Applied Food Research最新文献

{"title":"Advancing sustainable closed-loop solutions: Supercritical carbon dioxide technology for aquatic biological waste valorization","authors":"Qiqi Sun ,&nbsp;Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel ,&nbsp;Lay Poh Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The issue of aquatic food waste has drawn significant attention. As a waste rich in valuable nutrients, reusing it can protect the environment while generating economic benefits. Supercritical, subcritical liquid, and gaseous CO₂ treatments have the advantages of being non-toxic, easy to recycle and not producing harmful byproducts. This review summarizes the utilization of supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO₂) for the reuse of aquatic waste, including fish and algae, through extraction and fractionation to obtain omega-3, phospholipids, carotenoids, collagen, and other bioactive compounds, as well as its combination with other technologies to enhance efficiency. Additionally, it discusses the thermodynamic and kinetic modeling of the processes and their economic feasibility. Given the advantages of ScCO₂ technology, it has the potential to see broader adoption in the aquatic food industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101384"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145154506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbial and processing factors affecting biogenic amine formation and accumulation in dairy: a narrative review","authors":"Imane Dankar ,&nbsp;Amal Melhem ,&nbsp;Mireille Serhan ,&nbsp;Hussein F. Hassan","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101376","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101376","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biogenic amines (BAs) are nitrogenous compounds formed primarily through the microbial decarboxylation of amino acids, and are commonly present in fermented dairy products. Their accumulation raises significant health concerns due to potential toxicity. This narrative review aims to explore the mechanisms of BA formation in dairy systems, focusing on the contribution of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and technological factors that influence their presence. While LAB are critical for dairy fermentation, texture, and flavor development, certain strains possess amino acid decarboxylase activity that enables the production of histamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine. The formation and accumulation of BAs are strongly influenced by several factors, including the microbiological quality of raw milk, hygienic conditions during processing, starter culture composition, salt concentration, fermentation temperature, pH, and ripening time. Recent studies highlight that both pre-processing and processing stages play a pivotal role in microbial selection and metabolic activity. Excessive intake of BAs can trigger many adverse health reactions, underscoring the importance of microbial and technological control in dairy manufacturing. A comprehensive understanding of the microbial ecology and production environment is essential for developing safer dairy products. This review highlights the need for an integrated approach involving microbial screening, improved manufacturing practices, and regulatory oversight to mitigate the risks associated with BAs in dairy foods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101376"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145154507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Valorization of plant-based agro-waste into sustainable food packaging materials: Current approaches and functional applications","authors":"Md. Monir Ahmed,&nbsp;Md. Hassan Bin Nabi,&nbsp;Md. Suhel Mia,&nbsp;Iftekhar Ahmad,&nbsp;Wahidu Zzaman","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101368","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101368","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is an increasing demand for sustainable food packaging solutions, leading to the valorization of plant-based agro-waste into biodegradable, flexible, and functional materials. This review comprehensively covers state-of-the-art methods and advances for converting agro-industrial waste into high-performance packaging materials, focusing on biopolymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, pectin, lignin, chitosan, alginate, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). They are characterized by favorable mechanical, barrier, bioactive, and degradation properties, aligning with circular bioeconomy principles by reducing dependence on fossil-based plastics and minimizing waste. These agro-waste-derived materials ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and enable active and intelligent packaging through bioactive compound incorporation, improving antimicrobial and antioxidant properties while reducing environmental burdens. This review spotlights advanced processing and fabrication techniques, including solvent casting, melt extrusion, electrospinning, compression molding, and layer-by-layer assembly, while addressing key technological, economic, and regulatory barriers to scalability. Additionally, the review explores the valorization of diverse plant-based wastes (stem, leaf, fruit and vegetable, seed and shell, root and tuber) for biopolymer extraction, contributing to the development of biodegradable packaging solutions that reduce carbon footprints and environmental pollution. The implementation of these innovative agro-waste-based packaging materials supports global sustainability and SDGs, providing a pathway towards a resilient, circular food system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101368"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microplastics in the human food chain: A review of prevalence, contamination pathways, and mitigation strategies in salt, seafood, and freshwater fish","authors":"Saydur Rahman ,&nbsp;Writam Saha ,&nbsp;Tasnim Iqbal Maysha ,&nbsp;Promit Sarker ,&nbsp;Tonni Rani Datta ,&nbsp;Samiha Rahman ,&nbsp;Md. Abir Hossain ,&nbsp;Rakhi Chacrabati","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microplastics (MPs) have become widespread pollutants in aquatic environments, making their way into the human food chain via salt, seafood, and freshwater fish. This review synthesizes recent global findings on the prevalence, characteristics, and polymer composition of MPs in these essential dietary items, while outlining their main contamination pathways from marine and freshwater pollution to processing, packaging, and atmospheric deposition. Reported concentrations show significant variability, with some areas displaying concerningly high levels of contamination, indicative of disparities in environmental pollution, production techniques, and regulatory measures. The health implications of MP ingestion present a pressing issue, with experimental studies indicating connections to inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and the possible bioaccumulation of harmful co-contaminants, despite a scarcity of direct human epidemiological data. The current detection methods, such as FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and Py-GC/MS, are thoroughly assessed for their advantages and drawbacks, in conjunction with the latest advancements in microfluidic and biosensor technologies. The strategies for mitigation outlined encompass upstream source reduction, improved processing controls, more stringent quality assurance measures, initiatives to raise public awareness, and the creation of biodegradable alternatives. Significant research gaps have been pinpointed, especially the necessity for standardized detection protocols, comprehensive toxicological assessments, and epidemiological studies that establish a direct connection between dietary MP exposure and human health outcomes. This review combines recent regional case studies with technological and policy interventions to provide a thorough framework aimed at guiding future enquiries and informing evidence-based strategies for protecting food safety and public health against the rising threat of MP pollution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101355"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Green revolution: A systematic review of sustainable practices in restaurants","authors":"Mireia Pascual,&nbsp;José Antonio Donaire Benito","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101331","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101331","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sustainable practices have become a central concern in the restaurant industry, reflecting global efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs <span><span>¹</span></span>). This study presents a systematic literature review and bibliometric meta-analysis of academic research on the nexus between restaurants and sustainable. Drawing on 737 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus (april 2024) that contain the keywords “sustainable” and “restaurant,” we analyze publication trends, thematic focuses, regional patterns, and knowledge gaps, following PRISMA guidelines to ensure rigor. Results reveal an exponential growth in scholarly output over the past 15 years, especially after 2015, indicating intensifying academic interest. However, the literature remains fragmented, spanning diverse topics—from waste management and consumer behavior to energy efficiency and marketing—without a unified conceptual framework. We identify clear gaps such as the limited attention to social sustainability and weak cross-citation between studies. The review highlights five dominant thematic clusters: supply operations, demand and consumer behavior, destination and gastronomy, marketing, and environmental impact. The data also reveal geographic imbalances, with a strong concentration in Europe, Asia, and North America, and underrepresentation of the Global South. Strengthening collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers is essential to accelerate the “green revolution” in restaurant industry and help restaurants with this transition towards truly sustainable models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101331"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of conventional and emerging thawing technologies on drip loss, microstructure and post-thaw quality of frozen fruits and vegetables: A review","authors":"Reuben Acheampong ,&nbsp;Crossby Osei Tutu ,&nbsp;Papa Toah Akonor ,&nbsp;Bernard Kwabena Asiedu ,&nbsp;Sheriffa Mahama ,&nbsp;Justice Owusu-Bempah ,&nbsp;Dora Appiadu ,&nbsp;Ama Fremah Koranteng ,&nbsp;David Kwame Kumador ,&nbsp;Anthonia Helga Andoh-Odoom ,&nbsp;Firibu Kwesi Saalia","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101323","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101323","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thawing is an important stage in the handling of frozen foods because it directly influences their safety, nutritional composition, texture and consumer acceptability. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of both conventional and emerging thawing methods with a special focus on fruits and vegetables. Conventional techniques such as air thawing, water immersion and refrigerated thawing are widely used because they are simple and inexpensive, but they often lead to long thawing times, excessive drip loss, nutrient leakage and microbial safety concerns. Microwave thawing offers faster processing but suffers from uneven heating that can compromise texture and food safety. In recent years, advanced technologies including ultrasound assisted thawing, high pressure thawing, ohmic thawing, radio frequency thawing, infrared thawing and vacuum assisted thawing have attracted significant attention. These methods show promise in reducing drip loss, preserving cellular integrity and maintaining sensory and nutritional quality. However, challenges such as equipment cost, scalability, energy demand and regulatory acceptance continue to restrict their wider adoption in the food industry.</div><div>The novelty of this review lies in its detailed comparison of thawing technologies specifically designed for fruits and vegetables, where the preservation of delicate cellular structures and water retention are central to post-thaw quality. Unlike earlier reviews that addressed thawing in general food systems, this paper highlights how different technologies influence microstructure, moisture migration and nutrient stability in plant-based matrices. The analysis further identifies research gaps relating to the limited industrial validation of emerging technologies, the absence of standardised performance criteria and the need for sustainable energy integration. The review also outlines the political, social, and practical implications of adopting these technologies, including consumer acceptance, regulatory frameworks, and potential contributions to reducing food waste.</div><div>Overall, the findings suggest that hybrid thawing systems and intelligent process controls hold the greatest promise for achieving efficient, safe and sustainable thawing. By critically assessing both established and novel methods, this paper provides valuable insights to guide researchers, food processors and policymakers in selecting and optimising thawing strategies for fruits and vegetables.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101323"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145003653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancements in extraction and encapsulation of immunomodulatory mushroom biomolecules for enhanced food applications","authors":"Charu Agnihotri ,&nbsp;Bhim Pratap Singh ,&nbsp;Shwet Kamal ,&nbsp;Heera Ram ,&nbsp;Harinder Singh Oberoi ,&nbsp;Parisa Mostashari ,&nbsp;Amin Mousavi Khaneghah","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101322","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101322","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Consumers increasingly prefer natural agents that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Among naturally available bioresources, mushrooms are globally recognized as a \"nutritional powerhouse\" due to their significant therapeutic and nutraceutical properties. This review comprehensively explores relevant strategies for extracting bioactive compounds, including mushroom-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides, detailing their well-established immunomodulatory roles pertinent to emerging health challenges. It also examines the development of mushroom bioactive-based immunity-enhancing functional foods. Furthermore, advancements in targeted delivery systems, particularly encapsulation techniques, are featured, ensuring compound stability during storage and enhancing bioavailability. The integration of mushroom bioactives into functional foods requires compliance with stringent safety and regulatory frameworks; consequently, the regulatory landscape governing mushroom-based functional products is also addressed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101322"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Underutilised legumes in regenerative agriculture: Implications for food and nutritional security – A review","authors":"Reuben Acheampong ,&nbsp;Crossby Osei Tutu ,&nbsp;Justice Owusu-Bempah ,&nbsp;David Kwame Kumador ,&nbsp;Sheriffa Mahama ,&nbsp;Nii Korley Kortei ,&nbsp;Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan ,&nbsp;Papa Toah Akonor ,&nbsp;Matilda Ayim-Akonor","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101313","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101313","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global food systems face mounting challenges from climate change, soil degradation, and population growth, threatening food security and environmental sustainability. Regenerative agriculture, emphasizing soil health and biodiversity, offers a promising solution, with leguminous crops playing a central role. These plants, notably underutilized species such as <em>Vigna subterranea</em> (Bambara groundnut) and <em>Cajanus cajan</em> (pigeon pea), fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Rich in proteins, dietary fibre, and micronutrients, legumes bolster nutritional security, particularly in regions with limited access to animal-based proteins. This review comprehensively examines the ecological, nutritional, and socioeconomic contributions of legumes in regenerative agriculture, focusing on their potential to foster climate-resilient food systems. It quantifies their benefits, including nitrogen fixation rates up to 200 kg/ha and yield increases of 25 % in crop rotations. The nutritional profile of legumes, including 18–40 % protein content and bioactive compounds, supports the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Advances in processing techniques, such as fermentation and enzyme-assisted extraction, enhance nutrient bioavailability while mitigating anti-nutritional factors like phytic acid. Underutilized legumes, adapted to marginal environments, hold untapped potential to diversify diets and strengthen food security in climate-vulnerable regions. However, challenges such as limited market access and consumer awareness persist. This review advocates for increased research into biofortified varieties, sustainable processing, and policy incentives to integrate legumes into circular food systems, ensuring global nutritional security and environmental sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101313"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative review of flavonoid phytosomes and their potential role in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), diabetes, and cancer","authors":"Nancy Aline Hernández-Rosas ,&nbsp;Claudia Rebeca Rivera-Yañez ,&nbsp;Karla Mariela Hernández-Sánchez ,&nbsp;Oscar Nieto-Yañez ,&nbsp;Cecilia Carlota Barrera-Ortega ,&nbsp;Gabriel Alfonso Gutiérrez-Rebolledo ,&nbsp;Ricardo Pérez-Pastén-Borja ,&nbsp;Nelly Rivera-Yañez ,&nbsp;Porfirio Alonso Ruiz-Hurtado","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An increasing interest in new and available alternatives to treat pathologies of global impact, such as COVID-19, diabetes, and cancer, has led to an increase in research on compounds like flavonoids. Flavonoids usually have low bioavailability, which is related to their poor solubility and permeability, and therefore, their clinical application in many pathologies is limited. In this context, the use of nanocarriers to overcome the low bioavailability of natural products is considered crucial for future preclinical and clinical research. Among the most studied nanocarriers are phytosomes. These nanocompounds comprise electrostatic interactions of phospholipids and polyphenols in a lipidic matrix, and have shown potential for improving antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties of some flavonoids. Some phytosomal formulations have been evaluated in phase I clinical trials and have shown significant improvements over the use of single flavonoids. This review aimed to provide a current overview of the use of phytosomes loaded with flavonoids and their potential applications in the treatment of emerging infections and chronic-degenerative diseases, particularly, COVID-19, diabetes, and cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101294"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144912197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"AI-driven bioactive peptide discovery of next-generation metabolic biotherapeutics","authors":"Hamadou Mamoudou ,&nbsp;Martin Alain Mune Mune","doi":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afres.2025.101291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metabolic diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, pose a significant global health burden, demanding innovative therapeutic solutions. Traditional drug discovery is often slow and costly, struggling with the complex nature of these disorders. Bioactive peptides offer a promising alternative due characterized by their specificity, low toxicity, and diverse mechanisms. However, challenges in their screening, stability, and target identification have limited their clinical use. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are now revolutionizing peptide discovery. These technologies enable rapid prediction, <em>de novo</em> design, and optimization of bioactive sequences. This review critically evaluates AI's role in identifying and developing peptides for metabolic disease pathways. We examine key computational methods, including sequence-based features, advanced deep learning models (CNNs, LSTMs, Transformers), and generative approaches. The manuscript also covers essential datasets, validation frameworks, and illustrative case studies. We explore the integration of molecular dynamics, network pharmacology, and reinforcement learning for advanced peptide engineering. Despite significant progress, challenges persist, such as data heterogeneity, model generalizability, and the gap between <em>in silico</em> predictions and experimental validation. Looking ahead, we highlight future opportunities, including multi-omics integration, explainable AI, the discovery of microbiome-derived peptides, and synthetic biology-driven design. This review underscores AI’s transformative potential in advancing peptide-based interventions for metabolic diseases, offering a roadmap for novel, targeted, and preventive therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8168,"journal":{"name":"Applied Food Research","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 101291"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}