The Pleurotus genus is one of most extensively studied white-rot fungi due to its exceptional ligninolytic properties. It is an edible mushroom that possesses biological effects, as it contains important bioactive molecules. It is a rich source of nutrients, particularly proteins, minerals as well as vitamins B, C and D. In basidiomycete fungi, intensive cultivations of edible mushrooms can often be affected by some bacterial, mold and virus diseases that rather frequently cause dramatic production loss. These infections are facilitated by the particular conditions under which mushroom cultivation is commonly carried out such as warm temperatures, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and presence of pests. There is not much bibliographic information related to pests of mushrooms and their substrates. The updated review presents a practical checklist of diseases and pests of the Pleurotus genus, providing useful information that may help different users.

Different techniques have been employed to extract capsaicinoids from habanero chili pepper (HCP). Conventional extraction techniques use long extraction times and environmentally unfriendly solvents, while other techniques are limited by the polarity of the capsaicinoids, which cause their underestimation. Recent advanced extraction techniques of capsaicinoids have been developed to reduce time, increase yields and preserve their pungency degree and bioactive properties. This review aims to highlight the trends in extraction techniques used on capsaicinoids recovery from habanero chili peppers, providing a critical and detailed discussion of the main parameters influencing the extraction yield and analyzing data to establish the most viable and efficient extraction technique.

Alginate is a biomaterial that has demonstrated considerable potential and adaptability in the field of controlled drug delivery due to its unique physicochemical properties. Chemical modification of alginate has significantly enhanced its functionality, allowing the development of matrices with improved characteristics, such as increased affinity for hydrophobic drugs, sustained and controlled release, and improved cell and tissue adhesion. Hydrogels, microspheres, nanoparticles, and porous scaffolds are among the most extensively studied alginate-based drug delivery systems. It is estimated that over 50% of these systems have shown successful outcomes in in vitro testing, particularly in applications such as oral delivery of proteins and peptides, wound healing, tissue regeneration, and cancer therapy. Recent clinical advances involving alginate include the development of wound dressings, growth factor delivery systems, and cell-based therapies for treating degenerative diseases. Chemically modified alginate thus emerges as a highly adaptable and promising candidate for the design of advanced drug delivery systems across a wide range of biomedical applications. This review encompasses more than 100 research articles and aims to provide an updated overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the use of chemically modified alginate-based hydrogel systems in drug delivery.

The alginate is a biopolymer consisting of α-L-guluronic acid (G) and β-D-mannuronic acid (M) residues. This biomaterial has demonstrated considerable potential and adaptability in the field of controlled drug delivery. The unique physicochemical properties of alginate, such as its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form stable hydrogels in the presence of divalent cations, make it an ideal candidate for the development of drug delivery systems. The chemical modification of alginate has significantly increased its potential, allowing the development of matrices with improved properties and distinct functionalities. Chemically modified alginates have demonstrated increased affinity for hydrophobic drugs, controlled and sustained release, and improved cell and tissue adhesion. The most investigated drug delivery systems based on this biopolymer are alginate hydrogels, microspheres, nanoparticles, and porous scaffolds. These systems have been successfully applied in the oral delivery of proteins and peptides, wound healing, tissue regeneration, and cancer therapy. Recent advances in the clinical application of alginate include the development of wound dressings, growth factor delivery systems, and cell therapies for the treatment of degenerative diseases. Therefore, chemically modified alginate represents a versatile and promising alternative for the design of controlled drug delivery systems with great potential in various biomedical applications.