Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, pose a significant global health concern due to their frequent presence in crops, food, and feed—especially under climate change conditions. This review addresses the growing threat of aflatoxins by analyzing recent advances in detection and mitigation. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on bioremediation, physical and chemical detoxification, and fungal growth inhibition strategies. The occurrence of aflatoxins in water systems was also examined, along with current detection techniques, removal processes, and regulatory frameworks. Emerging technologies such as molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, biosensors, and chromatographic methods are discussed for their potential to improve monitoring and control. Key findings highlight the increasing efficacy of integrative approaches combining biological and technological solutions and the potential of AI-based tools and portable devices for on-site detection. Intelligent packaging and transgenic crops are also explored for their role in minimizing contamination at the source. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of continued interdisciplinary research and the development of sustainable, adaptive strategies to mitigate aflatoxin risks, thereby supporting food safety and public health in the face of environmental challenges.

Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species, are widespread contaminants in food and feed, with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) recognized as the most potent carcinogen. Climate change increases the risk of contamination by promoting fungal proliferation. While the hepatotoxic and enterotoxic effects of aflatoxins are well established, emerging evidence highlights their immunosuppressive and neurotoxic potential. Notably, AFB1 disrupts gut microbiota, compromises intestinal barrier integrity, and induces neuroinflammation via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Probiotics have shown promise in mitigating these effects by modulating microbial balance, enhancing barrier function, and reducing neuroinflammatory responses. This review summarizes current findings on the systemic toxicity of aflatoxins—particularly their impact on the gut–brain axis—and evaluates the therapeutic potential of probiotics in counteracting aflatoxin-induced damage.

The aim of this study was to examine cold-pressed oils available on the Polish market derived from different plants and manufacturers in the context of their biological activity, including micro- and macroelements, antioxidant properties, antimicrobial activity, and selected effects on eukaryotic cells. In total, 76 oil samples of 34 selected oil types from nine Polish companies (five commercial and four amateur) were tested. The content of macro- and micronutrients was assessed using ICP-OES, the level of fatty acid unsaturation was examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and total antioxidant potential (TAP) was assessed using the DPPH method. The antimicrobial activity of the selected oils against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi, representing both pathogens and human microbiota, was tested using the broth microdilution method. The MTT reduction assay was used to exclude the cytotoxic effect of the oils on the human fibroblast line HFF-1. It has been concluded that the composition of cold-pressed oils varied significantly depending on the plant used and the manufacturer. The total content of the elements tested ranged from 172.91 mg/kg in Helianthus annuus oil to 1580.73 mg/kg in Silybum marianum oil. The iron concentration limits were exceeded in 10 oils, the copper concentration limits were exceeded in 34 oils, and the lead concentration limits were exceeded in 18 oils. At least one of these elements was exceeded in 40 oils (53% of the tested samples), which is why testing the concentration of elements should be a standard procedure for assessing the quality of cold-pressed oils. There was no statistically significant correlation between the content of any macro- and microelements and TAP. While TAP was strongly correlated with the spectral unsaturation index of the oils, this relationship can be used to develop a simple and rapid assessment of oils quality. The strongest antioxidant activity (over 90%) was observed for Nigella sativa oils. Interestingly, among all the tested oils, only these from Nigella sativa L., whatever the producer, possessed also strong antimicrobial activity. None of the tested oils showed cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells, so the cold-pressed oils can be considered safe.

Antioxidants can be determined using a variety of analytical assays. The total of antioxidant properties, depending on the sum of the products of their concentrations and antioxidant powers in the sample, is usually called total antioxidant potential (TAP). The direct method developed by us, based on the voltammetric measurements, was used to determine the TAPs of selected herbs. However, it is expected that the detection limit of this assay will be much lower when the convection current is increased and the capacitive current is eliminated. Such conditions are found in electrochemical HPLC detection. The advantage of this method is the ability to perform measurements at different potentials, which is analogous to the measurements related to various radicals in indirect methods. Measurements performed at high potentials of the working electrode allow us to test weak antioxidants. It turned out that electrochemical methods provided additional information about the antioxidant properties of the herbs. Some of them have a large part of TAP caused by weak antioxidants in high concentrations. The obtained results were correlated with the TAP values related to DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and the total content of polyphenols in the sample.

This review summarizes the recent advances in the incorporation of antioxidants into biodegradable polymer-based food packaging materials. Natural antioxidants such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins, as well as selected synthetic compounds, are discussed in the context of their origin, mechanism of action, and application methods including blending, encapsulation, and surface coating. The review also compares antioxidant efficiency across various biopolymer matrices including PLA, chitosan, PHA, PBAT, PVA, TPS, and PBS. Special attention is given to the functional performance, regulatory considerations, and future prospects of active packaging systems aimed at prolonging food shelf life and enhancing sustainability.

Polymer foams are lightweight materials widely used in construction, packaging, transportation, and engineering applications due to their low density, good mechanical performance, and excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. This review summarizes the fundamental principles of polymer foaming, including gas dissolution, nucleation, bubble growth, and stabilization, as well as the role of physical and chemical blowing agents. Major foaming technologies such as extrusion, injection molding, batch foaming, bead foaming, and in-situ foaming are discussed. Particular attention is given to advanced foam structures, including microcellular, nanocellular, composite, and bio-based foams. Current applications, recycling strategies, and key technological challenges are also proposed. Future developments are expected to focus on sustainable materials, improved control of cellular architecture, and multifunctional polymer foams for advanced engineering applications.