Meetings – Conferences / Treffen - Veranstaltungen

Thünen-Kolloquium: Neue genomische Techniken in der Forstpflanzenzüchtung - Status Quo, Chancen, Limitierungen

Referent: Tobias Brügmann vom Thünen-Institut für Forstgenetik    Online: 06.11.2025

https://www.thuenen.de/de/newsroom/veranstaltungen/details/neue-genomische-techniken-in-der-forstpflanzenzuechtung-status-quo-chancen-limitierungen

Zukunftsupdate Ernährung 2025

Künstliche Intelligenz, Pflanzenbasierte Ernährung (EAT-Lancet 2.0), Alternative Proteine, Rohstoff-Sicherheit und Personalisierte Ernährung.   21.11.2025; online-MS-Teams

https://zukunftsupdate-ernaehrung.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Veranstaltungsprogramm_Zukunftsupdate-Ernaehrung-2025_Download_2.pdf

VBIO-Faszination Biologie: "Reproduktionserfolg bei Pflanzen in Zeiten von Klimawandel und Umweltstress"

Prof. Dr. Thomas Dresselhaus, Universität Regensburg  Datum & Uhrzeit: 25.Nov. 2025 17:00 online

https://eu01web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eXFgvFV1S-KisdbsHqi6Zw#/registration

Press Releases - Media / Presse- und Medienberichte

POINT NEWSLETTER NR. 280 – OKTOBER 2025 - Aktuelle Biotechnologie

https://www.scienceindustries.ch/_file/38717/point-2025-10-280-d.pdf

Rüegg P.: Vergessener Hafer aus den Alpen kehrt in die Forschung zurück

https://ethz.ch/de/news-und-veranstaltungen/eth-news/news/2025/10/vergessener-hafer-aus-den-alpen-kehrt-in-die-forschung-zurueck.html

Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research: International research team decodes the pangenome of oats

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1103807

Genome-edited rice trials under fire: ICAR, Agriculture Ministry accused of data rigging

https://www.counterview.net/2025/10/genome-edited-rice-trials-under-fire.html

GM Watch: Long-read whole genome sequencing the only way to confirm absence of foreign DNA in gene-edited

products

https://gmwatch.org/en/106-news/latest-news/20605

Australia trials GM banana resistant to Panama disease

https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9778694/australia-trials-gm-banana-resistant-to-panama-disease/

Ficher A.: Voted one of the greatest inventions of 2025, this banana doesn't brown for 12 hours and holds a secret in

its DNA

https://en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br/Voted-one-of-the-greatest-inventions-of-2025--this-banana-doesn%27t-darken-for-12-hours-and-holds-a-secret-in-its-DNA./

Only some selected press releases or media reports are listed here. The daily up-date of the press releases and

media reports are ►here: October week 44 

Publications – Publikationen

Flavell, R., Rosichan, J., Xu, J. et al. (2025): Rethinking the need for field trials. Nat. Plants (2025).

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-025-02152-0

Huguet-Tapia JC et al. (2025): Ensuring effective removal of transgenes before release of genome-edited crops.

Nature Biotechnology 43: 1603–1605. |

Genome editing technology is evolving fast, and many labs worldwide are generating crop plants with improved traits. If transgenes were used to generate the edits, foreign DNA must be effectively removed by outcrossing. After an evaluation of various technologies, we show that long-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is at present the only reliable approach to confirm the absence of foreign DNA. We suggest using long-read WGS before requesting exemption from classification as genetically modified organisms and provide a guide for interpreting WGS data

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-025-02805-7

FAO (2025): World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2025

The Statistical Yearbook 2025 offers a synthesis of the major factors at play in the global food and agricultural landscape. Statistics are presented in four thematic chapters, covering the economic importance of agricultural activities, inputs, outputs and factors of production, their implications for food security and nutrition and their impacts on the environment. The Yearbook is meant to constitute a primary tool for policymakers, researchers and analysts, as well as the general public interested in the past, present and future path of food and agriculture.

https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cd4313en    https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4313en

Kuhnhenn M. Politisierung eines menschengemachten Risikos

Frames von Glyphosat in deutschen und US-amerikanischen Tageszeitungen

https://www.springerprofessional.de/politisierung-eines-menschengemachten-risikos/51625438

Garcia-Alonso M., Alcalde E., Criel I., Novillo C., Kostolaniova P., Podevin N. (2025): Challenges and opportunities in the

regulatory landscape of genetically modified crops in the European Union. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 13:1709118 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1709118

Genetically modified (GM) crops, introduced in the mid-1990s, have undergone extensive scientific scrutiny over the past three decades. While initial regulatory frameworks were stringent due to the nascent nature of the technology and uncertainty regarding their safety, subsequent comprehensive research and independent risk assessments have consistently affirmed their safety for human, animal, and environmental health, leading to widespread global adoption. GM crops have demonstrably enhanced agricultural productivity, mitigated environmental impacts associated with conventional farming, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Consequently, many nations have refined their regulatory approaches based on accumulated scientific evidence. However, the European Union (EU) presents a contrasting scenario. Despite significant investments in agricultural biotechnology research and a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, the EU’s regulatory landscape for GM crops has become increasingly complex, effectively limiting European farmers’ access to these technologies. The EU heavily relies on imports of GM-containing protein-rich crops, while its farmers cannot benefit from their cultivation. The current pre-market assessment for GM crop import and food and feed use authorization is characterized by its lengthy, costly, and unpredictable nature. This paper discusses some of the issues faced by developers when trying to obtain import approvals for GM crops in the EU and the impact that the current regulatory framework is having on innovation. The authors propose a series of practical and feasible adjustments that could be implemented during the EU’s risk assessment process to unlock the benefits of biotechnology for European agriculture without compromising safety standards.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1709118/full

Kim D. (2025):,New Genomic Techniques and Intellectual Property – Reflections on the Current Debate,

GRUR International, 2025, ikaf125 | https://doi.org/10.1093/grurint/ikaf125

Rigorous debates are revolving around the EU legislature's attempts to resolve patent-related issues under the proposed regulation of plants obtained through certain new genomic techniques. This contribution zeroes in on the core controversies, which reflect long-standing dilemmas in intellectual property law and policy. Given the inherent tensions and the opposing effects of exclusive rights on innovation, any solution will likely entail trade-offs, even when presented under the guise of ‘balancing’ rhetoric.

https://academic.oup.com/grurint/advance-article/doi/10.1093/grurint/ikaf125/8305374

Zawedde B.M., Kwehangana M., Ongu I.,Ibanda A.W. et al. (2025): Uganda’s evolving national biosafety system: lessons

from the past 30 years. ront.  Bioeng. Biotechnol., Sec. Biosafety and Biosecurity  13 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1654335

Uganda has made progress towards developing a functional biosafety system. The system has evolved in the past three decades to enable substantial application of modern biotechnology in different sectors. Key informant interviews were used to capture tacit knowledge from respondents who were identified to have vast knowledge and experience of the biosafety system of Uganda in the past 30 years. Secondary data was then used to fill the gaps in the knowledge map. From the findings we were able to identify the key drivers of policy reforms that shaped the evolution of the biosafety regulatory system; policy, institutional developments, partnerships, public participation and engagements milestones that contributed to developing the biosafety system in Uganda. We discuss the lessons learnt and their implications for on-going and future biosafety policy and legal discourse. We share some strategic recommendations that we believe if implemented will enable Uganda, and other developing countries, to put in place a coordinated and evidence-based regulatory system, which is required for effective application and adoption of the current and emerging biotechnologies. Uganda’s case study is also a learning experience for countries that are in the process of establishing biosafety frameworks.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1654335/full

Sidhu A.K., Sharma M., Shah P., Sandhu S.K. (2025): CRISPR and RNA interference: revolutionary tools for extending food

shelf life and ensuring safety.  Front. Food Sci. Technol. 5:1609948 | https://doi.org/10.3389/frfst.2025.1609948

In the global food sector, extending shelf life and ensuring food safety continue to be major concerns that call for innovative approaches that go beyond traditional preservation methods. RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR have become cutting-edge biotechnological techniques with enormous potential for food preservation. CRISPR-mediated gene editing allows for precise modifications in food crops, livestock, and microbial systems to delay ripening, increase resistance to oxidative stress, and suppress enzymes responsible for rancidity. We have tried addressed this by introducing a comparative analysis of CRISPR and RNAi efficiency across climacteric and non-climacteric fruits, highlighted emerging targets (e.g., ethylene-independent ripening regulators and cell wall-modifying enzymes), and identified critical gaps in regulatory frameworks and delivery methods in less-explored crops like guava and papaya. This integration aims to present a more forward-looking perspective beyond existing literature. Similarly, to improve food stability and manage post-harvest degradation, RNAi-based techniques help to silence genes. By reducing mycotoxin contamination, improving disease resistance in livestock and aquaculture, and focussing on foodborne pathogens, these technologies provide revolutionary solutions for food safety that go beyond preservation. Despite its potential, the commercialisation and adoption of gene-edited food items are heavily influenced by legal frameworks, ethical issues, and public opinion. The mechanics and uses of CRISPR and RNA interference in food safety and preservation are examined in this review, along with ethical and legal issues and potential future developments for these technologies to ensure sustainable food security.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/food-science-and-technology/articles/10.3389/frfst.2025.1609948/full

Cummane, J.; Thomas, W.J.W.; Lee, M.; Sayari, M. (2025): Omics for Improving Seed Quality and Yield. Seeds 2025, 4, 49.

|https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4040049

Seed-related traits such as seed size, germination, vigour, dormancy, biochemical composition, and stress resistance are critical to ensuring agricultural productivity and global food security, particularly in current scenarios of climate change and environmental unpredictability. This review examines the transformative potential of omics technologies, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and phenomics, in enhancing our understanding of seed biology and its applications in crop improvement. Genomics and transcriptomics are key technologies in future plant breeding and gene editing to optimise seed yield and quality. We reviewed the role of metabolomic approaches in uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind seed germination, vigour, dormancy, and the proteomic advances to elucidate markers of seed quality, combining these omic technologies to decipher DOG1 as a marker of dormancy. Both biotic and abiotic stress resistance in seeds were reviewed from a multi-omics perspective to determine the best avenues for improving the resilience of seeds against drought, salinity and pathogens. Moreover, omics approaches have been reviewed to optimise plant–microbe interactions, particularly in enhancing symbiotic relationships within the soil microbiome.

https://www.mdpi.com/2674-1024/4/4/49

Ngqulana A, Oladele OI, Nontu Y, Mdiya L and Mdoda L (2025) A systematic review on enhancing the technical efficiency of

genetically modified maize adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa: the role of agricultural extension services and barriers to success.  Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 9:1609417. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1609417

Genetically modified (GM) maize holds significant potential to enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and farm returns. Yet, varying technical efficiency levels have been reported across countries, coupled with different levels of effectiveness of agricultural extension services, which could enhance high efficiency. This systematic review examines the impact of agricultural extension services on the technical efficiency of GM maize adoption in sub-Saharan Africa. A literature search across multiple databases identified 68 peer-reviewed studies (2011–2024) that focused on technical efficiency and extension services. The review found that effective extension services significantly improve technical efficiency in GM maize adoption. However, challenges such as limited information, strict regulations, high seed costs, and biosafety concerns hinder adoption. The review highlights the importance of targeted support for smallholder farmers and calls for tailored extension programs that address farmers’ specific needs. Additionally, encouraging collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities is essential for developing inclusive extension strategies that bridge knowledge gaps and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1609417/full?utm_source=F-NTF&utm_medium=EMLX&utm_campaign=PRD_FEOPS_20170000_ARTICLE

Buffington, J.D., Kuo, HC., Hu, K. et al. (2025): Discovery and engineering of retrons for precise genome editing.

Nat Biotechnol | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-025-02879-3

Retrons can produce multicopy single-stranded DNA in cells through self-primed reverse transcription. However, their potential for inserting genetic cargos in eukaryotes remains largely unexplored. Here we report the discovery and engineering of highly efficient retron-based gene editors for mammalian cells and vertebrates. Through bioinformatic analysis of metagenomic data and functional screening, we identify retron reverse transcriptases that are highly active in mammalian cells. Rational design further improves the editing efficiency to levels comparable with conventional single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide donors but from a genetically encoded cassette. Retron editors exhibit robust activity with Cas12a nuclease and Cas9 nickase, expanding the genomic target scope and bypassing the need for a DNA double-stranded break. Using a rationally engineered retron editor, we incorporate a split GFP epitope tag for live-cell imaging. Lastly, we develop an all-RNA delivery strategy to enable DNA-free gene editing in cells and vertebrate embryos. This work establishes retron editors as a versatile and efficient tool for precise gene editing.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-025-02879-3

Tietze H, Abdelhakim L, Pleskacˇova´ B, Kurtz-Sohn A, et al. (2025) Prediction of harvest-related traits in barley using high-

throughput phenotyping data and machine learning.  Front. Plant Sci. 16:1686506.| https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1686506

Developing crop varieties that maintain productivity under drought is essential for future food security. Here, we investigated the potential of time-resolved high-throughput phenotyping to predict harvest-related traits and identify drought-stressed plants. Six barley lines (Hordeum vulgare) were grown in a greenhouse environment with well-watered and drought treatments, and dynamically phenotyped using RGB, thermal infrared, chlorophyll fluorescence, and hyperspectral imaging sensors. A temporal phenomic classification model accurately distinguished between drought-treated and control plants, achieving high accuracy (classification accuracy ≥0.97) even when relying solely on predictors from the early drought response phase. Canopy temperature depression at the early stage and RGB-derived plant size estimates at the late stage emerged as key classification features. A temporal phenomic prediction model of harvest-related traits achieved particularly high mean R² values for total biomass dry weight (0.97) and total spike weight (0.93), with RGB plant size estimators emerging as important predictors. Importantly, prediction accuracy for these traits remained high (R² ≥ 0.84) even when restricted to early developmental phase data, including the stem elongation stage. Models trained on pooled drought and control data outperformed single-treatment models and maintained high predictive power across treatments. Together, these findings highlight the value of integrating high-throughput phenotyping with temporal modeling to enable earlier, more cost-effective selection of drought-resilient genotypes and demonstrate the broader potential of phenomics-driven strategies for accelerating crop improvement under stress-prone environments.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1686506/full

Liu, G., Luo, J., Lu, W. et al. (2025): From genome to gene expression: the genomic landscape of a hybrid species of

Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis and its divergence from parental species hybrid. BMC Plant Biol 25, 1458 | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-07371-3

Background:Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis (E. urograndis) is a globally significant forest tree species renowned for its rapid growth, high yield, and exceptional wood production efficiency. A comparative analysis of its parental genomes, coupled with an in-depth investigation of the expression patterns of wood-related genes, will provide critical genomic resources to enhance research and utilization of this superior eucalypt hybrid species.

Results:  In this study, we present a draft genome assembly consisting of 592.09 Mb of data, with 99.91% anchored to 11 pseudochromosomes. The assembly achieved a contig N50 of up to 3.73 Mb and a scaffold N50 of up to 58.62 Mb. Gene annotation and evaluation revealed that the E. urograndis genome contains 32,151 genes, of which 93.50% were fully annotated using Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCOs). Based on evolutionary analysis, E. grandis and E. urograndis are estimated to have diverged approximately 2.90 million years ago (Mya). Additionally, 131 gene families were found to be significantly expanded, and 475 positively selected genes (PSGs) were identified in the E. urograndis genome. Furthermore, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was employed to analyze allele-specific expression patterns of key enzymes involved in cellulose, xylan, and lignin biosynthesis. Several allele-specific expression genes (ASEGs) were identified, potentially associated with heterosis in E. urograndis.

Conclusions:The chromosomal-level genome assembly of E. urograndis presented in this study serves as a valuable genomic resource for eucalyptus molecular breeding, provides novel insights into its evolution, wood formation improvement, and adaptability, and enhances our understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying heterosis in Eucalyptus hybrids.

https://bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12870-025-07371-3

Avni, R., Kamal, N., Bitz, L. et al. (2025): A pangenome and pantranscriptome of hexaploid oat.

Nature | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09676-7

Oat grain is a traditional human food that is rich in dietary fibre and contributes to improved human health^1,2. Interest in the crop has surged in recent years owing to its use as the basis for plant-based milk analogues³. Oat is an allohexaploid with a large, repeat-rich genome that was shaped by subgenome exchanges over evolutionary timescales⁴. In contrast to many other cereal species, genomic research in oat is still at an early stage, and surveys of structural genome diversity and gene expression variability are scarce. Here we present annotated chromosome-scale sequence assemblies of 33 wild and domesticated oat lines, along with an atlas of gene expression across 6 tissues of different developmental stages in 23 of these lines. We construct an atlas of gene-expression diversity across subgenomes, accessions and tissues. Gene loss in the hexaploid is accompanied by compensatory upregulation of the remaining homeologues, but this process is constrained by subgenome divergence. Chromosomal rearrangements have substantially affected recent oat breeding. A large pericentric inversion associated with early flowering explains distorted segregation on chromosome 7D and a homeologous sequence exchange between chromosomes 2A and 2C in a semi-dwarf mutant has risen to prominence in Australian elite varieties. The oat pangenome will promote the adoption of genomic approaches to understanding the evolution and adaptation of domesticated oats and will accelerate their improvement.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09676-7#Sec10

Song L., Zhang P., Gao R., Li B. et al. (2025): Walnut genome editing: an optimized CRISPR/Cas9 platform with superior

genotypes and endogenous promoters, Horticulture Research 12, (10), uhaf187, https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf187

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is an economically valuable tree species globally, renowned for its nutritious nuts and quality timber. However, walnut breeding is significantly constrained by inherent biological factors, and an efficient and reliable genome-editing system has yet to be established. In this study, we developed an optimized walnut genome-editing platform by systematically selecting superior receptor from 30 walnut cultivars using genotype-dependent direct somatic embryogenesis and regeneration systems. Walnut cultivar HT-14 exhibited the highest embryogenic induction (53.33%) and regeneration efficiency (85.33%), and 35S: RUBY was effectively expressed in somatic embryos of the HT-14 genotype, proving it ideal receptor material for genetic transformation. Additionally, 12 walnut-specific endogenous Pol III promoters (JrU3 and JrU6) were cloned and validated for their ability to significantly enhance CRISPR/Cas9-editing efficiency by targeting the walnut phytoene desaturase gene (JrPDS). Compared to commonly used exogenous promoters (AtU6-26 and BpU6-6), these native promoters, the JrU3-chr3 promoter achieving an editing efficiency of 58.82%, significantly increased mutation efficiencies in walnut. Furthermore, endogenous promoters promoted higher frequencies of homozygous and biallelic mutations and greater mutation diversity. Collectively, this study establishes a robust and efficient genome-editing platform for walnut, providing essential technical support for functional genomics research and accelerating the precision breeding walnut varieties. These findings also offer valuable methodologies and insights into genome-editing applications in other perennial woody plants.

https://academic.oup.com/hr/article/12/10/uhaf187/8210365

Kursten A. Spegar K.A., O’Neilla P.F., Veríssimo Sáa, V. LeRoy K. et al. (2025):  An environmental risk assessment of maize

containing event, DP-Ø51291–2, with activity against corn rootworms (Diabrotica spp.) via expression of the protein, IPD072Aa. GM CROPS & FOOD 2025, VOL. 16, NO. 1, 811–836 https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2025.2572192

Maize event DP-Ø51291–2 expresses the protein, IPD072Aa, which is derived from Pseudomonas chlororaphis, encoded by the ipd072Aa gene, to provide corn rootworm control. An environmental risk assessment was conducted for DP-Ø51291–2 maize which characterized potential exposure and hazard of the IPD072Aa protein to non-target organisms (NTOs). To estimate potential exposure to the IPD072Aa protein, worst-case estimated environmental concentrations (EECs) and refined EECs, where applicable, were calculated. To characterize potential hazard from the IPD072Aa protein, laboratory dietary toxicity studies were conducted with surrogate NTOs representing functional groups selected via problem formulation. Margins of exposure for each surrogate species were determined by comparing hazard and exposure values which indicated negligible potential risk to NTO populations. To add an additional line of evidence, a field assessment was conducted for DP-Ø51291–2 maize as compared to a near isoline control. Overall, no unreasonable adverse effects to NTO populations are anticipated from DP-Ø51291–2 maize

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645698.2025.2572192

Duke, S.O.; Carvalho, L.B.(2025): Unintended Effects of the Intended Herbicides on Transgenic Herbicide-Resistant Crops.

Agronomy, 15, 2448. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112448

The herbicides used with crops that have been made resistant to them with transgenes are assumed to have no significant effects on these crops. Crops made resistant to glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba, 2,4-D, mesotrione, and isoxaflutole are discussed in this paper. Most of the literature on this topic has been on glyphosate-resistant crops, as these have been the most successful of all herbicide-resistant crops. Reports of adverse effects, such as phytotoxicity symptoms, disrupted mineral nutrition, and reduced yield, caused by these herbicides on these crops are reviewed and critiqued herein. These reports are often conflicting, however, and there is no consistent evidence of any major adverse effects of these herbicides on these crops. Literature on the accumulation of residues of the intended herbicides in the parts of the plants that are used as food is also discussed. Reports of potential unintended beneficial effects, such as effects on crop pests and stimulation of crop growth and development are also critiqued.

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/11/2448

Kumari, N., Shrivastava, R., Sharma, A. et al. (2025): Purification and biochemical characterization of Aspergillus niger NT7

phytase: Evaluation of its dephytinization potential under simulated digestion conditions. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 41, 406 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-025-04572-8

The present research work aims to purify and characterize phytase derived from Aspergillus niger NT7, a strain previously identified in our laboratory and to corroborate its potential to hydrolyze anti-nutrients in plant-based food products. Crude phytase, produced via solid-state fermentation using wheat bran, was purified through sequential ammonium sulphate precipitation (85% saturation), dialysis and DEAE-Sepharose anion exchange chromatography, resulting in an 11.48-fold purification and a specific activity of 34.93 U/mg. The purified phytase, having a molecular weight of ~ 70 kDa, exhibited optimal activity at pH 5.0 and 50 °C. The observed kinetic parameters, K_M and V_max values for sodium phytate, were 1.98 mM and 99 U/mg, respectively. The purified phytase demonstrated industrially desired characters, including thermotolerance at 50 °C (t_1/2 288.75 min), 60 °C (t_1/2 106.61 min) and 70 °C (t_1/2 52.90 min) with strong resistance to proteolytic degradation. Phytase efficiently hydrolyzed insoluble protein-phytate and metal-phytate complexes, optimally at 50 °C. This study is the first report to elucidate the application of phytase in dephytinization under simulated digestive conditions, enhancing the nutritional and mineral contents of sorghum flour. Phytase supplementation led to a ~ 90% reduction in phytic acid and significantly enhanced the release of inorganic phosphate (Pi), reducing sugars, proteins and free amino acids from the sorghum flour during simulated digestive conditions of both gastric and intestinal phases. ICP-MS analysis further confirmed enhanced mineral bioaccessibility, with notable increases in cationic metal ions such as Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺ and Mn²⁺. The exclusive characteristics of A. niger NT7 phytase, including acidic resilience, thermotolerance and robust proteolytic resistance, validate its commercial potential as a functional food supplement.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11274-025-04572-8

EFSA

FEZ Panel (2025):Safety evaluation of the food enzyme cellulase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-EN.

EFSA Journal, 23(10), e9723.| https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9723

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9723

FEZ Panel (2025): Safety evaluation of a second extension of use of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the non-genetically

modified Rhizopus arrhizus strain AE-TL(B). EFSA Journal, 23(10), e9729. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9729

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9729