Edible polymers: An insight into its application in food, biomedicine and cosmetics

"Edible Beauty": The Evolution of Environmentally Friendly Cosmetics and Packaging

The cosmetics industry plays a significant role in the global economy and consumer lifestyles. Its dynamic and adaptable characteristics make it a key player worldwide. The cosmetics industry generates enormous profits globally, injecting billions of dollars into the world's economy each year. The industry's marketing efforts, product launches, and trends influence consumer behavior and perceptions of beauty, contributing to cultural dialogues and societal norms. This study, conducted with a rigorous bibliometric and systematic literature review, offers a comprehensive overview of recent progress in edible cosmetics. The "skincare you can eat" is an innovative branch of cosmetics that employs food co-products and by-products to create edible skincare and hair products and edible packaging materials to advance human well-being and sustainability while honoring the ecological boundaries of our planet. Nutrients and antioxidants derived from organic waste are used in cosmetics and packaging. Some doubts remain about the capacity of edible packaging to be attractive to consumers and offer a reasonable shelf life for cosmetics, and also about safety. It is desirable for the authorities to guarantee consumer health through carefully regulating labeling requirements and good manufacturing practices for cosmetics and edible packaging.

Experimental assessment of biostimulants on mung bean growth on a soilless culture system using superabsorbent pectin based hydrogel

Sustainable agriculture initiatives are needed to ensure the food security of the people all over the world. Soilless cultivation methods using hydrogels may give a revolutionary response as well as a more ecological and productive alternative to conventional farming. This study attempted extraction of pectin from the rind of albedo yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa Degener)and hydrogels from pectin and activated carbon was compared with pure pectin hydrogel; Pectin- Activated Carbon hydrogels (PAC) showed a microporous structure with excellent hydrophilicity and showed superior water holding capacity. Then the prepared hydrogels were examined with various instrumental techniques like FTIR, SEM, XRD, Raman, BET and rheological properties. In the BET analysis, PAC3 shows the highest surface area of 28.771 m2/g when compared to PAC0 at 15.063 m2/g. The germination experiments were performed using mung beans. This study provides an opportunity for the application of pectin hydrogels in agriculture field specifically for home garden or rooftop cultivation.

Research progress on plant-based protein Pickering particles: Stabilization mechanisms, preparation methods, and application prospects in the food industry

At present, there have been many research articles reporting that plant-based protein Pickering particles from different sources are used to stabilize Pickering emulsions, but the reports of corresponding review articles are still far from sufficient. This study focuses on the research hotspots and related progress on plant-based protein Pickering particles in the past five years. First, the article describes the mechanism by which Pickering emulsions are stabilized by different types of plant-based protein Pickering particles. Then, the extraction, preparation, and modification methods of various plant-based protein Pickering particles are highlighted to provide a reference for the development of greener and more efficient plant-based protein Pickering particles. The article also introduces some of the most promising applications of Pickering emulsions stabilized by plant-based protein Pickering particles in the food field. Finally, the paper also discusses the potential applications and challenges of plant-based protein Pickering particles in the food industry.

Advances of blend films based on natural food soft matter: Multi-scale structural analysis

The blend films made of food soft matter are of growing interest to the food packaging industries as a pro-environment packaging option. The blend films have become a novel pattern to replace traditional plastics gradually due to their characteristics of biodegradability, sustainability, and environmental friendliness. This review discussed the whole process of the manufacturing of food soft matter blend films from the raw material to the application due to multi-scale structural analysis. There are 3 stages and 12 critical analysis points of the entire process. The raw material, molecular self-assembly, film-forming mechanism and performance test of blend films are investigated. In addition, 11 kinds of blend films with different functional properties by casting are also preliminarily described. The industrialization progress of blend films can be extended or facilitated by analysis of the 12 critical analysis points and classification of the food soft matter blend films which has a great potential in protecting environment by developing sustainable packaging solutions.

One-pot synthesis of novel chitosan-salicylaldehyde polymer composites for ammonia sensing

Chitosan (Chs)-salicylaldehyde (Sal) polymer derivatives were formed via the reaction of Chs-Sal with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD). These polymers were synthesized through inclusion with β-CD and doping with ZnO NPs to give pseudopolyrotaxane and Chs-Sal/ZnO NPs composite, respectively, for low-temperature detection and sensing of NH3 vapors as great significance in environmental control and human health. Additionally, the polymer (Chs-Sal/β-CD/ZnO NPs) was prepared via the insertion of generated composite (Chs-Sal/ZnO NPs) through β-cyclodextrin ring. The structural and morphological characterizations of the synthesized derivatives were confirmed by utilizing FTIR, XRD and, SEM, respectively. Also, the optical properties and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) of the synthesized polymers were explored. The obtained results confirmed that using β-CD or ZnO NPs for modification of polymer (Chs-Sal) dramatically enhanced thermal stability and optical features of the synthesized polymers. Investigations on the NH3-sensing properties of Chs-Sal/β-CD/ZnO NPs composite were carried out at concentrations down to 10 ppm and good response and recovery times (650 s and 350 s, respectively) at room temperature (RT) and indicated that modification by β-CD and doping with ZnO NPs effectively improves the NH3-sensing response of Chs-Sal from 712 to 6192 using Chs-Sal/β-CD/ZnO NPs, respectively, with low LOD and LOQ of 0.12 and 0.4 ppb, respectively.

Andrographolide protect against lipopolysacharides induced vascular endothelium dysfunction by abrogation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in Sprague-Dawley rats

The development of heart disease involves interconnected factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. Andrographolide (AG), known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has the potential to counteract lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced endothelial dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of AG on alleviating vascular endothelium dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation in an experimental model induced by LPS. To create chronic vascular endothelium dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, rats received weekly injections of LPS via their tail vein over a 6-week period. The study evaluated the therapeutic effects of orally administered AG (50 mg/kg/day) on diseased conditions. We conducted aortic histology and measured nitric oxide (NO) thresholds, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, constitutive nitric oxide (cNOS) activity, and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) levels, alongside several inflammatory biomarkers. To evaluate endothelial dysfunction, we assessed endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation in aortas through histopathological and various immunoassays examinations. Vascular Endothelial inflammatory activity was consequently enhanced in LPS groups animals when compared to normal control, also endothelial performance were dependently improved by AG therapy. IL-1β and tumors necrosis factor levels in the aorta decreased in a dose-dependent manner after exogenous AG delivery to LPS-treated rats. However, in current research work aortic SOD activity, NO levels, and cNOS activity increased, whereas aortic malondialdehyde levels and iNOS activity decreased after the AG treatment. These findings suggest that long-term AG therapy could be considered as a potential therapy to avoid vascular endothelial dysfunction and major nonobstructive coronary artery disease.

Fabrication, performance, and potential environmental impacts of polysaccharide-based food packaging materials incorporated with phytochemicals: A review

Although food packaging preserves food's quality, it unfortunately contributes to global climate change since the considerable carbon emissions associated with its entire life cycle. Polysaccharide-based packaging materials (PPMs) are promising options to preserve foods, potentially helping the food industry reduce its carbon footprint. PPMs incorporated with phytochemicals hold promise to address this critical issue, keep food fresh and prolong the shelf life. However, phytochemicals' health benefits are impacted by their distinct chemical structures thus the phytochemicals-incorporated PPMs generally exhibit differential performances. PPMs must be thoughtfully formulated to possess adequate physicochemical properties to meet commercial standards. Given this, this review first-time provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in the fabrication of phytochemicals incorporated PPMs. The application performances of phytochemicals-incorporated PPMs for preserving foods, as well as the intelligent monitoring of food quality, are thoroughly introduced. The possible associated environmental impacts and scalability challenges for the commercial application of these PPMs are also methodically assessed. This review seeks to provide comprehensive insights into exploring new avenues to achieve a greener and safer food industry via innovative food packaging materials. This is paramount to preserve not only food shelf life but also the environment, facilitating the eco-friendly development of the food industry.

Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials

Biopolymers and biomaterials are two interconnected key topics, which have recently drawn significant attention from researchers across all fields, owing to the emerging potential in multifunctional use [...].

Fortification of polysaccharide-based packaging films and coatings with essential oils: A review of their preparation and use in meat preservation

As the demand for botanical food additives and eco-friendly food packaging materials grows, the use of essential oils, edible biodegradable films and coatings are becoming more popular in packaging. In this review, we discussed the recent research trends in the use of natural essential oils, as well as polysaccharide-based coatings and films: from the composition of the substrates to preparing formulations for the production of film-forming technologies. Our review emphasized the functional properties of polysaccharide-based edible films that contain plant essential oils. The interactions between essential oils and other ingredients in edible films and coatings including polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins were discussed along with effects on film physical properties, essential oil release, their active role in meat preservation. We presented the opportunities and challenges related to edible films and coatings including essential oils to increase their industrial value and inform the development of edible biodegradable packaging, bio-based functional materials, and innovative food preservation technologies.

Chitosan/snail slime films as multifunctional platforms for potential biomedical and cosmetic applications: physical and chemical characterization

Due to the pollution problem, the use of more sustainable materials with a reduced environmental impact, spanning across biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, is growing worldwide in many different fields, particularly when referring to applications in Life Sciences. Accordingly, with the aim of developing multifunctional materials for potential cosmetic/biomedical purposes, this work reports the physical and chemical characterization of chitosan-based films blended with snail slime, exhibiting antioxidant and sunscreen features. A suitable formulation for preparing free-standing chitosan platforms, mixing low molecular weight chitosan, lactic acid, glycerol, and snail slime into an appropriate ratio, is thus described. The results obtained by morphological analysis and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, swelling analysis (also when varying pH, ionic strength, and temperature), and WVTR measurements evidence a uniform distribution of snail slime inside the chitosan network, forming more compacted structures. At first, the UV-Vis analysis is used to investigate the theoretical Sun Protection Factor, finding that these innovative platforms can be used for preventing sunburn. Then, the antioxidant features are investigated using the ABTS assay, displaying a snail slime-mediated and dose-dependent boosted activity.

Fabrication of starch-based packaging materials

This chapter aims to provide the reader with some information about the possibility of starch as a suitable substitute for synthetic polymers in biodegradable food packaging. This is due to the starch has good characteristics which are great biodegradability, low cost and also easy to gain from natural resources. However, some of technical challenges are also introduced before starch-based polymers can be used in more applications. These technical challenges involved preparation methods and incorporation of additives and these are being summarized in this topic. Hence, the enhancement of starch can be done in order to prepare innovative starch-based biodegradable materials.

Thermally Degradable Inductors with Water-Resistant Metal Leaf/Oleogel Wires and Gelatin/Chitosan Hydrogel Films

Ingestible electronics monitor biometric information from outside the body. Making them with harmless or digestible materials will contribute to further reducing the burden on the patient's oral intake. Here, considering that the inductive part plays an important role in communications, we demonstrate a degradable inductor fabricated with harmless substances. Such a transient component must meet conflicting requirements for both operation and disassembly. Therefore, we integrated a substrate made of gelatin, a thermally degradable material, and a precision coil pattern made of edible gold or silver leaf. However, gelatin itself lost its initial shape easily due to quick sol-gel changes in physiological conditions. Thus, we managed the gelatin's thermal responsiveness by using a tangle of gelatin/chitosan gel networks and genipin, an organic cross-linking agent, and gained insights into the criteria for developing transient devices with thermo-degradability. In addition, to compensate for the lack of water resistance and low conductivity of thin metal foils, we propose a laminated structure with oleogel (beeswax/olive oil). LCR resonance circuits, by connecting a commercial capacitor to the coil, worked wirelessly in the megahertz band and gradually degraded in a warm-water environment. The presented organic electronics will contribute to the future development of transient wireless communications for implantable and ingestible medical devices or environmental sensors with natural and harmless ingredients.

New perspectives on electrospun nanofiber applications in smart and active food packaging materials

Packaging plays a critical role in determining the quality, safety, and shelf-life of many food products. There have been several innovations in the development of more effective food packaging materials recently. Polymer nanofibers are finding increasing attention as additives in packaging materials because of their ability to control their pore size, surface energy, barrier properties, antimicrobial activity, and mechanical strength. Electrospinning is a widely used processing method for fabricating nanofibers from food grade polymers. This review describes recent advances in the development of electrospun nanofibers for application in active and smart packaging materials. Moreover, it highlights the impact of these nanofibers on the physicochemical properties of packaging materials, as well as the application of nanofiber-loaded packaging materials to foods, such as dairy, meat, fruit, and vegetable products.

Functional Polymer and Packaging Technology for Bakery Products

Polymeric materials including plastic and paper are commonly used as packaging for bakery products. The incorporation of active substances produces functional polymers that can effectively retain the quality and safety of packaged products. Polymeric materials can be used to produce a variety of package forms such as film, tray, pouch, rigid container and multilayer film. This review summarizes recent findings and developments of functional polymeric packaging for bakery products. Functional polymerics are mainly produced by the incorporation of non-volatile and volatile active substances that effectively retain the quality of packaged bakery products. Antimicrobial agents (either synthetic or natural substances) have been intensively investigated, whereas advances in coating technology with functional materials either as edible coatings or non-edible coatings have also preserved the quality of packaged bakery products. Recent patents demonstrate novel structural packaging designs combined with active functions to extend the shelf life of bakery products. Other forms of active packaging technology for bakery products include oxygen absorbers and ethanol emitters. The latest research progress of functional polymeric packaging for bakery products, which provides important reference value for reducing the waste and improving the quality of packaged products, is demonstrated. Moreover, the review systematically analyzed the spoilage factors of baked products from physicochemical, chemical and microbiological perspectives. Functional packaging using polymeric materials can be used to preserve the quality of packaged bakery products.

Potato starch films by incorporating tea polyphenol and MgO nanoparticles with enhanced physical, functional and preserved properties

Due to the massive environmental pollution caused by synthetic plastic packaging accumulation and contemporary necessities of food packaging materials, the biodegradable and multifunctional bionanocomposite films based on potato starch (PS) incorporating tea polyphenol (TP) and MgO nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) were successfully fabricated by the solution casting method, and their physical and functional properties and application in fruits preservation were systematically investigated. Incorporation of TP and MgO-NPs improved the films' tensile strength, UV light-blocking, hydrophobicity and thermal stability, and decreased their moisture content (from 14.02 % to 11.21 %), water solubility (from 19.57 % to 16.56 %), and water vapor permeability (from 17.32 to 9.07 × 10^-11 g∙m^-1∙s^-1∙Pa^-1). Moreover, the PS/TP/MgO-NPs films exhibited strong antioxidant activity, and remarkable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with the diameter of inhibition zone of 25.60 mm and 27.50 mm, respectively. SEM, ATR-FTIR and XRD analyses indicated the TP and MgO-NPs were dispersed homogeneously in the PS matrix, and identified the molecular interactions of hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic attraction. Biodegradability assessment showed that all the films were rapidly decomposed within ~20 days under simulated environmental conditions. Compared to control, the PS/TP/MgO-NPs film-forming solution coatings were capable of maintaining fruit quality by reducing the change in weight loss, firmness and total soluble solids. Overall, these results suggested that the multifunctional bionanocomposite films could be a potential approach for developing sustainable active food packaging.

A Comprehensive Review of Biodegradable Polymer-Based Films and Coatings and Their Food Packaging Applications

Food sectors are facing issues as a result of food scarcity, which is exacerbated by rising populations and demand for food. Food is ordinarily wrapped and packaged using petroleum-based plastics such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and others. However, the excessive use of these polymers has environmental and health risks. As a result, much research is currently focused on the use of bio-based materials for food packaging. Biodegradable polymers that are compatible with food products are used to make edible packaging materials. These can be ingested with food and provide consumers with additional health benefits. Recent research has shifted its focus to multilayer coatings and films-based food packaging, which can provide a material with additional distinct features. The aim of this review article is to investigate the properties and applications of several bio-based polymers in food packaging. The several types of edible film and coating production technologies are also covered separately. Furthermore, the use of edible films and coatings in the food industry has been examined, and their advantages over traditional materials are also discussed.

An insight to potential application of synbiotic edible films and coatings in food products

Edible films and coatings have gained significant consideration in recent years due to their low cost and decreasing environmental pollution. Several bioactive compounds can be incorporated into films and coatings, including antioxidants, antimicrobials, flavoring agents, colors, probiotics and prebiotics. The addition of probiotics to edible films and coatings is an alternative approach for direct application in food matrices that enhances their stability and functional properties. Also, it has been noted that the influence of probiotics on the film properties was dependent on the composition, biopolymer structure, and intermolecular interactions. Recently, the incorporation of probiotics along with prebiotic compounds such as inulin, starch, fructooligosaccharide, polydextrose and wheat dextrin has emerged as new bioactive packaging. The simultaneous application of probiotics and prebiotics improved the viability of probiotic strains and elevated their colonization in the intestinal tract and provided health benefits to humans. Moreover, prebiotics created a uniform and compact structure by filling the spaces within the polymer matrix and increased opacity of edible films. The effects of prebiotics on mechanical and barrier properties of edible films was dependent on the nature of prebiotic compounds. This review aims to discuss the concept of edible films and coatings, synbiotic, recent research on synbiotic edible films and coatings as well as their application in food products.

Preparation, physicochemical and application evaluation of raspberry anthocyanin and curcumin based on chitosan/starch/gelatin film

Raspberry anthocyanin (RA) from Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae) and curcumin (Cur) from Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) can effectively improve the physicochemical properties of composite films, and as bioactive pigment components, they can impart pH-responsive properties to the film. In this study, RA and Cur were added to chitosan/starch/gelatin composite film (CSG) to prepare CSG-RA, CSG-Cur, CSG-RA/Cur₈₂ and CSG-RA/Cur₇₃ color films by solution casting method. The color films could change color under different pH conditions and had higher antioxidant activities using ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay. The results from fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that RA and Cur were well dispersed in the CSG matrix and improved the structure of the composite films. The hydrophobic Cur increased the tensile strength from 6 Mpa (CSG) to 14 Mpa (CSG-Cur), but reduced the elongation at break from 55 % (CSG) to 40 % (CSG-Cur). These color films had a good fresh-keeping effect and freshness monitoring, in particular, CSG-RA/Cur₇₃, had the better opacity, water solubility, thickness, moisture content and water vapor permeability than the other films. Briefly, binary pigment films had the potential to become a pH-sensitive indicator/packing film.

Characterization and Application in Packaging Grease of Gelatin-Sodium Alginate Edible Films Cross-Linked by Pullulan

Gelatin–sodium alginate-based edible films cross-linked with pullulan were prepared using the solution casting method. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated the existence of hydrogen bonding interactions between the components, and scanning electron microscopy observed the component of the films, revealing electrostatic interactions and thus explaining the differences in the properties of the blend films. The best mechanical properties and oxygen barrier occurred at a 1:1 percentage of pullulan to gelatin (GP11) with sodium alginate dosing for modification. Furthermore, GP11 demonstrated the best thermodynamic properties by DSC analysis, the highest UV barrier (94.13%) and the best oxidation resistance in DPPH tests. The results of storage experiments using modified edible films encapsulated in fresh fish liver oil showed that GP11 retarded grease oxidation by inhibiting the rise in peroxide and anisidine values, while inappropriate amounts of pullulan had a pro-oxidative effect on grease. The correlation between oil oxidation and material properties was investigated, and water solubility and apparent color characteristics were also assessed.

Current state and future prospects of sensors for evaluating polymer biodegradability and sensors made from biodegradable polymers: A review

Since the invention of fully synthetic plastic in the 1900s, plastics have been extensively applied in various fields and represent a significant market due to their satisfactory properties. However, the non-biodegradable nature of most plastics has contributed to the accumulation of plastic waste, which poses a threat to both the environment and living beings. Given this, biodegradable polymers have emerged as eco-friendly substitutes for non-biodegradable polymers, and standard test methods have been established to evaluate polymer biodegradability. Technological advancement and the weaknesses of conventional test methods drive the invention of sensors that enable real-time monitoring of biodegradability. Besides, biodegradable polymers have been utilized to make sensors with different functionalities. Given this, the current paper is the first to compare and contrast sensors capable of identifying biodegradable polymers. The detection using sensors represents an innovative perspective for real-time monitoring of biodegradability. Besides, sensors made from biodegradable polymers are included, and these sensors are of different types and show various applications. Finally, the challenges associated with developing these sensors are described to advance future research.

Surface Functionalities of Polymers for Biomaterial Applications

Changes of a material biointerface allow for specialized cell signaling and diverse biological responses. Biomaterials incorporating immobilized bioactive ligands have been widely introduced and used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications in order to develop biomaterials with improved functionality. Furthermore, a variety of physical and chemical techniques have been utilized to improve biomaterial functionality, particularly at the material interface. At the interface level, the interactions between materials and cells are described. The importance of surface features in cell function is then examined, with new strategies for surface modification being highlighted in detail.

Fabrication of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Pullulan/Gelatin Films Integrated with Grape Seed Extract and Sulfur Nanoparticles

Biopolymer-based functional blend films were prepared using pullulan and gelatin with functional fillers of sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) and grape seed extract (GSE). A mixture of pullulan/gelatin (1:1) produced a compatible but slightly translucent free-standing film. SNPs capped with enoki mushroom extract and GSE were added as functional fillers to improve the properties (physical and functional) of the pullulan/gelatin-based film. The addition of SNP and GSE significantly (p < 0.05) boosted the UV-light barrier, water vapor barrier, and oxygen barrier properties of the pullulan/gelatin films. The mechanical performance of the pullulan/gelatin-based films was slightly decreased (∼10%), whereas the addition of fillers did not significantly affect the hydrophobicity and thermal stability. The addition of SNP provided the antimicrobial function against foodborne pathogenic bacteria, L. monocytogenes and E. coli, while GSE provided a powerful antioxidant activity to the pullulan/gelatin-based film. Therefore, pullulan/gelatin-based composite films with better UV, water vapor, and oxygen barrier properties and enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties are expected to have high utility in active food packaging applications.

Antiviral Polymers: A Review

Polymers, due to their high molecular weight, tunable architecture, functionality, and buffering effect for endosomal escape, possess unique properties as a carrier or prophylactic agent in preventing pandemic outbreak of new viruses. Polymers are used as a carrier to reduce the minimum required dose, bioavailability, and therapeutic effectiveness of antiviral agents. Polymers are also used as multifunctional nanomaterials to, directly or indirectly, inhibit viral infections. Multifunctional polymers can interact directly with envelope glycoproteins on the viral surface to block fusion and entry of the virus in the host cell. Polymers can indirectly mobilize the immune system by activating macrophages and natural killer cells against the invading virus. This review covers natural and synthetic polymers that possess antiviral activity, their mechanism of action, and the effect of material properties like chemical composition, molecular weight, functional groups, and charge density on antiviral activity. Natural polymers like carrageenan, chitosan, fucoidan, and phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, and synthetic polymers like dendrimers and sialylated polymers are reviewed. This review discusses the steps in the viral replication cycle from binding to cell surface receptors to viral-cell fusion, replication, assembly, and release of the virus from the host cell that antiviral polymers interfere with to block viral infections.

Response surface optimization of pudding formulation containing fish gelatin and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) powder: Effect on color, physicochemical, and sensory attributes of the final pudding product

In this study, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the pudding formulation ingredients including the fish/bovine gelatin ratio and cinnamon and clove powder and determine the color and physicochemical and sensory attributes’ change in final pudding product. Experiments were carried out based on a central composite design (CCD). The results showed that by increasing the ratio of fish gelatin to bovine gelatin (FG/BG) up to 3%, the moisture content increased slightly and then decreased significantly. Increasing the cinnamon powder to 0.5% reduced the moisture content. Increasing the FG/BG in the formulation of pudding samples reduced the protein content. The effects of cinnamon and clove powder on the protein content were increasing and decreasing, respectively. By increasing the FG/BG ratio, the samples syneresis showed a significant decrease, while the effects of cinnamon and clove powder on the syneresis were nonsignificant. As the level of cinnamon and clove powder increased, the L^* value decreased. Cinnamon and clove powder had a linear effect, and the interaction of gelatins and clove powder had a significant effect on changes in redness. The effects of cinnamon and clove powder on b^* value were significant. In terms of sensory evaluation, increasing the cinnamon powder concentration increased the appearance scores, while in the case of fish gelatin, this trend was downward. The linear effect of cinnamon powder on taste was significant, while other variables had no significant effect on the taste of the samples. The sample texture was significantly affected by fish gelatin and clove powder. Increasing FG/BG from 0% to 2.5% increased the texture score, but after this range, a decrease in the texture score was observed. The overall acceptance of samples was more affected by spice powder compared to gelatin. By increasing the cinnamon powder and FG/BG, the overall acceptance increased and decreased, respectively. In conclusion, the optimal FG/BG and cinnamon and clove powder were introduced 1.479%, 0.288%, and 0.619% respectively.

Liposomal Delivery of Plant Bioactives Enhances Potency in Food Systems: A Review

The potency of plant bioactives may decline drastically upon exposure to harsh external environments including gastrointestinal conditions. The protective role played by liposomes contributes to desirable properties including increased stability, slow/controlled release, improved bioactivity, and enhanced bioavailability of the encapsulated bioactives. Also, the incorporation of plant bioactives encapsulated liposomes in food matrices has resulted in augmented sensory attributes and improved quality of the foods further exhibiting the aptness of liposomal applications in food. Excitingly, new opportunities that circumvent the major shortfalls of utilizing liposomal formulations in the food industry have arisen paving the way to yield food products with high quality.

Potential of engineered nanostructured biopolymer based coatings for perishable fruits with Coronavirus safety perspectives

Fresh fruits are prioritized needs in order to fulfill the required health benefits for human beings. However, some essential fruits are highly perishable with very short shelf-life during storage because of microbial growth and infections. Thus improvement of fruits shelf-life is a serious concern for their proper utlization without generation of huge amount of fruit-waste. Among various methods employed in extension of fruits shelf-life, design and fabrication of edible nanocoatings with antimicrobial activities have attracted considerable interest because of their enormous potential, novel functions, eco-friendly nature and good durability. In recent years, scientific communities have payed increased attention in the development of advanced antimicrobial edible coatings to prolong the postharvest shelf-life of fruits using hydrocolloids. In this review, we attempted to highlight the technical breakthrough and recent advancements in development of edible fruit coating by the application of various types of agro-industrial residues and different active nanomaterials incorporated into the coatings and their effects on shelf-life of perishable fruits. Improvements in highly desired functions such as antioxidant/antimicrobial activities and mechanical properties of edible coating to significantly control the gases (O₂/CO₂) permeation by the incorporation of nanoscale natural materials as well as metal nanoparticles are reviewed and discussed. In addition, by compiling recent knowledge, advantages of coatings on fruits for nutritional security during COVID-19 pandemic are also summarized along with the scientific challenges and insights for future developments in fabrication of engineered nanocoatings.

Microfluidic Synthesis and Purification of Magnetoliposomes for Potential Applications in the Gastrointestinal Delivery of Difficult-to-Transport Drugs

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained significant attention in several applications for drug delivery. However, there are some issues related to cell penetration, especially in the transport of cargoes that show limited membrane passing. A widely studied strategy to overcome this problem is the encapsulation of the MNPs into liposomes to form magnetoliposomes (MLPs), which are capable of fusing with membranes to achieve high delivery rates. This study presents a low-cost microfluidic approach for the synthesis and purification of MLPs and their biocompatibility and functional testing via hemolysis, platelet aggregation, cytocompatibility, internalization, and endosomal escape assays to determine their potential application in gastrointestinal delivery. The results show MLPs with average hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 137 ± 17 nm to 787 ± 45 nm with acceptable polydispersity index (PDI) values (below 0.5). In addition, we achieved encapsulation efficiencies between 20% and 90% by varying the total flow rates (TFRs), flow rate ratios (FRRs), and MNPs concentration. Moreover, remarkable biocompatibility was attained with the obtained MLPs in terms of hemocompatibility (hemolysis below 1%), platelet aggregation (less than 10% with respect to PBS 1×), and cytocompatibility (cell viability higher than 80% in AGS and Vero cells at concentrations below 0.1 mg/mL). Additionally, promising delivery results were obtained, as evidenced by high internalization, low endosomal entrapment (AGS cells: PCC of 0.28 and covered area of 60% at 0.5 h and PCC of 0.34 and covered area of 99% at 4 h), and negligible nuclear damage and DNA condensation. These results confirm that the developed microfluidic devices allow high-throughput production of MLPs for potential encapsulation and efficient delivery of nanostructured cell-penetrating agents. Nevertheless, further in vitro analysis must be carried out to evaluate the prevalent intracellular trafficking routes as well as to gain a detailed understanding of the existing interactions between nanovehicles and cells.

Thermoresponsive Gelatin/Chitosan Hydrogel Films for a Degradable Capacitor

Ingestible electronic devices are tools for exploring the condition of the gastrointestinal tract and adjacent organs without a burden on the patients. Making them safe requires that they be fabricated with harmless materials. In this study, we developed a capacitor using food materials for a wireless sensing component. As a safer approach, gelatin, an ingredient responsive to external stimuli, was selected as a substrate for deforming the device at the desired time. Gelatin experiences sol-gel changes near body temperature; however, it is instantly dissolved and is not suitable for long-term use in the body. Thus, to maintain its thermal responsiveness, we used a tangle of gel networks created by mixing gelatin and chitosan without cross-linking agents. Our search for the appropriate gel mixing ratio provided insights into the criteria for achieving slow sol-gel changes and how to improve the thermal durability. We transferred a sputtered gold film onto the gel films to produce electrodes and then made a capacitor by sandwiching a naturally dried sodium polyacrylate film between the electrodes. The resonance frequency measurement of RLC circuits in combination with commercial plane coils showed that the capacitor worked in the megahertz band and that it collapsed when immersed in hot water. Gastric acid detection was also achieved with this capacitor. This electronic part will contribute to the development of implanted or ingestible medical devices and a wide range of environmental sensors composed of natural ingredients.

Fabrication and characterization of an economical active packaging film based on chitosan incorporated with pomegranate peel

Antioxidant and antimicrobial chitosan (CS) films incorporated with different concentrations (0, 3, 6 and 9% w/w based on chitosan) of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) were prepared through a simple and low-cost process and characterized. The physicochemical property, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the films were investigated. Results showed that incorporation with PPP increased the thickness, water solubility (WS), water vapor permeability (WVP), opacity and total phenolic content (TPC) of chitosan films, but decreased the moisture content (MC) and mechanical property. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between chitosan and PPP. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis presented that microstructural attributes of chitosan film changed by enriching with pomegranate peel. The films with concentrations of PPP at 6 and 9% presented great ultraviolet-visible light barrier properties. Moreover, the antioxidant ability of films with PPP was significantly increased compared to the chitosan film. The addition of PPP also promoted the antibacterial capacity of the control film. These results revealed that incorporation of PPP in chitosan film could fabricate an economical active film with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and which had the potential for developing food-grade packaging material.

Cold plasma enhanced natural edible materials for future food packaging: structure and property of polysaccharides and proteins-based films

Natural edible films have recently gained a lot of interests in future food packaging. Polysaccharides and proteins in edible materials are not toxic and widely available, which have been confirmed as sustainable and green materials used for packaging films due to their good film-forming abilities. However, polysaccharides and proteins are hydrophilic in nature, they exhibit some undesirable material properties. Cold plasma (CP), as an innovative and highly efficient technology, has been introduced to improve the performance of polysaccharides and proteins-based films. This review mainly presents the basic information of polysaccharides and proteins-based films, principles of CP modified biopolymer films, and the effects of CP on the structural changes including surface morphology, surface composition, and bulk modification, and properties including wettability, mechanical properties, barrier properties, and thermal properties of polysaccharides, proteins, and polysaccharide/protein composite-based films. It is concluded that the CP modified performances are mainly depending on the polysaccharides and proteins raw materials, CP generation types and treatment conditions. The existing difficulties and future trends are also discussed. Despite natural materials currently not fully substitute for traditional plastic materials, CP has exhibited an effective solution to shape the future of natural materials for food packaging.

Elaboration of Whey Protein-Based Films in Food Products: Emphasis on the Addition of Natural Edible Bio-nanocomposites With Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity

: Food spoilage is one of the major elements of food insecurity that has acquired significant attention over recent decades due to global human population growth. Several studies have investigated increasing shelf life of food products using natural and environmentally friendly compounds. Whey protein (WP) can be an important additive material because it is well-known for its high value of nutrition and well characteristics for the formation of edible films. Furthermore, natural bioactive compounds have been incorporated with WP-based films to confer their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Herein, nanotechnology has been effectively potentiated the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of WP films. A wide range of bioactive agents has been embedded in the WP films, such as essential oils (EOs), TiO2, nano-clay, and even lactic acid bacteria. The current paper reviews the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of different types of WP films and their applications in food products. This study also discussed the impact of WP films on shelf life, chemical and microbiological quality indices of meats, processed meats, poultry meat products, and fish.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan-based edible active films incorporated with Sargassum pallidum polysaccharides by ultrasound treatment

In this study, Sargassum pallidum polysaccharides (SPPs) were incorporated into chitosan (CH) to develop a novel edible active film (CH/SPPs-US) via ultrasonication. The mechanical, water vapor permeability, surface morphology, crystallinity, antioxidant, and fruit preservation properties of CH/SPPs-US films prepared under sequences of matrix ratios and ultrasound treatment were investigated. The results revealed that the addition of SPPs combined with ultrasonic treatment could significantly enhance the transparency, elongation and tensile strength of the films whereas the water vapor permeability was decreased. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the C2/SP1.2-US film were 12.07 N and 54.18%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those for CH film. Meanwhile, the water vapor permeability value of C2/SP1.2-US was reduced by as high as 40.2% compared with that of chitosan film. In addition, antioxidant effect evaluation showed that the CH-based films added with SPPs exhibited better antioxidant activity than CH film, and ultrasonic treatment could further strengthen the antioxidant activity of the film. The CH/SPPs-US films could effectively extend the shelf life and inhibit the deterioration of the strawberry at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) and 70% ± 5% relative humidity for 7 days. These results indicated that the CH/SPPs edible films via ultrasonication could be developed as edible packaging films for the preservation of fresh fruits.

Harvesting of Antimicrobial Peptides from Insect (Hermetia illucens) and Its Applications in the Food Packaging

About one-third of the total food produced is wasted, rising the concern to adopt proper management. Simultaneously with the increase in population, demand for food is increasing which may lead to scarcity. Adequate packaging is one of the ways to avoid deterioration of food and prevent wastage. In recent years, active packaging has attained interest due to its commendable results in food preservation. Several studies proved that the embodiment of antimicrobial components into the packaging material has the ability to prevent microbial contamination. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are newly discovered antimicrobial agents for impregnation into packaging material. Among various sources for AMP, insects have shown great resistivity against a wide spectrum of microorganisms. Insects feed on substances consisting of a varying range of contaminations, which often results in infections. Insects synthesise AMPs to fight such infections and survive in that atmosphere. The disease-causing agents in humans are the same as those found in insects. Hence, AMPs extracted from insects have the potential to fight the microorganisms that act as hazards to human health. This review highlights the harvesting and synthesis of AMPs from Hermetia illucens, which is a promising source for AMP and its applications in the food packaging industry.

Agarose Stearate-Carbomer940 as Stabilizer and Rheology Modifier for Surfactant-Free Cosmetic Formulations

Some commonly used surfactants in cosmetic products raise concerns due to their skin-irritating effects and environmental contamination. Multifunctional, high-performance polymers are good alternatives to overcome these problems. In this study, agarose stearate (AS) with emulsifying, thickening, and gel properties was synthesized. Surfactant-free cosmetic formulations were successfully prepared from AS and carbomer₉₄₀ (CBM₉₄₀) mixed systems. The correlation of rheological parameter with skin feeling was determined to study the usability of the mixed systems in cosmetics. Based on rheological analysis, the surfactant-free cosmetic cream (SFC) stabilized by AS-carbomer₉₄₀ showed shear-thinning behavior and strongly synergistic action. The SFC exhibited a gel-like behavior and had rheological properties similar to commercial cosmetic creams. Scanning electron microscope images proved that the AS-CBM₉₄₀ network played an important role in SFC’s stability. Oil content could reinforce the elastic characteristics of the AS-CBM₉₄₀ matrix. The SFCs showed a good appearance and sensation during and after rubbing into skin. The knowledge gained from this study may be useful for designing surfactant-free cosmetic cream with rheological properties that can be tailored for particular commercial cosmetic applications. They may also be useful for producing medicine products with highly viscous or gel-like textures, such as some ointments and wound dressings.

Approaches in Animal Proteins and Natural Polysaccharides Application for Food Packaging: Edible Film Production and Quality Estimation

Natural biopolymers are an interesting resource for edible films production, as they are environmentally friendly packaging materials. The possibilities of the application of main animal proteins and natural polysaccharides are considered in the review, including the sources, structure, and limitations of usage. The main ways for overcoming the limitations caused by the physico-chemical properties of biopolymers are also discussed, including composites approaches, plasticizers, and the addition of crosslinking agents. Approaches for the production of biopolymer-based films and coatings are classified according to wet and dried processes and considered depending on biopolymer types. The methods for mechanical, physico-chemical, hydration, and uniformity estimation of edible films are reviewed.

Human hand as a powerless and multiplexed infrared light source for information decryption and complex signal generation

With the increasing pursuit of intelligent systems, the integration of human components into functional systems provides a promising route to the ultimate human-compatible intelligent systems. In this work, we explored the integration of the human hand as the powerless and multiplexed infrared (IR) light source in different functional systems. With the spontaneous IR radiation, the human hand provides a different option as an IR light source. Compared to engineered IR light sources, the human hand brings sustainability with no need of external power and also additional level of controllability to the functional systems. Besides the whole hand, each finger of the hand can also independently provide IR radiation, and the IR radiation from each finger can be selectively diffracted by specific gratings, which helps the hand serve as a multiplexed IR light source. Considering these advantages, we show that the human hand can be integrated into various engineered functional systems. The integration of hand in an encryption/decryption system enables both unclonable and multilevel information encryption/decryption. We also demonstrate the use of the hand in complex signal generation systems and its potential application in sign language recognition, which shows a simplified recognition process with a high level of accuracy and robustness. The use of the human hand as the IR light source provides an alternative sustainable solution that will not only reduce the power used but also help move forward the effort in the integration of human components into functional systems to increase the level of intelligence and achieve ultimate control of these systems.