Flaxseed contains significant concentration of mucilage or gum (a type of hydrocolloid). Flaxseed mucilage (FM) predominantly occurs in the outermost layer of the seed’s hull and is known to possess numerous health benefits such as delayed gastric emptying, reduced serum cholesterol, and improved glycemic control. FM is typically composed of an arabinoxylan (neutral in nature) and a pectic-like material (acidic in nature). Similar to gum arabic, FM exhibits good water-binding capacity and rheological properties (similar functionality); therefore, FM can be used as its replacement in foods. In this review, an overview of methods used for FM extraction and factors influencing the extraction yield were discussed initially. Thereafter, food applications of FM as gelling agent/gel-strengthening agent, structure-forming agent, stabilizing agent, fat replacer, anti-retrogradation agent, prebiotic, encapsulating agent, edible coatings and films/food packaging material, and emulsifier/emulsion stabilizer were included. At the end, some limitations to its wide application and potential solutions were added.

Real-time monitoring of changes in packaged food is crucial to ensure safety and alleviate environmental issues. Accordingly, the development of indicators and sensors for smart packaging has long been anticipated, especially for gases related to food deterioration and microbial growth. However, the characteristics of indicators and sensors used in food packaging cannot be adjusted according to the specific food type, making it essential to select and apply suitable indicators and sensors for each type of food. In this review, the principles and characteristics of gas indicators and sensors for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ammonia that are commercialized or in the development phase were summarized, and their application status and prospects were assessed. Indicators and sensors for smart packaging are applied in forms such as films, labels, sachets, and devices. Their detection methods include redox reactions, analyte binding, enzyme reactions, pH changes, electron transfer, conformational changes, and electrode reactions. In this work, 9 types of indicators and sensors for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ammonia were evaluated based on their detection and indication methods, materials, sensitivity, detection range, limit of detection, and advantages and disadvantages in food applications. We anticipate our review will propose criteria for selecting the optimal indicators and sensors for specific foods. Furthermore, this review examines the current application status and future prospects of these indicators and sensors.

Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a well-known water- and food-borne zoonotic pathogen that can cause gastroenteritis in humans. It threatens the health of millions of people each year; several outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 infections have been linked to the consumption of contaminated plant foods (e.g., lettuce, spinach, tomato, and fresh fruits) and beef-based products. To control E. coli O157:H7 in foods, several physical (e.g., irradiation, pasteurization, pulsed electric field, and high-pressure processing) and chemical (e.g., using peroxyacetic acid; chlorine dioxide; sodium hypochlorite; and organic acids, such as acetic, lactic, and citric) methods have been widely used. Although the methods are quite effective, they are not applicable to all foods and carry intrinsic disadvantages (alteration of sensory properties, toxicity, etc.). Therefore, the development of safe and effective alternative methods has gained increased attention recently. Biocontrol agents, including bacteriophages, probiotics, antagonistic bacteria, plant-derived natural compounds, bacteriocins, endolysins, and enzymes, are rapidly emerging as effective, selective, relatively safe for human consumption, and environmentally friendly alternatives. This paper summarizes advances in the application of biocontrol agents for E. coli O157:H7 control in foods.

Wheat germ (WG) is a by-product of wheat milling and comprises many bioactive compounds. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant and antilipidemic effects of different WG extracts (WGEs) by analyzing candidate bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, tocopherols, γ-oryzanol, and biogenic amines by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The antilipidemic effect was evaluated in palmitic acid-induced steatosis in HepG2 hepatocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Cellular lipid accumulation was assessed by Oil Red O staining and a cellular triglyceride content assay. All analyzed WGEs showed significant antioxidant potential, although some bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and γ-oryzanol, were the highest in the ethanol extract. Correlation analysis revealed the antioxidant potential of all identified biogenic amines except for spermidine. Ethanol and n-hexane extracts significantly inhibited cellular lipid accumulation in cell models. These results suggest that WGEs exhibit promising antioxidant potential, with a variety of bioactive compounds. Collectively, the findings of this study suggest that bioactive compounds in WGEs attenuate plasma lipid and oxidation levels. In conclusion, WG can be used as a natural antioxidant and nutraceutical using appropriate solvents and extraction methods.