Nanocarriers for Sustainable Active Packaging: An Overview during and Post COVID-19

Sustainable packaging film based on cellulose nanofibres/pullulan impregnated with zinc-doped carbon dots derived from avocado peel to extend the shelf life of chicken and tofu

A cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/pullulan (PUL) based multifunctional composite film was developed for active packaging applications by incorporating Zn-doped avocado-derived carbon dots (Zn-ACDs). The incorporation of Zn-ACDs improved the interfacial compatibility and produced a dense cross-sectional structure of the composite films. The Zn-ACDs added film showed no significant difference in water vapor permeability and surface hydrophilicity compared to the neat CNF/PUL film, but the tensile strength and elongation at break increased by ~45.4 % and ~64.1 %, respectively. The addition of 5 wt% Zn-ACDs to the CNF/PUL matrix resulted in 100.0 % UV blocking properties, excellent antioxidant activity (100.0 % for ABTS and 68.0 % for DPPH), and complete eradication of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 after 3 h of exposure. The CNF/PUL composite film with Zn-ACDs applied to the active packaging of chicken and tofu significantly reduced the total growth of aerobic microorganisms without significantly changing the actual color of the packaged chicken and tofu for 9 days at 10°C. This study demonstrates that CNF/PUL composite films with Zn-ACDs are a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for protecting food from microbial contamination.

Lesson learned from COVID-19 pandemic for the future of food industry

With WHO announcing COVID-19 no longer as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on May 5, 2023, coupled with the fact that the majority of the countries of the world have dropped strict city lockdown or border closure, this perhaps signals the end of the COVID-19 crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in far-reaching effects affecting nearly every aspect of our lives and society. Notably, the food industry including agriculture, food manufacturers, food logistics, distributors and retailers have all felt the profound impact and had experienced significant stress during the pandemic. Therefore, it is essential to retrospect the lessons that can be learned from this pandemic for the food industry. This short review aims to address the food safety issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on its foodborne transmission potential, innovations of virus detection strategies suitable for food industry; development of phathogenicaidal methods and devices to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virus (particularly in industrial scale); and the set-up of related food regulations and guidelines as preventive and control measures for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus through the food supply chain during the pandemic. This article may provide useful references for the food industry to minimize the food safety impact of COVID-19 (as well as other respiratory virus) and allows them to better prepare for similar future challenges.

Bioactive Potential of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity, Bioaccessibility and Prebiotic Potential

Due to its abundance of physiologically active ingredients, one of the oldest medicinal herbs, elderberry (EB) Sambucus nigra L., is beneficial for both therapeutic and dietary purposes. This study determined the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds and the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols from freeze-dried EB powder (FDEBP), along with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of this extract. The most significant phenolic compounds in black EB are represented by anthocyanins (41.8%), predominating cyanidin-sambubiosides and cyanidin-glucosides (90.1% of the identified anthocyanins). The FRAP assay obtained the highest antioxidant activity value (185 ± 0.18 μmol Fe2+/g DW). The most sensitive to the antimicrobial activity of the extract was proven to be Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.95 mg/mL. To determine the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols, the cell growth of five probiotic strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum and Saccharomyces boulardii) was tested. The influence on cell growth was positive for all five probiotic strains used. Overall, the most significant increase (p < 0.05) was recorded at 1.5% FDEBP, on S. boulardii with a growth index (GI) of 141.02%, very closely followed by GI at 0.5% and 1% concentrations. The stability of the total phenolic compounds through simulated gastronitestinal digestion was increased (93%), and the bioaccessibility was also elevated (75%).

Biopolymers as green-based food packaging materials: A focus on modified and unmodified starch-based films

The ideal food packaging materials are recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. Starch from plant sources, such as tubers, legumes, cereals, and agro-industrial plant residues, is considered one of the most suitable biopolymers for producing biodegradable films due to its natural abundance and low cost. The chemical modification of starch makes it possible to produce films with better technological properties by changing the functional groups into starch. Using biopolymers extracted from agro-industrial waste can add value to a raw material that would otherwise be discarded. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has driven a rise in demand for single-use plastics, intensifying pressure on this already out-of-control issue. This review provides an overview of biopolymers, with a particular focus on starch, to develop sustainable materials for food packaging. This study summarizes the methods and provides a potential approach to starch modification for improving the mechanical and barrier properties of starch-based films. This review also updates some trends pointed out by the food packaging sector in the last years, considering the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perspectives to achieve more sustainable food packaging toward a more circular economy are drawn.

Vaccinium Species (Ericaceae): Phytochemistry and Biological Properties of Medicinal Plants

The Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) genus consists of a globally widespread and diverse genus of around 4250 species, of which the most valuable is the Vaccinioidae subfamily. The current review focuses on the distribution, history, bioactive compounds, and health-related effects of three species: cranberry, blueberry, and huckleberry. Several studies highlight that the consumption of Vaccinium spp. presents numerous beneficial health-related outcomes, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects against diabetes, obesity, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular disorders. These plants' prevalence and commercial value have enhanced in the past several years; thus, the generated by-products have also increased. Consequently, the identified phenolic compounds found in the discarded leaves of these plants are also presented, and their impact on health and economic value is discussed. The main bioactive compounds identified in this genus belong to anthocyanins (cyanidin, malvidin, and delphinidin), flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercetin, and astragalin), phenolic acids (gallic, p-Coumaric, cinnamic, syringic, ferulic, and caffeic acids), and iridoids.

Development of Pectin and Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Based Active Packaging Enriched with Itaconic Acid and Apple Pomace-Derived Antioxidants

The production of active and biodegradable packaging materials is an emerging and efficient alternative to plastic packaging materials. By combining poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), pectin, and itaconic acid (IA), biodegradable and water-soluble packaging materials can be obtained that can also increase the shelf-life and quality of foodstuff. In the present study, the generated film-forming solutions were enriched with organic or phenolic extracts from apple by-products (apple pomace). These extracts possess an efficient antioxidant activity of 9.70 ± 0.08, and 78.61 ± 0.24 μM Trolox/100 g fresh weight, respectively. Furthermore, the lyophilization of these by-products increased the extract’s organic and phenolic content and the antioxidant activity to 67.45 ± 0.28 and 166.69 ± 0.47 μM Trolox/100 g fresh weight, respectively. These extracts influence the physical-chemical properties of the biofilm solutions by facilitating the polymerization process and thus positively influencing their viscosity. The resulting biofilms presented low water vapor permeability and reduced solubility in water. Adding IA and organic/phenolic compounds facilitates the resistance against intrinsic and extrinsic factors; therefore, they might be applicable in the food industry.

Polysaccharide-Based Edible Gels as Functional Ingredients: Characterization, Applicability, and Human Health Benefits

Nowadays, edible materials such as polysaccharides have gained attention due to their valuable attributes, especially gelling property. Polysaccharide-based edible gels (PEGs) can be classified as (i) hydrogels, (ii) oleogels and bigels, (iii) and aerogels, cryogels and xerogels, respectively. PEGs have different characteristics and benefits depending on the functional groups of polysaccharide chains (e.g., carboxylic, sulphonic, amino, methoxyl) and on the preparation method. However, PEGs are found in the incipient phase of research and most studies are related to their preparation, characterization, sustainable raw materials, and applicability. Furthermore, all these aspects are treated separately for each class of PEG, without offering an overview of those already obtained PEGs. The novelty of this manuscript is to offer an overview of the classification, definition, formulation, and characterization of PEGs. Furthermore, the applicability of PEGs in the food sector (e.g., food packaging, improving food profile agent, delivery systems) and in the medical/pharmaceutical sector is also critically discussed. Ultimately, the correlation between PEG consumption and polysaccharides properties for human health (e.g., intestinal microecology, "bridge effect" in obesity, gut microbiota) are critically discussed for the first time. Bigels may be valuable for use as ink for 3D food printing in personalized diets for human health treatment. PEGs have a significant role in developing smart materials as both ingredients and coatings and methods, and techniques for exploring PEGs are essential. PEGs as carriers of bioactive compounds have a demonstrated effect on obesity. All the physical, chemical, and biological interactions among PEGs and other organic and inorganic structures should be investigated.

Carotenoid Recovery from Tomato Processing By-Products through Green Chemistry

The recovery of bioactive compounds from agro-industry-derived by-products sustains circular economy principles by encouraging maximized recycling and minimized waste. Tomato processing by-products are abundant in carotenoids, which have several health-promoting properties, and their reintegration into functional food products represents a major interest for scientists and manufacturers. In the present study, carotenoids were recovered from tomato processing by-products based on the principles of green chemistry by using generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvents, freeze-drying as pretreatment, and ultrasound in the recovery procedure. Spectrophotometric measurements and HPLC were used to identify and quantify total and individual carotenoids from the extracts. The highest values for lycopene (1324.89 µg/g dw) were obtained when ethyl lactate was applied as a solvent, followed by ethyl acetate with slightly smaller differences (1313.54 µg/g dw). The extracts obtained from freeze-dried samples presented significantly lower amounts of lycopene, indicating that carotenoids are highly susceptible to degradation during lyophilization. Flaxseed, grape seed, and hempseed oils were enriched with carotenoids and their rheological measurements showed favorable viscoelastic properties, especially hempseed and flaxseed oil, with viscosity under 50 mPa·s. Considering the results and the economic perspective of carotenoid recovery from tomato processing by-products, ethyl acetate is suitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly for carotenoid extraction.

Assessment of Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of Xylo-Oligosaccharides and Glucose-Enriched Doughs Fermented with BB-12

Simple Summary

Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are considered indigestible fibers that could support the growth of potentially beneficial gut microbes, thus classified as “prebiotics”. Prebiotics are “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit” as defined by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics. The current work aimed to study the effect of XOS and glucose addition on wheat flour sourdough fermented with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) strain in terms of organic acid production and on the rheological properties of the doughs. The effect of XOS addition increased the production of organic acids, and positively influenced the rheological properties of the dough. Additionally, after frozen storage, there were no significant viscoelastic changes in the dough structure, which indicates that xylo-oligosaccharides improved the water retention capability of the dough. Through fermentation carbohydrates like, glucose, xylose, maltose, and XOS were consumed, and a high quantity of lactic and acetic acid were produced, organic acids with roles in the flavor generation and sensorial properties of the final product. This study showed the potential use of XOS as food ingredient in sourdoughs for bakery products manufacturing with improved quality and rheological properties.

Abstract

Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are considered non-digestible fibers produced mainly from agricultural biomass and are classified as “emerging prebiotic” compounds. Since XOS were shown to promote the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut with potential effects on one’s health, scientists used them as food ingredients. For example, the addition of XOS in bakery products could improve their physicochemical characteristics. The current work aimed to investigate the effect of XOS and glucose addition on wheat flour sourdough fermented with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) strain in terms of organic acid production. The effect on viscoelastic changes during frozen storage and after the thawing process was also studied. The results showed that the viability of BB-12 increased slightly with the increase in XOS and glucose concentrations, which determined dough acidification due to accumulation of organic acids, that positively influenced the dough’s rheological properties such as a higher elasticity before and after frozen storage. With 10% XOS-addition, the acetic acid quantity reached 0.87 ± 0.03 mg/L, and the highest lactic acid concentration was found in the 10% XOS-enriched doughs, the glucose-enriched doughs and in the control sample (100% wheat dough). The quantity of glucose, maltose, XOS, and xylose decreased until the end of fermentation.

Towards a Circular Economy of Plastics: An Evaluation of the Systematic Transition to a New Generation of Bioplastics

Plastics have become an essential part of the modern world thanks to their appealing physical and chemical properties as well as their low production cost. The most common type of polymers used for plastic account for 90% of the total production and are made from petroleum-based nonrenewable resources. Concerns over the sustainability of the current production model and the environmental implications of traditional plastics have fueled the demand for greener formulations and alternatives. In the last decade, new plastics manufactured from renewable sources and biological processes have emerged from research and have been established as a commercially viable solution with less adverse effects. Nevertheless, economic and legislative challenges for biobased plastics hinder their widespread implementation. This review summarizes the history of plastics over the last century, including the most relevant bioplastics and production methods, the environmental impact and mitigation of the adverse effects of conventional and emerging plastics, and the regulatory landscape that renewable and recyclable bioplastics face to reach a sustainable future.

Bioactive Films Based on Starch from White, Red, and Black Rice to Food Application

Packages from renewable sources have been the focus of many studies, due to the consumer needs for high-quality food, environmental concern related to the inadequate discard of packaging, low percentage of packaging recycling, and starch application by a viable method. Thus, this work aimed to develop bioactive packages based on white, red, and black rice starch and analyze the influence of macromolecule and plasticizer type, even its blends, on the characteristics of films. Films were characterized by color, opacity, thickness, water solubility, water vapor permeability, and bioactive properties. The use of rice starch in the development of edible and/or biodegradable films was feasible, with all the formulations tested presenting a homogeneous matrix and the films obtained varying in hue, to the naked eye, as a function of the starch used. Variation of the type of starch and plasticizer, as well as the concentrations of the same, resulted in films with differences in all studied properties. Films prepared with 5% of starch and 30% of sorbitol showed phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, using the DPPH and ABTS methods, indicating that these can be considered bioactive packages and also suitable for food application.

Awareness, Knowledge, and Interest about Prebiotics-A Study among Romanian Consumers

The consumer awareness towards healthier diets and the impact of nutrition on health has triggered an increase in the production and commercialization of foods with health claims. The scientific literature classifies these food products as functional foods, with a role in promoting health and preventing diseases, and they had a market share of almost 200 million EUR in 2019. Prebiotics are considered functional foods, referring to substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit, as defined by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics. Several health benefits are associated with the consumption of prebiotics; however, specific requirements must demonstrate the causality between the specific ingredient and the claimed effect. Health claims associated with food products are assessed in the European Union and need to be supported by rigorous scientific evidence before being authorized and permitted on the market. Consumers’ perception of this topic is influenced by the various stakeholders involved. The current work aimed to study the consumers’ perception and interest and to assess the knowledge on the prebiotic concept in Romania. The consumer interest level was quantified by using the web-based data tool Google Trends, and a questionnaire-based investigation was designed. The collected data were analyzed with the help of the SPSS program, and crosstabulation was used to identify the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on diet choice and awareness of prebiotics. A total of 303 persons answered the online applied questionnaire, grouped as young consumers (15–24 years old) and adults (25–64 years old). Even if most responders were familiar with the term of prebiotics (74% of total responders), some results were contradictory regarding their knowledge. The work emphasized the need to carry out educational campaigns and inform consumers on the relationship between certain food ingredients and health outcomes in a clear way and based on a rigorous assessment of the scientific evidence.