Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) is gaining attention in the food and health sectors due to its rich polyphenolic compounds and potent antioxidant properties. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research on the functional applications, bioavailability improvement strategies, and potential uses of Aronia melanocarpa in the food industry. The review highlights key developments in processing techniques, such as microencapsulation and nanotechnology, aimed at enhancing the stability and bioavailability of its active compounds. In addition, the paper explores the diversification of Aronia products, including juices, fermented beverages, and functional foods, and the growing market demand. The potential uses of Aronia melanocarpa leaves and by-products for sustainable production are also examined. Finally, the paper addresses the challenges of consumer acceptance, astringency removal, and the need for further research into the metabolic mechanisms and health benefits of Aronia melanocarpa. Future prospects for the Aronia melanocarpa industry, particularly its role in natural and sustainable food markets, are discussed, with an emphasis on innovative product development and the efficient use of by-products.

Aronia melanocarpa fruit contains a variety of active ingredients, such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, etc. Relevant in vivo and in vitro studies have concluded that it has beneficial effects in terms of treating dyslipidemia, hypertension, glucose metabolism disorders, etc. This article discusses the nutritional value and food processing of Aronia melanocarpa and reviews the chemical components of Aronia melanocarpa and the pharmacological activities of related substances in order to summarize the chemical characteristics of the fruit and its development prospects. The process optimization of juice production, the impact of antioxidant capacity, and the comprehensive utilization of pomace in feed are discussed. This article provides a reference for future comprehensive application research and product development of Aronia melanocarpa.

Plant polyphenols are valuable secondary metabolites with significant bioactivities; however, their efficient extraction faces multiple challenges, including the structural complexity arising from their coexistence in free and bound forms within plant matrices, as well as their sensitivity to oxidation and heat. Although emerging green extraction technologies such as deep eutectic solvents, supercritical fluid extraction, and physical field enhancement show potential, current research largely remains method-oriented, lacking an in-depth understanding of the coupling mechanisms between molecular interactions and mass transfer processes. This review explicitly proposes a “mechanism-driven, synergistic integration” framework for the green extraction of plant polyphenols. By systematically analyzing the molecular basis of extractability and the complementarity among emerging technologies, this framework provides theoretical guidance and a practical blueprint for transitioning from empirical optimization to intelligent, synergistic system design. Specifically, it begins by systematically dissecting the structural characteristics of polyphenols and their interactions with cell wall components to clarify the molecular basis of extractability. Next, it critically reviews the mechanisms, advantages, and engineering bottlenecks of representative green technologies, with a focus on how synergistic integration strategies based on complementary mechanisms can overcome the limitations of single technologies to achieve higher extraction efficiency and selectivity. Furthermore, it evaluates the application of response surface methodology and artificial neural networks in process modeling. Finally, it highlights critical challenges such as industrial scale-up, sustainability assessment, and intelligent manufacturing. This review advocates a paradigm shift from optimizing single techniques toward designing intelligent, synergistic systems grounded in mechanistic insights.

Fruit astringency, which primarily results from the interaction between polyphenolic compounds such as tannins and salivary proteins, is a critical sensory attribute that limits the commercial value and consumer acceptance of many fruits. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying astringency formation and the development of efficient and safe de-astringency technologies are crucial for the fruit industry. This review systematically elucidates the molecular basis of fruit astringency, focusing on the biosynthesis pathways, accumulation dynamics, and transcriptional regulatory networks of key phenolic substances, such as tannins, as well as their modulation by environmental factors. It also evaluates the efficacy and current applications of existing de-astringency methods and discusses the potential impacts of different treatments on fruit quality attributes. This study thoroughly analyzes the major challenges faced by current technologies, including balancing de-astringency efficiency with quality preservation, ensuring environmental friendliness and food safety, reducing costs, and promoting wider application. Finally, future research directions are discussed, emphasizing the importance of precise genetic improvement using tools such as gene editing, developing green and efficient processes, achieving intelligent process control, and focusing on synergistic quality regulation and the exploration of functional value. This review aims to provide an integrated knowledge framework for developing innovative, efficient, safe, and sustainable fruit de-astringency solutions, offering a scientific reference to advance technological upgrades in the fruit industry.

Luminescent polymer nanomaterials not only have the characteristics of various types of luminescent functional materials and a wide range of applications, but also have the characteristics of good biocompatibility and easy functionalization of polymer nanomaterials. They are widely used in biomedical fields such as bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery. Designing and constructing new controllable synthesis methods for multifunctional fluorescent polymer nanomaterials with good water solubility and excellent biocompatibility is of great significance. Exploring efficient functionalization methods for luminescent materials is still one of the core issues in the design and development of new fluorescent materials. With this in mind, this review first introduces the structures, properties, and synthetic methods regarding fluorescent polymeric nanomaterials. Then, the functionalization strategies of fluorescent polymer nanomaterials are summarized. In addition, the research progress of multifunctional fluorescent polymer nanomaterials for bioimaging is also discussed. Finally, the synthesis, development, and application fields of fluorescent polymeric nanomaterials, as well as the challenges and opportunities of structure–property correlations, are comprehensively summarized and the corresponding perspectives are well illustrated.