Plant-based foods provide most nutrients for human diets and have wide availability, yet nutrient gaps persist in many regions. Here we assessed China's plant-based food supply during 1997-2018 to determine its ability to meet population-level requirements for dietary energy and 17 nutrients and evaluated food system scenarios for improving nutrient coverage and source diversity. In the baseline scenario including animal-based foods, coverage was high for energy, protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre and ten micronutrients; medium for riboflavin and vitamin A; and low for calcium and selenium. Halving food loss and waste, increasing whole-grain use and moderating red meat intake improved coverage for all nutrients by 8-44% above baseline. Redirecting crops from feed and non-food uses to human consumption enabled self-sufficiency for energy and 14 nutrients. While food system improvements in China can strengthen nutrient availability, complementary strategies, such as crop diversification, fortification and biofortification are needed to close the remaining gaps.
Digital dietary assessment tools are highly beneficial for nutrition research and personalized interventions. This paper describes the development and evaluation of eNutriFFQv2.0, an updated online food frequency questionnaire designed to reflect current diets in the United Kingdom (UK). Updates included modernized food lists based on recent UK population surveys, food composition tables, and food portion photos to improve accuracy and user experience. To assess reproducibility, UK adults completed the FFQ twice, 14 days apart; validity was evaluated against a 3-d weighed food record in a sub-sample. Multiple statistical methods were used. After excluding participants with unfeasible energy intakes, 87 participants completed the reproducibility and 53 the evaluation. The final eNutriFFQv2.0 captured 164 items and estimated intake for 56 nutrients and 6 food groups. Agreement with the WFR was acceptable to good for 25 out of the 29 nutrients analyzed (weighted kappa 0.21-0.77), with ≤10% misclassification into opposite quartiles for most nutrients. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement for energy (176 kcal/d higher in FFQ1) and macronutrient estimates. Reproducibility was good for 24 out of the 29 nutrients analyzed (weighted kappa 0.58-0.85) with <5% misclassification. Mean bias for estimates of carbohydrate, fat, and protein was small (0.0-0.7). Energy estimates were 209 kcal/d (10.7%) higher in the first compared with the second completion of the FFQ. These findings demonstrate that eNutriFFQv2.0 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing nutrient intake in UK adults, offering a practical, scalable solution for research and public health in the context of digital health and personalized dietary interventions.
Climate change has profoundly reshaped lake thermal regimes and ecological processes, intensifying the risks of cyanobacterial blooms. Using Lake Taihu as a representative shallow eutrophic lake, this study integrates multi-source observations and remote sensing data (2002-2024) with machine learning (XGBoost), deep learning (LG-FusionNet), causal inference, and hydrodynamic modeling to investigate the coupled responses among lake surface water temperature (LSWT), lake heatwaves (LHWs), and cyanobacterial blooms under climate change. The LSWT reconstructed by XGBoost showed strong agreement with observations (R2 = 0.91, NSE = 0.95, RMSE= 1.53 °C), exhibiting a significant warming trend (+0.25 °C/10a). The hybrid LG-FusionNet model achieved high predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.97, RMSE = 1.26 °C) and provided thermal boundary inputs for future simulations. Since 2018, heatwave frequency, duration, and persistence have intensified and tend toward year-round occurrence. Convergent cross mapping (CCM) and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis indicated that meteorological factors drive bloom dynamics mainly through LSWT and LHWs (β = 0.905), with nutrients as secondary mediators. Under a multi-scenario multi-model ensemble (MSME; SSP126/245/585), coupled EFDC simulations project that by 2025-2050, LSWT will rise by 1.31 °C, with 10∼11 heatwave events per year and earlier, prolonged bloom peaks (June-October) showing Chl-a increases >2 μg/L. These results revealed a positive feedback of "climate warming → intensified heatwaves → enhanced stratification and deoxygenation → cyanobacterial dominance," providing scientific insights for lake management and bloom risk mitigation under climate change.
Probiotics are increasingly recognized as a promising therapeutic approach for managing constipation, sparking widespread interest in their effects on gastrointestinal health. This study conducts a cluster analysis to systematically map global research trends and hotspots in probiotics for constipation from 1977 to 2024. Relevant publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric tools, including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R, were applied for cluster analysis, network visualization, and trend mapping. A total of 519 publications were included in the analysis. China led in publication volume, while the United States demonstrated the highest academic influence. Key institutions, such as the University of California System and Harvard University, were identified as major contributors. High-impact journals, including Nutrients, World Journal of Gastroenterology, and Digestive Diseases and Sciences, played central roles in disseminating research. Quigley Eamonn M. M. indicated significant influence in the field. Cluster analysis of keywords revealed 6 principal research hotspots: microbial diversity and mechanisms, gut microbiota-host interaction and pathophysiology, dietary factors and microbiome analysis techniques, epidemiology, prevalence, and population health, clinical management and therapeutic efficacy, and clinical trials and study design. Citation burst analysis indicated a recent research focus shift toward mechanisms, personalized interventions, and gut microbiome modulation. This bibliometric study based on cluster analysis identified 6 major research hotspots in probiotics for constipation, reflecting the evolving trends and collaborative networks of the field. These findings provide a comprehensive perspective on current research priorities and can guide future studies toward innovative and evidence-based clinical applications.
To colonize their host and cause disease, enteric pathogens must deploy their virulence factors to establish distinct nutrient niches. How anaerobic pathogens construct nutrient niches in the densely populated large intestine remains poorly understood. Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) is a classically anaerobic bacterium implicated in inflammation-associated diseases, including colitis and colorectal cancer. Here, we show that ETBF uses its virulence factor, Bacteroides fragilis toxin (BFT), to generate and adapt to a localized oxidative niche that supports gut colonization. BFT manipulates colonic epithelial signaling and the bile acid recycling pathway, inducing a metabolic shift in the epithelium from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. This shift increases local concentrations of lactate and oxygen, nutrients that support oxidative metabolism in ETBF. These findings reveal an unexpected strategy by which a classically anaerobic pathogen leverages host metabolic remodeling to generate and exploit an oxidative niche in the inflamed gut.
Growing consumer health consciousness positions nutritional fortification as pivotal in snack innovation, yet high-temperature processing compromises heat-sensitive nutrients. This study constructed lauric acid-ovalbumin (LAA-OVA) nanocarriers via high-pressure homogenization (HPH) to enhance β-carotene (BC) stability in cookies. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed LAA maintained OVA's structural stability during processing. Under optimized HPH (110 MPa, 3 cycles), LAA-mediated BC-OVA self-assembly achieved higher stability (100.0-240.0 nm, polydispersity index <0.30, |zeta potential| > 30.0 mV) than direct OVA encapsulation, with >94.0% BC encapsulation. Microscopic/spectroscopic analyses confirmed spherical complexes stabilized by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Encapsulation increased BC retention 2.4-fold (65 °C) and 2.6-fold (100 °C), enhancing digestive stability and bioaccessibility. Accelerated storage (55 °C/35 days) retained 71.77% BC with reduced peroxides, projecting 165-day shelf-life (25 °C). This provides an effective nanoencapsulation strategy for carotenoid-fortified functional snacks.
Consumer understanding of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is poor, and no consensus definition exists. This study examines how young adults in the United States (US) define UPF and their ability to differentiate UPF from non-UPF of varying nutritional quality (NQ). In a mixed-methods survey of young adults (18-39 years) living in the US for ≥1 year, respondents defined UPF, identified whether 24 foods were UPF or not using images with front and back of package information, and answered demographic questions. Foods were categorised using NOVA for processing and Food Compass for NQ. They included a high NQ non-UPF, low NQ non-UPF, high NQ UPF, and low NQ UPF item from six food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, protein, and snacks/sweets. Concepts used to define UPF were reported as number of respondents mentioning each in their definition. A score of correct answers out of 24 was calculated. The sample of 422 adults, mean age 26.0±6.7 years, was predominantly white (82%), female (74%), and from the Northeast (82%). Thirty concepts were identified to define UPF. The top concepts were food containing additives, preservatives, colours/dyes, or natural or artificial flavours (N = 105), containing non-natural/artificial ingredients or food (N = 98), being highly processed/processed in multiple steps (N = 95), being altered, manipulated, or modified (N = 87), and having low nutritional value/nutrients removed (N = 75). The mean score was 16.0±3.6 (67%) foods. These results suggest limited consensus on how young adults define UPF. Studies in more diverse populations are needed, but consumers may benefit from a clear definition of UPF.
The global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious public health concern, driven by widespread antibiotic use and the global environmental circulation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes (ARGs). Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important sources of anthropogenic AMR entering large rivers, which serve as vital water resources but facilitate downstream dissemination. The drivers and dynamics of AMR propagation along river systems remain poorly understood. As Switzerland's longest and one of its largest rivers, the Aare, situated in the upper Rhine watershed, plays a central role in the 'water castle of Europe'. This study examines the impact of WWTP discharges, some receiving high loads of hospital effluent, on ARG distribution along the 288 km Aare river-continuum. Using quantitative PCR targeting 14 ARGs conferring resistance to eight antibiotic classes, combined with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we conducted a high-resolution spatial survey to assess shifts in the riverine ARG content and microbiome. Concentrations of trace metals and nutrients were analyzed as tracers of anthropogenic inputs. Results revealed a progressive increase in ARG abundance downstream, driven by WWTP effluents enriched in ARGs. Effluents had 70-fold higher mean ARG concentrations than upstream waters, raising downstream levels up to 141-fold. Major tributaries such as the Reuss and Limmat sustained elevated ARG levels, while passage through lakes markedly reduced concentrations. This study provides the first detailed baseline for ARG prevalence along a large swiss river system, from pristine headwaters to pollution-affected lower reaches and insights into aquatic AMR dynamics and guidance for future monitoring.
Maternal iron deficiency anemia (iron deficiency anemia) is a persistent global health challenge with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. A recent multicenter clinical trial found reduced rates of low birthweight infants in mothers treated initially (early second trimester) with IV ferric carboxymaltose compared to oral iron. Secondary findings included improved hematologic indices 4 weeks post-treatment, as well as reduced rate of stillbirth with single dose IV iron infusion. We aimed to determine if the initial response to iron therapy was associated with risk of stillbirth and other adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant singletons with moderate iron deficiency anemia STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of a multi-center randomized controlled trial in India that compared single dose intravenous iron to oral iron for the initial management of moderate iron deficiency anemia (Hb 7.0-9.9g/dL) at 14-17 weeks gestation. The primary outcome for this secondary analysis is stillbirth. Secondary outcomes were early preterm birth <34 weeks, small for gestational age infants (<10%ile). The predictors of interest were maternal hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT), measured at 20-24 weeks gestation. Longitudinal hematologic and iron indices through pregnancy and association with outcomes were also assessed. Relative risk of each outcome based on post-treatment hemoglobin, ferritin, and TSAT was assessed with Poisson regression, adjusting for maternal age, BMI, parity, treatment modality, baseline Hb, and study site. Two-sided alpha=0.05 used for all analyses. Given that most nutrients exhibit U-shaped or threshold risk curves, we also fit models allowing for a quadratic function for the relationship between hematologic parameters at all times and risk of each event RESULTS: 4252 participants were included in this analysis, 1421, 1424, 1407 received intravenous ferric derisolmaltose, ferric carboxymaltose, and oral iron respectively. In evaluating the linear relationship, each unit of increasing Hb response at 20-24 weeks was significantly associated with reduced risk of stillbirth (RR 0.74 (0.56, 0.98). In evaluating the quadratic relationship, we found that there was a significantly progressively increased risk of stillbirth (p<0.0001) and early preterm birth< 34 weeks (p=0.01). Although there was a significant quadratic relationship identified with small for gestational age infant and Hb (p=0.008), the relative risk of SGA and lower Hb was not statistically significant. Inadequate improvement in hemoglobin at 20-24 weeks following iron therapy in pregnancies complicated by moderate iron deficiency anemia is associated with increased risk of stillbirth and early preterm birth. Our findings highlight the potential importance of early screening and treatment of maternal anemia,. Given the association between persistent anemia at 20-24 weeks and adverse outcome, prospective trials should focus on whether early pregnancy, or even preconception, improvement in hemoglobin is an effective intervention to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes such as stillbirth and early preterm birth.
Various marine protists inhabiting high-salinity environments can convert organic nutrients into high-value biomolecules or biomass, making them suitable agents for valorizing saline organic residue from fermentation waste streams, such as condensed molasses fermentation solubles (CMS). This study established a screening method to identify mixotrophic or heterotrophic marine protists suitable for CMS valorization and to assess their bioconversion potential. Growth-performance and nutrient-replacement assays were evaluated based on relative colony coverage on agar plates and final cell density in liquid culture. When applied to the selected strain, Aurantiochytrium limacinum, CMS supplementation was shown to enhance glucose consumption and biomass production; however, it did not increase the production of fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Reducing medium salinity did not rescue the impaired lipid biosynthesis, whereas supplementation with vitamins B1, B7, and B12 restored fatty acid production in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that vitamin-associated cofactors are major determinants of fatty acid biosynthesis under CMS-based cultivation. Our findings demonstrate that molasses-derived residues can serve as substrates for the production of highly unsaturated fatty acids. They also provide evidence that B-vitamin cofactors play an important role in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway of thraustochytrids. KEY POINTS: • CMS supported robust growth but did not promote proportional lipid synthesis in Aurantiochytrium limacinum. • B-vitamin insufficiency (B₁, B₇, and B₁₂) was identified as the primary factor limiting the biosynthesis of fatty acids. • Supplementation with B-vitamin cofactors restored fatty-acid and DHA biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner.
Electron shuttles (ESs) critically enhance microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET), a key biogeochemical process that drives iron cycling and the activation of nutrients like phosphorus. However, existing studies are largely qualitative, focusing on EET pathway identification or current density measurements without quantitatively resolving the underlying energetics. Here, we establish an atomic force microscopy-based single-cell and single-molecule force spectroscopy platform, enabling the first direct quantification of microbial-ES-mineral interfacial energies. We find that riboflavin amplifies the adhesion energy between Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and ferrihydrite-phosphate complex from 0.81 ± 0.064 fJ to 1.92 ± 0.049 fJ, accelerating microbe-mineral bonding up to 5-fold and boosting electron utilization efficiency from 0.015-0.028 h-1 to 0.048-0.12 h-1 across diverse Fe(III) minerals. We further reveal riboflavin binding hotspots on outer membrane c-Cyts, with a binding free energy of -25.6 kJ mol-1. These thermodynamic findings facilitate EET, which in turn significantly enhances the bioavailability of iron and phosphorus. For the first time, we quantified microbial cell-mineral and ES-cell binding energetics, thereby bridging interfacial thermodynamics across molecular and cellular scales to establish a mechanistic basis for EET and its role in nutrient mobilization. Such insights open avenues for control of ES-mediated functions in nutrient cycling, pollutant transformation, and sustainable bioenergy.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication deficits, restricted and fixated interests and abnormal motor behaviors. Increasing evidence implicates oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation as key biological features of ASD. Aberrant redox homeostasis, reduced glutathione reserves, increased lipid peroxidation, and dysregulated NRF2 signaling have been documented in both peripheral tissues and brain samples. Post-mortem and imaging studies further reveal deficits in electron transport chain complexes and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, suggesting a mechanistic link between mitochondrial bioenergetics and ASD-related phenotypes. These pathomechanisms have motivated interest in antioxidant metabolites from botanical drugs and nutrients as complementary strategies. To critically appraise mechanisms and levels of evidence (in vitro, in vivo, clinical) for vitamin E and C, glutathione and its precursors, polyphenols (quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin), Crocus sativus carotenoids (crocin/safranal), and "indirect" modulators (e.g., omega-3, folinic acid), emphasizing study quality, translational relevance, and limitations. The aim of this review is to synthesize current findings on the potential benefits of antioxidants in addressing both molecular and behavioral aspects of ASD, while also examining the link between oxidative stress and ASD. Furthermore, we discuss the role of antioxidant-based interventions in managing ASD symptoms. The review highlights the complex challenges associated with antioxidant therapies and deficiencies, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted nutritional approach particularly in children with ASD.
Floral diseases of macadamia, such as raceme blight, are among the main limiting factors for crop production, and the low availability of registered products for phytosanitary management further aggravates this challenge. In this context, biocontrol agents emerge as a sustainable and effective alternative for integrated disease management. This study aimed to select antagonistic bacteria for the control of raceme blight in macadamia, caused by Cladosporium xanthochromaticum. For this purpose, bacteria were isolated from macadamia racemes, identified, and tested against the phytopathogen in both in vitro and in vivo experiments (racemes and field plants). Their mechanisms of action and compatibility with pesticides registered for the crop were also evaluated. Strains of Serratia ureilytica and Bacillus subtilis proved effective in controlling the disease in the field. S. ureilytica reduced the incidence of C. xanthochromaticum by 27.04% to 35.38% and its sporulation by 52.04% to 52.65%. Meanwhile, B. subtilis was effective in reducing sporulation in racemes by 16.25% to 26.08%. Both strains demonstrated inhibitory activity through volatile and non-volatile compounds, as well as competition for nutrients. The strains were compatible with all pesticides tested, except copper hydroxide, to which S. ureilytica was sensitive. The results indicate that the selected strains can be incorporated into the integrated disease management of macadamia, contributing to the reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.
Citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), has a detrimental effect on plants and can be a factor in citrus decline, a major threat worldwide to the citrus industry. The reactions of different Citrus species to post-HLB infection are still enigmatic. Therefore, nine prominent Citrus species (Citrus reticulata, C. sinensis, C. limonia, C. karna, C. trifoliata, C. jambhiri, C. volkameriana, C. maxima, and C. latipes) were studied in the field experiment to understand their physiological, biochemical, nutritional, and enzymatic responses to HLB infection. Based on the morphological appearance of the plants, the incidence of CLas was confirmed using gene-based DNA markers OI1/OI2c (1160 bp) and A2/J5 (703 bp). The result showed that HLB incidence ranged from 0 to 100% across different Citrus species (PCR-based). Interestingly, C. latipes showed no typical symptoms and tested negative by PCR. Contrastingly, the incidence in other species was 91.7% in C. maxima, 80.0% in C. trifoliata, and 100% in the remaining cCitrus species. The severity of the symptoms ranged from 61.08 ± 7.5% (C. sinensis) to 0.69 ± 0.2% (C. latipes). In the infected species, C. trifoliata and C. maxima recorded the least reduction in chlorophyll (Chl), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), nutrients, and enzyme activities. Comparative analysis revealed that the HLB-infected species exhibited lower Chl, Pn, gs, nutrient levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities. In contrast, potassium, protein, stress biomarkers (proline, H2O2, MDA), and starch content were higher in the HLB-infected plants. Therefore, C. latipes and C. trifoliata are immune to HLB and can be utilised in breeding and as rootstocks for commercial citrus cultivars.
Maternal nutrition is critical for foetal brain development, and dietary polyphenolic compounds play an important role in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxic damage. This narrative review explored the potential promotion of brain development by polyphenols such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, naringin, ferulic acid, genistein, and fisetin through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotrophic effects. The key molecular mechanisms are central to the advantageous actions of these polyphenols in the neurogenesis process. These compounds protect against neurodevelopmental challenges induced by maternal high-fat diet, immune activation, environmental toxins, and psychological stressors. However, their efficacy may depend on dosage, timing of administration, and maternal-foetal metabolic interactions, emphasising the need for personalised maternal nutrition strategies. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects and interactions of these compounds with other nutrients toward personalised maternal nutrition strategies. This narrative review presents the potential of polyphenols to support foetal brain health with an emphasis on their possible incorporation into maternal dietary interventions.
Plant cells are connected to their neighbors via plasmodesmata facilitating the exchange of nutrients and signaling molecules. During immune responses, plasmodesmata close, but how this contributes towards a full immune response is unknown. To investigate this, we develop two transgenic lines which allow to induce plasmodesmal closure independently of immune elicitors, using the over-active CALLOSE SYNTHASE3 allele icals3m and the C-terminus of PDLP1 to drive callose deposition at plasmodesmata. Induction of plasmodesmal closure increases the expression of stress responsive genes, salicylic acid accumulation and resistance to Pseudomonas syringae DC3000. More homogeneous plasmodesmal closure using icals3m also leads to the accumulation of starch and sugars, decreases leaf growth, as well as hypersusceptibility to Botrytis cinerea. Based on the profile of responses, we conclude that plasmodesmal closure activates stress signaling, raising questions about the signals mediating this response and whether these responses occur in all circumstances when plasmodesmata close.
Malnutrition in children remains a major global public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 children, with a sub-sample of 23 children selected for a 3-day weighed food intake assessment. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and dietary intake records. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 and results were presented as means, frequencies, and percentages. The daily energy intake of children aged 4 and 5 years was below the recommended levels (74.1% and 64.3%, respectively). However, children aged 2 and 3 years had adequate energy intakes, exceeding the recommendations (102.4% and 111.5%). Iron intake across all age groups was below the recommended dietary intake. Intake of B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3) among 2-, 3-, and 5-year-olds exceeded recommended levels. Calcium intake was consistently low across all age groups (2 years: 37.5%, 3 years: 44.6%, 4 years: 23.5%, 5 years: 24.7%), this is due to low consumption of protein food sources and vegetables rich in calcium. Key factors influencing low nutritional status included inadequate consumption of high protein food sources, overreliance on carbohydrate food (cassava flour), poor consumption of fruits and vegetables, and inability to access food due to sickness. The study highlights suboptimal intake of energy and essential micronutrients among orphanage children, particularly older age groups. Nutrition education, improved feeding practices, and increased dietary diversity are essential to improve the nutritional status of children in orphanages.
Egg yolk granules (EYGs) are nutrient-rich by-products of immunoglobulin extraction with a dense structure that limits their applications in food systems. Chitosan (CS) was utilized to regulate the physicochemical characteristics and the effects of varying EYGs-CS ratios and pH values were studied. The formation mechanism, microstructures, interfacial properties, and emulsification properties were systematically investigated. FTIR and XRD results confirmed electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding as the driving forces. This complexation disrupted the calcium- phosphate bridges in EYGs, as evidenced by a lower denaturation temperature and enhanced water mobility, creating a more flexible amphiphilic structure. The flexible complex significantly improved interfacial properties, achieving a contact angle near 90° and reducing interfacial tension. Consequently, superior emulsification properties were achieved at an optimal EYGs-CS ratio of 2:1 under acidic conditions (pH 3.0-5.0). This study demonstrates that pH-responsive EYGs-CS complex system can enhance functional properties by modulating microstructure and interfacial characteristics.
During plant development and in response to stress conditions, autophagy contributes to the intracellular degradation of cellular components and subsequent nutrient recycling. As this process is highly connected to the nutrient status of the plant, autophagy also contributes to the mobilisation of sulfur from source to sink tissues as well as the maintenance of primary sulfate assimilation. In turn, sulfur signals regulate autophagy, with sulfide (an intermediate of primary sulfate assimilation) exerting a repressive effect and sulfur deficiency having a stimulatory effect. In addition to a sulfur deficiency response in the plant resulting from low external sulfate availability, stresses such as metal exposure also perturb sulfur metabolism and can induce a 'functional sulfur deficiency' response through a surge in the production of thiol-rich metal chelators. As autophagy is increasingly linked to metal stress responses, this review proposes potential pathways through which metal-induced autophagy is linked to perturbations in sulfur metabolism, focusing on redox alterations and sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1)-related kinase (SnRK)/target of rapamycin (TOR)-mediated nutrient signalling. Lastly, the connection between autophagy and sulfur status to plant stress tolerance is also discussed in terms of potential valorisation strategies to maximise plant growth on metal-contaminated soils.
The low utilization efficiency and significant environmental losses associated with agrochemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and plant growth regulators, have become persistent challenges in agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Conventional agrochemical applications frequently result in active ingredients (AIs) wastage, environmental contamination, and human health risks. Although agrochemical delivery systems (ADSs) based on nanomaterials and nanotechnologies have demonstrated potential in improving efficacy, their practical application remains limited by complex synthesis processes, high nanomaterial costs, and sometimes reliance on organic solvents. Recently, nanobubble (NB) technology, defined by bubbles with nanoscale dimensions (< 1 µm), high stability, unique interfacial properties, and high internal pressure, has attracted considerable interest for applications in environmental and agricultural fields. NB technology offers significant promise for ADSs. First, its straightforward application method may substantially simplify existing preparation processes for nano-agrochemical delivery systems (Nano-ADSs). Second, the unique structure of NB, combined with its tunable gas composition, shows considerable promise in enhancing the stability and bioavailability of AIs. The application of NB technology in ADSs not only improves preparation efficiency but also reduces potential ecological and human health risks by optimizing delivery efficacy. Thus, NB technology presents an innovative approach for developing agrochemical solutions that combine superior performance with environmental sustainability.