Research Topic: food safety

Surface Display of Multiple Metal-Binding Domains in Deinococcus radiodurans Alleviates Cadmium and Lead Toxicity in Rice

Scientists created genetically engineered bacteria (Deinococcus radiodurans) that can grab and absorb harmful heavy metals like cadmium and lead from soil and water. When these specially designed bacteria colonize rice plant roots, they protect the plants from metal toxicity by removing metals from the environment and boosting the plant’s natural defense systems. This approach could help make rice safer to eat by preventing dangerous metal accumulation in crops grown in contaminated areas.

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The role of Micro-biome engineering in enhancing Food safety and quality

Microbiome engineering uses advanced biotechnology to strategically modify helpful bacteria in food to make it safer and higher quality. By using tools like CRISPR gene editing and engineering beneficial probiotics, scientists can prevent food spoilage, reduce harmful bacteria, improve nutrition, and create better-tasting foods. These innovations could reduce reliance on synthetic preservatives and chemicals while addressing global food safety challenges and helping combat malnutrition.

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Cumulative exposure of xenobiotics of emerging concern from agrifood under the One Health approach (XENOBAC4OH)

This research programme examines how harmful chemicals from industry and agriculture accumulate in our food supply and environment. Scientists used a ‘One Health’ approach that considers impacts on humans, animals, and ecosystems together. They tested methods to measure chemical contamination in water and soil, studied how bacteria might break down pollutants, and investigated how different farming practices affect the safety of food crops like tomatoes.

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Enhancing the Substrate Adaptability of Laccase through Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction for Applications in Mycotoxin Detoxification

Researchers used evolutionary analysis to redesign a fungal enzyme called laccase to better detoxify harmful mold toxins found in grains. The new engineered enzyme (LacANC278) can break down both aflatoxin and zearalenone toxins much more effectively than the original enzyme, and converts them into less harmful substances. This enzyme works without expensive helper chemicals and works well at room temperature, making it practical for treating contaminated corn and other grains.

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Olive mill solid waste induces beneficial mushroom-specialized metabolite diversity revealed by computational metabolomics strategies

This study shows how adding olive mill waste to mushroom growing substrate can increase beneficial compounds in mushrooms while reducing harmful toxins. Researchers grew two types of edible mushrooms (lion’s mane and king oyster) on substrate containing different amounts of olive mill waste and used advanced chemical analysis to identify how the waste affected the mushrooms’ medicinal compounds. Adding olive mill waste increased healthy compounds like hericenones and erinacerins while decreasing toxic enniatin compounds, potentially creating safer and more nutritious mushrooms for consumers.

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Advances and Challenges in Smart Packaging Technologies for the Food Industry: Trends, Applications, and Sustainability Considerations

Smart food packaging is evolving from simple containers into intelligent systems that actively protect food and communicate its freshness to consumers. These packages use special materials, embedded sensors, and smart labels to monitor temperature, detect spoilage early, and provide real-time tracking information. While these technologies promise fresher food, longer shelf life, and reduced waste, they face challenges including cost, environmental impact, and privacy concerns that need to be addressed for widespread adoption.

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Application of a Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Zein and Cellulose Nanocrystalline Composite Particles to Preserve Kiwifruit

Researchers developed a new type of protective coating for kiwifruit that prevents fungal decay and extends shelf life. This coating is made from natural materials (corn protein and cellulose nanoparticles) combined with carvacrol, a natural antimicrobial compound. The coating is stable, effective, and safe for human consumption, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical fungicides for preserving fresh fruits.

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Selected rhizobacteria strains improved the tolerance of Vicia faba plants to microcystins contaminated irrigation water and reduced human health risk

Farmers in semi-arid regions like Morocco often irrigate crops with water containing toxic cyanobacterial compounds called microcystins, which accumulate in food crops and harm human health. This study showed that inoculating faba bean plants with beneficial soil bacteria, particularly Achromobacter marplatensis, reduced microcystin accumulation in plants by 36% and promoted healthier plant growth despite contaminated water. The approach offers an affordable, sustainable solution to protect food crops in areas with microcystin-contaminated irrigation water.

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Safe Meat, Smart Science: Biotechnology’s Role in Antibiotic Residue Removal

Antibiotics used to treat sick animals can leave residues in meat that contribute to dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria affecting human health. This review explores cutting-edge biotechnology solutions like rapid detection sensors, engineered enzymes, and bacterial viruses that can identify and eliminate these harmful residues. When combined with smarter antibiotic use on farms, these technologies offer practical ways to make meat safer and protect public health.

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Development of Active Antibacterial CEO/CS@PLA Nonwovens and the Application on Food Preservation

Researchers created special biodegradable packaging material made from corn-based plastic combined with chitosan (from crab shells) and cinnamon oil. When placed over fresh strawberries, this material killed 99.99% of harmful bacteria and significantly extended shelf life. The packaging reduced strawberry decay, weight loss, and spoilage while maintaining nutritional quality.

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