Unveiling the emerging trends of egg components-based biodegradable food packaging development: A comprehensive review.

Food packaging plays a crucial role in the food supply chain by aiding in food preservation and reducing food losses throughout the distribution process. The extensive, unregulated utilization, and waste mismanagement of food packaging materials made up of conventional petroleum-based plastics has led to a significant environmental crisis. Egg components-based food packaging has attracted considerable attention from the global packaging industry as a viable alternative to synthetic polymers due to its biodegradability, sustainability, and health-related benefits. This comprehensive review explores the composition and properties of egg components (eggshell, eggshell membrane, egg white, and egg yolk), and recent advancements in biodegradable packaging films derived from them. Additionally, it introduces the characteristics of these films and their applications in food, highlighting their biodegradability, sustainability, and suitable mechanical, barrier, thermal, optical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties as substitutes for traditional synthetic polymers. The utilization of various egg components in the packaging industry is a safe, non-toxic, cost-effective, and economical approach. However, it was found that incorporating active compounds from natural sources into packaging films, as well as composite films composed of egg components combined with other biopolymers, resulted in superior properties, compared to single component films. Moreover, the application of novel technologies in film development has proven to be more effective than conventional methods. These innovative egg components-based packaging films can be optimized and commercialized for use as packaging materials for food products.

Trends in extracting protein from microalgae Spirulina platensis, using innovative extraction techniques: mechanisms, potentials, and limitations.

Microalgal, species are recognized for their high protein content, positioning them as a promising source of this macronutrient. Spirulina platensis, in particular, is noteworthy for its rich protein levels (70 g/100 g dw), which are higher than those of meat and legumes. Incorporating this microalgae into food can provide various benefits to human health due to its diverse chemical composition, encompassing high amount of protein and elevated levels of minerals, phenolics, essential fatty acids, and pigments. Conventional techniques employed for protein extraction from S. platensis have several drawbacks, prompting the exploration of innovative extraction techniques (IETs) to overcome these limitations. Recent advancements in extraction methods include ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, high-pressure-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pulse-electric field assisted extraction, ionic liquids assisted extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction. These IETs have demonstrated efficiency in enhancing protein yield of high quality while maximizing biomass utilization. This comprehensive review delves into the mechanisms, applications, and drawbacks associated with implementing IETs in protein extraction from S. platensis. Notably, these innovative methods offer advantages such as increased extractability, minimized protein denaturation, reduced solvent consumption, and lower energy consumption. However, safety considerations and the synergistic effects of combined extraction methods warrant further exploration and investigation of their underlying mechanisms.

Recent advances in the implementation of ultrasound technology for the extraction of essential oils from terrestrial plant materials: A comprehensive review.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is an innovative process for recovering valuable substances and compounds from plants and various biomaterials. This technology holds promise for resource recovery while maintaining the quality of the extracted products. The review comprehensively discusses UAE's mechanism, applications, advantages, and limitations, focusing on extracting essential oils (EOs) from diverse terrestrial plant materials. These oils exhibit preservation, flavor enhancement, antimicrobial action, antioxidant effects, and anti-inflammatory benefits due to the diverse range of specific compounds in their composition. Conventional extraction techniques have been traditionally employed, and their limitations have prompted the introduction of novel extraction methods. Therefore, the review emphasizes that the use of UAE, alone or in combination with other cutting-edge technologies, can enhance the extraction of EOs. By promoting resource recovery, reduced energy consumption, and minimal solvent use, UAE paves the way for a more sustainable approach to harnessing the valuable properties of EOs. With its diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and other industries, further research into UAE and its synergies with other cutting-edge technologies is required to unlock its full potential in sustainable resource recovery and product quality preservation.