Meijun Zhu

Food Microbiology and Nutrigenomics Labratory

Photo of Meijun Zhu

Research Interests

Our research interests center on microbiological food safety and effects of dietary bioactive compounds on gut microbiota and chronic diseases. For the nutrigenomic study, we are studying impacts of diets on intestinal epithelial differentiation, gut microbiome, and metabolic diseases. We use both in vivo mice models and in vitro cell culture to examine the intricate interaction among nutrients, microorganisms, and gut epithelial health. For food safety research, we are seeking novel strategies to inactivate, intervene and detect foodborne pathogens in foods and food production environments, and further explore their applications in the food industries; we are also exploring behaviors of foodborne pathogens and their interactions with the background microbiome. We use metagenomics, molecular and traditional microbiological techniques for our studies.

Currently accepting graduate student applications.

Selected Publications from last five years

(Total citations: 13,509 times based on Google Scholar; H-index 65 per google scholar)

2023

  • Acuff, J. C., J. S. Dickson, F. Jeffrey, Elizabeth, G. K. C. Hedberg, A. Lee, and M. J. Zhu. 2023. Practice and progress: updates on outbreaks, advances in research, and processing technologies for low-moisture food safety. Journal of Food Protection, 86: 100018
  • Chiu, T., T. Green, M. J. Zhu. 2023. Detection and tracing of Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis from dairy farm to creamery using N-acetyltransferase (NAT) gene-derived primers. International Dairy Journal, 143: 109292.
  • https://doi.org/10.1113/JP284552
  • Y. Gao, Y. Chen, Q. Tian, J. S. Son, S. A. Chae, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2023. AMP-activated protein kinase inhibition in fibro-adipogenic progenitors impairs muscle regeneration and increases fibrosis. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 14: 479-492. (IF: 12.511)
  • Sun, S., Y. Xie, R. Yang, M. J. Zhu, S. Sablani, and J. Tang. 2023. The influence of temperature and water activity on thermal resistance of Salmonella in milk chocolate. Food Control, 143: 109292.
  • Zhao, L., X. Liu, N. A. Gomez, Y. Gao, J. S. Son, S. A. Chae, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2023. Stage-specific nutritional management and developmental programming to optimize meat production. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 14: 1-14.
  • Ahmad, N. H., I. M. Hildebrandt, S. Picken, S. K. Lau, J. Xu, S. Liu, H. Tsai, A. M. Rincon, J. Subbiah, H. Thippareddi, M. J. Zhu, J. Tang, E. N.M. Anderson, E. M. Grasso-Kelley, E. T. Ryser, and B. P. Marks. 2022. Interlaboratory evaluation of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a Salmonella surrogate for validating thermal treatment of multiple low-moisture food. Journal of Food Protection, 85: 1538-1552.

2022

  • Bravo Iniguez, A., Q. Tian, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2022. Alpha-ketoglutarate promotes goblet cell differentiation and alters urea cycle metabolites in DSS-induced colitis mice. Nutrients, 14: 1148. 
  • Chae S. A., J. S. Son, J. M. de Avila, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2022. Maternal exercise improves epithelial development of fetal intestine by enhancing apelin signaling and oxidative metabolism. American Journal of Physiology Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 323: R728-R738. (IF: 3.619) (1, 2, 4, 5, 6)
  • Chae S. A., J. S. Son, L. Zhao, Y. Gao, X. Liu, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, M. Du. 2022. Exerkine apelin reverses obesity-associated placental dysfunction by accelerating mitochondrial biogenesis in mice. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 322: E467-479.
  • Dhowlaghar, N. and M. J. Zhu. 2022. Control of Salmonella in low-moisture foods: Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 a surrogate for thermal and non-thermal validation.  Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62: 5886-5902.
  • Gao, Y., L. Zhao, J.S. Son, X. Liu, Y. Chen, M. J. Deavilla, M. J. Zhu, G. Murdoch, and M. Du. 2022. Maternal exercise before and during pregnancy facilitates embryonic myogenesis by enhancing thyroid hormone signaling. Thyroid, 32: 581-593.
  • Liu, X., L. Zhao, Y. Chen, Y. Gao, Q. Tian, J. S. Son, S. Chae, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2022. Obesity induces adipose fibrosis and collagen cross-linking through suppressing AMPK and enhancing lysyl oxidase expression. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease, 1868, 166454.
  • Liu, X., Y. Chen, L. Zhao, H. Wang, Q. Tian, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2022. Dietary succinate supplementation to maternal mice improves fetal brown adipose tissue development and thermogenesis of female offspring. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 100, 108908.
  • Navarre, D. A. M. J. Zhu, and H. Hellmann. 2022. Plant antioxidants affect human and gut health, and their biosynthesis is influenced by environment and reactive oxygen species. Oxygen, 2: 348-370.
  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, Y. Su, Y. Xue, H. Gao, M. Mendoza, T. Green, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2022. Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene and gaseous ozone on Listeria innocua survival and fruit quality of Granny Smith apples during long-term commercial cold storage. Food Microbiology, 102: 103922.
  • Son J. S., S. A. Chae, L. Zhao, H. Wang, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, Z. Jiang, and M. Du. 2022. Maternal exercise intergenerationally derives muscle-based thermogenesis via activation of apelin-AMPK signaling. Ebiomedicine, 76: 103842.
  • Su, Y., X. Shen, T. Chiu, T. Green, and M. J. Zhu. 2022. Efficacy of chlorine and peroxyacetic acid to control Listeria monocytogenes on apples in process water. Food Microbiology, 106: 104033.
  • Sun, Q., A. Bravo Iniguez, Q. Tian, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2022. PGC-1α is indispensable in purple potato extract-promoted intestinal epithelial differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis. Journal of Functional Food, 98: 109291.
  • Tian, Q., Z. Zhixin, Q. Sun, A. Bravo Iniguez, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2022. Broccoli-derived glucoraphanin activates AMPK/PGC1α/NRF2 pathway and ameliorates dextran-sulphate-sodium-induced colitis in mice. Antioxidants, 11: 2404.

2021

  • Alshammari, J., N. Dhowlaghar, Y. Xie, J. Xu, J. Tang, S. Sablani, and M. J. Zhu. 2021.  Survival of Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium in high fructose corn syrup and honey at room temperature. Food Control, 123, 107765.
  • Ballom, K., N. Dhowlaghar, H. Tsai, R. Yang, J. Tang, and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Radiofrequency pasteurization against Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in cocoa powder. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 145:111490.
  • Bravo Iniguez, A., and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Hop bioactive compounds in prevention of nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 61: 1900-1913.
  • Chen, Y. T., Y. Hu, Q. Y. Yang, X. D. Liu, J. S. Son, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2021. Embryonic exposure to hyper glucocorticoids suppresses brown fat development and thermogenesis via REDD1. Science Bulletin, 66, 478-489.
  • Chen, Y., G. Ma, Y. Hu, Q. Yang, J. M. Deavila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2021. Effects of maternal exercise during pregnancy on perinatal growth and childhood obesity outcomes: a meta-analysis and meta-regression. Sports Medicine, 51: 2329-2347.
  • Chen, Y.T., Q.Y. Yang, Y. Hu, X.D. Liu, J.M. de Avila, M.J. Zhu, P.W. Nathanielsz, and M. Du. 2021. Imprinted LncRNA Dio3os preprograms intergenerational brown fat thermogenesis and obese resistance. Nature Communications, 12: 6845
  • Dhowlaghar, N., J. Tang, and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Thermal inactivation of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 in desiccated shredded coconut. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 149: 111851.
  • Hua, Z., F. Younce, J. Tang, D. Ryu, B. Rasco, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Efficacy of saturated steam against Listeria innocua biofilm on common food-contact surfaces. Food Control, 125, 107988.
  • Lin, X. Y. Tang, Y. Hu, Y. Lu, Q. Sun, Y. Lv, Q. Zhang, C. Wu, M.J. Zhu, Q. He, and Y. Chi. 2021. Sodium reduction in traditional fermented foods: challenges, strategies, and perspectives. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 69: 8065-8080.
  • Perez Reyes, M. E., J. Tang, G. V. Barbosa Cánovas, and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Influence of water activity and dry-heating time on egg white powders quality. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 140:110717. (IF: 4.952) (4, 6)
  • Shen, X., J. Cong, J. Mugendi, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Synergistic effects of lauric arginine and peracetic acid in reducing Listeria monocytogenes on fresh apples. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12: 641034.
  • Shen, X., Y. Su, Z. Hua, L. Sheng, M. Mendoza, Y. He, T. Green, I. Hanrahan, R. Blakey, and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Effects of low-dose continuous gaseous ozone on Listeria innocua inactivation and quality of Red Delicious apples under commercial cold storage. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12: 712757.
  • Sheng, L., and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Practical in-storage interventions to control foodborne pathogens on fresh produce. Comprehensive Review in Food Science and Food Safety, 2021, 20:4584–4611.
  • Sun, Q., M. Du, D. A. Navarre, and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Cooking methods on bioactivity of polyphenols in purple potatoes. Antioxidants, 10: 1176.
  • Taylor, M. and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Control of Listeria monocytogenes in low-moisture foods. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 116: 802-814.
  • Tian, Q., A. Bravo Iniguez, Q. Sun, H. Wang, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2021. Dietary alpha-ketoglutarate suppressed dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis associated glycolytic metabolism. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 65: 2000936.
  • Xie, Y., J. Xu, R. Yang, J. Alshammari, M. J. Zhu, S. Sablani, and J. Tang. 2021. Moisture content of bacterial cells determines thermal resistance of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 30. Applied Environmental Microbiology, 87: e02194-20.
  • Xie, Y., T. Cheng, L. Wei, M. J. Zhu, S. Sablani, and J. Tang. 2021. Thermal inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis PT30 in ground cinnamon as influenced by water activity and temperature. Food Control, 124: 107935.
  • Zhao, L., N. C. Law, N. A. Gomez, J. Son, Y. Gao, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2021. Obesity impairs embryonic myogenesis by enhancing BMP signaling within the dermomyotome. Advanced Science, 2021: 2102157.

2020

  • Alshammari, J., J. Xu, J. Tang, S. Sablani, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Thermal resistance of Salmonella in low-moisture high-sugar products. Food Control, 114, 107255.
  • Ballom K., Tsai, H., J. Tang, and M. J. Zhu*. 2020. Stability of Listeria monocytogenes in non-fat dry milk powder during isothermal treatment and storage. Food Microbiology, 87, 103376.
  • Chen, Y. T., Y. Hu, Q. Y. Wang, J. S. Son, X. D. Liu, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2020. Excessive glucocorticoids during pregnancy impair fetal brown fat development and predisposes offspring to metabolic dysfunctions. Diabetes, 69:1662-1674.
  • Jin, Y., J. Tang, M. J. Zhu. 2020. Water activity influence on the thermal resistance of Salmonella in soy protein powder at elevated temperatures. Food Control, 113, 107160.
  • Shen, X., L. Sheng, Y. Su, C. Benedict, E. Schacht, C. E. Kruger, Y. Zhang, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Evaluation of preharvest microbiological safety of blueberry production with or with manure-derived fertilizer. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 3130.
  • Shen, X., Y. Su, Z. Hua, J. Cong, N. Dhowlaghar, Q. Sun, S. Lin, T. Green, M. Perrault, M. Galeni, I. Hanrahan, T. V. Suslow, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Validation of antimicrobial efficacy of peroxyacetic acid against L. monocytogenes on fresh apples using E. faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate in multiple commercial spray-bar operations. Food Microbiology, 92: 103590
  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, O. Ulloa, T. V. Suslow, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Evaluation of JC9450 and neutral electrolyzed water in controlling Listeria monocytogenes on fresh apples and preventing cross-contamination. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 3128.
  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Screening of non-pathogenic surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes applicable for chemical sanitizer interventions of fresh apples. Food Control, 110, 106977.
  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, Y. Su, C. A. Korany J. Knueben, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. The efficacy of sodium acid sulfate on controlling Listeria monocytogenes on apples in a water system with organic matter. Food Microbiology, 92: 103595
  • Shen, X., Y. Su, Z. Hua, J. Cong, N. Dhowlaghar, Q. Sun, S. Lin, T. Green, M. Perrault, M. Galeni, I. Hanrahan, T. V. Suslow and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Validation of antimicrobial efficacy of peroxyacetic acid against L. monocytogenes on fresh apples using Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate in multiple commercial spray-bar operations. Food Microbiology, 92: 103590.
  • Tian, Q., Z. Xu, H. Wang, X. Sun, J. Deavila, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Grape pomace inhibits colon carcinogenesis by suppressing cell proliferation and inducing epigenetic modifications. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 84:108443.
  • Iniguez, A.B. and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Hop bioactive compounds in prevention of nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1767537
  • Sun, J., L. Zhao, Y. Chen, K. Chen, S. A. Chae, J. M. de Avila, H. Wang, M.J. Zhu, Z. Jiang and M. Du. 2020. Maternal exercise via exerkine apelin enhances brown adipogenesis and prevents metabolic dysfunction in offspring mice. Science Advances, 6: eaaz0359.
  • Tian, Q., J. Zhao, Q. Yang, B. Wang, J. Deavila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2020. Dietary alpha-ketoglutarate promotes beige adipogenesis and prevents obesity in middle-aged mice. Aging Cell, 19: e13059.
  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, O. Ulloa, T. V. Suslow, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Evaluation of JC9450 and neutral electrolyzed water in controlling Listeria monocytogenes on fresh apples and preventing cross-contamination. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 3128.
  • Shen, X., L. Sheng, Y. Su, C. Benedict, E. Schacht, C. E. Kruger, Y. Zhang, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Evaluation of preharvest microbiological safety of blueberry production with or with manure-derived fertilizer. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 3130.
  •  Sheng, L., X. Shen, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Screening of non-pathogenic surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes applicable for chemical sanitizer interventions of fresh apples. Food Control, 110, 106977.
  • Ballom K., Tsai, H., J. Tang, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Stability of Listeria monocytogenes in non-fat dry milk powder during isothermal treatment and storage. Food Microbiology, 87, 103376.
  • Zhao, L., B. Wang, N. Gomez, J. Deavila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2020. Even a low dose of tamoxifen profoundly induces adipose tissue browning in female mice. International Journal of Obesity, 44: 226-234.

2019

  • Hua, Z., A.M. Korany, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Comparative evaluation of different sanitizers against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on major food-contact surfaces. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 196.
  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, C. Benedict, Y. Su, H. C. Tsai, E. Schacht, C. E. Kruger, M. Drennan, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Microbial safety of dairy manure fertilizer application in raspberry production. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 2276.
  • Son, J., X. Liu, Q. Tian, L. Zhao, Y. Chen, Y. Hu, S. A. Chae, J. M. Deavila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. (2019). Exercise prevents the adverse effects of maternal obesity on placental vascularization and fetal growth. Journal of Physiology, 13: 3333-3347.
  • Shen, X., L. Sheng, H. Gao, I. Hanrahan, T. V. Suslow, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Enhanced efficacy of peroxyacetic acid against Listeria monocytogenes on fresh apples at elevated temperature. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 196.
  • Tsai, H., M. H. Taylor, X. Song, L. Sheng, J. Tang, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Thermal resistance of Listeria monocytogenes in natural unsweetened cocoa powder under different water activity. Food Control, 102: 22-28.
  • Xue, Y., M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Raspberry extract prevents Escherichia coli O157:H7-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Journal of Functional Food, 56: 224-231
  • Tsai, H., K. Ballom, X. Song, J. Tang, B. P. Marks, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Evaluation of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for Salmonella during cocoa powder thermal processing. Food Microbiology, 82: 135-141.
  • Bibi, S., D. A. Navarre, X. Sun, M. Du, B. Rasco, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Effect of potato consumption on gut microbiome and intestinal epithelial health. American Journal of Potato Research, 2019: 1-7.
  • L.F. de Sousa Moraes, X. Sun, M. C. G. Peluzio, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Anthocyanins /anthocyanidins and colorectal cancer: what is behind the scenes? Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59: 59-71.
  • Xue, Y., M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Quercetin prevents Escherichia coli O157:H7 adhesion to epithelial cells by suppressing focal adhesions. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9: 3278.
  • Zhang, S., Wang, H., and M. J. Zhu. 2019. A sensitive GC/MS detection method for analyzing microbial metabolites short chain fatty acids in fecal and serum samples. Talanta,196: 249-254.
  • Wang, H., S. Zhang, Q. Shen, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. A metabolome explanation on beneficial effects of dietary Goji on intestine inflammation. Journal of Functional Food, 53: 109-114.
  • Cheng, N., C. Zhu, Y., Wang, D. Du, M. J. Zhu, Y. Luo, W. Xu, Y. Lin 2019. Nanozyme enhanced colorimetric immunoassay for naked eyes detection of Salmonella Enteritidis PT30. Journal of Analysis and Testing, 3:99-106.

2018

  • Bibi, S., M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Dietary red raspberries reduce colorectal inflammation and carcinogenic risk in DSS-induced colitis in mice. Journal of Nutritional, 148, 667-674.
  • Bibi, S., Y. Kang, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Dietary red raspberries attenuate dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 51:40-46.
  • Kang, Y., Y. Guan, S. Zhang, C. Ross, M. J. Zhu. 2018. Goji berry modulates gut microbiota and alleviates colitis in IL-10-deficient mice. Molecular Nutrition Food Research, 62: 1800535.
  • Korany Abd-Rabou1 A. H. †, H. Zi, T. Green, S. H. Hussein El Shinawy, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Efficacy of ozonated water, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, quaternary ammonium compounds and peroxyacetic acid against Listeria monocytogenes biofilm on polystyrene surfaces. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9: 2296.
  • Liu, S., J. Tang, R. Tadapaneni, R. Yang, M. J. Zhu. 2018. Exponentially increased thermal resistance of Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium at reduced water activity. Applied Environmental Microbiology, 84: e02742-17.
  • Sheng, L., I. Hanrahan, X. Sun, M. K. Taylor, M. Mendoza, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Survival of Listeria innocua on Fuji apples under commercial cold storage with or without low dose continuous ozone gaseous. Food Microbiology, 76: 21-28.
  • Sun, X., and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Butyrate inhibits indices of colorectal carcinogenesis via enhancing α-ketoglutarate-dependent DNA demethylation of mismatch repair genes. Molecular Nutrition Food Research, 62: 1700932.
  • Sun, X., X. Fu, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Ex vivo gut culture for tracing gut epithelial development. Open Biology, 8: 170256.
  • Taylor, M., H. Tsai, B. Rasco, J. Tang and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Stability of Listeria monocytogenes in wheat flour during extended storage and isothermal treatment. Food Control, 91: 434-439.
  • Xing, T., Y. Kang, X. Xu, B. Wang, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Raspberry supplementation improves insulin signaling and promotes brown-like adipocyte development in white adipose tissue of obese mice. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 2018, 1701035.
  • Xue, Y., and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Suppressing autophagy: a strategy by Escherichia coli O157:H7 for its survival on host epithelial cells. Cell Death and Disease, 9:64.
  • Zeinhom, M.M. A., Y. Wang, Y. Song, M. J. Zhu, Y. Lin, and D. Dan. 2018. A portable smart-phone device for rapid and sensitive detection of E. coli O157:H7 in yoghurt and egg. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 99: 479-485.
  • Zeinhom, M.M. A., Y. Wang, L. Sheng, D. Dan, L. Li, M. J. Zhu, and Y. Lin. 2018. Smart phone based immunosensor coupled with nanoflower signal amplification for rapid detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in milk, cheese and water. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 2018, 261:75-82.
  • Zhao, T., H. Wu, Y. Zhang, D. Wang, Y. Chen, M. J. Zhu, L. Ma. 2018. Extracellular aminopeptidase modulates biofilm development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by affecting exopolysaccharide and bacterial death. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 10: 583-593.
  • Zou, T., B. Wang, Q. Yang, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, J. You, D. Chen, and M. Du. 2018. Raspberry promotes brown and beige adipocyte development in mice fed high-fat diet through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) 1. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 55:157-164.

2017

  • Cheng, N., Y. Song, M.M.A., Zeinhom, Y. Chang, L. Sheng, H. Li, D. Du, L. Li, M. J. Zhu, Y. Luo, W. Xu, Y. Lin. 2017. Nanozyme-mediated dual immunoassay integrated with smartphone for use in simultaneous detection of pathogens. Applied Materials & Interfaces, 9: 40671-40680
  • Lebow, N. K., L. D. DesRocher, F. L. Younce, M. J. Zhu. C.F. Ross, and D.M. Smith. 2017. Influence of High-pressure processing at low temperature and nisin on Listeria innocua survival and sensory preference of dry-cured cold-smoked salmon. Journal of Food Science, 82: 2977-2986.
  • Sheng, L., K. Edwards, H. C. Tsai, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Fate of Listeria monocytogenes on fresh apples under different storage temperatures. Frontier in Microbiology, 8: 1396.
  • Tsai, H. C., L. Sheng, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Antimicrobial efficacy of Cinnamon oil against Salmonella in almond based matrices. Food Control, 80: 170-175.
  • Villa-Rojas, R. , M. J. Zhu, N. Paul, P. Gray, J. Xu, D. Shah, J. Tang. 2017. Biofilm forming Salmonella strains exhibit enhanced thermal resistance in wheat flour. Food Control, 73: 689-695.
  • Villa-Rojas, R., M. J. Zhu, M.P. Bradley, J. Tang. 2017. Radiofrequency inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis PT30 and Enterococcus faecium in flour at different water activities. Biosystems Engineering, 156: 7-16.
  • Xue, Y., M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Quercetin suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation in epithelial cells triggered by Escherichia coli O157:H7. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 108:760-769
  • Xue, Y., and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Suppressing autophagy: a strategy by Escherichia coli O157:H7 for its survival on host epithelial cells. Cell Death and Disease, 20189:64.
  • Xue, Y., M. Du, H. Sheng, C. J. Hovde, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Escherichia coli O157:H7 suppress host autophagy and promote bacterial adhesion via Tir-mediated and cAMP-independent activation of protein kinase A. Cell Death and Discovery, 3, 17055.
  • Bibi, S., Y. Kang, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Dietary red raspberries attenuate dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 51:40-46.
  • Bibi, S., L.F. de Sousa Moraes1, N. Lebow, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Dietary green pea protects against DSS-induced colitis in mice challenged with high-fat diet. Nutrients, 9: 509
  • Bibi, S., Y. Kang, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Maternal high-fat diet consumption enhances offspring susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis in mice. Obesity, 25: 901-908
  • Kang, Y., Y. Xue, M. Du., M. J. Zhu. 2017. Preventative effects of Goji berry in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 40: 70-76.
  • Sun, X., and M. J. Zhu. 2017. AMP-activated protein kinase: a therapeutic target in intestinal diseases. Open Biology, 7: 170104.
  • Sun, X., M. Du, D. A. Navarre and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Purple potato extract promotes intestinal epithelial differentiation and barrier function by activating AMP-activated protein kinase. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 62:1700536.
  • Sun, X., Q. Y. Yang, C. J. Rogers, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. AMPK regulate intestinal differentiation via histone modification of CDX2. Cell Death and Differentiation, 24: 819-831.
  • Wang, B., X. Fu, X. Liang, J. M. Deavila, Z. Wang, L. Zhao, Q. Tian, J. Zhao, N. A. Gomez, S. C. Trombetta, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2017. Retinoic acid induces white adipose tissue browning by increasing adipose vascularity and inducing beige adipogenesis of PDGFRa+ adipose progenitors. Cell Discovery, 3:17036.
  • Wang, S., X. Liang, Q. Yang, X. Fu, M. J. Zhu, B.D. Rodgers, Q. Jiang, M. V. Dodson, and M. Du. 2017. Resveratrol enhances brown adipocyte formation and function by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) 1 in mice fed high-fat diet. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 61: 1600746.
  • Yang, G., S. Bibi, M. Du, T. Suzuki, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Regulation of the intestinal tight junction by natural polyphenols: a mechanistic perspective. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 595: 3830-3839.
  • Zou, T., Q. Yang, B. Wang, M. J. Zhu, P. W. Nathanielsz, and M. Du. 2017. Resveratrol supplementation to high fat diet-fed pregnant mice promotes brown and beige adipocyte development and prevents obesity in male offspring. Journal of Physiology, 595:1547-1562.
  • Xue, Y., S. Zhang, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Dandelion extract suppresses reactive oxidative species and inflammasome in intestinal epithelial cells. Journal of Functional Food, 29: 10-18.

2016

  • Yang, Q., X. Liang, X. Sun, X. Fu, L. Zhang, C. J. Rogers, S. Wang, B. Wang, J. W. Maricelli, B. Viollet, B. D. Rodger, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2016. AMPK/α-ketoglutarate axis dynamically mediates DNA demethylation in the Prdm16 promoter and brown adipogenesis. Cell Metabolism, 24: 542-554.
  • Xue, Y., H. Zhang, X. Sun, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Metformin improves ileal epithelial barrier function in interleukin-10 deficient mice. PLoS ONE, 11: e0168670.
  • Liang, X. W., Q. Y. Yang, L. P. Zhang, J. Maricelli, B. D. Rodgers, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2016. Maternal high-fat diet during lactation impairs thermogenic function of brown adipose tissue in offspring mice. Scientific Reports, 6: 34345.
  • Fu, X., M. J. Zhu, S. Zhang, M. Foretz, B. Viollet, and M. Du. 2016. Obesity impairs skeletal muscle regeneration via inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase. Diabetes, 65:188-200.
  • Zhang, H., M. Du, Q. Yang, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Butyrate suppresses murine mast cell proliferation and cytokine production through inhibiting histone deacetylase. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 27: 299-306.
  • Bibi, S., Y. Kang, G. Yang, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Grape seed extract improves small intestinal morphology through suppressing inflammation and regulating alkaline phosphatase in IL10-deficient mice. Journal of Functional Food, 20: 245-252.
  • Sheng, L., B. Rasco, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Cinnamon oil inhibited Shiga toxin 2 phage induction and Shiga toxin 2 production in E. coli O157:H7. Applied Environmental Microbiology, 82: 6531-6540
  • Sheng, L., S.A. Olsen, J. Hu, W. Yue, W. J. Means, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Grape seed extract regulates virulence factors of CDC “top-six” non-O157 STEC through inhibiting quorum sensing. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 229: 24-32.
  • Zhu, H., M. Du, L. Fox, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Bactericidal effects of Cinnamomum cassia oil against bovine mastitis bacterial pathogens. Food Control, 66: 291-299
  • Ye, R., C. Zhu, Y. Song, J. Song, S. Fu, Q. Lu, X. Yang, M. J. Zhu, D. Du, H. Li, Y. Lin. 2016. One-pot bioinspired synthesis of all-inclusive protein-protein nanoflowers for point-of-care bioassay: Detection of E. coli O157:H7 from milk. Nanoscale, 8, 18980-18986
  • Ye, R., C. Zhu, Y. Song, Q. Lu, X. Ge, X. Yang, M. J. Zhu, H. Li, D. Du, Y. Lin. 2016. Bioinspired synthesis of all-in-one organic–inorganic hybrid nanoflowers combined with a handheld pH meter for on-site detection of food pathogen. Small, 12: 3094-3100.
  • Wei, T., D. Du, M. J. Zhu, Y. Lin, and Z. Dai. 2016. An improved ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using hydrangea-like antibody-enzyme-inorganic three-in-one nanocomposites. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8: 6329-6335.
  • Jiang, T., Y. Song, T. Wei, H. Li, D. Du, M. J. Zhu, and Y. Lin. 2016. Sensitive detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 using Pt-Au bimetal nanoparticles with peroxidase-like amplification. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 77: 687-694.