The human gut possesses millions of microbes that define a complex microbial community. The gut microbiota has been characterized as a vital organ forming its multidirectional connecting axis with other organs. This gut microbiota axis is responsible for host-microbe interactions and works by communicating with the neural, endocrinal, humoral, immunological, and metabolic pathways. The human gut microorganisms (mostly non-pathogenic) have symbiotic host relationships and are usually associated with the host’s immunity to defend against pathogenic invasion. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is therefore linked to various human diseases, such as anxiety, depression, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. The mechanism leading to the disease development has a crucial correlation with gut microbiota, metabolic products, and host immune response in humans. The understanding of mechanisms over gut microbiota exerts its positive or harmful impacts remains largely undefined. However, many recent clinical studies conducted worldwide are demonstrating the relation of specific microbial species and eubiosis in health and disease. A comprehensive understanding of gut microbiota interactions, its role in health and disease, and recent updates on the subject are the striking topics of the current review. We have also addressed the daunting challenges that must be brought under control to maintain health and treat diseases.

The quality and safety of food products greatly depend on the physiochemical properties of the food packaging material. There is an increasing trend in the utilization of protein-based biopolymers for the preparation of edible films and coating due to their film-forming properties. Various studies have reported the preparation of protein-based edible films with desirable mechanical and barrier properties. The mechanical attributes of the protein-based food packaging materials can be enhanced by incorporating various components in the film composition such as plasticizers, surfactants, crosslinkers, and various bioactive compounds, including antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. This review article summarizes the recent updates and perspective on the mechanical attributes such as Tensile Strength (TS), Elongation at Break (EAB), and Young’s Modulus (YM) of edible films based on different proteins from plants and animal sources. Moreover, the effects of composite materials such as other biopolymers, bioactive compounds, essential oils, and plasticizers on the mechanical properties of protein-based edible films are also discussed.

Consumers demand for functional foods and nutraceutical is increasing owing to their health endorsing properties. Natural bioactive compounds are getting attention due to their health promoting potential. In addition, the extraction of these bioactive compounds is a significant industrial and technological perspectives. These bioactive moieties can be extracted via various conventional and modern methods. For instance; solid-phase extraction, solid-phase micro-extraction, and liquid-liquid extraction are considered as traditional/conventional methods. In contrast, modern eco-innovative methods for extraction such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pulsed electric field (PEF), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), instant controlled pressure drop (DIC), etc. are more economical and environment friendly. Additionally, these are ever-increasing demands of energy-efficient methods for the recovery of valuable compounds. Moreover, these methods produced less wastewater and hazardous substances. Conclusively, this review highlighted the conventional and modern extraction technologies and the role of these eco-innovative technologies in achieving the goal of a sustainable food system.

Thermal treatment can initiate the production of some undesirable compounds in foods during processing. Acrylamide is one among such compounds that is produced (in starch-rich foods) as a result of Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and free amino acids. Acrylamide has gained much attention owing to its wide occurrence, dietary exposure, and toxicity. Its formation mechanism and mitigation has been an area of interest for numerous researchers since its discovery in foods. Some reviews have already been published on acrylamide where its formation and mitigation has been discussed with reference to some specific group of foods and/or some specific mitigation technique. In others, the mitigation section does not cover all the aspects of acrylamide attenuation reported in the literature. The present paper provides the updated and comprehensive information on formation, occurrence, dietary exposure, toxicity, and mitigation of acrylamide in foods during processing.

Fresh produce is recognized as highly beneficial for human health. The substantial changes in the life-style of populations and upturn awareness about nutritional aspects of dietary patterns, fresh produce has high demand. In developing countries, postharvest losses can reach up to 50%, and improper storage can cause serious food safety and quality-related issues. To fulfill the ever increasing demand of fresh produce, more attention should be given to reduce postharvest losses in addition to increase the production. Postharvest operations are one of the promising approaches for regulating food safety and security. Recently, various technologies have emerged to preserve the fresh produce and to extend their shelf life. However, consumers demand chemical free fresh product with excellent quality and nutritional profile. In this context, edible coating of fresh produce seems to be an effective approach to mitigate produce safety and quality issues. This review explores numerous types of edible coatings with their impact on quality attributes of fresh produce, as well as the benefits and main functions of each type of coating. This valuable information could help the processors in selecting the appropriate coating material for various fresh and minimally processed foods.