Insights into the quality profile and potential quality markers of Lycium barbarum (goji) berries after Tribolium castaneum infestation

This study innovatively integrated multidimensional quality evaluation with UPLC-MS metabolomics to comprehensively elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying insect-induced quality deterioration and to identify diagnostic markers. The results demonstrated that insect infestation altered color, reduced the content of total flavonoids, total phenolics, six active compounds, and markedly decreased antioxidant capacity (<i>P</i> < 0.05), leading to the quality deterioration. Metabolomic analysis identified 91 differential metabolites (DMs). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these DMs were primarily involved in core biological pathways such as amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy metabolism. These metabolic disturbances were closely associated with nutrient depletion during insect growth and development, providing molecular-level insights into infestation-induced quality decline. ROC curve analysis further identified 6 Q-markers (uric acid, montanol, sucrose, aesculetin, malic acid, and tryptophan). This study not only systematically elucidated the material basis of infestation-induced quality deterioration, but discovered a panel of specific metabolic markers with early-warning potential.