Fucoxanthin is an algae-specific xanthophyll of aquatic carotenoid. It is prevalent in brown seaweed because it functions as a light-harvesting complex for algal photosynthesis and photoprotection. Its exceptional chemical structure exhibits numerous biological activities that benefit human health. Due to these valuable properties, fucoxanthin’s potential as a potent source for functional food, feed, and medicine is being explored extensively today. This article has thoroughly reviewed the availability and biosynthesis of fucoxanthin in the brown seaweed, as well as the mechanism behind it. We included the literature findings concerning the beneficial bioactivities of fucoxanthin such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, anticancer, and other potential activities. Last, an additional view on its potential as a functional food ingredient has been discussed to facilitate a broader application of fucoxanthin as a promising bioactive compound.
Agro-industrial waste is a by-product of agriculture-based industries which are often rich in lignocellulosic materials and bioactive compounds. The management of these wastes is poorly regulated by the industries where it is commonly discarded in uncontrolled practices. Such activities have created an adverse effect on ecosystem and the economy as a whole. Due to this matter, enormous researches have been conducted to recover usable compounds from these wastes. Cellulose from agro-industrial residue has become a type of renewable resource in various applications. This review article describes the chemistry, structure, and method used to obtain cellulose and nanocellulose from various sources of agro-industrial waste. This report also covers some of the recent innovative food applications of cellulose and nanocellulose. In the latter part of this review, the safety issues regarding the use of nanocellulose in food application are summarized.