Exploring the potential of pullulan-based films and coatings for effective food preservation: A comprehensive analysis of properties, activation strategies and applications.

Pullulan is naturally occurring polysaccharide exhibited potential applications for food preservation has gained increasing attention over the last half-century. Recent studies focused on efficient preservation and targeted inhibition using active composite ingredients and advanced technologies. This has led to the emergence of pullulan-based biofilm preservation. This review extensively studied the characteristics of pullulan-based films and coatings, including their mechanical strength, water vapor permeability, thermal stability, and potential as a microbial agent. Furthermore, the distinct characteristics of pullulan, production methods, and activation strategies, such as pullulan derivatization, various compounded ingredients (plant extracts, microorganisms, and animal additives), and other technologies (e.g., ultrasound), are thoroughly studied for the functional property enhancement of pullulan-based films and coatings, ensuring optimal preservation conditions for diverse food products. Additionally, we explore hypotheses that further illuminate pullulan's potential as an eco-friendly bioactive material for food packaging applications. In addition, this review evaluates various methods to improve the efficiency of the film-forming mechanism, such as improving the direct coating process, bioactive packaging films, and implementing layer-by-layer coatings. Finally, current analyses put forward suggestions for future advancement in pullulan-based bioactive films, with the aim of expanding their range of potential applications.

A comprehensive review of ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) for bioactive components: Principles, advantages, equipment, and combined technologies.

The increasing focus on health and well-being has sparked a rising interest in bioactive components in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. These components are gaining popularity due to their potential benefits for overall health. The growing interest has resulted in a continuous rise in demand for bioactive components, leading to the exploration of both edible and non-edible sources to obtain these valuable substances. Traditional extraction methods like solvent extraction, distillation, and pressing have certain drawbacks, including lower extraction efficiency, reduced yield, and the use of significant amounts of solvents or resources. Furthermore, certain extraction methods necessitate high temperatures, which can adversely affect certain bioactive components. Consequently, researchers are exploring non-thermal technologies to develop environmentally friendly and efficient extraction methods. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) is recognized as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient extraction technology. The UAE has the potential to minimize or eliminate the need for organic solvents, thereby reducing its impact on the environment. Additionally, UAE has been found to significantly enhance the production of target bioactive components, making it an attractive method in the industry. The emergence of ultrasonic assisted extraction equipment (UAEE) has presented novel opportunities for research in chemistry, biology, pharmaceuticals, food, and other related fields. However, there is still a need for further investigation into the main components and working modes of UAEE, as current understanding in this area remains limited. Therefore, additional research and exploration are necessary to enhance our knowledge and optimize the application of UAEE. The core aim of this review is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, benefits and impact on bioactive components of UAE, explore the different types of equipment used in this technique, examine the various working modes and control parameters employed in UAE, and provide a detailed overview of the blending of UAE with other emerging extraction technologies. In conclusion, the future development of UAEE is envisioned to focus on achieving increased efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced safety, and improved reliability. These key areas of advancement aim to optimize the performance and practicality of UAEE, making it a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable extraction technology.

Effects of multi-frequency ultrasound on sodium caseinate/pectin complex: Emulsifying properties, interaction force, structure and correlation.

This study aimed to improve the emulsification properties of the sodium caseinate (Cas) and pectin (Pec) complex using multi-frequency power ultrasound to regulate the complexation of Cas and Pec. The results revealed that optimal ultrasonic treatment (Frequency 60 kHz, power density 50 W/L, and time 25 min) led to a 33.12 % increase in emulsifying activity (EAI) and a 7.27 % increase in emulsifying stability index (ESI) of the Cas-Pec complex. Our results demonstrated that electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds were the main driving forces for complex formation, and these were reinforced by ultrasound treatment. Moreover, it was observed that ultrasonic treatment improved the surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and secondary structure of the complex. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses revealed that the ultrasonically prepared Cas-Pec complex had a dense, uniform spherical structure with reduced surface roughness. It was further confirmed that the complex's emulsification properties were highly correlated with its physicochemical and structural properties. Multi-frequency ultrasound changes the interaction by regulating protein structure and ultimately acting on the interfacial adsorption behavior of the complex. This work contributes to expanding the role of multi-frequency ultrasound in modifying the emulsification properties of the complex.

Insights into ultrasound-induced starch-lipid complexes to understand physicochemical and nutritional interventions.

Novel lotus root starch (LRS)-myristic acid (MA) complexes were prepared using an ultrasound-assisted hydrothermal method (UHM) to investigate its nutritional intervention in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ultrasonic treatment promoted the formation of the V-type crystal structure of the complex and improved the intermolecular interaction force, the order of the short-range starch molecules, and crystallinity. The volume of the ultrasound-assisted LRS-MA composite (U-LRS-MA) particles was enlarged, the particle distribution showed non-uniformity, and the surface grooves were deepened. The resistant starch content of U-LRS-MA was greatly increased from 34.58 % of native starch to 68.20 %. Dietary Supplements of 5 % and 15 % U-LRS-MA significantly reduced the body weight, the organ index and fasting blood glucose of T2DM mice, effectively adjusted its blood lipid level, alleviated its liver damage and increased the levels of colonic short-chain fatty acids. The addition of 5 % U-LRS-MA was more effective in T2DM than 15 % U-LRS-MA. Ultrasound could be effectively employed to prepare lipid-starch complexes, namely type 5 resistant starch, which was proved for the first time to have an excellent intervention effect on T2DM.