Food security for the increasing global population is a significant challenge of the current times particularly highlighting the protein deficiencies. Plant-based proteins could be considered as alternate source of the protein. The digestibility and PDCASS value of these proteins are still a concern. Blue proteins, the new approach of utilizing the proteins from aquatic sources could be a possible solution as it contains all the essential amino acids. However, the conjugation of these proteins with fats and glycogen interferes with their techno-functional properties and consequently their applicability. The application of power ultrasound for extraction and modification of these proteins from aquatic sources to break open the cellular structure, increase extractability, alter the protein structure and consequently provide proteins with higher bioavailability and bioactive properties could be a potential approach for their effective utilization into food systems. The current review focuses on the application of power ultrasound when applied as extraction treatment, alters the sulphite and peptide bond and modifies protein to elevated digestibility. The degree of alteration is influenced by intensity, frequency, and exposure time. The extracted proteins will serve as a source of essential amino acids. Furthermore, modification will lead to the development of bioactive peptides with different functional applications. Numerous studies reveal that blue proteins have beneficial impacts on amino acid availability, and subsequently food security with higher PDCAAS values. In many cases, converted peptides give anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidant activity. Therefore, researchers are concentrating on ultrasound-based extraction, modification, and application in food and pharmaceutical systems.
Centella asiatica is a medicinal herb, well known for its phytochemical activities because of the presence of terpenoids and polyphenols, which contribute to the bioactivity of herb extract that can be effectively utilized in the packaging industry. Biopolymers infused with C. asiatica extract could be a promising solution in the food sector. The antibacterial and antioxidant qualities of C. asiatica can help preserve the quality and lengthen the freshness of food products, thereby preventing food loss. Selection of a suitable extraction method is essential to retain the yield and properties of the bioactive compounds of C. asiatica extract. Many research has been conducted on the separation of C. asiatica by using conventional and novel extraction techniques and its execution in packaging as a functional component. This review provides an overview of the extraction of phytochemicals from C. asiatica and its utilization in biopolymer film as an active component to modify the packaging film characteristics.
27 December 2022 in Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology
The drying of medicinal plants is a crucial step in their processing since it preserves the active ingredients and increases their shelf life. Traditional drying methods often exhibit limitations such as extended drying time, loss of bioactive components, and decreased product quality. Novel drying methods have recently come to light as possible alternatives for drying medicinal plants. Reduced drying time, greater bioactive ingredient preservation, and improved product quality are just a few benefits of these novel methods. The bioactive components of medicinal plants can be preserved using these modern drying methods, which also provide possibilities for improved processing efficiency, less energy utilization, and increased product stability. However, while choosing a drying method, it is important to take into account the distinctive features of the medicinal plant, the desired quality attributes, and the economic feasibility. This review gives an overview of novel techniques such as microwave drying, vacuum drying, freeze drying, refractance window drying, Osmo drying, supercritical CO 2 drying, and spray drying for drying medicinal plants and some potential applications.