The increasing demand for sustainable poultry production has urged the exploration of alternative feed strategies supporting animal performance and environmental goals. The first section outlines the protein requirements in broiler nutrition (19–25% crude protein) and the physiological importance of balanced amino acid profiles. Vegetal conventional protein sources are discussed in terms of their nutritional value (12.7–20.1 MJ/kg), limitations (antinutritional factors), and availability. Emerging trends in broiler nutrition highlight the integration of supplements and the need for innovative feed solutions as support for the improvement in broiler body weight and feed efficiency increase. Microbial protein sources: yeast biomass (41–60% of 100 g dry weight), microbial mixed cultures (32–76% of 100 g dry weight), and beer by-products, such as brewer’s spent yeast (43–52% of 100 g dry weight), offer promising nutritional profiles, rich in bioactive compounds (vitamin B complex, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants), and may contribute to improved gut health, immunity, and feed efficiency when used as dietary supplements. The review also addresses the regulatory and safety considerations associated with the use of microbial protein in animal feed, emphasizing EU legislation and standards. Finally, recent findings on the impact of microbial protein supplementation on broiler growth performance, carcass traits, and overall health status are discussed. This review supports the inclusion of microbial protein sources as valuable co-nutrients that complement conventional feed proteins, contributing to more resilient and sustainable broiler production and broiler meat products.

This paper proposes a potential solution to the current issue of developing advanced, biocompatible biomaterials with integrated therapeutic functionality, which would contribute to improving the treatment of skin defects. This study aimed to develop, characterize and evaluate hydrogels based on type I collagen, pectin, alginate and myrtle essential oil, in order to obtain biomaterials with potential in skin regeneration applications. Hydrogels incorporating alginate, pectin, type I collagen and Myrtus communis essential oil were prepared via a multistep procedure comprising homogenization, crosslinking and lyophilization. The obtained hydrogels were characterized by physicochemical and structural methods, such as FTIR spectroscopy, to identify interactions between components; micro-computed tomography, to evaluate internal morphology and porosity; antibacterial tests, for evaluating the ability of the hydrogel to prevent infections at the application site; and in vitro cellular tests, such as the XTT test or cytotoxicity tests, such as LDH, essential for evaluating the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. The highest viability value was recorded for sample J4 (99.53 ± 11.88%), indicating an exceptional compatibility with the cells used, almost identical to that of the untreated control. The samples showed encouraging results, supporting their potential for applications in wound treatment and skin regeneration.