Recent Advances in Food Nutrition & Agriculture - Online First

Antibiotic residues in food products and environmental matrices pose significant public health risks, including antimicrobial resistance and toxicological effects. Traditional detection methods face limitations regarding sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and field applicability, necessitating advanced technological solutions. A systematic literature review was conducted, examining publications from 2020 to 2024 using PubMed and academic databases. Keywords included “Artificial Intelligence,” “Machine Learning,” “Antibiotic Residue Detection,” “Biosensors,” “Spectroscopy,” and “Food Safety.” Studies integrating AI/ML with biosensors, optical systems, and electrochemical platforms were analysed. AI-enhanced detection systems demonstrated superior performance metrics. Electrochemical sensors with gradient boosting algorithms achieved a 99% classification accuracy for antibiotic identification. Machine learning-powered optical immunosensors achieved detection limits of 0.03-0.4 ng/mL for the simultaneous quantification of multiple antibiotics. Convolutional Neural Networks resolved spectral overlaps with R² values exceeding 0.984, while smartphone-based systems enabled portable detection with high precision and recall metrics. AI/ML integration significantly improves sensitivity, specificity, and multiplexing capabilities over conventional methods. These technologies enable real-time, on-site monitoring and address spectral interference challenges. However, standardisation protocols and cross-matrix validation remain critical gaps, requiring further research. AI/ML technologies represent a paradigm shift in antibiotic residue analysis, offering enhanced detection capabilities for food safety and environmental monitoring. Continued development of robust, standardised AI models is essential for regulatory adoption and widespread implementation in public health protection.

Glucosinolates are plant-derived secondary metabolites with significant antimicrobial, anticancer, and gut microbiota-modulating properties. Their hydrolysis products, such as isothiocyanates, contribute to planting defense mechanisms and exhibit potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to explore the metabolism, biosynthesis, antimicrobial activity, and therapeutic potential of glucosinolates, emphasizing their role in human health.

This literature review focuses on the analysis of existing studies on glucosinolate biosynthesis, metabolism, and biological activity. Research data have been gathered from scientific databases, focusing on in vivo and in vitro studies that have examined the antimicrobial, anticancer, and gut microbiota-modulating effects of glucosinolates and their derivatives.

Findings suggest that glucosinolates play a crucial role in human health by exerting antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains, modulating gut microbiota composition, and reducing cancer risk through their bioactive breakdown products. Their biosynthetic pathway involves key enzymatic reactions, and variations in these processes affect their biological efficacy. However, bacterial resistance to isothiocyanates poses a challenge that requires further investigation.

Glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products offer promising therapeutic applications, particularly in disease prevention and gut health modulation. Future research should focus on optimizing their bioavailability and understanding resistance mechanisms to enhance their efficacy in clinical applications.

India, the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, generates significant quantities of agricultural by-products such as bran, husk, and seeds due to its rapidly expanding food processing sector. These by-products offer valuable opportunities for the extraction of dietary fiber and bioactive components, which can be incorporated into functional foods and nutraceutical products to address growing health concerns. Dietary fiber, an indigestible component of plant-based foods, can be classified into soluble and insoluble forms. Soluble fibers, derived from sources such as oat bran, barley, lentils, and certain fruits and vegetables, are rich in pectin, beta-glucans, and inulin. Insoluble fibers, found in wheat bran, cereal grains, and vegetables, primarily consist of cellulose and hemicellulose. This review explores the potential of dietary fiber in disease management, its diverse sources, and its application in functional and nutraceutical products. Regular intake of dietary fiber is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and various gastrointestinal disorders. Soluble fiber, in particular, improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, while fiber supplementation aids in weight management among obese individuals. Additionally, increased fiber consumption is linked to lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels. Dietary fiber also alleviates gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, and hemorrhoids, while prebiotic fibers enhance immune function. Despite its proven benefits, consumer awareness regarding dietary fiber remains insufficient. Enhancing communication and education on the importance of fiber-rich foods and supplements is essential to promote their widespread consumption and leverage their health benefits effectively.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor dysfunction and non-motor symptoms. Current treatments primarily offer symptomatic relief without halting disease progression. This has driven the exploration of natural compounds with neuroprotective properties. In previous studies, α-phellandrene, a monoterpene present in essential oils of various aromatic plants, has shown promise in mitigating neurodegenerative processes. This study focuses on alpha-phellandrene's therapeutic potential in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's Disease model. Rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, is commonly used to induce PD-like symptoms in experimental models due to its ability to mimic the neurodegenerative processes observed in human PD. Our review explores the neuroprotective effects of alpha-phellandrene, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Experimental groups of rodents received rotenone to induce PD-like symptoms, followed by alpha-phellandrene treatment. Biochemical analyses were performed to measure oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic signals in brain tissues. Results indicated that alpha-phellandrene administration significantly improved motor function and reduced rotenone-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons. Histopathological examinations revealed a notable preservation of neuronal integrity in alpha-phellandrene-treated groups compared to controls. In conclusion, alpha-phellandrene demonstrates considerable neuroprotective effects in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's dmodel. These findings suggest that alpha-phellandrene could be a promising natural therapeutic agent for PD, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications. Specifically, our review indicates that alpha-phellandrene may exert neuroprotective effects by various mechanisms, such as reducing oxidative stress, modulating neurotransmitter levels, or inhibiting neuroinflammation. These mechanisms highlight its potential to alleviate PD symptoms and slow disease progression, underscoring the need for in-depth studies to validate these therapeutic effects in clinical settings