2026 Vol. 41, No. 5
2026, 41(5)
:1-12.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.001
Abstract:
【Objective】This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction process of crude Hexagonia apiaria polysaccharide (HAP) and to investigate its multiple in vitro biological activities, thereby broadening its potential applications in functional foods and healthcare. 【Methods】Hexagonia apiaria was used as the raw material, and HAP was extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction. The extraction process was optimized using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The in vitro biological activities of HAP were evaluated by radical scavenging, α-glucosidase inhibition, and macrophage assays.【Results】The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: ultrasonic power, 320 W; solid-to-liquid ratio, 1∶15.5; extraction temperature, 85.5 ℃; and extraction time, 56 min. Under these conditions, the HAP yield was (1.91±0.02)%. At 1 mg/mL, the DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging rates of HAP were (51.70±2.50)% and (78.51±1.42)%, respectively. At 2 mg/mL, the α-glucosidase inhibition rate of HAP reached (61.99±1.45)%, showing a concentration-dependent effect. At a mass concentration of 25 μg/mL, HAP inhibited the proliferation of the murine monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW264.7, with a relative cell proliferation rate of (77.28±4.73)%. Interestingly, at this concentration, HAP significantly promoted NO release from RAW264.7, with an NO release of (24.05±1.02) μmol/L, which was significantly higher than that in the positive control group ((12.52±0.69) μmol/L), indicating immunosuppression potential. 【Conclusion】HAP exhibits promising in vitro antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and immunostimulatory activities in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting its potential for development as a functional food or nutraceutical/pharmaceutical ingredient.
【Objective】This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction process of crude Hexagonia apiaria polysaccharide (HAP) and to investigate its multiple in vitro biological activities, thereby broadening its potential applications in functional foods and healthcare. 【Methods】Hexagonia apiaria was used as the raw material, and HAP was extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction. The extraction process was optimized using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The in vitro biological activities of HAP were evaluated by radical scavenging, α-glucosidase inhibition, and macrophage assays.【Results】The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: ultrasonic power, 320 W; solid-to-liquid ratio, 1∶15.5; extraction temperature, 85.5 ℃; and extraction time, 56 min. Under these conditions, the HAP yield was (1.91±0.02)%. At 1 mg/mL, the DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging rates of HAP were (51.70±2.50)% and (78.51±1.42)%, respectively. At 2 mg/mL, the α-glucosidase inhibition rate of HAP reached (61.99±1.45)%, showing a concentration-dependent effect. At a mass concentration of 25 μg/mL, HAP inhibited the proliferation of the murine monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW264.7, with a relative cell proliferation rate of (77.28±4.73)%. Interestingly, at this concentration, HAP significantly promoted NO release from RAW264.7, with an NO release of (24.05±1.02) μmol/L, which was significantly higher than that in the positive control group ((12.52±0.69) μmol/L), indicating immunosuppression potential. 【Conclusion】HAP exhibits promising in vitro antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and immunostimulatory activities in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting its potential for development as a functional food or nutraceutical/pharmaceutical ingredient.
2026, 41(5)
:13-24.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.002
Abstract:
【Objective】This study aimed to analyze the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of Artemisia argyi polysaccharides, thereby facilitating the high-value utilization of Artemisia argyi resources and the development of natural antioxidant functional ingredients.【Methods】Artemisia argyi polysaccharides were extracted by water extraction and ethanol precipitation. High-performance liquid chromatography and spectroscopic analysis were used to analyze their composition and structural characteristics. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, superoxide anion, hydroxyl, and ABTS+ radical scavenging assays. The cellular oxidative damage repair effect was assessed using an H2O2-induced oxidative damage model in the murine monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW264.7.【Results】The polysaccharides consisted of glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, xylose, and rhamnose at a molar ratio of 1.00∶0.26∶0.23∶0.19∶0.15∶0.13. Their weight-average molecular weight and polydispersity index were 25 934 Da and 1.211, respectively. At mass concentrations of 0.31~5.00 mg/mL, the scavenging capacities of the polysaccharides against DPPH, superoxide anion, hydroxyl, and ABTS+ radicals were concentration-dependent. The maximum ABTS+ radical scavenging rate reached 99.68%, which was comparable to that of ascorbic acid (VC). The polysaccharides showed no obvious cytotoxicity toward RAW264.7 cells. In the H2O2-induced oxidative damage model, the polysaccharides increased T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities from 0.17 U/mg protein, 1.21 U/mg protein, and 4.90 U/mg protein to 0.33 U/mg protein, 1.58 U/mg protein, and 8.88 U/mg protein, respectively, and decreased the MDA level from 15.92 nmol/mL to 8.89 nmol/mL in a concentration-dependent manner.【Conclusion】The obtained Artemisia argyi polysaccharides exhibited significant in vitro and intracellular antioxidant activity, exerting oxidative repair effects by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing lipid peroxidation, thus indicating their potential for development as natural antioxidants.
【Objective】This study aimed to analyze the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of Artemisia argyi polysaccharides, thereby facilitating the high-value utilization of Artemisia argyi resources and the development of natural antioxidant functional ingredients.【Methods】Artemisia argyi polysaccharides were extracted by water extraction and ethanol precipitation. High-performance liquid chromatography and spectroscopic analysis were used to analyze their composition and structural characteristics. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, superoxide anion, hydroxyl, and ABTS+ radical scavenging assays. The cellular oxidative damage repair effect was assessed using an H2O2-induced oxidative damage model in the murine monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW264.7.【Results】The polysaccharides consisted of glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, xylose, and rhamnose at a molar ratio of 1.00∶0.26∶0.23∶0.19∶0.15∶0.13. Their weight-average molecular weight and polydispersity index were 25 934 Da and 1.211, respectively. At mass concentrations of 0.31~5.00 mg/mL, the scavenging capacities of the polysaccharides against DPPH, superoxide anion, hydroxyl, and ABTS+ radicals were concentration-dependent. The maximum ABTS+ radical scavenging rate reached 99.68%, which was comparable to that of ascorbic acid (VC). The polysaccharides showed no obvious cytotoxicity toward RAW264.7 cells. In the H2O2-induced oxidative damage model, the polysaccharides increased T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities from 0.17 U/mg protein, 1.21 U/mg protein, and 4.90 U/mg protein to 0.33 U/mg protein, 1.58 U/mg protein, and 8.88 U/mg protein, respectively, and decreased the MDA level from 15.92 nmol/mL to 8.89 nmol/mL in a concentration-dependent manner.【Conclusion】The obtained Artemisia argyi polysaccharides exhibited significant in vitro and intracellular antioxidant activity, exerting oxidative repair effects by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing lipid peroxidation, thus indicating their potential for development as natural antioxidants.
2026, 41(5)
:25-36.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.003
Abstract:
Based on the accumulating evidence on plant polysaccharides in colitis intervention, this review summarizes recent advances in their anti-colitis mechanisms and structure-activity relationships. Current evidence indicates that plant polysaccharides can ameliorate experimental colitis by modulating signaling pathways involving the NLRP3 inflammasome, NF-κB, MAPK, NRF2/HO-1, PI3K/Akt, and JAK/STAT; reshaping the gut microbiota; promoting the production of microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs); and enhancing the intestinal mucosal barrier. Their anti-colitis activities are associated with molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, backbone structure, spatial conformation, uronic acid content, and structural modification. However, substantial heterogeneity in raw materials, extraction and purification procedures, structural characterization, and animal models makes it difficult to establish generalizable structure-activity relationships. Current evidence is still dominated by cell and animal studies, while clinical studies remain limited. Future studies should prioritize structure-guided fractionation, targeted modification, and conformational regulation of homologous polysaccharides; integrate multi-omics with gut microbial metabolism and barrier-function assessment to clarify the underlying mechanisms; and conduct clinical studies according to standardized protocols to promote the translational application of plant polysaccharides in functional foods and in the prevention and treatment of colitis.
Based on the accumulating evidence on plant polysaccharides in colitis intervention, this review summarizes recent advances in their anti-colitis mechanisms and structure-activity relationships. Current evidence indicates that plant polysaccharides can ameliorate experimental colitis by modulating signaling pathways involving the NLRP3 inflammasome, NF-κB, MAPK, NRF2/HO-1, PI3K/Akt, and JAK/STAT; reshaping the gut microbiota; promoting the production of microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs); and enhancing the intestinal mucosal barrier. Their anti-colitis activities are associated with molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, backbone structure, spatial conformation, uronic acid content, and structural modification. However, substantial heterogeneity in raw materials, extraction and purification procedures, structural characterization, and animal models makes it difficult to establish generalizable structure-activity relationships. Current evidence is still dominated by cell and animal studies, while clinical studies remain limited. Future studies should prioritize structure-guided fractionation, targeted modification, and conformational regulation of homologous polysaccharides; integrate multi-omics with gut microbial metabolism and barrier-function assessment to clarify the underlying mechanisms; and conduct clinical studies according to standardized protocols to promote the translational application of plant polysaccharides in functional foods and in the prevention and treatment of colitis.
2026, 41(5)
:37-49.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.004
Abstract:
【Objective】This study aimed to improve the pH stability and oral bioavailability of probiotics.【Methods】In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum ZP-6 (LP ZP-6) was used as a representative probiotic, and sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl cassava starch (CMS) were used as carrier materials to prepare SA-CMS composite gel beads efficiently embedding LP ZP-6 by the complex coacervation method. Single-factor and orthogonal experiments were conducted to optimize the embedding conditions of the SA-CMS composite gel beads, and the effects of the gel bead structure on the pH stability and in vitro survival rate of LP ZP-6 in simulated digestive fluids were investigated.【Results】Compared with SA gel beads, SA-CMS composite gel beads significantly improved the embedding rate of LP ZP-6, the survival rate of LP ZP-6 under different pH conditions, and the anti-swelling property of the gel beads. The highest embedding rate of LP ZP-6 by the SA-CMS composite gel beads (89.45%) was obtained when the concentrations of CMS, SA, and calcium chloride were 25 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, and 45 mg/mL, respectively. These gel beads significantly enhanced the pH stability and oral bioavailability of LP ZP-6, with the survival rate of LP ZP-6 remaining above 80% after simulated digestion in vitro.【Conclusion】The SA-CMS composite gel beads can serve as an effective carrier for probiotics to enhance their pH stability and oral bioavailability.
【Objective】This study aimed to improve the pH stability and oral bioavailability of probiotics.【Methods】In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum ZP-6 (LP ZP-6) was used as a representative probiotic, and sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl cassava starch (CMS) were used as carrier materials to prepare SA-CMS composite gel beads efficiently embedding LP ZP-6 by the complex coacervation method. Single-factor and orthogonal experiments were conducted to optimize the embedding conditions of the SA-CMS composite gel beads, and the effects of the gel bead structure on the pH stability and in vitro survival rate of LP ZP-6 in simulated digestive fluids were investigated.【Results】Compared with SA gel beads, SA-CMS composite gel beads significantly improved the embedding rate of LP ZP-6, the survival rate of LP ZP-6 under different pH conditions, and the anti-swelling property of the gel beads. The highest embedding rate of LP ZP-6 by the SA-CMS composite gel beads (89.45%) was obtained when the concentrations of CMS, SA, and calcium chloride were 25 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, and 45 mg/mL, respectively. These gel beads significantly enhanced the pH stability and oral bioavailability of LP ZP-6, with the survival rate of LP ZP-6 remaining above 80% after simulated digestion in vitro.【Conclusion】The SA-CMS composite gel beads can serve as an effective carrier for probiotics to enhance their pH stability and oral bioavailability.
2026, 41(5)
:50-58,142.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.005
Abstract:
【Objective】This study aimed to improve the stability and sustained-release performance of benzyl alcohol.【Methods】Benzyl alcohol microcapsules were prepared using chitosan (CS) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) as composite wall materials. The preparation process was optimized by response surface methodology. The microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, and field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM). The sustained-release performance was investigated using three kinetic models: first-order kinetics, Higuchi kinetics, and Peppas kinetics.【Results】Using KGM dosage, Tween 80 dosage, and sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) dosage as independent variables and the loading efficiency of benzyl alcohol microcapsules as the dependent variable, response surface methodology was applied to determine the optimal preparation conditions: KGM, 0.10 g; Tween 80, 0.25 mL; and STP, 0.50 g. Under these conditions, the loading efficiency of the benzyl alcohol microcapsules reached 16.95%. FTIR showed that the characteristic absorption peaks of benzyl alcohol, CS, and KGM appeared at 1040 cm-1, 2880 cm-1, and 874 cm-1, respectively, confirming that all three components were present in the microcapsule system. SEM and FETEM revealed that the microcapsules exhibited a spherical morphology with granular protrusions. At both room temperature (20 ℃) and high temperature (80 ℃), the microcapsules significantly reduced the volatilization loss of benzyl alcohol, and their sustained-release process followed first-order and Peppas kinetic equations.【Conclusion】The thermal stability and sustained-release performance of benzyl alcohol were significantly improved after microencapsulation.
【Objective】This study aimed to improve the stability and sustained-release performance of benzyl alcohol.【Methods】Benzyl alcohol microcapsules were prepared using chitosan (CS) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) as composite wall materials. The preparation process was optimized by response surface methodology. The microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, and field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM). The sustained-release performance was investigated using three kinetic models: first-order kinetics, Higuchi kinetics, and Peppas kinetics.【Results】Using KGM dosage, Tween 80 dosage, and sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) dosage as independent variables and the loading efficiency of benzyl alcohol microcapsules as the dependent variable, response surface methodology was applied to determine the optimal preparation conditions: KGM, 0.10 g; Tween 80, 0.25 mL; and STP, 0.50 g. Under these conditions, the loading efficiency of the benzyl alcohol microcapsules reached 16.95%. FTIR showed that the characteristic absorption peaks of benzyl alcohol, CS, and KGM appeared at 1040 cm-1, 2880 cm-1, and 874 cm-1, respectively, confirming that all three components were present in the microcapsule system. SEM and FETEM revealed that the microcapsules exhibited a spherical morphology with granular protrusions. At both room temperature (20 ℃) and high temperature (80 ℃), the microcapsules significantly reduced the volatilization loss of benzyl alcohol, and their sustained-release process followed first-order and Peppas kinetic equations.【Conclusion】The thermal stability and sustained-release performance of benzyl alcohol were significantly improved after microencapsulation.
2026, 41(5)
:59-71.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.006
Abstract:
【Objective】This study aimed to optimize the processing conditions of braised squab prepared dishes and analyze their quality characteristics.【Methods】Chilled squabs were used to prepare braised squab prepared dishes. With sensory evaluation scores and texture properties as indicators, the processing conditions were optimized by single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, and the taste and aroma characteristics of the final product were analyzed.【Results】The optimal processing conditions for braised squab prepared dishes were determined as follows: salt addition amount, 1.4%; marination time, 3 h; braising temperature, 90 ℃; and braising time, 15 min. Under these conditions, a sensory evaluation score of 93 was obtained. A total of 17 free amino acids were detected in the final product, among which glutamic acid (TAV = 3.07) contributed directly to the umami taste of braised squab prepared dishes. In addition, 22 key volatile flavor compounds were identified, with aldehydes, terpenes, and esters being the predominant classes. Among them, hexanal, camphene, and vinyl hexanoate exhibited relatively high OAVs of 380.009, 82.798, and 77.598, respectively, which together formed an overall aroma profile characterized by a harmonious integration of fresh, spicy, and meaty notes.【Conclusion】The optimized processing conditions endowed the braised squab prepared dishes with desirable sensory quality, prominent umami taste, and a rich aroma profile, indicating their potential for application in standardized production and flavor quality control.
【Objective】This study aimed to optimize the processing conditions of braised squab prepared dishes and analyze their quality characteristics.【Methods】Chilled squabs were used to prepare braised squab prepared dishes. With sensory evaluation scores and texture properties as indicators, the processing conditions were optimized by single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, and the taste and aroma characteristics of the final product were analyzed.【Results】The optimal processing conditions for braised squab prepared dishes were determined as follows: salt addition amount, 1.4%; marination time, 3 h; braising temperature, 90 ℃; and braising time, 15 min. Under these conditions, a sensory evaluation score of 93 was obtained. A total of 17 free amino acids were detected in the final product, among which glutamic acid (TAV = 3.07) contributed directly to the umami taste of braised squab prepared dishes. In addition, 22 key volatile flavor compounds were identified, with aldehydes, terpenes, and esters being the predominant classes. Among them, hexanal, camphene, and vinyl hexanoate exhibited relatively high OAVs of 380.009, 82.798, and 77.598, respectively, which together formed an overall aroma profile characterized by a harmonious integration of fresh, spicy, and meaty notes.【Conclusion】The optimized processing conditions endowed the braised squab prepared dishes with desirable sensory quality, prominent umami taste, and a rich aroma profile, indicating their potential for application in standardized production and flavor quality control.
Research progress in the construction and biomedical applications of silk fibroin-based biomaterials
2026, 41(5)
:72-84.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.007
Abstract:
Silk fibroin exhibits excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and processability, and its structure and properties can be tailored through conformational regulation, chemical modification, and composite design. However, silk fibroin materials alone still have certain limitations in matching mechanical properties with application requirements, regulating degradation behavior, and achieving functional integration. This review summarizes recent advances in the purification and modification of silk fibroin, the construction of silk fibroin-based materials ranging from zero-dimensional nanoparticles to four-dimensional dynamic structural materials, and their biomedical applications, focusing particularly on wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing. Regulating β-sheet structures, crosslinking, and functionalized composite strategies can improve the structural stability, mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biological functions of silk fibroin-based biomaterials. Silk fibroin-based nanoparticles, nanofibers, films, hydrogels, and porous scaffolds have shown promising potential in controlled drug delivery, wound repair, tissue regeneration, and flexible bioelectronics. Nevertheless, challenges remain in the precise matching of material properties with application requirements, scalable fabrication and batch-to-batch consistency, the biocompatibility and multicomponent construction of four-dimensional bioprinting, and multifunctional integration in biosensors. Future research should focus on the development of stimuli-responsive materials and four-dimensional bioprinting technologies, the strengthening of the integration of silk fibroin with functional materials, and the synergistic integration of sensing, drug delivery, and tissue repair functions, thereby advancing silk fibroin-based biomaterials toward personalized tissue engineering, intelligent drug delivery, and integrated diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Silk fibroin exhibits excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and processability, and its structure and properties can be tailored through conformational regulation, chemical modification, and composite design. However, silk fibroin materials alone still have certain limitations in matching mechanical properties with application requirements, regulating degradation behavior, and achieving functional integration. This review summarizes recent advances in the purification and modification of silk fibroin, the construction of silk fibroin-based materials ranging from zero-dimensional nanoparticles to four-dimensional dynamic structural materials, and their biomedical applications, focusing particularly on wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing. Regulating β-sheet structures, crosslinking, and functionalized composite strategies can improve the structural stability, mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biological functions of silk fibroin-based biomaterials. Silk fibroin-based nanoparticles, nanofibers, films, hydrogels, and porous scaffolds have shown promising potential in controlled drug delivery, wound repair, tissue regeneration, and flexible bioelectronics. Nevertheless, challenges remain in the precise matching of material properties with application requirements, scalable fabrication and batch-to-batch consistency, the biocompatibility and multicomponent construction of four-dimensional bioprinting, and multifunctional integration in biosensors. Future research should focus on the development of stimuli-responsive materials and four-dimensional bioprinting technologies, the strengthening of the integration of silk fibroin with functional materials, and the synergistic integration of sensing, drug delivery, and tissue repair functions, thereby advancing silk fibroin-based biomaterials toward personalized tissue engineering, intelligent drug delivery, and integrated diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
2026, 41(5)
:85-93.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.008
Abstract:
【Objective】This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of the Ste20 kinase homolog gene from Yarrowia lipolytica(Y1Ste20) in Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882 after targeted gene knockout, with particular focus on its effects on colony diameter and hyphal morphology.【Methods】A Y1Ste20 gene knockout recombinant plasmid was constructed using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. The recombinant plasmid was introduced into C.globosum CGMCC 6882 protoplasts via PEG-mediated protoplast transformation to obtain the Y1Ste20 gene knockout strain C.globosum XY1104, and its colony growth characteristics and hyphal morphology were analyzed.【Results】The Y1Ste20 gene knockout recombinant plasmid (pFC332-5S rRNA-Ste20 gRNA) was constructed using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology and successfully transferred into C.globosum CGMCC 6882 protoplasts, yielding the Y1Ste20 gene knockout strain C.globosum XY1104. On solid medium, the colony diameter of strain XY1104 was (201.89±9.35) mm, which was smaller than that of C.globosum CGMCC 6882 ((434.35±10.03) mm). In liquid culture, strain XY1104 exhibited fine, short, rod-like hyphae without entanglement, whereas C.globosum CGMCC 6882 lacked discrete hyphae and readily formed mycelial pellets.【Conclusion】Disruption of the Y1Ste20 gene led to a reduced colony diameter and hyphae that were fine, short, and rod-like, grew densely, and showed reduced entanglement in C.globosum CGMCC 6882. These findings indicate that Y1Ste20 is involved in regulating hyphal growth and morphogenesis in C.globosum CGMCC 6882.
【Objective】This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of the Ste20 kinase homolog gene from Yarrowia lipolytica(Y1Ste20) in Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882 after targeted gene knockout, with particular focus on its effects on colony diameter and hyphal morphology.【Methods】A Y1Ste20 gene knockout recombinant plasmid was constructed using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. The recombinant plasmid was introduced into C.globosum CGMCC 6882 protoplasts via PEG-mediated protoplast transformation to obtain the Y1Ste20 gene knockout strain C.globosum XY1104, and its colony growth characteristics and hyphal morphology were analyzed.【Results】The Y1Ste20 gene knockout recombinant plasmid (pFC332-5S rRNA-Ste20 gRNA) was constructed using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology and successfully transferred into C.globosum CGMCC 6882 protoplasts, yielding the Y1Ste20 gene knockout strain C.globosum XY1104. On solid medium, the colony diameter of strain XY1104 was (201.89±9.35) mm, which was smaller than that of C.globosum CGMCC 6882 ((434.35±10.03) mm). In liquid culture, strain XY1104 exhibited fine, short, rod-like hyphae without entanglement, whereas C.globosum CGMCC 6882 lacked discrete hyphae and readily formed mycelial pellets.【Conclusion】Disruption of the Y1Ste20 gene led to a reduced colony diameter and hyphae that were fine, short, and rod-like, grew densely, and showed reduced entanglement in C.globosum CGMCC 6882. These findings indicate that Y1Ste20 is involved in regulating hyphal growth and morphogenesis in C.globosum CGMCC 6882.
2026, 41(5)
:94-107.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.009
Abstract:
【Objective】To improve the efficiency and accuracy of component proportion measurement for tobacco shreds.【Methods】A semantic segmentation model named CTSegFormer is proposed. Taking SegFormer as the backbone, the model designs parallel fusion of multiple types of convolutions, an enhanced efficient additive attention mechanism, and a progressive deep supervision module. It achieves effective recognition and segmentation of four categories of tobacco shreds including lamina shreds, reconstituted tobacco shreds, stem shreds, expanded shreds, as well as stem sticks. On this basis, accurate measurement of tobacco shred component proportions is realized, and a tobacco shred component measurement dataset is constructed for testing and validation.【Results】Compared with existing semantic segmentation models, CTSegFormer achieves the highest mIoU in tobacco shred segmentation and recognition. Meanwhile, the relative error of proportion prediction is no more than six percent when testing multiple samples with different component ratios.【Conclusion】The proposed CTSegFormer model can be well applied to the task of tobacco shred component proportion measurement, and it is of great significance for monitoring the quality of finished cigarettes.
【Objective】To improve the efficiency and accuracy of component proportion measurement for tobacco shreds.【Methods】A semantic segmentation model named CTSegFormer is proposed. Taking SegFormer as the backbone, the model designs parallel fusion of multiple types of convolutions, an enhanced efficient additive attention mechanism, and a progressive deep supervision module. It achieves effective recognition and segmentation of four categories of tobacco shreds including lamina shreds, reconstituted tobacco shreds, stem shreds, expanded shreds, as well as stem sticks. On this basis, accurate measurement of tobacco shred component proportions is realized, and a tobacco shred component measurement dataset is constructed for testing and validation.【Results】Compared with existing semantic segmentation models, CTSegFormer achieves the highest mIoU in tobacco shred segmentation and recognition. Meanwhile, the relative error of proportion prediction is no more than six percent when testing multiple samples with different component ratios.【Conclusion】The proposed CTSegFormer model can be well applied to the task of tobacco shred component proportion measurement, and it is of great significance for monitoring the quality of finished cigarettes.
2026, 41(5)
:108-118.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.010
Abstract:
【Objective】To investigate the physical properties of reconstituted tobacco sheets produced by different processes and to examine their relationships with the cut filler characteristics and cigarette properties of heated tobacco products.【Methods】Gas chromatography and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the chemical composition and microstructure of reconstituted tobacco sheets produced by three processes, namely the slurry, rolling, and dry method. A texture analyzer was employed to measure their physical properties, including elastic modulus, fracture strength, and surface adhesion. Grey relational analysis and multiple linear regression were then applied to evaluate the correlations and influence weights between these physical properties and cut filler characteristics (long strand proportion, broken strand proportion, filling value) as well as cigarette physical properties (weight, circumference, draw resistance, hardness).【Results】Significant differences were observed in the chemical composition, microstructure, and physical properties among the reconstituted tobacco sheets produced by the three processes. The dry-method sheets exhibited a loose and porous structure, high fiber content, and the lowest amount of liquid components, resulting in a tough texture. The rolling-method sheets displayed a dense structure, the highest liquid content, high elongation at break, and strong resistance to fracture. The slurry-method sheets showed moderate composition and structure, with high strength but low elongation at break, making them prone to fracture. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that the long strand proportion was positively correlated with the longitudinal tensile fracture strength and transverse shear strength, with influence weights of approximately 13.228% and 11.338%, respectively. The filling value was positively correlated with the longitudinal elastic modulus and longitudinal elongation at break, with influence weights of about 21.624% and 12.231%. Cigarette properties were predominantly associated with the filling value and long strand proportion.【Conclusion】Key physical properties of reconstituted tobacco sheets, such as longitudinal elastic modulus, longitudinal tensile strength at break, and elongation, influence the filling value and long strand proportion of the cut filler, which in turn affect cigarette physical properties including draw resistance, weight, and circumference. These findings provide a theoretical reference for the subsequent process optimization, texture control, and blending design of reconstituted tobacco sheets for heated tobacco products.
【Objective】To investigate the physical properties of reconstituted tobacco sheets produced by different processes and to examine their relationships with the cut filler characteristics and cigarette properties of heated tobacco products.【Methods】Gas chromatography and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the chemical composition and microstructure of reconstituted tobacco sheets produced by three processes, namely the slurry, rolling, and dry method. A texture analyzer was employed to measure their physical properties, including elastic modulus, fracture strength, and surface adhesion. Grey relational analysis and multiple linear regression were then applied to evaluate the correlations and influence weights between these physical properties and cut filler characteristics (long strand proportion, broken strand proportion, filling value) as well as cigarette physical properties (weight, circumference, draw resistance, hardness).【Results】Significant differences were observed in the chemical composition, microstructure, and physical properties among the reconstituted tobacco sheets produced by the three processes. The dry-method sheets exhibited a loose and porous structure, high fiber content, and the lowest amount of liquid components, resulting in a tough texture. The rolling-method sheets displayed a dense structure, the highest liquid content, high elongation at break, and strong resistance to fracture. The slurry-method sheets showed moderate composition and structure, with high strength but low elongation at break, making them prone to fracture. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that the long strand proportion was positively correlated with the longitudinal tensile fracture strength and transverse shear strength, with influence weights of approximately 13.228% and 11.338%, respectively. The filling value was positively correlated with the longitudinal elastic modulus and longitudinal elongation at break, with influence weights of about 21.624% and 12.231%. Cigarette properties were predominantly associated with the filling value and long strand proportion.【Conclusion】Key physical properties of reconstituted tobacco sheets, such as longitudinal elastic modulus, longitudinal tensile strength at break, and elongation, influence the filling value and long strand proportion of the cut filler, which in turn affect cigarette physical properties including draw resistance, weight, and circumference. These findings provide a theoretical reference for the subsequent process optimization, texture control, and blending design of reconstituted tobacco sheets for heated tobacco products.
2026, 41(5)
:119-131.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.011
Abstract:
【Objective】This study aimed to explore the key aroma compounds in peppermint flavor for heated tobacco products and the interactions among aroma compounds dominated by minty notes.【Methods】Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with sensory evaluation, odor activity value (OAV), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to analyze the key aroma compounds of peppermint flavor for heated tobacco products. The interactions among aroma compounds and their effects on the sensory characteristics of heated tobacco products were investigated using the S-curve method and addition experiments.【Results】The peppermint flavors for heated tobacco products differed significantly (P<0.05) in minty, green, and woody aroma attributes. A total of 48 volatile aroma compounds were detected by GC-MS. PLS-DA identified 25 volatile compounds (VIP>1) that significantly influenced the flavor profile of the peppermint flavor, and OAV analysis identified seven key aroma compounds, including ocimene and terpineol. PLSR combined with omission experiments identified the key aroma compounds contributing to the minty attribute as menthol, menthyl acetate, menthone, and carvone. The Feller model and addition experiments verified that menthol/menthone and menthol/carvone exhibited significant synergistic effects, enhancing the minty aroma characteristics of heated tobacco products by 1.33-, 1.36-fold respectively.【Conclusion】The peppermint flavors for heated tobacco products differed in aroma style, and the key aroma compounds responsible for the minty notes exhibited synergistic effects, which had important influences on the sensory attributes of heated tobacco products.
【Objective】This study aimed to explore the key aroma compounds in peppermint flavor for heated tobacco products and the interactions among aroma compounds dominated by minty notes.【Methods】Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with sensory evaluation, odor activity value (OAV), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to analyze the key aroma compounds of peppermint flavor for heated tobacco products. The interactions among aroma compounds and their effects on the sensory characteristics of heated tobacco products were investigated using the S-curve method and addition experiments.【Results】The peppermint flavors for heated tobacco products differed significantly (P<0.05) in minty, green, and woody aroma attributes. A total of 48 volatile aroma compounds were detected by GC-MS. PLS-DA identified 25 volatile compounds (VIP>1) that significantly influenced the flavor profile of the peppermint flavor, and OAV analysis identified seven key aroma compounds, including ocimene and terpineol. PLSR combined with omission experiments identified the key aroma compounds contributing to the minty attribute as menthol, menthyl acetate, menthone, and carvone. The Feller model and addition experiments verified that menthol/menthone and menthol/carvone exhibited significant synergistic effects, enhancing the minty aroma characteristics of heated tobacco products by 1.33-, 1.36-fold respectively.【Conclusion】The peppermint flavors for heated tobacco products differed in aroma style, and the key aroma compounds responsible for the minty notes exhibited synergistic effects, which had important influences on the sensory attributes of heated tobacco products.
2026, 41(5)
:132-142.
doi: 10.12187/2026.05.012
Abstract:
【Objective】This study aimed to investigate the pyrolysis process of tobacco core materials at different positions in circumferentially heated cigarettes during puff-by-puff smoking.【Methods】Tobacco core materials from heated cigarettes after puff-by-puff smoking were used as raw materials. A self-developed spatial separation method was used to divide the tobacco core into nine different positions. A thermogravimetric analyzer and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) were used to analyze the physicochemical property differences of tobacco core materials at different positions after puff-by-puff smoking.【Results】During puff-by-puff smoking, the carbonization region of the tobacco core gradually spread from the outer layer of the middle-rear section to the inner layer and the front section with increasing puff number, and the entire tobacco core showed significant carbonization by the end of the smoking session. The pyrolysis process of tobacco core materials could be divided into four stages, among which Stage Ⅱ was the main mass-loss stage, corresponding to a temperature range of 209~415 ℃. Peak A on the DTG curve mainly resulted from the thermal release of chemical components such as glycerol, nicotine, and 1,2-propanediol in the tobacco core materials. With increasing puff number, the maximum mass-loss rate of Peak A on the DTG curve for tobacco core materials at the same position showed an overall decreasing trend. After the fifth puff, the maximum mass-loss rate of Peak A on the DTG curve for tobacco core materials at different positions decreased in the order of front-inner, front-middle, and front-outer in the radial direction, and in the order of front-inner, rear-inner, and middle-inner in the axial direction. During puff-by-puff smoking, the total residual amounts of glycerol, nicotine, and 1,2-propanediol in the tobacco core materials decreased puff by puff. After the smoking session, the total residual amounts of the three components in the tobacco core materials were 21.90%, 2.98%, and 0.31% of their initial contents, respectively. During puff-by-puff smoking, the residual amounts of glycerol, nicotine, and 1,2-propanediol in the tobacco core materials all decreased in the order of inner layer, middle layer, and outer layer in the radial direction, while their decreasing order in the axial direction changed from front section, middle section, and rear section to front section, rear section, and middle section.【Conclusion】The puff-by-puff changes in the residual amounts of different compounds in tobacco core materials were consistent with their pyrolysis characteristics, and their spatial distribution in the tobacco core materials was affected by temperature and their boiling points.
【Objective】This study aimed to investigate the pyrolysis process of tobacco core materials at different positions in circumferentially heated cigarettes during puff-by-puff smoking.【Methods】Tobacco core materials from heated cigarettes after puff-by-puff smoking were used as raw materials. A self-developed spatial separation method was used to divide the tobacco core into nine different positions. A thermogravimetric analyzer and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) were used to analyze the physicochemical property differences of tobacco core materials at different positions after puff-by-puff smoking.【Results】During puff-by-puff smoking, the carbonization region of the tobacco core gradually spread from the outer layer of the middle-rear section to the inner layer and the front section with increasing puff number, and the entire tobacco core showed significant carbonization by the end of the smoking session. The pyrolysis process of tobacco core materials could be divided into four stages, among which Stage Ⅱ was the main mass-loss stage, corresponding to a temperature range of 209~415 ℃. Peak A on the DTG curve mainly resulted from the thermal release of chemical components such as glycerol, nicotine, and 1,2-propanediol in the tobacco core materials. With increasing puff number, the maximum mass-loss rate of Peak A on the DTG curve for tobacco core materials at the same position showed an overall decreasing trend. After the fifth puff, the maximum mass-loss rate of Peak A on the DTG curve for tobacco core materials at different positions decreased in the order of front-inner, front-middle, and front-outer in the radial direction, and in the order of front-inner, rear-inner, and middle-inner in the axial direction. During puff-by-puff smoking, the total residual amounts of glycerol, nicotine, and 1,2-propanediol in the tobacco core materials decreased puff by puff. After the smoking session, the total residual amounts of the three components in the tobacco core materials were 21.90%, 2.98%, and 0.31% of their initial contents, respectively. During puff-by-puff smoking, the residual amounts of glycerol, nicotine, and 1,2-propanediol in the tobacco core materials all decreased in the order of inner layer, middle layer, and outer layer in the radial direction, while their decreasing order in the axial direction changed from front section, middle section, and rear section to front section, rear section, and middle section.【Conclusion】The puff-by-puff changes in the residual amounts of different compounds in tobacco core materials were consistent with their pyrolysis characteristics, and their spatial distribution in the tobacco core materials was affected by temperature and their boiling points.
Journal Information
Founded in 1986， bimonthly
Administered by：The Education Department Henan Province
Sponsored by：Zhengzhou University of Light Industry
Editor-in-chief：Wei Shizhong
Executive Editor-in-Chief：Zou Lin
Deputy Editor-in-Chief：Qu Shuanghong
Edited & published by：Editorial Department of Journal of Light Industry
CN 41-1437/TS
ISSN 2096-1553
Address：136 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
Postal Code：450001
Tel：(086)0371-86608635
(086)0371-86608633
Email：qgxb@zzuli.edu.cn
