Aloe vera is a popular herbal medicine and worldwide appreciated for its therapeutic potential. From ancient time, it has been used as a home remedy for different health issues. Many researchers have shown its therapeutic potential and there are many citations of characterization of bioactive compounds from it. A wide range of bioactive compounds have been characterized from Aloe vera. It has a wide range of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. Aloe vera can also provide support for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism by maintaining the level of cholesterol and sugar in blood and it can also help to maintain body weight. Due to the presence of higher number of bioactive compounds and prolific therapeutic properties, it is widely used in medicine, cosmetics and food sector. In this review, the characterisation of bioactive compounds from Aloe vera along with the extraction of its gel and encapsulation is reviewed with a discussion on its medicinal properties.

The global demand for sustainable and effective food preservation techniques has spurred significant interest in biodegradable packaging materials, with chitosan films emerging as a promising solution for extending the shelf life of highly perishable seafood products such as shrimp. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the development, characterization, and functional enhancement of chitosan-based films for shrimp. Chitosan, derived from chitin, has inherent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and biodegradable properties, making it an ideal candidate for eco-friendly packaging. The key physicochemical and functional properties of chitosan films, including their mechanical strength, barrier performance, and structural characteristics, are discussed. Functional enhancements, such as the incorporation of natural bioactive compounds (e.g., essential oils and plant extracts) and nanofillers, have been shown to significantly improve the antimicrobial efficacy, oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, and mechanical stability of films. A critical aspect of this progress is the synergistic effect achieved by combining chitosan with other antimicrobials, which broadens the spectrum of activity against various bacterial strains and enhances overall preservation efficacy. Recent studies have demonstrated that functionalized chitosan coatings effectively inhibit microbial growth, retard lipid oxidation, and maintain sensory and nutritional quality during refrigerated storage of shrimp. In addition, this review evaluates current limitations related to large-scale production, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory approval for commercial applications. Overall, chitosan-based preservation systems represent a promising approach for sustainable seafood packaging. Future research may focus on industrial scalability, multifunctional film design, and integration with smart/active packaging technologies.

Cumin, considered a member of parsley family, is famous for its distinctive aroma. Cumin has high ameliorative potential and many comprehensive health beneficial activities, specifically diuretic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anticancer, immune-modulatory, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and renal protective properties, mainly attributed to the presence of thymoquinone. Cumin oil has been identified among the richest sources of organic compounds, which include cuminal, ρ-cymene, ρ-mentha-1,4-dien-7-ol, β-pinene, β-myrcene, and γ-terpinene. The use of cumin has been consistently increasing in the pharmaceutical sector along with the food and agricultural applications due to its nutraceutical properties, mainly attributed to its antispoilage, antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. This chapter includes characterization of cumin and different processing methods, extraction of cumin oil along with the encapsulation of essential oils being employed, and effects of processing technologies on various bioactive compounds. This chapter also briefly discusses the different beneficial properties associated with these compounds and strategies being currently employed to achieve higher production and preservation of cumin.

Elaeocarpus ganitrus , a traditionally sacred tree of Ayurvedic medicine is emerging as a valuable bioresource with considerable potential to contribute to sustainable food systems. This review is a comprehensive study of its phytochemical profile, which contains alkaloids (e.g., rudrakine and elaeocarpine), flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), phenolics (e.g., gallic acid, caffeic acid), and tannin. These bioactive molecules are the basis of its significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and neuroprotective activities. This article addressed the use of E. ganitrus fruit pulp and seed extracts as natural preservatives in food systems in which it helps to increase the shelf life of perishable food via inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and oxidative spoilage as natural preservatives, although synthetic preservatives are widely used. Conventional formulations such as E. ganitrus milk and decoctions are repackaged as functional food ingredients or nutraceuticals, which can have health benefits related to stress management, metabolic health, and immunity. In addition, the review also notes sustainable agro-forestry utilization of the tree in stabilizing the soil, controlling erosion, improving biodiversity and providing livelihood to smallholder farmers in Himalayan and Southeast Asian areas. In the context of the circular economy, the valorization of the seed waste as biodegradable fillers for the manufacture of eco-friendly packaging for food is mentioned as a possible solution. Apart from these, various problems are also addressed, including the uniformity of extracts, certification for application in food, lack of a large-scale cultivation and clinical validation. Above all else, it emerges as a promising multipurpose tree having potential for integration into sustainable food systems, thereby enhancing biodiversity, soil health, and resilient agro-forestry systems.

The escalating threat of climate change demands innovative approaches to mitigate carbon emissions, and Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) has emerged as a promising paradigm. The article begins with an overview of the current carbon emission landscape, underscoring the critical role of CCU in climate change mitigation. Catalysts play a pivotal role in CCU, and the review discusses cutting-edge developments in catalytic materials and design, offering mechanistic insights into catalyzed reactions. Biological strategies, such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and microbial carbon capture, are explored alongside genetic engineering for enhanced carbon assimilation. Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis are scrutinized to evaluate the environmental and economic aspects of CCU. It concludes with a forward-looking perspective, outlining future prospects and research directions in CCU. This review aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals working towards a sustainable and low-carbon future.