Food Biotechnology Commons^™

The Cultivation Of Public Perception: Cultivated Meat Narratives And Misinformation On Tiktok, Anna M. Balkus

Graduate Masters Theses

Cultivated meat is an emerging tissue engineering technology that has the potential to address major issues threatening food systems, including climate change, rapid population growth, and the spread of disease. Among technical challenges, public perception remains a significant barrier for the widespread adoption of cultivated meat. While social media has transformed communication globally, it has simultaneously contributed to corrupt online environments infected with misinformation—unintentional inaccuracies that differ from disinformation, which is spread with the intent to mislead. The way the public receives and digests information regarding new food technologies, like cultivated meat, will be shaped by their social media environment. …

Advancing Targeted Food Allergen Detection: Extraction Optimization And Sample Preparation Method Comparison Using Lc-Ms/Ms, Zhenhao Wang

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Accurate quantification of food allergens in processed foods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) requires effective protein extraction and sample cleanup. However, no single sample preparation workflow has shown consistent performance across diverse food matrices. This study evaluated extraction buffer formulations and post-extraction cleanup strategies for quantification of milk, soy, and peanut allergens in multiple processed food matrices.

Six extraction buffers with varying combinations of SDS, urea, and thiourea alongside a common Tris-HCl/DTT/PVPP base were evaluated across five food matrices. No significant differences in extraction efficiency were observed among buffer formulations for nonfat dry milk (NFDM), non-roasted soy flour, peanut …

Cross-Facility Reliable Deep Learning Based Beef Marbling Assessment Via Unsupervised Domain Adaptation Regression, Samuel Vinson

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Inconsistent quality grading in beef production leads to inefficiencies, economic disparity, and consumer mistrust. While USDA meat grading traditionally relies on skilled visual inspectors, these human evaluations suffer from cross-facility variability and subjectivity. This paper introduces the first known application of unsupervised domain adaptation regression for cross-facility beef marbling score prediction—an innovation that improves generalization across diverse environments in the beef supply chain. Utilizing numerical scores ranging from 100-900, the research employed convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including ResNet, VGG, and AlexNet architectures. The study specifically introduced and validated a unified unsupervised domain adaptation regression method using the ResNet-50 architecture to …

Detection And Quantification Of Allergen Cross-Contact In Shared Frying Oil Using Targeted Mass Spectrometry, Francisca Asigri

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Cow’s milk and egg allergies are prevalent IgE-mediated food allergies that pose significant public health concerns worldwide. Although strict avoidance remains the primary management strategy, unintended exposure can still occur through allergen cross-contact, particularly in commercial and industrial food operations that utilize shared frying oils. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify allergen transfer in shared frying oil and assess the robustness of existing targeted mass spectrometry methods (LC-MS/MS) for detecting milk and egg proteins in heated oil matrices.

Heated oil spikes were developed by incorporating non-fat dry milk (NFDM) and whole egg powder (WEP) into oil …

From Waste To Sustainability: Exploring Consumer Purchase Intentions Of Milk Enriched With Upcycled Peanut Skins, Peng Lu, Fan Xu, Jennifer Waldeck, Keith Weber, Hualu Zhou

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Highlights

• National survey investigated consumer acceptance of milk enriched with upcycled peanut skins.
• Developed a conceptual model based on Technology Acceptance Model.
• Identified that consumer attitudes and emotions are essential in the purchase intentions of upcycled foods.
• Identified social influence as a determinator of consumers' attitudes and purchase intentions.
• Inform and advance research, practice, and policy that promotes upcycled food products.

Predicting Male Flowering Time In Maize Using Machine Learning Technique, Dipok Deb

Data Science and Data Mining

This study compares three machine learning approaches—Elastic Net, Principal Component Regression (PCR), and Partial Least Squares (PLS)—for variable selection and prediction within a high-dimensional Maize-GWAS framework. The goal was to accurately predict the complex polygenic trait of time to male flowering while managing the challenges of numerous, highly correlated genetic markers. The ENET model, which combines l1 and l2 penalties, delivered the highest predictive accuracy and successfully identified a select subset of the most influential genetic variants. In contrast, PCR and PLS, both utilizing dimension reduction, offered a significant advantage in computational speed and model stability. The findings confirm that …

Research Progress In Antagonistic Bacteria Against Staphylococcus Aureus, Caiqi Wang, Yuansong Ma, Xinrui Zhao, Pei Zhou, Sifan Lu, Yuxin Li, Yinbiao Xu

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

Staphylococcus aureus,a common Gram-positive foodborne pathogen,is ubiquitous in the human skin and respiratory tract.It can cause pneumonia,pleurisy,endocarditis,food poisoning,sepsis and other infectious diseases.The widespread and long-term use of antibiotics has aggravated the antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus.In particular,the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains has greatly reduced the therapeutic effect.Therefore,developing new antibacterial means to replace or assist existing antibiotics has become an urgent need.Microbial natural products are important resources for the development of new antibiotics,and antagonistic microorganisms play an important role.This paper reviewed the species of antagonistic bacteria against Staphylococcus aureus,the types of antibacterial active substances,and the commonly used screening methods of …

Probiotics Regulate Gut Microbiota And Immune Homeostasis To Prevent And Treat Food Allergy : A Review, Yao Chen, Zumeng Xia, Yijin Yang, Lianzhong Ai, Guangqiang Wang, Yan Zhang, Zhen Luo, Yong Zhou, Yongjun Xia

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

Food allergy (FA) is a common immunological disorder,and its pathogenesis is primarily associated with a complex regulatory process involving CD 4+ T cells in the immune system,such as the polarization of Th 2 cells and the imbalance between Treg/Th 17 cells.The balance of intestinal immune cells plays a critical role in the development of FA,while dysbiosis of the gut microbiota may disrupt this balance,thereby contributing to the onset of FA.Probiotic intervention targeting the gut microbiota can directly or indirectly influence the functions of immune cells to regulate immune responses,representing a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of FA.The authors …

Research Progress Of Gc-Ms-Based Metabolomics In Fermented Cereal Foods, Haichen Liu, Chang Liu, Hongyan Huo, Hui Xu, Shunxi Zhu, Lei Liu, Kui Zou

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

As an emerging discipline,metabolomics has gradually become the focus of food science research.Among numerous metabolomics analysis methods,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS ) has attracted much attention for its wide application.Fermented cereal foods occupy an important position in global dietary culture and are an indispensable type of foods in peopl e’s daily lives.The author reviewed the application of GC-MS based metabolomics for the development of fermented cereal foods,covering sample preparation,metabolite extraction,data analysis,and practical application in fermented cereal foods.Moreover,this paper elaborated on the advantages and limitations of GC-MS-based metabolomics in fermentation,aiming to provide a reference for further exploring the principles of food fermentation …

Mechanism Of The Effect Of Microwave Heating On The Degradation Of Fructans In Steamed Cakes Prepared With Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Xiaoyue Ying, Yuan Tao, Yuan Yuan, Ziting Li, Bowen Yan, Jianxin Zhao, Wei Chen, Daming Fan

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aimed to investigate the effect of microwave heating on the fructan mass fraction in steamed cakes prepared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and elucidate the molecular mechanism of the activation of invertase by microwave.[Method ] Steamed cakes were prepared under varying microwave power density (3.40~5.10 W/g ) and heating time (2~5 min ),and the fructan mass fraction was compared between steamed cakes prepared by microwave heating and conventional steaming.The activity of invertase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was measured under microwave heating and water bath heating conditions.Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the invertase-kestose interactions under microwave fields.[Result ] …

Differences In Important Chemical Components And Free Radical Scavenging Activities Of The Ginger Germplasm Resources From Fujian, Meichun Chen, Enquan Lin, Xuefang Zheng, Zuliang Li, Bo Liu, Jieping Wang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to analyze the important chemical components of different ginger germplasm resources from Fujian and evaluate their comprehensive quality and free radical scavenging activities.[Method ] Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS ) and liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS ) were employed to determine the importance chemical components in 13 ginger germplasm resources.Differences in the chemical compounds were analyzed by the cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA ).The free radical scavenging activities of the ginger germplasm resources against ABTS+ were further evaluated.[Result ] A total of 65 chemical compounds were identified from the 13 ginger germplasm resources,including …

Cyanidin- 3-Glucoside Ameliorates Ocular Surface Dysfunction In Rats With Dry Eye Disease, Ke Zhang, Ziyu Liu, Zhangben Yao, Peng Zhang, Lei Tian, Ying Jie, Yong Wang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] Studies have shown that cyanidin- 3-glucoside (C3G),the main component of black rice anthocyanins,exhibits protective effects on retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE ) cells.However,there is a lack of in vivo evidence regarding the efficacy of C 3G in alleviating dry eye disease (DED ),which limits its application in ocular surface disorders.This study aims to investigate the protective effects of C 3G on DED in rats.[Method ] 24 Wistar rats were randomly assigned into control,model,and C 3G groups.In model and C 3G groups,a DED model was established by subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide (4 times daily for 28 d).The …

Analysis Of Polyphenol Composition And Antioxidant Activity Of Jujube Juice Fermented By Lactic Acid Bacteria By In Vitro Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion, Jiangning Zhang, Zheng Ye, Jiaqi Shen

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to investigate the variation rules of polyphenolic substances and antioxidant activity of jujube juice fermented by lactic acid bacteria after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion.[Method ] The mass fractions of total phenols,free phenols,and bound phenols,as well as the composition of polyphenolic substances and antioxidant activity in the jujube juice fermented by lactic acid bacteria (original jujube juice ) at different fermentation stages and in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestive fluids were determined and compared.[Result ] With prolonged fermentation time,the mass fractions of total phenolics in the original jujube juice and the gastric digestive fluid increased and …

Influences Of Different Withering Methods On The Quality Of Wuyi Rock Tea Produced From Rain-Soaked Leaves, Chengjiang Wei, Weijiang Sun, Zhechen Han, Peng Zhang, Weiwei Wu, Tao Wang, Qinglan Chen, Qi Lin, Jie Xu, Fuming Lin

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to investigate the effects of different withering methods on the quality of Wuyi rock tea produced from rain-soaked leaves.[Method ] The rain-soaked leaves of Wuyi Shuixian (Camellia sinensis ) were treated with three withering methods:comprehensive withering in a fermentation machine,natural withering,and withering in an automated withering equipment.Sensory evaluation,biochemical component detection,and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were employed to comparatively analyze the flavor compounds.[Result ] The tea samples processed by the automated withering equipment (PW) exhibited the highest overall quality,characterized by a rich floral and fruity aroma,as well as a mellow,brisk,and refreshing taste.Cluster …

Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Transformation And Immune Efficacy Of Black Ginseng Saponins, Kuo Wang, Bao Zhong, Mingran Luan, Fenglin Li, Zhongkui Lu, Guanran Wang, Kun Yao

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to elucidate the transformation process of black ginseng saponins and their immunomodulatory mechanisms.[Method ] An ultrasound-assisted enzymatic method was employed for the transformation of black ginseng saponins,and the mass concentration of black ginseng saponins was determined.Furthermore,the immunomodulatory effects of black ginseng saponins were investigated through animal experiments.[Result ] Under the conditions of an enzymatic hydrolysis temperature of 40 ℃,an enzyme mass fraction of 8%,enzymatic hydrolysis time of 60 min,and ultrasonic treatment time of 25 min,the mass concentration of black ginseng saponins increased from 1 615.40 μg/mL to 3 351.38 μg/mL,which represented an increase of 107.47%.The …

Degradation Of Nutrients In Corn Steep Liquor By Aspergillus Oryzae And Absorption Characteristics Of The Product, Xiaojie Wang, Chunrong Xia, Xiaolan Liu

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to explore the degradation patterns of nutrients in corn steep liquor by Aspergillus oryzae and the absorption characteristics of the product.[Method ] Aspergillus oryzae was used for the fermentation of corn steep liquor,and degradation patterns of nutrients were studied after fermentation for 1,3,5,7,9,and 11 d.Changes in amino acid mass fraction and peptide molecular mass distribution in corn steep liquor after fermentation for 7 d were measured.Furthermore,the resting cells of Auricularia heimuer mycelia were used to explore the absorption characteristics of the fermentation product of corn steep liquor.[Result ] As the fermentation time prolonged within 1~7 …

Screening And Identification Of Strains Of Lactic Acid Bacteria For Fermentation From Suancai In The Dai Ethnic Region Of Yunnan, Rui Wang, Jiawen Zhang, Lianqin Zhang, Xian Chen, Yan Chen, Cheng Zuo, Lixin Li, Yuhua Diao

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to screen the strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB ) suitable for Suancai fermentation.[Method ] Traditional fermented Suancai from the Dai ethnic region of Yunnan was used as the research samples for the isolation and purification of LAB.The purified isolates were evaluated for fermentation characteristics,including nitrite degradation,acid production,acid resistance,and salt tolerance.Additionally,the antimicrobial activity,antibiotic susceptibility,hemolytic activity,and amino acid decarboxylase activity were assessed to identify dominant strains.[Result ] A total of 208 LAB strains were isolated from 40 Suancai samples.Preliminary screening based on nitrite degradation identified 20 strains with high efficiency,and 16S rDNA sequencing identified 15 strains …

Antioxidant And Anti-Fatigue Properties Of Malus Spectabilis Fruit Polysaccharides In Mice, Zhilin Wen, Ming Li

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aimed to explore the antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties of Malus spectabilis fruit polysaccharides (MPPs ) and analyze the structure-activity relationships.[Method ] Two types of MPPs were prepared via acidic (AC-MPC ) and alkaline (AL-MPC ) extraction methods.The polysaccharide composition was identified by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC ).The changes in mouse body mass,serum biochemical indicators,and exhaustive swimming time were measured to assess the in vivo antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects of MPPs.[Result ] Galacturonic acid was the main component in both types of MMPs,while AL-MPC had higher mass fraction of total polysaccharides.The in vivo experiments demonstrated that both …

Ultrasound-Assisted Dual-Enzyme Extraction Condition Optimization And Antioxidant Activity Evaluation Of Anthocyanins From Perilla Leaves, Wenting Zhu, Shiyun Wang, Qiaolin Zhu, Qi Cao, Yixin Zhang, Tianran Hong

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to comprehensively develop perilla and improve its utilization value.[Method ] Using perilla leaves as raw material,the effects of solid-liquid ratio,ethanol volume fraction,ultrasonic time,and enzymatic hydrolysis time on the mass fraction of anthocyanins in perilla leaves were studied.The ultrasound-assisted dual-enzyme extraction conditions for anthocyanins from perilla leaves were optimized by the response surface method.The antioxidant activity and phenol mass fraction of anthocyanins from perilla leaves were determined,and the main phenols were analyzed by chromatography.[Result ] The optimal extraction conditions of anthocyanins from perilla leaves were solid-liquid ratio of 1 g∶16 mL,ethanol volume fraction of 74%,ultrasonic time …

Immobilization Of Pseudomonas Fluorescens Lipase Onto Chitosan And Chitin-Based Carriers And Evaluation Of Its Hydrolytic Performance, Haoyu Zhong, Hongyu Qin, Jun Zhang, Kuntai Li, Qiuyu Xia, Shucheng Liu

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to construct chitosan and chitin-based carriers with hierarchical porous lamellar structures,systematically evaluate the immobilization effects of these carriers for Pseudomonas fluorescens lipase (PFL) and the performance of the immobilized enzyme in catalyzing the hydrolysis of fish oil.[Method ] Chitin/chitosan were modified via the sol-gel method to prepare the carriers for the binding with free PFL.The enzymatic properties of the immobilized PFL were then evaluated,and then analysed the hydrolysate composition of anchovy oil catalyzed by the immobilized PFL.[Result ] The modified carriers exhibited lamellar structures with abundant free amino groups on the surface,which facilitated covalent immobilization …