Unveiling the synthesis of aromatic compounds in sauce-flavor Daqu from the functional microorganisms to enzymes.

Aromatic compounds serve as the primary source of floral and fruity aromas in sauce-flavor (Maotai flavor) baijiu, constituting the skeleton components of its flavor profile. Nevertheless, the formation mechanism of these compounds and key aroma-producing enzymes in sauce-flavor Daqu (fermentation agent, SFD) remain elusive. Here, we combined metagenomics, metaproteomics, metabolomics, and key enzyme activity to verify the biosynthesis pathway of aromatic compounds and to identify key enzymes, genes, and characteristic microorganisms in SFD.

Regulation of Hard Segment Cluster Structures for High-performance Poly(urethane-urea) Elastomers.

Elastomers are widely used in daily life; however, the preparation of degradable and recyclable elastomers with high strength, high toughness, and excellent crack resistance remains a challenging task. In this report, a polycaprolactone-based poly(urethane-urea) elastomer is presented with excellent mechanical properties by optimizing the arrangement of hard segment clusters. It is found that long alkyl chains of the chain extenders lead to small and evenly distributed hard segment clusters, which is beneficial for improving mechanical properties.

Fracture-Resistant Stretchable Materials: An Overview from Methodology to Applications.

Stretchable materials, such as gels and elastomers, are attractive materials in diverse applications. Their versatile fabrication platforms enable the creation of materials with various physiochemical properties and geometries. However, the mechanical performance of traditional stretchable materials is often hindered by the deficiencies in their energy dissipation system, leading to lower fracture resistance and impeding their broader range of applications.

Ferroptosis-related genes LPCAT3 and PGD are potential diagnostic biomarkers for osteoarthritis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease and how ferroptosis contributes to OA has garnered much attention recently. Bioinformatics promoted the discovery of ferroptosis-related biomarkers for OA. But since OA is a whole-joint disease, sensitive biomarkers for OA are still limited.

Tough, Recyclable, and Degradable Elastomers for Potential Biomedical Applications.

Elastomers have many industrial, medical and commercial applications, however, their huge demand raises an important question of how to dispose of the out-of-service elastomers. Ideal elastomers that are concurrently tough, recyclable, and degradable are in urgent need, but their preparation remains a rigorous challenge. Herein, a polycaprolactone (PCL) based polyurethane elastomer is designed and prepared to meet this demand.

Analysis of fermentation control factors on volatile compounds of primary microorganisms in Jiang-flavor Daqu.

Chinese Jiang-flavor Baijiu is the most widely consumed liquor. Jiang-flavor Daqu, a fermentation starter, is important sources of key flavors of Jiang-flavor Baijiu. Some microbes play significant roles in flavor formation of Daqu.