Aptamer-based optical biosensor for rapid and sensitive detection of 17β-estradiol in water samples

Required routine monitoring of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in water samples, as posed by EPA Unregulated Contaminant Regulation (UCMR3), demands for cost-effective, reliable and sensitive EDC detection methods. This study reports a reusable evanescent wave aptamer-based biosensor for rapid, sensitive and highly selective detection of 17β-estradiol, an EDC that is frequently detected in environmental water samples. In this system, the capture molecular, β-estradiol 6-(O-carboxy-methyl)oxime-BSA, was covalently immobilized onto the optical fiber sensor surface. With an indirect competitive detection mode, samples containing different concentrations of 17β-estradiol were premixed with a given concentration of fluorescence-labeled DNA aptamer, which highly specifically binds to 17β-estradiol. Then, the sample mixture is pumped to the sensor surface, and a higher concentration of 17β-estradiol leads to less fluorescence-labeled DNA aptamer bound to the sensor surface and thus to lower fluorescence signal. The dose-response curve of 17β-estradiol was established and a detection limit was determined as 2.1 nM (0.6 ng mL(-1)). The high specificity and selectivity of the sensor were demonstrated by evaluating its response to a number of potentially interfering EDCs. Potential interference of real environmental sample matrix was assessed by spiked samples in several tertiary wastewater effluents. The sensor can be regenerated with a 0.5% SDS solution (pH 1.9) over tens of times without significant deterioration of the sensor performance. This portable sensor system can be potentially applied for on-site real-time inexpensive and easy-to-use monitoring of 17β-estradiol in environmental samples such as effluents or water bodies.     

Fate of 4-nonylphenol and 17β-estradiol in the Redwood River of Minnesota

The majority of previous research investigating the fate of endocrine-disrupting compounds has focused on single processes generally in controlled laboratory experiments, and limited studies have directly evaluated their fate and transport in rivers. This study evaluated the fate and transport of 4-nonylphenol, 17β-estradiol, and estrone in a 10-km reach of the Redwood River in southwestern Minnesota. The same parcel of water was sampled as it moved downstream, integrating chemical transformation and hydrologic processes. The conservative tracer bromide was used to track the parcel of water being sampled, and the change in mass of the target compounds relative to bromide was determined at two locations downstream from a wastewater treatment plant effluent outfall. In-stream attenuation coefficients (k(stream)) were calculated by assuming first-order kinetics (negative values correspond to attenuation, whereas positive values indicate production). Attenuation of 17β-estradiol (k(stream) = -3.2 ± 1.0 day(-1)) was attributed primarily due to sorption and biodegradation by the stream biofilm and bed sediments. Estrone (k(stream) = 0.6 ± 0.8 day(-1)) and 4-nonylphenol (k(stream) = 1.4 ± 1.9 day(-1)) were produced in the evaluated 10-km reach, likely due to biochemical transformation from parent compounds (17β-estradiol, 4-nonylphenolpolyethoxylates, and 4-nonyphenolpolyethoxycarboxylates). Despite attenuation, these compounds were transported kilometers downstream, and thus additive concentrations from multiple sources and transformation of parent compounds into degradates having estrogenic activity can explain their environmental persistence and widespread observations of biological disruption in surface waters.     

The use of exergetic indicators in the food industry – A review

Assessment of sustainability will become more relevant for the food industry in the years to come. Analysis based on exergy, including the use of exergetic indicators and Grassmann diagrams, is a useful tool for the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the efficiency of industrial food chains. In this paper, we review the methodology of exergy analysis and the exergetic indicators that are most appropriate for use in the food industry. The challenges of applying exergy analysis in industrial food chains and the specific features of food processes are also discussed.     

Recent developments in numerical modelling of heating and cooling processes in the food industry—a review

Numerical modelling technology offers an efficient and powerful tool for simulating the heating/cooling processes in the food industry. The use of numerical methods such as finite difference, finite element and finite volume analysis to describe the heating/cooling processes in the food industry has produced a large number of models. However, the accuracy of numerical models can further be improved by more information about the surface heat and mass transfer coefficients, food properties, volume change during processes and sensitivity analysis for justifying the acceptability of assumptions in modelling. More research should also be stressed on incorporation of numerical heat and mass transfer models with other models for directly evaluating the safety and quality of a food product during heating/cooling processes. It is expected that more research will be carried out on the heat and mass transfer through porous foods, microwave heating and turbulence flow in heating/cooling processes.     

A RIKILT yeast estrogen bioassay (REA) for estrogen residue detection in urine of calves experimentally treated with 17β-estradiol

17β-Estradiol is one of the most powerful sex steroids illegally used in bovine production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application and the specificity of the RIKILT yeast estrogen bioassay (REA) for the detection of molecules with estrogenic activities in the urine of calves experimentally treated with anabolics. Four groups of six calves each received an injection of 17β-estradiol intramuscularly (group B), androsterone and gliburide (group A), and testosterone (group C) molecules at different dosage for 40 days. Group D was the control. The ability of the REA test to detect estrogenic activity in urine samples from all animals was assessed. All estrogen-treated animals (group B) showed as being positive up to 7 days after administration of the highest dosage of 17β-estradiol, while the other three groups showed as being negative. The identity of estrogenic molecules in the urine of group B (17β-estradiol, 17α-estradiol) was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This is the first time the REA test has been applied to detect 17β-estradiol in the urine of calves treated with the hormone in vivo. The technique may offer an advantageous laboratory method for the veterinary surveillance of illegal steroid use.     

Consumers’ perception of food product craftsmanship: A review of evidence

The understanding of what the consumer considers as craftsmanship is a sensitive question in the food sector. Despite food label regulations on this issue having undergone partial harmonisation, revealing what the consumer perceives as a craft food is a feat that has yet to be achieved. Drawing upon a review of literature in the field of consumer research, this investigation addresses this knowledge gap. In the light of the Alphabet Theory framework, the review offers a systematic overview of the motives affecting individuals’ perception of food product craftsmanship, as well as of the key factors affecting consumer behaviour towards craft foods. The findings provide useful insight to add to the body of extant literature and to discuss the possible directions of research. Moreover, the results can also have relevant importance to support legislators in designing appropriate regulations on craft foods.     

Edible mushrooms’ enrichment in food and feed: A mini review

Dietary fibres and high fibre-containing foods have been a huge attraction among researchers and nutraceutical industries due to their health-promoting benefits. From Greek and Roman times, edible mushrooms are considered the ‘elixir of life’ and are often stated as a new source of dietary fibre. Containing rich sources of essential amino acids and polysaccharides, mushrooms are viewed as an advantage over protein sources of both animal and plant origin. Additionally, the ability of mushrooms to grow under controlled conditions and attain high yield in a short span has made this added-value food of extreme interest. Nowadays, mushrooms and their by-products have been used to fortify various food products as well as for use in animal feed owing to their bioactive, therapeutic and nutritional value. Hence, this review intends to highlight the current knowledge on edible mushrooms and their waste for food and feed enrichment and nutritional purposes, along with their role in human and animal diet.     

Cognitive dissonance in food and nutrition–A review

The study of cognitive dissonance in food and nutrition has been relatively under-developed. This review paper looks at food and/or food-related studies that have utilized cognitive dissonance as a primary construct in a priori theorization and hypothesis-formulation, examining the ways in which the dissonance construct has been used and its corresponding effects on various food-related outcomes in those studies. Current gaps and critical issues underlying cognitive dissonance investigation in food and nutrition research are also identified and discussed.     

Proteomic analysis of 17β-estradiol degradation by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Microbial degradation plays a critical role in determining the environmental fate of steroid hormones, such as 17β-estradiol (E2). The molecular mechanisms governing the microbial transformation of E2 and its primary degradation intermediate, estrone (E1), are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to identify metabolism pathways that might be involved in microbial estrogen degradation. To achieve the objective, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain ZL1 was used as a model estrogen degrading bacterium and its protein expression level during E2/E1 degradation was studied using quantitative proteomics. During an E2 degradation experiment, strain ZL1 first converted E2 to E1 stoichiometrically. At 16 h E1 reached its peak concentration, and microbial growth started. At the same time, enzymes involved in certain catabolic and anabolic pathways were most highly expressed compared to the other time points tested. Among those enzymes, the ones involved in protein and lipid biosyntheses were observed to be particularly active. Based on the metabolite information from a previous study and the proteomic data from this study, we hypothesized that S. maltophilia strain ZL1 was able to convert E1 to amino acid tyrosine through ring cleavage on a saturated ring of the E1 molecule and then utilize tyrosine in protein biosynthesis.     

Chemical residues,food additives and natural toxicants in food – the cocktail effect

Food might contain residues of agricultural chemicals (e.g. pesticides), additives (e.g. colourants) and/or natural toxins (e.g. solanine in potatoes) which present health risks to consumers. The risks of such residues, additives and natural toxins are generally low (i.e. acceptable) when considered in isolation. However, an average meal is likely to contain a cocktail of residues, additives and/or natural toxins that might have additive or synergistic effects. This review explores potential cocktail effects with reference to two case examples, organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) and xenoestrogens, and concludes that we should extend our thinking to encompass interactions between residues, additives and natural toxins when assessing food risk.     

化学物质的应用对食品安全性的影响

本文较全面地讨论了目前应用于食品的各种各类化学物质的化学性污染对食品安全性的影响，以及防止这些污染的措施和对策。并对食品安全性发展进行了展望。     

Culture‐Independent Rapid Detection Methods for Bacterial Pathogens and Toxins in Food Matrices

Rapid detection of bacterial pathogens and toxins in foods is necessary to provide real‐time results to mitigate foodborne illness outbreaks. Cultural enrichment methods, although the most widely used, are time‐consuming and therefore inadequate for rapid pathogen detection from food samples. The development of novel “rapid” detection methods has decreased detection time dramatically. This review presents an overview of detection methods for various foodborne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli, and bacterial toxins in food matrices, with emphasis on those methods which do not require cultural enrichment. Discussed methods include nucleic acid‐, immunological‐, and biosensor‐based techniques. A summary of each type of detection method is given, including referenced methods from the literature. Since these discussed methods do not require cultural enrichment, there is a higher probability of interference from the food matrices. Therefore, the review also discusses the potential interference of food components on detection methods and addresses preprocessing strategies to overcome matrix associated inhibition and to concentrate low quantities of pathogens and toxins in food. Development of rapid and sensitive detection technologies advances and ensures public health safety and security.     

珠江八大河口表层沉积物中典型环境 内分泌干扰物的分布特征

目的 本研究旨在研究珠江八大河口表层沉积物中七种典型环境内分泌干扰物(EDCs)的分布特征。 方法 本研究采集了八大口门的表层沉积物,采用加速溶剂萃取-衍生化-气相色谱质谱技术分析了七种典型EDCs含量。结果 化工类化合物壬基酚(NP)、双酚A(BPA)、四羟基苯甲酸丙酯(PP)和辛基酚(OP),甾醇类自然雌激素雌二醇(E2)、雌酮(E1)和合成雌激素乙炔雌二醇(EE2)均有检出。除EE2的检出率为88.2%,其余EDCs的检出率为100%,其浓度范围(ng.g_-1 dw)从大到小依次为：NP (565.28-812.6) > BPA (42.55-248.25) > PP (93.44-109.96) > OP (3.62-11.52)、E1 (14.13-23.13)、E2 (6.86-15.42)、EE2 (ND-4.2-23.45)。结论 四种化工类EDCs和EE2在八个河口中的分布特征类似,东四河口的浓度累积量明显高于西四河口,且其中的虎门河口浓度较高。在各河口中EDCs浓度表现出从河道至河口外方向随水流逐渐降低。E1和E2在除鸡啼门外的其他七个河口中的不同采样点处的浓度变化不大,鸡啼门中有可能的点污染源。     

标准物质在食品中三氯生类及二苯甲酮类物质检测中的应用

杀菌剂三氯生类和紫外线过滤剂二苯甲酮类物质是典型的内分泌干扰物,会通过食物链进入人体从而对人类健康存在不良影响,近年来相关检测研究逐渐增多。本文综述了三氯生类和二苯甲酮类物质的毒理学数据,通过统计2015—2022年国内外关于食品中三氯生类和二苯甲酮类检测的相关文献,综述近年来三氯生类和二苯甲酮类物质在食品检测中的研究情况,汇总了三氯生类标准物质和二苯甲酮类标准物质在食品检测研究中的使用情况,对比了国内外的研究进展,并结合国家标准物质资源共享平台提供的信息,对国内三氯生类和二苯甲酮类标准物质的建设提出建议,为完善国家标准物质资源库提供数据支撑。     

核酸适配体生物传感器用于内分泌干扰物快速检测研究进展

内分泌干扰物是一种外源性化学物质, 食物是人体摄入这些化学物的主要来源,当人体摄入受到环境或食物接触材料污染的食物,其中的内分泌干扰化学物很容易进入人体并蓄积,能在不同程度上干扰内源性激素系统, 导致不良健康影响 。因此对其进行便捷、高效、灵敏、快速检测尤为必要。目前常通过气相色谱法及其他仪器方法对其进行检测, 然而这些方法耗时费力且成本高昂, 难以满足现场快速检测的要求。适配体是通过体外指数富集的的配基系统进化技术(systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, SELEX) 策略系统筛选出的单链寡核苷酸分子, 具有易合成、易修饰、性质稳定、特异性好和亲和常数高等优势, 已广泛应用于生物传感检测方法的构建。基于适配体识别的电化学或光学的内分泌干扰物快速检测方法具有使用简便、响应快速、便于现场筛查使用的优势, 可以与实验室精准检测技术优势互补, 具有重要的研究和应用意义。本文综述了近年来基于适配体识别构建的电化学、光学传感器在对水样、食品、塑料制品、生物样本中 内分泌干扰物快速检测的研究进展, 总结了该领域面临的挑战和发展方向 , 为适配体传感检测技术在内分泌干扰物识别深入研究提供参考。     

17Beta-estradiol and estrone concentrations in plasma and milk during bovine pregnancy

Estrone (E₁) and 17β-estradiol (E₂) are present in milk, but the mechanism(s) that regulate their appearance in milk are not known. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of stage of pregnancy on the concentrations of E₁ and E₂ in plasma and milk and to determine the correlations between plasma and milk E₁ and E₂ and with milk components throughout pregnancy. Blood and milk samples were collected from 13 cows every 28 d throughout pregnancy. The E₁ and E₂ were quantified in plasma and milk using RIA after organic solvent extractions and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Plasma E₁ concentrations averaged 0.8, 16.9, and 41.8 pg/mL in trimesters 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The respective E₁ concentrations in milk averaged 0.6, 7.9, and 27.1 pg/mL. The E₂ concentrations in plasma averaged 0.5, 0.9, and 2.0 pg/mL; milk E₂ averaged 0.3, 0.9, and 5.0 pg/mL. Plasma and milk E₂ concentrations were greater in trimester 3 compared with trimesters 1 and 2. The E₁ concentrations in milk were significantly correlated with plasma E₁ concentrations (r = 0.77), percentage of milk fat (r = 0.50), and milk yield (r = −0.43). The E₂ concentrations in milk were significantly correlated with plasma E₂ concentrations (r = 0.93), percentage of milk protein (r = 0.63), and milk yield (r = −0.57). The milk-to-plasma ratio of E₂ increased from 0.4 during trimester 1 to 2.2 in trimester 3, which suggested that the mechanism(s) regulating the appearance of E₂ in milk may change over the course of pregnancy.     

Short communication: Heat treatment and souring do not affect milk estrone and 17β-estradiol concentrations

The aim of our study was to establish whether heat treatment and souring of milk affect its estrone (E1) and 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations. Milk samples were collected from 10 Holstein cows in late pregnancy. Concentrations of E1 and E2 were measured in milk samples that were previously heated to 70 and 95°C for 5 min. Additionally, E1 and E2 concentrations were determined in the same milk samples after 2 d of spontaneous souring at room temperature, and these samples were compared with E1 and E2 levels in raw, unprocessed milk. Concentrations of both hormones were determined by commercial ELISA kits. Concentrations of E1 in unprocessed and processed milk (milk heated to 70 and 95°C and soured milk) were (mean ± SE) 47.25 ± 4.16, 44.84 ± 3.47, 41.00 ± 4.55, and 44.92 ± 3.91 pg/mL, respectively. Concentrations of E2 in the same milk samples were 36.11 ± 10.01, 32.46 ± 9.88, 31.78 ± 9.56, and 31.43 ± 8.00 pg/mL, respectively. Concentrations of E1 and E2 in heat-treated milk did not differ significantly from those in unprocessed milk. Similarly, E1 and E2 concentrations in soured milk did not differ significantly from those in unprocessed milk samples. These results indicate that E1 and E2 are stable in milk and that milk processing (heating and souring) does not influence their degradation. Therefore, E1 and E2 concentrations are expected to be similar between commercial full-fat milk and the raw milk from which it was produced.     

食品中酚类内分泌干扰物的研究进展

壬基酚、辛基酚和双酚A等以其相似的结构特征和类雌激素效应被称为酚类内分泌干扰物,它们在食品包装材料及食品中的残留已引起了人们的广泛关注。本文以食品中的酚类内分泌干扰物为重点,对壬基酚、辛基酚和双酚A的性质、应用、毒性以及在食品中的污染水平、主要来源和分析测定方法等进行了评述,为我国开展食品领域内酚类内分泌干扰物的限量制定和研究提供参考。      

Confirmation of the progesterone receptor as an efficient marker of treatment with 17β-estradiol in veal calves

Under current European Union legislation the use of anabolic steroids in food-producing livestock is banned because of their long-term adverse effects on human health. We examined the expression profile of the immunohistochemical marker progesterone receptor in veal calves’ sex accessory glands following experimental administration of anabolic compounds. The aim was to confirm the accuracy of the immunohistochemical approach in the detection of the over-expression of the progesterone receptor induced by the administration of sexual steroids at low levels (17β-estradiol and nandrolone alone or in combination). A total of 217 male veal calves were randomly divided into four groups: group A (104 calves) treated with 17β-estradiol (5 mg/head; 4 weekly injections); group B (20 calves) treated with nandrolone (50 mg/head; 4 weekly injections); group C (20 calves) treated with the association of the two steroids (5 mg estradiol + 50 mg nandrolone; 4 weekly injections); and group K (73 calves) kept as a control. All the sexual accessory glands were collected at the slaughterhouse (15 days after the last administration) and subjected to immunohistochemical staining with anti-progesterone receptor antibody. All the calves treated with 17β-estradiol alone or in association with nandrolone (groups A and C) showed strong positivity, while nandrolone-treated calves and controls (groups B and K) gave negative results to the immunohistochemical investigation. The statistical analysis showed that the progesterone receptor is a significant predictor of 17β-estradiol treatment alone or in association with nandrolone (p < 0.001): the immunohistochemical study resulted in 100% sensitivity (CI = 95%: 97.1–100%) and specificity (CI = 95%: 95.1–100%) for prostate and 99% sensitivity (CI = 95%: 95.6–100%) and 100% specificity (CI = 95%: 95.1–100%) for bulbo-urethral glands. The data confirm that this innovative biological approach offers a reliable tool to enhance the efficacy of the histological test to detect illegal treatments with estrogens alone or in association with androgens.