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Differential Absorption of Components in Buckwheat Polyphenols via MKN28/Caco-2 Continuous Transport Model and Their Lipid-Lowering Effects
Scientia Agricultura Sinica 2026, 59(13): 2933-2945
Published: 01 July 2026
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Background

Polyphenolic compounds exhibit pronounced lipid-lowering effects, and their absorption in the human gastrointestinal tract varies considerably, which critically influences their bioavailability. Buckwheat, a natural food being rich in polyphenols, has been suggested to possess unique lipid-lowering potential.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the differential absorption of buckwheat polyphenols using an MKN28/Caco-2 sequential transport model, and to systematically evaluate their lipid-lowering effects and underlying mechanisms through cellular assays and gut microbiota fermentation experiments.

Method

Buckwheat polyphenol extract was characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS). Based on the MKN28/Caco-2 transport model, the extract was fractionated into readily absorbable and poorly absorbable components. The lipid-lowering effects of the absorbable fraction were assessed in adipocytes using Oil Red O staining and intracellular lipid quantification. In addition, the impact of the non-absorbable fraction on gut microbiota composition was evaluated in vitro fermentation.

Result

Component analysis revealed that there are 23 kinds of polyphenolic compounds rutin and protocatechuic acid exhibited relatively high signal intensities. The absorbable fraction significantly reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes, with triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in 3T3-L1 cells decreased by 17.8%, 28.6%, and 15.2%, respectively. Furthermore, in vitro fermentation demonstrated that the poorly absorbable fraction (BWP-AP) modulated gut microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, while decreasing Escherichia-Shigella and Alistipes.

Conclusion

Buckwheat polyphenol extract contained 23 identified phenolic compounds. The readily absorbable fraction exerted significant intracellular lipid-lowering effects, whereas the poorly absorbable fraction regulated metabolic homeostasis via modulation of gut microbiota. These findings revealed a dual-pathway mechanism involving direct host absorption and microbiota-mediated regulation, providing a theoretical basis for the development of functional foods based on buckwheat polyphenols.

Open Access Issue
A 5-Hydroxytryptamine Release-Based Biomimetic Microtissue Sensor for Detecting Creatine Kinase
Food Science 2026, 47(9): 333-340
Published: 15 May 2026
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Based on the principle of creatine kinase (CK)-induced release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) from mast cells, the quantitative analysis of CK was achieved by detecting changes in the oxidation current of 5-HT on the electrode surface. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), Fe3O4 nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were used jointly to modify the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Meanwhile, the composite of mast cells and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) was used as bio-ink to prepare a connective tissue model with a network structure through 3D bioprinting, which was then combined with an electrochemical workstation to develop a bionic sensor to detect CK. The sensor demonstrated a linear response to CK concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 5.0 μg/mL, which was fitted to the equation: IDPV = 0.23639lgC + 1.94438 (R2 = 0.993, n = 3). The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.042 μg/mL. The above results confirmed the feasibility of indirectly quantifying food allergen concentrations by detecting cellular secretion during allergic reactions. This study provides a new strategy for rapid allergen detection.

Open Access Issue
Effect of Transglutaminase Cross-Linked Rapeseed Protein on Cake Quality
Food Science 2025, 46(11): 57-63
Published: 15 June 2025
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The present study aimed to investigate the feasibility of replacing egg white protein by rapeseed protein crosslinked by transglutaminase (TG) at different percentages (0%, 25%, 50% and 75%) in the making of baked foods. Herein, the effectiveness of the application of TG-crosslinked rapeseed protein in sponge cake was comprehensively evaluated by analyzing the apparent morphology, microstructure, color, texture, water status, starch crystallinity and flavor. The results showed that with increasing level of TG-crosslinked rapeseed protein, the cake color gradually deepened, with the internal pores becoming finer and more uniform. The water distribution, state and texture analyses showed that as the substitution level of egg white protein increased, the water mobility and water-holding capacity were enhanced. At a substitution level of 75%, the hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness increased by 3.4, 3.2, and 2.4 times, respectively, while the elasticity reduced by 24%. The cake with 25% substitution level exhibited a significant anti-aging effect, as evidenced by a 31.1% decrease in crystallinity. Meanwhile, the elasticity, cohesiveness, resilience and water status of this cake were comparable to those of the cake with 100% egg white protein. In addition, the results of electronic nose and electronic tongue assays indicated that the substitution of rapeseed protein did not adversely affect the cake flavor. These findings provide valuable scientific guidance for the application of TG crosslinked rapeseed protein as an alternative to egg white protein in the making of baked foods.

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