Protein-based films and coatings are highly biodegradable and represent sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials. These materials possess commendable barrier properties, effectively safeguarding against oxygen, moisture, and aroma compounds, rendering them well-suited for various food packaging applications. Beyond their role in food packaging, coatings and films have significant applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical domains. Their inherent biocompatibility and controlled release properties make them valuable for applications such as drug-delivery systems, wound dressings, and tissue-engineering scaffolds. Moreover, the adaptability of these films to exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior opens avenues for on-demand drug release and sensing capabilities. Despite these promising attributes, challenges persist in terms of the mechanical strength, water resistance, and scalability of the processing of protein-based films and coatings. Ongoing research endeavors are dedicated to refining protein extraction methods, incorporating reinforcing agents, and implementing strategies to optimize the overall performance of these materials. Such efforts aim to overcome existing limitations and unlock the full potential of protein-based films and coatings in diverse applications, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and versatile biomaterials.

Cereal grains play a vital role in a dietary chart by providing a required number of macronutrients and micronutrients along with health-benefiting bioactive components. Cereal grains, despite being a good source of bioactive compounds, are not able to provide the full dose of bioactive components to consumers. The biochemistry of cereal grains restricts the release of certain dietary components; therefore, a method like solid-state fermentation could be utilized to modulate the chemistry of bioactive components present in cereals. Once modulated, these components can easily be recovered using an optimized extraction medium and other conditions. Fermented grains are better than unfermented ones as they possess a higher amount of certain dietary and bioactive components along with better quality attributes and shelflife. Fermented-cereal-based products can be promoted because of their health-benefiting nature and hidden industrial potential.

Industrial wastewater contains complex and persistent dyes that require effective and advanced treatment methods. This review paper will provide a detailed overview of recent techniques used for dye removal, with special attention paid to microbial and combined (hybrid) biotechnological systems. The main novelty of this study is the integration of recent progress in microbial consortia development, hybrid processes that merge biological methods with physicochemical ones such as adsorption, and membrane filtration. The review compares the performance, efficiency, and scalability of single microbial strains and microbial consortia, showing their ability to adapt to different environmental conditions like pH, temperature, and oxygen levels. Key highlights include an evaluation of dye biodegradation mechanisms, the combination of complementary processes for better dye removal, and identification of future research needs for industrial-scale application. Overall, this review paper presents a new framework for improving microbial and hybrid dye removal technologies by connecting microbial activity, system design, and process optimization.