Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a subtropical evergreen horticultural product of which E. japonica variety is used for the production of fruits and E. deflexa and E. prinoides are used for rootstocks. A good-quality loquat fruit has total soluble solids content of more than 12%, acidity in the range of 0.3–0.6% and low flesh firmness. Loquat fruit and leaves have high concentrations of vitamin A, ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, and pharmacologically active constituents such as kaempferol, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, tartaric acid, and quercetin. It also possesses several pharmacological properties like anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidative, antimutagenic, antidiabetic activity, etc. The fruit has a short shelf life and is highly susceptible to various physiological disorders and decay after harvesting. It requires proper storage techniques and post-harvest treatments (physical, chemical, and biological). To increase the availability to consumers and add more value to loquat fruit, it is processed into different products such as jam, jellies, juice, wine, canned fruit, dried slices, etc. Dried leaves can be incorporated in the development of food products such as tofu, cookies, and noodles. The loquat seeds can be used for preparing starch and extraction of oil. In view of this information, this paper is uniquely worked upon to review all discussions from past literatures along with the recent developments for understanding the paradigm of loquat and making it easy for readers and researchers to have a quick glance over recent trends and innovations. Abbreviations: TSS, total soluble solids; TPC, total phenolic content; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; HCA, hydrocinnamic acid; DPPH, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryldrazyl; PPO, polyphenol oxidase; CA, controlled atmosphere; MAP, modified atmosphere packaging; POD, peroxidase; MeJA, methyl jasmonate; 1-MCP, 1-methylcyclopropene; LOX, lipoxygenase; NO, nitric oxide; ROS, reactive oxygen species; LLP, loquat leaf powder; RWD, refractance window drying; LTC, low-temperature conditioning

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field with profound applications in different domains, particularly in food science and technology. Nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis, an integral part of nanotechnology-based applications, is broadly classified into chemical, physical and biosynthesis methods. Chemically sensitive and energy-intensive procedures employed for NPs synthesis are some of the limits of traditional chemical approaches. Recent research has focused on developing easy, nontoxic, cost-effective, and environment-friendly NPs synthesis during the last decade. Biosynthesis approaches have been developed to achieve this goal as it is a viable alternative to existing chemical techniques for the synthesis of metallic nanomaterials. Fruit peels contain abundant bioactive compounds including phenols, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, steroids, glycosides, carotenoids, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, vitamin C, and essential oils with substantial health benefits, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties, generally discarded as byproduct or waste by the fruit processing industry. NPs synthesized using bioactive compounds from fruit peel has futuristic applications for an unrealized market potential for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical delivery. Numerous studies have been conducted for the biosynthesis of metallic NPs such as silver (AgNPs), gold (AuNPs), zinc oxide, iron, copper, palladium and titanium using fruit peel extract, and their synthesis mechanism have been reported in the present review. Additionally, NPs synthesis methods and applications of fruit peel NPs have been discussed. Graphical Abstract