Emerging evidence has confirmed the role of emerging
nonthermal
stressors (e.g., electromagnetic fields, ultrasonication, plasma)
in accumulating bioactive metabolites in plant-based food. However,
the signal decoding mechanisms behind NonTt-driven phytochemical production
remain unclear, hindering postharvest bioactive component intensification.
This study aims to summarize the association between signaling molecules
and bioactive secondary metabolite production under nonthermal conditions,
demonstrating the feasibility of enhancing phytochemical accumulation
through signaling molecule crosstalk manipulation. Nonthermal elicitors
were found to be capable of inducing stress metabolisms and activating
various signaling molecules, similar to conventional abiotic stress.
A simplified pathway model for nonthermally induced γ-aminobutyric
acid accumulation was proposed with reactive oxygen species and calcium
signaling being versatile pathways responsive to nonthermal elicitors.
Manipulating signal molecules/pathways under nonthermal conditions
can intensify phytochemical biosynthesis. Further research is needed
to integrate signaling molecule responses and metabolic network shifts
in nonthermally stressed plant-based matrices, balancing quality modifications
and intensification of food functionality potential.