Active film preparation using pectin and polyphenols of watermelon peel and its applications for super-chilled storage of chilled mutton

Polysaccharides from fruit and vegetable wastes and their food applications: A review

Fruit and vegetables are a great source of nutrients and have numerous health benefits. The fruit and vegetable industry produces enormous amounts of waste such as peels, seeds, and stems. The amount of this waste production has increased, causing economic and environmental problems. Fruit and vegetable wastes (FVWs) have the potential to be recovered and used to produce high-value goods. Furthermore, FVWs have a large variety and quantity of polysaccharides, which makes them interesting to study for potential industrial use. Currently, the investigations on extracting polysaccharides from FVWs and examining how they affect human health are increasing. The present review focuses on polysaccharides from FVWs such as starch, pectin, cellulose, and inulin, and their various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. Additionally, applications as packaging material, gelling agent, emulsifier, prebiotic, and fat replacer of polysaccharides from FVWs in the food industry have been viewed in detail. As a result, FVWs can be reused as the source of polysaccharides, reducing environmental pollution and enabling sustainable green development. Further investigation of the biological activities of polysaccharides from FVWs on human health is of great importance for using these polysaccharides in food applications.

A novel curdlan/methyl cellulose/walnut green husk polyphenol edible composite film for walnut packaging

In this study, polyphenols were extracted from walnut green husk, an agricultural waste, and were incorporated into curdlan (CD) and methyl cellulose (MC) to create a novel edible composite film. For structural character, the film matrix was tightly bound primarily by non-covalent bonds and the addition of walnut green husk polyphenols (WGHP) significantly reduced the surface roughness of the composite film. For mechanical properties, the addition of WGHP improve the flexibility of films, and it significantly improved the barrier ability of ultraviolet rays and water-vapor. Furthermore, the incorporation of WGHP to the CD-MC film resulted in enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial effects, which effectively retards lipid oxidation in fried walnuts. Consequently, the fabricated CD-MC-WGHP composite film bears immense potential for use in food preservation applications, particularly in extending the shelf life of fried walnuts.

Application of ultrasound technology for the effective management of waste from fruit and vegetable

Food waste presents a continuous challenge for the food industry, leading to environmental pollution and economic issues. A substantial amount of waste, including by-products from fruits and vegetables, non-edible food items, and other waste materials, is produced throughout the food supply chain, from production to consumption. Recycling and valorizing waste from perishable goods is emerging as a key multidisciplinary approach within the circular bio-economy framework. This waste, rich in raw by-products, can be repurposed as a natural source of ingredients. Researchers increasingly focus on biomass valorization to extract and use components that add significant value. Traditional methods for extracting these bio-compounds typically require the use of solvents and are time-consuming, underscoring the need for innovative techniques like ultrasound (US) extraction. Wastes from the processing of fruits and vegetables in the food industry can be used to develop functional foods and edible coatings, offering protection against various environmental factors. This comprehensive review paper discusses the valorization of waste from perishable items like fruits and vegetables using US technology, not only to extract valuable components from waste but also to treat wastewater in the beverage industry. It also covers the application of biomolecules recovered from this process in the development of functional foods and packaging.

Vanillin Cross-Linked Chitosan Film with Controlled Release of Green Tea Polyphenols for Active Food Packaging

We report a novel cross-linked chitosan composite film containing vanillin, glycerol, and green tea extract. The effects of vanillin-mediated cross-linking and the incorporation of antimicrobial green tea polyphenols were investigated. The cross-linking effect, confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, increased the tensile strength of the biopolymer film to 20.9 ± 3 MPa. The release kinetics of polyphenols from the chitosan-vanillin matrix was studied, and we reported an initial burst release (8 h) followed by controlled release (8 to 400 h). It was found that both vanillin and green tea polyphenols were successful inhibitors of foodborne bacteria, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of the tea polyphenols determined as 0.15 mg/mL (Staphylococcus aureus). These active components also displayed strong antioxidant capacities, with polyphenols quenching >80% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals at all concentrations tested. Degradation results revealed that there was a significant (>85%) mass loss of all samples after being buried in compost for 12 weeks. The biopolymeric films, prepared by solvent casting methods, adhere to green chemistry and waste valorization principles. The one-pot recipe reported may also be applied to other cross-linkers and active compounds with similar chemical functionalities. Based on the obtained results, the presented material provides a promising starting point for the development of a degradable active packaging material.

Polysaccharide-Based Edible Films/Coatings for the Preservation of Meat and Fish Products: Emphasis on Incorporation of Lipid-Based Nanosystems Loaded with Bioactive Compounds

The high water and nutritional contents of meat and fish products make them susceptible to spoilage. Thus, one of the most important challenges faced by the meat industry is extending the shelf life of meat and fish products. In recent years, increasing concerns associated with synthetic compounds on health have limited their application in food formulations. Thus, there is a great need for natural bioactive compounds. Direct use of these compounds in the food industry has faced different obstacles due to their hydrophobic nature, high volatility, and sensitivity to processing and environmental conditions. Nanotechnology is a promising method for overcoming these challenges. Thus, this article aims to review the recent knowledge about the effect of biopolymer-based edible films or coatings on the shelf life of meat and fish products. This study begins by discussing the effect of biopolymer (pectin, alginate, and chitosan) based edible films or coatings on the oxidation stability and microbial growth of meat products. This is followed by an overview of the nano-encapsulation systems (nano-emulsions and nanoliposomes) and the effect of edible films or coatings incorporated with nanosystems on the shelf life of meat and fish products.