Table of Content

04 September 2026, Volume 49 Issue 4

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Dairy Probiotics: From Functional Mechanisms to Industrial Innovation

Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Mechanism of Action and Intervention Strategies via Gut Microbiota Regulation

LI Jingjin, QUAN Keyu, SUN Zhihong

2026, 49(4):  1-11.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20251202-083

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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide. Its pathogenesis is closely related to gut microbiota dysbiosis and it is a typical metabolic liver disease. Currently, there are no specific therapeutic drugs, and clinical intervention is still mainly based on lifestyle modifications, with limited efficacy and a high relapse rate. Dysfunction of the gut-liver axis plays a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of NAFLD. Gut microbiota dysbiosis can drive hepatic lipid metabolism disorders and fibrosis by disrupting the intestinal barrier, promoting endotoxin translocation, and inducing systemic low-grade inflammation. This article systematically reviews the structural and functional characteristics of the gut microbiota associated with NAFLD, focusing on the gut-liver axis, a core pathological regulatory axis. It highlights recent progress in understanding how probiotics alleviate NAFLD through multiple mechanisms, including regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and regulating short-chain fatty acid and bile acid metabolism. This paper further discusses the applicability and limitations of various microecological intervention strategies, including traditional probiotics, next-generation probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, under different research backgrounds, emphasizing the decisive influence of strain specificity, individual differences, and intervention timing on efficacy. Based on this, this paper points out that current clinical research still lacks significant evidence regarding long-term efficacy verification and precise microecological intervention. Taking into account the development trends of multi-omics technologies and synthetic biology, this article proposes that future efforts should focus on integrating host-microbe interaction network data and constructing individualized efficacy prediction models to promote the transformation of probiotic intervention from empirical application to a precise microecological treatment model with clear mechanisms and hierarchical management, providing a systematic and forward-looking theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Recent Advances in the Molecular Mechanisms and Application of Milk-Derived Probiotics in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Baheban·YEERJIANG, LIU Xuelian, Reziya·BIEERDIMULATI, Tabusi·MANAER, Xinhua·NABI

2026, 49(4):  12-19.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20260312-022

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The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely associated with an imbalance in the gut microbiota. The molecular mechanisms by which milk-derived probiotics regulate the gut microbiota and improve host metabolism have attracted significant attention. This review summarizes the core mechanisms by which milk-derived probiotics interact with the host to improve T2DM. Specifically, probiotics repair the intestinal barrier and reshape the microbial community structure, producing metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids. These metabolites subsequently activate key molecular targets, including G protein-coupled receptors 41/43 and farnesoid X receptor, ultimately alleviating peripheral insulin resistance in the host and protecting pancreatic β-cell function. Furthermore, this paper reviews recent research on the application of probiotics, including screening for functional strains based on hypoglycemic mechanisms and microencapsulation. By elucidating the interaction mechanisms between probiotics and the host, this study aims to provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the development of precision prevention and treatment strategies for T2DM based on milk-derived probiotics.

Recent Progress on the Application of Probiotics in Infant Formula Milk Powder

DING Shirong, ZHANG Shuang, XU Qian, FAN Rongbo, ZHANG Lili

2026, 49(4):  20-29.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20251104-077

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As the gold standard for infant nutrition, breast milk not only provides infants with abundant nutrients, but also contains prebiotics and active probiotics, which play a crucial role in the establishment of the infant intestinal microecology and the development of the immune system. However, some infants cannot be fully breastfed due to various reasons and need to rely on formula milk powder; currently, most infant formula milk powders do not contain probiotics, making them distinct from breast milk in terms of microecological function. Therefore, it is extremely important to elucidate the mechanism of action of probiotics and to optimize infant formula milk powder. This paper systematically reviews the mechanisms of action of probiotics in infant formula milk powder, including regulating the intestinal flora, enhancing the intestinal barrier function and modulating the immune response. Meanwhile, it analyzes the clinical effects and safety of major probiotic strains and discusses future research directions, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the research, development and clinical selection of infant formula milk powder.

Research Progress on the Impact of Dynamic Revision of the Taxonomic Status of Lactobacillus on Its Industrial Applications

DU Yiyao, LIU Wenjun

2026, 49(4):  30-37.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20260312-023

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Lactobacillus strains are commonly used in fermented foods and are potential probiotics. The taxonomic status of Lactobacillus has been undergoing revision. In recent years, the large-scale reclassification of Lactobacillus based on core gene analysis has ushered in an era of genomic taxonomy for this genus. This article surveys the changes in the taxonomic position of Lactobacillus from three aspects: the evolution of taxonomic systems, technological drivers, and application orientation, highlighting the indispensable role of core gene phylogenetic analysis, average nucleotide identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization for taxonomy. The reclassification and phylogenomic analysis of the genus Lactobacillus and the updates to prokaryotic classification rules are briefly described. Moreover, this review introduces how the taxonomic changes in Lactobacillus affect its application in food fermentation and probiotic development, as well as its industrial adaptability. It also presents an outlook on new approaches based on integrated multi-omics and artificial intelligence for Lactobacillus classification, providing references for its scientific classification and effective industrial utilization and, more broadly, stimulating microbial taxonomy research and the development of the food industry.

Basic Research

Effects of Kiwifruit Powder on the Physicochemical and Flavor Properties of Fermented Goat Milk with Different Strains

YU Zhezhe, ZHOU Zhuyu, YANG Siyu, RONG Jinqi, LÜ Xin

2026, 49(4):  38-44.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20260316-025

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This study investigated the effects of kiwifruit powder addition on the fermentation performance, physicochemical, and flavor properties of fermented goat milk. Fermented milk samples added with kiwifruit powder (K57, K144, and K149) were prepared with three lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains isolated in-house from fresh goat milk: Leuconostoc citreum 57, Latilactobacillus curvatus 144, and L. curvatus 149. For comparison, fermented milk samples with no added kiwifruit powder (F57, F144, and F149) were also prepared. The results showed that the viable count of LAB in fermented goat milk ranged from 6.27 to 7.27 (lg (CFU/mL)), and the pH was 4.10–4.23, significantly lower than that of fresh goat milk (GM) (P < 0.05). The water-holding capacity (WHC) of K57, K144, and K149 was significantly lower than that of their counterparts with no added kiwifruit powder (P < 0.05). Compared with GM, the fermented goat milk samples had increased brightness and a greenish and bluish color. A total of 52 volatile flavor compounds were identified, with increased abundance of ketones after fermentation. Additionally, kiwifruit powder promoted the formation of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone. Furthermore, the fermented milk samples with kiwifruit powder added were separately distributed without overlapping in the linear discriminant analysis plot based on electronic nose data, and the addition of kiwifruit powder significantly reduced the levels of goaty flavor-related fatty acids, including hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, and decanoic acid (P < 0.05). In conclusion, L. citreum 57, L. curvatus 144, and 149 show strong potential for goat milk fermentation, and kiwifruit powder can be used to improve the flavor of fermented goat milk.

Safety of Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus BD9818 and Sleep-Promoting Effect of Its Postbiotic

JIA Hongxin, SU Miya

2026, 49(4):  45-50.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20260306-018

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In this study, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus BD9818, isolated from koumiss, was evaluated for its safety via hemolytic activity assay and animal pathogenicity test, and the sleep-improving effect of its postbiotic was investigated using a zebrafish model of insomnia. The results demonstrated that strain BD9818 was non-hemolytic and exhibited no pathogenicity in animals, thus confirming its safety for application. Furthermore, low (250 μg/mL), medium (500 μg/mL), and high (1 000 μg/mL) doses of the postbiotic BD9818 all significantly reduced the awakening activity (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001) and total awakening time (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001) of zebrafish, while significantly up-regulating the expression level of the gabra1 gene (P < 0.05 for the low and medium doses, P < 0.01 for the high dose group). In conclusion, strain BD9818 is safe for consumption, and its postbiotic possesses favorable sleep-improving activity.

Processing technology

Effects of Roasting on Flavor and Quality of Defatted Chufa Tuber Meal Milk and Its Shelf-Life Prediction

YANG Chenhe, PU Yingqi, GUAN Chunbo, ZHANG Yanrong

2026, 49(4):  51-59.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20251214-087

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This study aimed to prepare defatted chufa (Cyperus esculentus L.) tuber meal milk from defatted chufa tuber meal powder after roasting pretreatment. An electronic tongue, an electronic nose and headspace solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to analyze the influence of roasting pretreatment on the flavor of defatted chufa tuber meal milk. Meanwhile, the shelf life of the milk was predicted. The results indicate that 2-isobutyl-3-methylpyrazine and 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine were formed after roasting, contributing to enhanced roasted aroma. With the original flavor components such as n-hexanol and n-heptanal retained, new aroma components like hexanal, nonanal, and n-ethyl acetate were generated, enriching the aroma. The milk prepared with roasting pretreatment received a higher sensory score and had better flavor with novel sweet and other flavor notes. As the storage time and temperature increased, the pH of the milk showed no significant change, with no colonies detected, while the centrifugal sedimentation rate and sensory score difference increased. A shelf-life prediction model was developed based on the centrifugal sedimentation rate. According to this model, the shelf life of the milk at 25 ℃ was approximately 182 days.

Analysis & Detection

High-Throughput Detection of 45 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Foods for Special Medical Purposes

ZHANG Mingxing, YANG Cengceng, MA Junmei

2026, 49(4):  60-66.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20260306-021

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This study aims to establish a rapid and quantitative method for the detection of 45 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in foods for special medical purposes using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was performed on a ZORBAX RRHD Eclipse Plus C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) using gradient elution a mobile phase composed of a 50% acetonitrile in methanol and 20 mmol/L ammonium acetate aqueous solution containing 0.1% formic acid. Detection was carried out in high-resolution multiple reaction monitoring mode. The results showed that calibration curves for all analytes exhibited good linearity over the concentration range of 1?500 ng/mL. All 45 PFAS compounds showed precise mass relative errors within 5.0 × 10?6. The method’s limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 2.5 to 125 ng/g, and its limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 5?250 ng/g. At spiked levels of 5?2 500 ng/g, recoveries ranged from 70.58% to 116.67%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 15%. All experimental results met the requirements for the quantitative analysis of trace contaminants in food matrices.

Reviews

Research Progress on Milk-Derived Bioactive Peptides

HONG Qing, WANG Guojiao, JIA Xiangfei, YONG Jingyi

2026, 49(4):  67-74.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20251208-085

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Bioactive peptides refer to protein fragments that can serve as functional components while providing nutritional and functional value to the body. Cow’s milk has become a source of various bioactive peptides. Both classical methods and bioinformatics approaches can be used to prepare bioactive peptides. Milk-derived peptides with bioactivities such as antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and cell-regulating effects have been identified. These bioactive peptides can be applied as nutraceuticals in commercial products and as nutritional supplements in the food industry. This article reviews the preparation methods, functions, sources, and commercial uses of milk-derived bioactive peptides, aiming to provide a reference for their development and application.

Physiological Functions of Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Their Applications in Infant Formula Milk Powder

ZHANG Qing, QIAO Zhiyong, LU Youfeng, DU Xiaoya

2026, 49(4):  75-80.  DOI: 10.7506/rykxyjs1671-5187-20251118-081

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Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid nutrient in human milk after lactose and lipids. The composition and content of HMOs in human milk are affected by various factors such as secretor status and Lewis blood type, and vary throughout lactation. As people’s understanding of HMOs deepens, their physiological functions are gradually being discovered. This paper summarizes the important physiological functions of HMOs including maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, protecting the intestinal barrier, regulating immune function, and promoting brain development and cognitive function. Meanwhile, it provides a systematic review of clinical trials data on HMOs containing infant formula milk powder. Based on the compositional characteristics of HMOs in Chinese human milk and the gastrointestinal conditions of Chinese infants, this paper discusses the future application prospects of HMOs in domestic infant formula.