). These results indicate that 6PP can protect macrophages against oxidative stress and LPS-induced excessive inflammatory responses by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway while inhibiting the proinflammatory, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways.

Checkmeat: A Review on the Applicability of Conventional Meat Authentication Techniques to Cultured Meat.

The cultured meat industry is continuously evolving due to the collective efforts of cultured meat companies and academics worldwide. Though still technologically limited, recent reports of regulatory approvals for cultured meat companies have initiated the standards-based approach towards cultured meat production. Incidents of deception in the meat industry call for fool-proof authentication methods to ensure consumer safety, product quality, and traceability. The cultured meat industry is not exempt from the threats of food fraud. Meat authentication techniques based on DNA, protein, and metabolite fingerprints of animal meat species needs to be evaluated for their applicability to cultured meat. Technique-based categorization of cultured meat products could ease the identification of appropriate authentication methods. The combination of methods with high sensitivity and specificity is key to increasing the accuracy and precision of meat authentication. The identification of markers (both physical and biochemical) to differentiate conventional meat from cultured meat needs to be established to ensure overall product traceability. The current review briefly discusses some areas in the cultured meat industry that are vulnerable to food fraud. Specifically, it targets the current meat and meat product authentication tests to emphasize the need for ensuring the traceability of cultured meat.

Analysis of commercial fetal bovine serum (FBS) and its substitutes in the development of cultured meat.

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is an extremely important culture growth supplement, accounting for approximately 60 % of cell-culture-media costs; therefore, lowering FBS-acquisition costs for the industrialization of cultured meat is imperative. This study attempted to produce an FBS substitute using discarded livestock by-products, with particular focus on formulating a product with a composition similar to that of FBS to improve effectiveness. However, to date, no study has precisely analyzed the commercial components of FBS, and this study is the first to compare the chemical composition of FBS and commercially available horse serum purchased from the United States or Europe with that of FBS substitutes developed by our team. This study analyzed the chemical composition of the FBS products purchased by our team over the past 3 years via blood, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and independent composition analyses. While the composition and quality of commercial FBS products are known to vary, the FBS composition of our purchased products was relatively uniform regardless of company, brand, or country of origin. In contrast, FBS substitutes obtained from three major livestock species (cattle, pig, and chicken) clearly exhibited differences in composition, a phenomenon that was also observed upon comparing with FBS as well as among different species. Therefore, to replace commercial FBS entirely, the production of a proportionately effective substitute product comprising an equal or similar composition is required, and the results of this study can be a steppingstone to achieving this. In addition, FBS substitutes manufactured using inexpensive slaughter by-products as raw materials are expected to ultimately reduce the unit cost of cultured meat production.

Improved culture procedure for bovine muscle satellite cells for cultured meat.

Many researchers and companies around the world are reported to have developed cultured meat, but their specific techniques have rarely been disclosed. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide an improved procedure for cultured meat. There are four major steps in this cultured meat production: muscle cell isolation, proliferation, differentiation, and validation. The improved isolation enabled the efficient removal of unnecessary cells and tissues compared to previous procedures. In addition, proper use of basal media can improve the proliferation efficiency by about 2-fold. During the differentiation process, improved procedure was performed by using 10 % horse serum-containing media after 3 days of initial differentiation for myotube induction. This method demonstrated significantly enhanced myotube formation, up to 2.6-fold increase in area and up to 1.9-fold increase in fusion index compared to the previous method. This study provides a simple, improved procedure to enable more effective cultured meat production compared to previous procedures and is expected to help produce inexpensive and safe cultured meat.