Food-grade aerogels obtained from polysaccharides, proteins, and seed mucilages: Role as a carrier matrix of functional food ingredients

In vitro digestion of starch and protein aerogels generated from defatted rice bran via supercritical carbon dioxide drying

This study investigated the in vitro digestibility of starch and protein aerogels produced from defatted rice bran (DRB), an underutilized rice processing byproduct, using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) drying. The extracted starch (i.e., purified starch), crude starch, and proteins were used for the aerogel formation at 15% (w/w) concentration and further characterized. All aerogels exhibited three-dimensional open porous structures with high surface areas of 36-47 m2/g, densities lower than 0.3 g/cm3, and porosities higher than 84%. The starch hydrolyses in starch and crude starch aerogels were 86 and 73%, respectively, while the protein hydrolysis in protein aerogels reached up to 82% after sequential oral, gastric, and intestinal digestion. Thus, the hydrolysis rates achieved in simulated digestions suggest that the developed aerogels from DRB have the potential to serve as vehicles for delivering bioactive compounds and add value to the underutilized DRB.

A Novel Collagen Aerogel with Relevant Features for Topical Biomedical Applications

Collagen-based aerogels have great potential for topical biomedical applications. Collagen's natural affinity with skin, biodegradability, and gelling behavior are compelling properties to combine with the structural integrity of highly porous matrices in the dry form (aerogels). This work aimed to produce a novel collagen-based aerogel and to perform the material's solid-state and physicochemical characterization. Aerogels were obtained by performing different solvent exchange approaches of a collagen-gelled extract and drying the obtained alcogels with supercritical CO2. The resulting aerogels showed a sponge-like structure with a relatively dense mesoporous network with a specific surface area of 201-203 m2/g, a specific pore volume of 1.08-1.15 cm3/g, and a mean pore radius of ca. 14.7 nm. Physicochemical characterization confirmed that the obtained aerogels are composed of pure collagen, and the aerogel production process does not impact protein tertiary structure. Finally, the material swelling behavior was assessed at various pH values (4, 7, and 10). Collagen aerogels presented a high water uptake capacity up to ~2700 wt. %, pH-dependent stability, and swelling behavior in aqueous media. The results suggest that this collagen aerogel could be a promising scaffold candidate for topical biomedical applications.

Dried Porous Biomaterials from Mealworm Protein Gels: Proof of Concept and Impact of Drying Method on Structural Properties and Zinc Retention

Dried porous materials can be found in a wide range of applications. So far, they are mostly prepared from inorganic or indigestible raw materials. The aim of the presented study was to provide a proof of concept for (a) the suitability of mealworm protein gels to be turned into dried porous biomaterials by either a combination of solvent exchange and supercritical drying to obtain aerogels or by lyophilization to obtain lyophilized hydrogels and (b) the suitability of either drying method to retain trace elements such as zinc in the gels throughout the drying process. Hydrogels were prepared from mealworm protein, subsequently dried using either method, and characterized via FT-IR, BET volume, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Retention of zinc was evaluated via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results showed that both drying methods were suitable for obtaining dried porous biomaterials and that the drying method mainly influenced the overall surface area and pore hydrophobicity but not the secondary structure of the proteins in the gels or their zinc content after drying. Therefore, a first proof of concept for utilizing mealworm protein hydrogels as a base for dried porous biomaterials was successful and elucidated the potential of these materials as future sustainable alternatives to more conventional dried porous materials.

Superabsorbent whey protein isolates/chitosan-based antibacterial aerogels: Preparation, characterization and application in chicken meat preservation

Traditional absorbent pads are composed of hard-to-degrade polyethylene film and non-woven bottom layer, which have the characteristic of low absorption rate, without antibacterial effect. The objective of this study is to fabricate a novel superabsorbent and antibacterial aerogel, which consists of whey protein isolate (WPI) and chitosan (CS). The citric acid (CA) and ε-polylysine hydrochloride (ε-PLH) are incorporated into WPI/CS-based aerogel as cross-linking and antibacterial agent, respectively. The application in meat preservation as an absorbent pad is investigated. Results of water absorption, water vapor absorption and stress-strain show that aerogel comprised of 6 % WPI, 1.2 % CS, 2.0 % CA, and 2.0 % ε-PLH have the best water absorption capacity and stress. The density of WPI/CS/CA/ε-PLH aerogel is 82.7 ± 6.4 mg/cm3, and has a uniform and polyporous microstructure, resulting in superabsorbent capacity. Antibacterial rate of WPI/CS/CA/ε-PLH aerogel against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes reach around 80 %. The WPI/CS/CA/ε-PLH aerogel significantly reduces increased velocity of b⁎, pH, total volatile base nitrogen, and total viable counts and decreased velocity of L⁎ and b⁎ of chicken meat (P < 0.05). Results indicate WPI/CS/CA/ε-PLH aerogel effectively extends shelf-life of chicken meat to 7 days, and could be used as an absorbent pad in meat preservation.

Unravelling the functionality of anionic and non-ionic plant seed gums on milk protein cryogels conveying Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG

Cryogels offer a promising macroporous platform that can be employed as either a functional ingredient in food composites or a colloidal template for incorporating bioactives, including probiotic living cells. The aim of the present work is to explore the functionality of two plant seed polysaccharides, flaxseed gum (FG) and alfalfa galactomannan (AAG), in individual and combined (1:1 ratio) milk protein-based cryogels, namely sodium caseinate (NaCas) and whey protein isolate (WPI). These cryogels were created by freeze-drying hydrogels formed via L.rhamnosus GG - a human gut-relevant probiotic strain - fermentation. Our findings showed that including gum in the composition limited volume contraction during lyophilisation, reduced macropore size and thickened cryogel skeleton vessels. Furthermore, gum-containing cryogels displayed improved thermal stability and slower water disintegration rates. The AAG-stabilised cryogels specifically showed a notable reduction in monolayer water content compared to FG. From a mechanistic viewpoint, AAG influenced the physicochemical and microstructural properties of the cryogels, most probably via its self-association during cryogenic processing, promoting the development of intertwined protein-gum networks. FG, on the other hand, enhanced these properties through electrostatic complexation with proteins. Cryogels made from protein-polysaccharide blends exhibited promising techno-functional properties for enhancing and diversifying food product innovation.

Construction of a multifunctional dual-network chitosan composite aerogel with enhanced tunability

Typically, the tailorable versatility of biomass aerogels is attributed to the tunable internal molecular structure, providing broad application prospects. Herein, a simple and novel preparation strategy for developing multifunctional dual-network chitosan/itaconic acid (CSI) aerogel with tunability by using freeze-drying and vacuum heat treatment techniques. By regulating the temperature and duration of amidation reaction, electrostatic interactions between chitosan (CS) and itaconic acid (IA) was abstemiously converted into amide bond in frozen aerogel, with IA acting as an efficient in-situ cross-linking agent, which yielded CSI aerogels with different electrostatic/covalent cross-linking ratios. Heat treatment and tuning of the covalent cross-linking degree of CSI aerogel changed their microstructure and density, which led to enhanced performance. For example, the specific modulus of CSI1.5-160 °C-5 h (71.69 ± 2.55 MPa·cm3·g-1) increased by 119 % compared to that of CSI1.5 (32.73 ± 0.718 MPa·cm3·g-1), converting the material from superhydrophilic to hydrophobic (124° ± 3.6°), exhibiting favorable stability and heat transfer performance. In addition, part of -NH3+ of CS was retained in the electrostatic cross-linked network, endowing the aerogel with antibacterial properties. The findings of this study provide insights and a reliable strategy for fabricating biomass aerogel with good comprehensive performance via ingenious structural design and simple regulation methods.

Polysaccharides derived from natural edible and medicinal sources as agents targeting exercise-induced fatigue: A review

Exercise-induced fatigue (EF) is a common occurrence during prolonged endurance and excessive exercise and is mainly caused by energy depletion, harmful metabolite accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. EF usually leads to a reduction in initiating or maintaining spontaneous activities and muscle performance and ultimately results in a decrease in the quality of life of people who engage in physical work. Therefore, the interest in investigating EF-targeting agents with minimal side effects and good long-term efficacy has substantially increased. Natural edible and medicinal polysaccharides have shown positive anti-EF effects, but the relevant reviews are rare. This review comprehensively summarizes studies on natural polysaccharides from edible and medicinal sources that can relieve EF and improve physical performance from the past decade, focusing on their sources, monosaccharide compositions, anti-EF effects, and possible molecular mechanisms. Most of these anti-EF polysaccharides are heteropolysaccharides and are mainly composed of glucose, arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, xylose, and mannose. In EF animal models, the polysaccharides exert positive EF-alleviating effects through energy supply, metabolic regulation, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and gut microbiota remodeling. However, further studies are still needed to clarify the anti-EF effects of these polysaccharides on human beings. In summary, the present review expects to provide scientific data for the future research and development of natural polysaccharide-based anti-EF drugs, dietary supplements, and health-care products for specific fatigue groups.

Hybrid Materials of Bio-Based Aerogels for Sustainable Packaging Solutions

This review explores the field of hybrid materials in the context of bio-based aerogels for the development of sustainable packaging solutions. Increasing global concern over environmental degradation and the growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional packaging materials have led to a growing interest in the synthesis and application of bio-based aerogels. These aerogels, which are derived from renewable resources such as biopolymers and biomass, have unique properties such as a lightweight structure, excellent thermal insulation, and biodegradability. The manuscript addresses the innovative integration of bio-based aerogels with various other materials such as nanoparticles, polymers, and additives to improve their mechanical, barrier, and functional properties for packaging applications. It critically analyzes recent advances in hybridization strategies and highlights their impact on the overall performance and sustainability of packaging materials. In addition, the article identifies the key challenges and future prospects associated with the development and commercialization of hybrid bio-based aerogel packaging materials. The synthesis of this knowledge is intended to contribute to ongoing efforts to create environmentally friendly alternatives that address the current problems associated with conventional packaging while promoting a deeper understanding of the potential of hybrid materials for sustainable packaging solutions.

Biopolymer-Polysiloxane Double Network Aerogels

A new series of transparent aerogels of biopolymer-polysiloxane double networks is reported. Biopolymer aerogels have attracted much attention from green and sustainable aspects but suffered from strong hydrophilicity and difficulty to make homogeneous structures in nanoscale; these drawbacks are overcome by compositing with a polysiloxane network. Alginate-polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogel has high optical transparency, water repellency, comparable superinsulation property and improved bending flexibility compared to pure polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogel. The nanoscale homogeneity is realized by separating the crosslinking steps for two networks in a sequential protocol: condensation of siloxane bonds and metal-crosslinking of biopolymer. The crosslinking order, biopolymer-first or siloxane-first, and universality/limitation of biopolymer-crosslinker pairs are discussed to construct fundamental chemistry of double network systems for their further application potentials.

Essential oil-loaded starch/cellulose aerogel: Preparation, characterization and application in cheese packaging

Novel antimicrobial emitting aerogels based on starch/cellulose/Thymus daenensis Celak essential oil (SC-TDEO) were developed and optimized for antimicrobial packaging of Koopeh cheese. An aerogel formulation containing cellulose (1 %; extracted from sunflower stalks) and starch (5 %) in a 1:1 ratio was selected for in vitro antimicrobial assay and subsequent cheese application. The minimum inhibitory dose (MID) of TDEO in the vapor phase against Escherichia coli O157:H7 was determined by loading various concentrations of TDEO onto the aerogel, and an MID of 256 μL/L_headspace was recorded. Aerogels containing TDEO at 25 × MID and 50 × MID were then developed and used for cheese packaging. During a 21-day storage period, cheeses treated with SC-TDEO_{50 MID} aerogel exhibited a significant 3-log reduction in psychrophile counts and a 1-log reduction in yeast-mold counts. Moreover, significant changes in the population of E. coli O157:H7 were observed in cheese samples. After 7 and 14 days of storage with SC-TDEO_{25 MID} and SC-TDEO_{50 MID} aerogels, the initial bacterial count became undetectable, respectively. Sensory evaluations indicated that the samples treated with SC-TDEO_{25 MID} and SC-TDEO₅₀ aerogels received higher scores compared to the control group. These findings demonstrate the potential of the fabricated aerogel to develop antimicrobial packaging suitable for cheese applications.

Development, application and future trends of starch-based delivery systems for nutraceuticals: A review

As a natural biopolymer, starch is ideally adapted as an encapsulant material for nutraceutical delivery systems due to its unique nature of extensive sources, versatility and high biocompatibility. This review offers an outline of recent advances in the development of starch-based delivery systems. The structure and functional properties of starch in encapsulating and delivering bioactive ingredients are first introduced. Structural modification of starch improves the functionalities and extends the applications of starch in novel delivery systems. Then, various nutraceutical delivery systems are systematically summarized, which include porous starch, starch particle, amylose inclusion complex, cyclodextrin, gel, edible film and emulsion. Next, the delivery process of nutraceuticals is discussed in two parts: digestion and release. Intestinal digestion plays an important role during the whole digestion process of starch-based delivery systems. Moreover, controlled release of bioactives can be achieved by porous starch, starch-bioactive complexation and core-shell structure. Finally, the challenges of the existing starch-based delivery systems are deliberated, and the directions for future research are pointed out. Composite delivery carriers, co-delivery, intelligent delivery, delivery in real food systems, and reuse of agricultural wastes may be the research trends for starch-based delivery systems in the future.

Polysaccharide-based porous biopolymers for enhanced bioaccessibility and bioavailability of bioactive food compounds: Challenges, advances, and opportunities

Bioactive food compounds, such as lycopene, curcumin, phytosterols, and resveratrol, have received great attention due to their potential health benefits. However, these bioactive compounds (BCs) have poor chemical stability during processing and low bioavailability after consumption. Several delivery systems have been proposed for enhancing their stability and bioavailability. Among these methods, porous biopolymers have emerged as alternative encapsulation materials, as they have superior properties like high surface area, porosity, and tunable surface chemistry to entrap BCs. This reduces the crystallinity (especially for the lipophilic ones) and particle size, and in turn, increases solubilization and bioavailability. Also, loading BCs into the porous matrix can protect them against environmental stresses such as light, heat, oxygen, and pH. This review introduces polysaccharide-based porous biopolymers for improving the bioaccessibility/bioavailability of bioactive food compounds and discusses their recent applications in the food industry. First, bioaccessibility and bioavailability are described with a special emphasis on the factors affecting them. Then, porous biopolymer fabrication methods, including supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂ ) drying, freeze-drying, and electrospinning and electrospraying, are thoroughly discussed. Finally, common polysaccharide-based biopolymers (i.e., starch, nanocellulose, alginate, and pectin) used for generating porous materials are reviewed, and their current and potential future food applications are critically discussed.

Influence of starch with different degrees and order of gelatinization on the microstructural and mechanical properties of pectin cryogels: A potential pore morphology regulator

The applications of cryogels are defined by their porous morphology as well as mechanical properties. To achieve efficient regulation of porous properties for pectin cryogels, we selected starch as a potential polysaccharide regulator. Pectin/starch composite cryogels with different degrees of gelatinization were formulated, and two ways of starch gelatinization were considered: starch gelatinization occurred before or after pectin crosslinking during forming the hydrogel network. The results showed that high gelatinized starch (73.8 %-100.0 %) rendered pectin cryogels with denser pore morphology and higher mechanical strength. The pore diameter transferred from 160-200 μm to 40-60 μm with the degree of gelatinization, while the total porosity decreased by about 15 % and the specific surface area increased by about 100 m²/g. When starch gelatinization occurred before pectin crosslinking, the hydrogen bond interactions between gelatinized starch and pectin were formed to accelerate the gelation rate of the pectin Ca²⁺-dependent network. When gelatinization occurred after pectin crosslinking, the pre-formed pectin network delayed the breakdown of the starch crystalline structure during gelatinization. The qualitative regulation of the pore morphology in pectin cryogels by incorporating starches with varying degrees of gelatinization was confirmed.

Preparation of starch-based functional food nano-microcapsule delivery system and its controlled release characteristics

Most of the functional substances in food are absorbed in the small intestine, but before entering the small intestine, the strong acid and enzymes in the stomach limit the amount that can reach the small intestine. Therefore, in this paper, to develop a delivery system for functional food ingredients, maintain the biological activity of the ingredients, and deliver them to the target digestive organs, preparation of starch-based functional food nano-microcapsule delivery system and its controlled release characteristics were reviewed. Embedding unstable food active ingredients in starch-based nano-microcapsules can give the core material excellent stability and certain functional effects. Starch-based wall materials refer to a type of natural polymer material that uses starch or its derivatives to coat fat-soluble components with its hydrophobic cavities. The preparation methods of starch-based wall materials mainly include spray drying, extrusion, freeze drying, ultra-high pressure, coagulation, fluidized bed coating, molecular inclusion, chemical, and enzymic methods. The controlled release of functional food can be achieved by preparing starch-based nano-microcapsules to encapsulate the active agents. It has been reported that that compared with traditional embedding agents such as gelatin, acacia gum, and xanthan gum, starch-based functional food nano-microcapsule delivery system had many good properties, including improving antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, probiotics, and concealing bad flavors. From this review, we can learn which method should be chosen to prepare starch-based functional food nano-microcapsule delivery system and understand the mechanism of controlled release.

Egg white protein-based delivery system for bioactive substances: a review

Some bioactive substances in food have problems such as poor solubility, unstable chemical properties and low bioavailability, which limits their application in functional food. Recently, many egg white protein-based delivery carriers have been developed to improve the chemical stability, biological activity and bioavailability of bioactive substances. This article reviewed the structure and properties of several major egg white proteins commonly used to construct bioactive substance delivery systems. Several common carrier types based on egg white proteins, including hydrogels, emulsions, micro/nanoparticles, aerogels and electrospinning were then introduced. The biological functions of common bioactive substances, the limitations, and the role of egg white protein-based delivery systems were also discussed. At present, whole egg white protein, ovalbumin and lysozyme are most widely used in delivery systems, while ovotransferrin, ovomucoid and ovomucin are less developed and applied. Egg white protein-based nanoparticles are currently the most commonly used delivery carriers. Egg white protein-based hydrogels, emulsions, and microparticles are also widely used. Future research on the application of various egg white proteins in developed new delivery systems will provide more choices for the delivery of various bioactive substances.

Low calorie cocoa-based products: a short review

Globally, cocoa is considered an extensively consumed flavor across the food and beverage industry. However, the majority of cocoa products have a large amount of sugar and fat content. Therefore, manufacturers of cocoa-based products are focusing on the commercialization of healthier and innovative cocoa products that contain sugar and fat. High-quality and low-calorie cocoa products can be developed using the right ingredients which can replace fat and sugar without negative impact on the product characteristics. For sugar replacement nutritive sweeteners or sugar alcohols, non-nutritive sweeteners or high potency sweeteners and low digestibility carbohydrates are generally used. For fat substitution cocoa butter equivalents, cocoa butter replacers, cocoa butter substitutes along with vegetable fat and oil replacers are used. This review discusses the effect of sugar and fat substitution on the textural and rheological properties, sensory acceptance, and calorific value of the end cocoa-based products.

Crosslinker-Free Hyaluronic Acid Aerogels

Aerogels based on hyaluronic acid (HA) were prepared without any chemical crosslinking by polymer dissolution, network formation via nonsolvent-induced phase separation, and supercritical CO₂ drying. The influence of solution pH, concentration of HA, and type of nonsolvent on network volume shrinkage, aerogel density, morphology, and specific surface area was investigated. A marked dependence of aerogel properties on solution pH was observed: aerogels with the highest specific surface area, 510 m²/g, and the lowest density, 0.057 g/cm³, were obtained when the HA solution was at its isoelectric point (pH 2.5). This work reports the first results ever on neat HA aerogels and constitutes the background for their use as advanced materials for biomedical applications.

Tuning bio-aerogel properties for controlling drug delivery. Part 2: Cellulose-pectin composite aerogels

The release of the model drug theophylline from cellulose-pectin composite aerogels was investigated. Cellulose and pectin formed an interpenetrated network, and the goal was to study and understand the influence of each component and its solubility in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids on the kinetics of release. Cellulose was dissolved, coagulated in water, followed by impregnation with pectin solution, crosslinking of pectin with calcium (in some cases this step was omitted), solvent exchange and supercritical CO₂ drying. Theophylline was loaded via impregnation and its release into simulated gastric fluid was monitored for 1 h followed by release into simulated intestinal fluid. The properties of the composite aerogels were varied via the cellulose and pectin concentrations as well as the calcium content in the precursor solutions. The release kinetics was correlated with aerogel specific surface area, bulk density as well as network swelling and erosion. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model was employed to identify the dominant release mechanisms during the various stages of the release.

Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides alleviate colitis by modulating the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier in mice

Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharide (GLP) has varieties of antioxidation, however, the therapeutic effects of GLP on ulcerative colitis (UC) and the potential mechanisms involved are still incomplete. In the study, the analysis of the ζ-potential, thermal, and morphology properties demonstrated that GLP was a negatively charged polymer, and had great thermostability and irregular network. Moreover, the GLP treatment has the effects of reducing the severity of colitis caused by dextran sulfate sodium by alleviating the colon damage of mice, and increasing the amount of short-chain fatty acids in the intestines, alleviating histopathological inflammation. The sequencing results and α-diversity analysis showed that GLP could improve biodiversity, restore the abundance of Bacteroidetes, and decrease the proportion of Firmicutes. The level of CCL-25 and CCR-9 were inhibited, CD40 and TGF-β1 were increased. In summary, GLP has potentiality to be utilized as a hopeful functional food to the UC patients.

Effects of Grafting Degree on the Physicochemical Properties of Egg White Protein-Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Conjugates and Their Aerogels

To improve the mechanical strength and oil-loading performances of egg white protein (EWP) aerogel, the effects of different grafting degrees on the modification of EWP by sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) were investigated. After different dry-heat treatment durations (0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h), the EWP/CMC-Na conjugates with different grafting degrees (noted as EC0, EC12, EC24, EC36, and EC48, respectively) were obtained. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties of the conjugates, as well as the microstructure, mechanical properties, pore parameters, emulsification properties and oil-carrying properties of the conjugated aerogels, were characterized. The results showed that EC12 (with a grafting degree of 8.35%) aerogel possessed a uniform structure, the largest specific surface area, and the best emulsification performance. This facilitated a more robust aerogel (2.05 MPa) with nearly three times the mechanical strength of EWP aerogel. Moreover, this had a positive influence on the efficient loading and stable retention of oil. EC12 aerogel thus achieved an oil absorption capacity of 5.46 g/g aerogel and an oil holding capacity of 31.95%, and both values were nearly 1.7 times higher than those of EWP aerogel. In general, the EWP-based aerogel with a grafting degree of 8.35% had the best mechanical and oil-loading properties.

Facile fabrication of multifunctional citrus pectin aerogel fortified with cellulose nanofiber as controlled packaging of edible fungi

Citrus pectin was used as a precursor and cellulose nanofibers as a reinforcing agent, a mixed aerogel with enhanced structural properties was prepared. Pickering emulsion was a template for aerogel formation, embedding thymol. Its potential application in humidity regulating packaging has been investigated. Results showed that emulsion gel containing cellulose nanofibers has slightly larger droplet diameter, better viscoelasticity and emulsification. Composite aerogel has larger pore size and thinner pore wall. Additionally, its tensile and compressive properties have been significantly improved. Moisture absorption was close to 100% of its own weight, thymol was released slowly. Compared with Escherichia coli, aerogel has better resistance to Staphylococcus aureus. When applied on fresh Agaricus bisporus. It was found that relative humidity in package can be stabilized at about 97%. Hardness, color, total phenol content, cell membrane integrity and total antioxidant capacity of Agaricus bisporus were maintained and fresh-keeping period was extended to 5 days.

Recent advances of cereal β-glucan on immunity with gut microbiota regulation functions and its intelligent gelling application

β-glucan from cereals such as wheat, barley, oats and rye are a water-soluble dietary fiber, which are composed of repeating (1→4)-β-bond β-D-glucopyranosyl units and a single (1→3)-β-D-bond separated unit. β-glucan has a series of physicochemical properties (such as viscosity, gelling properties, solubility, etc.), which can be used as a food gel and fat substitute. Its structure endows the healthy functions, including anti-oxidative stress, lowering blood glucose and serum cholesterol, regulating metabolic syndrome and exerting gut immunity via gut microbiota. Due to their unique structural properties and efficacy, cereal β-glucan are not only applied in food substrates in the food industry, but also in food coatings and packaging. This article reviewed the applications of cereal β-glucan in hydrogels, aerogels, intelligent packaging systems and targeted delivery carriers in recent years. Cereal β-glucan in edible film and gel packaging applications are becoming more diversified and intelligent in recent years. Those advances provide a potential solution based on cereal β-glucan as biodegradable substances for immune regulation delivery system and intelligent gelling material in the biomedicine field.