INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
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2024
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IF 7.7
Linlin Gao,Qiuyue Hu,Xin Gao,Xiaoning Tang,Lincai Peng,Keli Chen,Heng Zhang
Nanocellulose is a kind of renewable natural polymer material with high specific surface area, high crystallinity, and strong mechanical properties. RC nanofibers (RCNFs) have attracted an increasing attention in various applications due to their high aspect ratio and good flexibility. Herein, a novel and facile strategy for RCNFs preparation with high-speed shear induced in urea solution through “bottom-up” approach was proposed in this work. Results indicated that the average diameter and yield of RCNF was approach to 136.67 nm and 53.3 %, respectively. Meanwhile, due to the regular orientation RC chains and arrangement micro-morphology, RCNFs exhibited high crystallinity, strong mechanical properties, stable thermal degradation performance, and excellent UV resistance. In this study, a novel regeneration process with high-speed shear induced was developed to produce RCNFs with excellent properties. This study paved a strategy for future low-energy production of nanofibers and high value-added conversion applications of agricultural waste.
研究领域:
材料科学
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生物质资源利用
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PubMed
高影响因子
ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
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2025
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IF 9.7
Hong-Fu Zhao,Si-Yi Han,Lu Xiao,Bo-Kang Yu,Ning Xia,Ying-Hua Zhang
Corn silk ( Zea mays L. ), an accessory product of maize, is an unconventional component with potential bioactive compounds. In this study, isoorientin was extracted from maize whiskers by ultrasound-assisted extraction, and the response surface optimization resulted in an extraction amount of 1.26 mg/g. A quantitative structure-effect relationship (QSAR) prediction model was developed, and the R 2 and RMSE of the XGBoost regression algorithm were 0.9582 and 0.01823, respectively. Interpretative analyses of the prediction model were carried out by using the SHAP visualization, which showed that the charge, structure, and lipid solubility of the molecules play a key role. Several anti-inflammatory compounds were screened by combining molecular docking and molecular dynamics. After oral toxicity testing, it was determined that isoorientin performed the best and had a semi-inhibitory concentration of 18.38 μg/mL. This study improves the high-value utilization of maize whiskers and provides a theoretical basis for the rapid screening of food-borne anti-inflammatory compounds.
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高影响因子
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
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2019
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IF 4.527
Yunyun Li,Jiaxun Guan,Jiating Zhao,Bai Li,Yu-feng Li,Yuxi Gao
Mercury (Hg) pollution seriously threatens food safety and has attracted global attention. Phytoextraction, due to its low cost, applicability, and environmental friendliness, is considered a new technology for clean-up of heavy metal contamination in the environment. However, the low bioavailability of Hg in polluted areas greatly limits the applicability of phytoextraction. Here, we compared the effects of six common chelating ligands on the absorption and transport of Hg in maize ( Zea mays L.), which has a high biomass and short growth cycle. The results showed that the root length and biomass of maize seedlings of the groups treated with the six chelating ligands (EDTA, iodide, ammonium, thiosulfate , thiocyanate, and thiocarbamide) did not change compared with those of the non-treated groups. Co-exposure to Hg and each chelating ligand markedly alleviated the inhibitory effect induced by Hg. Iodide treatment resulted in the lowest root Hg content and highest translocation factor (TF) value, while ammonium treatment gave rise to the highest shoot Hg concentration and lowest TF. Compared with other chelating ligands, thiosulfate exhibited the maximum alleviation of Hg toxicity and achieved the highest concentration of Hg in the roots and aerial parts. Moreover, the TF and Hg accumulation in the thiosulfate and Hg co-exposed group were much higher than those in the group exposed to Hg alone. This finding suggests that, among these common chelating ligands, thiosulfate compounds have great potential for Hg phytoextraction, while the others can immobilize Hg in polluted areas.
研究领域:
环境科学
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植物学
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
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2021
·Vol. 21
·期 6
·2287-2300
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IF 3.308
Kang Longfei,Zhang Guoqiao,Chu Guixin
Purpose Phosphorus (P) fertilization methods significantly affect soil P availability, transformation, and crops yield. However, contradictory or paradoxical results are often available, and debates about this issue have never ceased so far. Therefore, the aims of this study are to explore influences of different P application methods on availability and transformation of added P in drip-irrigated system, and the responses of maize P uptake and its agronomic performances to P fertigation are also investigated. Materials and methods Here, we conducted a pot and filed experiments in drip-irrigated calcareous soil. Treatments included different P sources (phosphoric acid; polyphosphoric acid) with basal and split repeated application manners. Results and discussion Compared to the basal application, the average values of C DGT -P (P concentrations tested via diffusive gradient in thin films technique), Olsen-P, water-soluble P, and in situ P in the split repeated P application increased by 23.7%, 10.2%, 16.5%, and 34.4%, respectively (pot experiment). Furthermore, the average values of labile P (resin P and NaHCO 3 -P) and moderately labile P (NaOH-P) with the repeated P addition increased by 19.7% and 12.6%, whereas the concentrations of non-labile P lowered by 19.3%, respectively, relative to basal application treatment (pot experiment). The same trend was obtained in field experiment, implying that complete repeated P addition significantly increased P availability, reduced soil P transformation, and decreased P fixation. Therefore, a better agronomic performance of maize (P uptake, grain yield, and phosphorus use efficiency) was achieved in the complete repeated P application rather than basal application. Besides, diffusive gradient in thin film technique (DGT) was proved to be an accurate and powerful approach in testing soil available P. Conclusions Our findings elucidate that repeated delivering P through fertigation method can be recommended as an effective P application strategy in drip-irrigated field, especially in semi-arid and arid regions. The feasibility of DGT method was certified and C DGT -P could well characterize plant-accessible P.
研究领域:
农业
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土壤学
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植物营养
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环境科学
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高影响因子
Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization
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2026
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IF 3.6
He Siqi,Chu Guangru,Wang Aijiao,Cui Liying,Wang Hongji,Liu Shengkai,Liu Zhiguo
Black corn ( Zea mays L.) cobs, an underutilized agricultural by-product, are a rich natural source of anthocyanins. In this study, a green and efficient extraction strategy was developed by integrating microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with a ternary deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of choline chloride, citric acid, and 1,4-butanediol (2:1:1, molar ratio). Process variables were optimized using response surface methodology, yielding a maximum total anthocyanin content (TAC) of 13.96 mg/g DW and a cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) yield of 3.62 mg/g DW. LC-MS/MS profiling identified 19 structurally diverse anthocyanin derivatives in the black corn cob extract. Compared with ethanol, the DES system significantly improved thermal stability, exhibiting slower degradation kinetics and greater pigment retention during heat treatment. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS⁺) showed markedly higher radical scavenging activity in DES-derived anthocyanins. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further revealed that DES treatment disrupted the lignocellulosic cell wall matrix, facilitating more complete release of phenolic compounds than ethanol extraction. These findings highlight ternary DES-MAE as a sustainable and effective approach for valorizing black corn cobs and producing stable, high-value natural pigments for applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Graphical
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
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2015
·Vol. 22
·期 14
·11109-11117
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IF 2.828
Zhang Ruichang,Zhang Haibo,Tu Chen,Hu Xuefeng,Li Lianzhen,Luo Yongming,Christie Peter
Toxicity of engineered nanoparticles on organisms is of concern worldwide due to their extensive use and unique properties. The impacts of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on seed germination and root elongation of corn ( Zea mays L.) and cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) were investigated in this study. The role of seed coats of corn in the mitigation toxicity of nanoparticles was also evaluated. ZnO NPs (1,000 mg L −1 ) reduced root length of corn and cucumber by 17 % ( p < 0.05) and 51 % ( p < 0.05), respectively, but exhibited no effects on germination. In comparison with Zn 2+ , toxicity of ZnO NPs on the root elongation of corn could be attributed to the nanoparticulate ZnO, while released Zn ion from ZnO could solely contribute to the inhibition of root elongation of cucumber. Zn uptake in corn exposed to ZnO NPs during germination was much higher than that in corn exposed to Zn 2+ , whereas Zn uptake in cucumber was significantly correlated with soluble Zn in suspension. It could be inferred that Zn was taken up by corn and cucumber mainly in the form of ZnO NPs and soluble Zn, respectively. Transmission electron microscope confirmed the uptake of ZnO NPs into root of corn. Although isolation of the seed coats might not be the principal factor that achieved avoidance from toxicity on germination, seed coats of corn were found to mitigate the toxicity of ZnO NPs on root elongation and prevent approximately half of the Zn from entering into root and endosperm.
研究领域:
植物学
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环境科学
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毒理学
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF CEREAL SCIENCE
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2019
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IF 2.452
Qi-Ji Shan,Jian-Hua Liu,Wu Li,Hong Wang,Xiao-Dan Hu,Tong Li,Jian-Guang Hu,Xin-Bo Guo,Rui Hai Liu
Waxy maize presents a series of changes during kernel development. In this study, contents and gene expression profiles of folate and vitamin C during kernel development of waxy maize were explored. Six inbreds, three colors of kernels, four developing periods and two planting seasons in the same experimental fields were analyzed. We found that contents of folate and vitamin C declined overall through four development periods in both seasons, while the manners of gene expression varied, responding to different weather conditions. Key genes in synthetic pathways of folate and vitamin C corresponded to the variation of their contents. GTP cyclohydrolase ( GTPCH ) played an important role in the biosynthesis of folate and vitamin C during kernel development. Another key gene, dehydroascorbate reductase ( DHAR ), was associated with the dynamic balance of vitamin C pool in responding to weather. Considering the contents and gene expression of folate and vitamin C, results indicated that appropriate conditions (temperature, humidity, rainfall and radiation) could facilitate the kernel development of waxy maize. Furthermore, coordinate regulation might happen between the biosynthesis of folate and vitamin C. This study promoted a better understanding of the reason for choosing kernels from mid-late period of development in waxy maize harvest.
研究领域:
植物学
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营养学
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分子生物学
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高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
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2017
·Vol. 18
·期 6
·1246
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IF 3.226
Nan Xiang,Xinbo Guo,Fengyuan Liu,Quan Li,Jianguang Hu,Charles Stephen Brennan
Sweet corn is one of the most widely planted crops in China. Sprouting of grains is a new processes to increase the nutritional value of grain products. The present study explores the effects of light on the nutritional quality of sweet corn sprouts. Gene expression of phenolic biosynthesis, phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity were studied. Two treatments (light and dark) were selected and the morphological structure of sweet corn sprouts, as well as their biochemical composition were investigated to determine the effects of light on the regulation of genes responsible for nutritional compounds. Transcription analyses for three key-encoding genes in the biosynthesis of the precursors of phenolic were studied. Results revealed a negative regulation in the expression ofZmPALwith total phenolic content (TPC) in the light group. TPC and total flavonoid content (TFC) increased during germination and this was correlated with an increase in antioxidant activity (r= 0.95 and 1.0). The findings illustrate that the nutritional value of sweet corn for the consumer can be improved through germination to the euphylla stage.Keywords:germination;sweet corn;phenolic biosynthesis;antioxidant activity
研究领域:
植物科学
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营养学
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分子生物学
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食品科学
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PubMed
高影响因子
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
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2018
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IF 5.158
Heng Zhang,Keli Chen,Xin Gao,Quanqing Han,Lincai Peng
In this study, an improved facile cellulose dissolution with low chemical concentration process was used for preparing corn stalk pith regenerated cellulose (RC) films. The conventional method usually requires 68% zinc chloride solution for cellulose dissolution. The objective of this study is produced corn stalk pith RC films by using a low-concentration zinc chloride solution with improved thermal stability. The major weight loss peak temperature of RC films was increased from 231 °C to 307 °C as the crystallinity indexes increased from 48.30% to 53.19% by decreased the concentration of zinc chloride solution from 65% to 45%, respectively. The increased thermal stability can create new opportunities for the development of RC films dissolving by zinc chloride solution.
研究领域:
材料科学
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植物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
FOOD CONTROL
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2025
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IF 6.3
Gang Yang,Xinrui Zhang,Muying Du,Kewei Chen,András Nagy,Krisztina Takács,Ferenc Hegyi,Amel Ahmed Ibrahim,Nassra Dabour,Sameh Awad,Zsolt Zalán,Jianquan Kan
Corn is highly susceptible to pathogen invasion, such as Aspergillus flavus , leading to aflatoxin contamination and posing a significant threat to food safety. Yeasts are widely applied in the food industry, and the use of yeasts for pathogen control as an alternative to physical and chemical methods has gained increasing attention. Previous studies have investigated the aflatoxin-degrading capability of Geotrichum candidum XG1 (an unconventional yeast), but its antifungal activity and application potential have not been explored. In this study, the antifungal activity of G. candidum XG1 was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo , and its impact on corn quality was investigated. The mechanisms and safety of the yeast were also further examined. The results indicated that G. candidum XG1 significantly inhibited A. flavus , reducing the fungus and aflatoxin contamination by over 90% on corn. A 75-day storage experiment assessing changes in corn color, starch, protein, fat, and fatty acid values revealed that G. candidum XG1 had minimal impact on corn quality. Compared to the control group (infected with A. flavus ), it significantly reduced the quality deterioration caused by A. flavus invasion. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified phenylethyl alcohol as a key compound involved in the antifungal activity of the yeast. Phenylethyl alcohol inhibited A. flavus by affecting its cell morphology, energy metabolism, and defense systems. Safety evaluations, including whole-genome sequencing and animal trials, confirmed the safety of the strain. This study provides valuable insights into the application of antagonists like G. candidum XG1 for controlling pathogen in corn.
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