Industrial sea food residues, mainly crab and shrimp shells, are considered to be the most promising and abundant source of chitin. In-depth understanding of the biological properties of chitin and scientific advancements in the field of nanotechnology have enabled the development of high-performance chitin nanomaterials. Nanoscale chitin is of great economic value as an efficient functional and reinforcement material for a wide range of applications ranging from water purification to tissue engineering. The use of polymers and nanochitin to produce (bio) nanocomposites offers a good opportunity to prepare bioplastic materials with enhanced functional and structural properties. Most processes for nanochitin isolation rely on the use of chemical, physical or mechanical methods. Chitin-based nanocomposites are fabricated by various methods, involving electrospinning, freeze drying, etc. This review discusses the progress and new developments in the isolation and physico-chemical characterization of chitin; it also highlights the processing of nanochitin in various composite and functional materials.

Versatility of the anionic algal polysaccharide carrageenan has long been discussed and explored, especially for their affinity towards water molecules. While this feature is advantageous in certain applications such as water remediation, wound healing, etc., the usefulness of this biopolymer is extremely limited when it comes to applications such as food packaging. Scientists around the globe are carrying out research works on venturing diverse methods to integrate hydrophobic nature into these polysaccharides without compromising their other functionalities. Considering these foregoing studies, this review is designed to have an in-depth understanding of diverse methods and techniques adopted for tuning the hydrophobic nature of carrageenan-based bionanocomposites, both via surface alterations or by changes made to their chemical structure and attached functional groups. This review article mainly focuses on how the hydrophobicity of carrageenan bionanocomposites varies as a function of the type and refinement of carrageenan, and with the incorporation of additives including plasticisers, nanofillers, bioactive agents, etc. Incorporation of nanofillers such as polysaccharide-based nanoparticles, nanoclays, bioceramic and mineral based nanoparticles, carbon dots and nanotubes, metal oxide nanoparticles, etc., along with their synergistic effects in hybrid bionanocomposites are also dealt with in this comprehensive review article.

Biopolymers have intrinsic drawbacks compared to traditional plastics, such as hydrophilicity, poor thermo-mechanical behaviours, and barrier characteristics. Therefore, biopolymers or their film modifications offer a chance to create packaging materials with specified properties. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) or Low temperature plasma (LTP) has a wide range of applications and has recently been used in the food industry as a potent tool for non-thermal food processing. Though its original purpose was to boost polymer surface energy for better adherence and printability, it has since become an effective technique for surface decontamination of food items and food packaging materials. These revolutionary innovative food processing methods enable the balance between the economic constraints and higher quality while ensuring food stability and minimal processing. For CAP to be considered as a viable alternative food processing technology, it must positively affect food quality. Food products may have their desired functional qualities by adjusting the conditions for cold plasma formation. Cold plasma is a non-thermal method that has little effects on the treated materials and is safe for the environment. In this review, we focus on recent cold plasma advances on various food matrices derived from plants and animals with the aim of highlighting potential applications, ongoing research, and market trends.

Since the conception of aerogels in 1931 by Steven Kistler, they have become an advanced material of interest to scientists around the globe. Over recent years, as with other emerging materials, aerogels have taken a paradigm shift to more bio-based precursors. The underlying theme in this chapter, and in this book in general, comprises of a useful summary of the current progress and topical developments in the study of such bio-based aerogels composed of polysaccharides and proteins.

Aerogels are comprised of a distinct class of nanostructured materials with superior porosity and physicochemical properties that can be attuned and are composed of a clustered nanoparticle network. While a few types of aerogels have already entered the market in building products, fabrics, and aerospace engineering, their complete scope for other manufacturing industries needs to be measured. While they integrate the attributes of strongly separated solids with macroscopic morphology, they establish rather remarkable physical and chemical characteristics, thereby creating a new family of solids exhibiting versatile prospects for a wide variety of applications. The formulation choice of the aerogel is of paramount importance for inculcating innovative features to the content. Biobased aerogels, specifically nanocellulosic aerogels, are rather “smart” materials which provide fascinating properties at the interface of various materials. These natural resources are ample and affordable, rendering them economical and viable for aerogel preparation, while also tackling waste management concerns. Based on currently available knowledge, this chapter discusses key advances in the field of nanocellulose-based aerogels and foams. It mainly deals with different processing techniques, structure, morphology, analysing tools, inherent properties, and various applications of nanocellulosic aerogels.