Chlorophyll (Chl), the most widely distributed natural pigment in nature, is limited in use due to its poor stability. This study refers to the aggregation structure of Chl and carotene (Car) in natural photosynthetic systems, hoping to improve the photostability of Chl by constructing Chl/Car aggregates. The stability protection effect of Car on Chl was explored by designing different ratios of Chl and Car aggregation systems. The configuration of Chl/Car aggregates was optimized through ab initio molecular dynamics, and the aggregation mechanism of the aggregates and the photoprotection mechanism of Chl by Car were elucidated through quantum chemical calculations and wave function analysis. Chl/Car had a 27.22% higher Chl retention rate than free Chl after 7 d of illumination, with a Chl to Car ratio of 1.66:1. A configuration of the Chl/Car aggregates which Car's conjugated olefin chain interacts extensively with the porphyrin ring and bent phytyl chain of Chl made them more stable. The photoprotective mechanism of Car on Chl in the Chl/Car aggregates is elucidated. Car's conjugated polyene chain provides HOMO orbitals to the Chl/Car aggregates. It demonstrated that Car supplies electrons in the low-lying excited states S2 and S4, indicating it is more susceptible to damage, protecting Chl. This research will promote the development of natural color formulas and ensure the health of consumers.

Curcumin compounds are important bioactive compounds in ginger, yet their analysis is limited by their low concentrations. In the current research, a highly sensitive and reliable approach for simultaneous quantitative detection of three curcumin compounds in ginger samples was established using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The extraction solvent, volume of extraction solvent, sonication time, and oscillation time were optimized by a single factor experiment. The method validation results showed that the regression coefficients were higher than 0.9990, and the linearity was satisfactory. Matrix effects were negligible with the values of 94.6%–98.8%. The recovery at three spiking levels was between 81.7% and 100.0%, and the precision was less than 5.4%. The approach could be used to determine the curcumin components in ginger samples since the results demonstrate that it is easy to use, practicable, repeatable, and accurate.

The dissolution patterns of different teas determine the sensory quality and health attributes of the tea infusion. In this study, the chemical profiles of two typical selenium-enriched green teas, Xiazhou Bifeng (Se-BF), Enshi Yulu (Se-YL), and their corresponding regular green teas (BF and YL) were determined. Under the application of selenium fertilizer, the contents of caffeine, polyphenols, and gallic acid decreased, while the contents of theaflavins, theabrownins, and chlorophylls increased. The selenium content in BF and YL is 0.05−0.16 mg/kg and 0.33−0.43 mg/kg respectively, while after the application of exogenous selenium, the selenium content in Se-BF and Se-YL reached 1.28 to 2.17 mg/kg and 0.37−2.23 mg/kg respectively. The dissolution patterns of Se-BF and Se-YL were investigated under different brewing conditions (temperature and duration), and the main components of Se-YL were more easily dissolved out than Se-BF, which might be attributed to the steaming process of Se-YL. Based on the sensory evaluation of tea infusion, 100 °C and 5 min were the optimal brewing conditions. Based on a daily tea consumption model, the increased brewing time reduced the content of dissolved components in tea infusions, along with the decreased in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. Collectively, Se-YL demonstrated superior sensory and nutritional attributes compared to Se-BF. This study explored the influence of brewing conditions on the dissolution patterns and in vitro bioactivities of selenium-enriched green teas, providing guidance for scientific tea brewing and consumption.

Gut microbiota-associated metabolites can be synthesized endogenously or derived from dietary nutrients and host compounds. Among them, alkaloids, terpenes, and flavones originating from edible and medicinal foods have attracted remarkable interest recently and play crucial roles in metabolic diseases. The efficacy of these metabolites is susceptible to dietary intervention, especially after food processing. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the different sources of common gut microbial metabolites, including microbial self-synthesis, biodegradation of exogenous substances (mainly dietary nutrients), and participation in host metabolism. In addition, the latest studies on novel metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids are discussed, and their action mechanisms on metabolic diseases are elaborated. How food processing impacts dietary nutrients and their metabolites is carefully examined, as well as their effects on disease modification. These insights could contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which diet efficacy helps prevent metabolic diseases, particularly through gut microbial metabolites.

International audience | The human intestine is home to a complex bacterial community known as the gut microbiota. This microbiota performs functions that are essential for maintaining our health, and has been shown to influence the host's physiology and metabolism. As a result, dysregulation of this intestinal microbiota, known as dysbiosis, could be implicated in the development of various diseases. However, studies analysing the microbiota rarely assess causality, which can be demonstrated by using germ-free (GF) animals and transplanting microbiota. Using these strategies, it has been shown that the intestinal microbiota may play a causal role in the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders, particularly liver diseases, including Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and Alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Indeed, by transplanting the gut microbiota from mice with or without MASLD to GF mice, we showed that the propensity to develop MASLD features including hyperglycaemia or steatosis is transmissible by the gut microbiota. Regarding ALD, we first showed that a specific dysbiosis is present in alcoholic patients with a severe alcoholic hepatitis. GF mice colonized with the gut microbiota from a patient with severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) developed more severe liver inflammation and higher liver necrosis, than GF mice colonized with the gut microbiota from an alcoholic patient without AH.In conclusion, we demonstrated that the individual susceptibility to liver diseases is driven, at least partly, by differences in intestinal microbiota composition. Our findings open new avenues for diagnostic procedures based on personalised medicine by the identification of patients at high risk of developing liver diseases. They also open new possibilities for liver diseases prevention and treatment through intestinal microbiota manipulation.

peer reviewed | Soybean is a crucial component of animal feed, especially for poultry and monogastric animals, because of its high protein and amino acid content. However, dependence on soybeans—particularly imported varieties—poses challenges, including price volatility and concerns regarding GMOs. Organic farming, which prohibits GMOs, faces even higher costs to source non-GMO soybean meal. To address these issues, alternative protein sources such as insects are attracting interest. Insects provide a rich supply of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, offering a sustainable substitute for both soybean and fishmeal. Key insect candidates for feed include the black soldier fly, housefly, and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM). Research indicates that insect meal can replace traditional feed sources without reducing productivity. This study, conducted at a poultry farm in Chemini, Bejaia, Algeria, examined 36 Isa-Brown laying hens, 40 weeks old. The hens were divided into 12 pens (3 control and 9 experimental), with experimental groups receiving feed supplemented with 1% (TM1), 2% (TM2), or 4% (TM4) mealworms. Over a four-week period, egg quality (physical and chemical properties) and feed conversion efficiency were evaluated. Data analysis, performed using SAS software with a significance threshold of P<0.05, revealed no significant differences in laying rates (P=0.48), although the TM4 group showed a slightly lower rate. However, TM4 achieved the best feed conversion ratio (P=0.03). Egg quality parameters, including weight and shell characteristics, remained consistent across all groups, with no significant differences in cholesterol or essential fatty acids. Incorporating mealworms into poultry feed thus appears to improve feed efficiency while maintaining egg quality, although there was a slight reduction in laying performance at higher inclusion rates. The relatively small sample size, however, limits the generalizability of these findings. | Le soja est un composant essentiel de l'alimentation animale, en particulier pour la volaille et les animaux monogastriques, en raison de sa teneur élevée en protéines et en acides aminés. Cependant, la dépendance au soja – en particulier aux variétés importées – pose des défis, notamment en termes de volatilité des prix et de préoccupations liées aux OGM. L’agriculture biologique, qui interdit les OGM, se heurte à des coûts encore plus élevés pour se procurer du tourteau de soja non-OGM. Afin de résoudre ces problèmes, des sources alternatives de protéines, telles que les insectes, suscitent de plus en plus d'intérêt. Les insectes offrent un apport riche en protéines, lipides, vitamines et minéraux, constituant une alternative durable au soja et à la farine de poisson. Parmi les insectes les plus prometteurs pour l’alimentation animale figurent la mouche soldat noire, la mouche domestique et le ver de farine jaune (Tenebrio molitor, TM). La recherche indique que la farine d'insectes peut remplacer les sources d'alimentation traditionnelles sans diminuer la productivité. Cette étude, menée dans une ferme avicole à Chemini, Béjaïa, en Algérie, a examiné 36 poules pondeuses Isa-Brown âgées de 40 semaines. Les poules ont été réparties dans 12 enclos (3 enclos témoins et 9 expérimentaux), les groupes expérimentaux recevant un aliment enrichi en vers de farine à raison de 1 % (TM1), 2 % (TM2) ou 4 % (TM4). Sur une période de quatre semaines, la qualité des œufs (caractéristiques physiques et chimiques) et l'efficacité de conversion alimentaire ont été évaluées. L'analyse des données, effectuée à l'aide du logiciel SAS avec un seuil de signification de P<0,05, n'a révélé aucune différence significative dans les taux de ponte (P=0,48), bien que le groupe TM4 ait montré un taux légèrement inférieur. Cependant, le groupe TM4 a obtenu le meilleur indice de conversion alimentaire (P=0,03). Les paramètres de qualité des œufs, y compris le poids et les caractéristiques de la coquille, sont restés constants dans tous les groupes, sans différences significatives au niveau du cholestérol ou des acides gras essentiels. L'incorporation de vers de farine dans l'alimentation des poules pondeuses semble donc améliorer l'efficacité alimentaire tout en maintenant la qualité des œufs, bien qu'une légère réduction de la performance de ponte ait été observée aux taux d'inclusion les plus élevés. Toutefois, la taille relativement réduite de l'échantillon limite la généralisation de ces résultats. | يُعتبر فول الصويا مكونًا أساسيًا في تغذية الحيوانات، وخاصةً الدواجن والحيوانات أحادية المعدة، نظرًا لمحتواه العالي من البروتين والأحماض الأمينية. ومع ذلك، فإن الاعتماد على فول الصويا – خاصةً الأصناف المستوردة – يطرح تحديات، بما في ذلك تقلب الأسعار والمخاوف المتعلقة بالكائنات المعدلة وراثيًا (OGM). كما تواجه الزراعة العضوية، التي تحظر استخدام الكائنات المعدلة وراثيًا، تكاليف أعلى للحصول على كُسب فول الصويا غير المعدل وراثيًا. وللتغلب على هذه المشكلات، تكتسب مصادر البروتين البديلة، مثل الحشرات، اهتمامًا متزايدًا. فالحشرات تُقدم مصدرًا غنيًا بالبروتينات والدهون والفيتامينات والمعادن، مما يجعلها بديلاً مستدامًا لفول الصويا وطحين السمك. ومن بين الحشرات الواعدة لتغذية الحيوانات نجد الذبابة الجندية السوداء، وذبابة المنزل، ودودة الطحين الصفراء (تينبريو موليتور، TM). وتشير الأبحاث إلى أن طحين الحشرات يمكنه استبدال المصادر الغذائية التقليدية دون التأثير على الإنتاجية. أُجريت هذه الدراسة في مزرعة دواجن بمنطقة شَمّيني، ولاية بجاية، الجزائر، واشتملت على 36 دجاجة بياضة من نوع Isa-Brown بعمر 40 أسبوعًا. تم توزيع الدجاجات على 12 حظيرة (3 حظائر كمجموعة ضابطة و9 حظائر كمجموعات تجريبية)، حيث تلقت المجموعات التجريبية علفًا مُضافًا إليه ديدان الطحين بنسبة 1% (TM1)، 2% (TM2) أو 4% (TM4). وعلى مدار فترة أربعة أسابيع، تم تقييم جودة البيض (الخصائص الفيزيائية والكيميائية) وكفاءة تحويل العلف. أظهرت نتائج التحليل الإحصائي، الذي أُجري باستخدام برنامج SAS مع مستوى دلالة P<0.05، عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في معدلات البيض (P=0.48)، على الرغم من أن مجموعة TM4 أظهرت معدلًا أقل قليلًا. ومع ذلك، حققت مجموعة TM4 أفضل معدل تحويل غذائي (P=0.03). بقيت خصائص جودة البيض، بما في ذلك الوزن وخصائص القشرة، متناسقة بين جميع المجموعات دون فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في مستويات الكوليسترول أو الأحماض الدهنية الأساسية. يبدو أن إدماج ديدان الطحين في علف الدجاج البياض يحسن كفاءة التغذية مع الحفاظ على جودة البيض، رغم حدوث انخفاض طفيف في أداء وضع البيض عند معدلات الإضافة الأعلى. ومع ذلك، فإن حجم العينة الصغير نسبيًا يحد من إمكانية تعميم هذه النتائج.