The isolation of nanocellulose from lignocellulosic biomass, with desirable surface chemistry and morphology, has gained extensive scientific attention for various applications including polymer nanocomposite reinforcement. Additionally, environmental and economic concerns have driven researchers to explore viable alternatives to current isolation approaches, employing chemicals with reduced environmental impact. To address these issues, in this study, we have tuned the amphiphilic behavior of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) by employing controlled alkali treatment, instead of in combination with expensive, environmentally unsustainable conventional approaches. Microscopic and spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that this approach is capable of tuning composition and interfacial tension of CNFs through a careful control of the quantity of residual lignin and hemicellulose. To elucidate the performance of CNF as an efficient reinforcing nanofiller in hydrophobic polymer matrices, prevulcanized natural rubber (NR) latex was employed as a suitable host polymer. CNF/NR nanocomposites with different CNF loading levels (0.1–1 wt % CNF) were prepared by a casting method. It was found that the incorporation of 0.1 wt % CNF treated with a 0.5 w/v % sodium hydroxide solution led to the highest latex reinforcement efficiency, with an enhancement in tensile stress and toughness of 16% to 42 MPa and 9% to 197 MJ m^–3, respectively. This property profile offers a potential application for the high-performance medical devices such as condoms and gloves.

This study investigates the impact of dry heat pretreatment on the functionality of soy, chickpea, and pea protein ingredients for use in texturized vegetable protein (TVP) production via low moisture extrusion. The protein powders were heat-treated at temperatures ranging from 80 °C to 160 °C to modulate the extent of protein denaturation and assess their effects on RVA pasting behavior, water absorption capacity (WAC), and color attributes. The results indicate that the pretreatment temperature significantly influenced the proteins’ functional properties, with an optimal temperature of 120 °C enhancing pasting properties and maintaining WAC, while a higher pretreatment temperature of 160 °C led to diminished ingredient functionality. Different protein sources exhibited distinct responses to heat pretreatment. The subsequent extrusion processing revealed significant changes in extrudate density and color, with increased density and darkness observed at higher pretreatment temperatures. This research provides insights into the interplay between protein sources, pretreatment conditions, and extrusion outcomes, highlighting the importance of controlled protein denaturation for developing high-quality, plant-based meat analogues. The findings have broad implications for the optimization of meat analogue manufacturing, with the aim of enhancing the sensory experience and sustainability of plant-based foods.

To sustain the expanding volume of aquaculture production, there is significant demand for an affordable supply of energy and nutrients to aquatic species. High‐quality feed is essential to ensure the productivity, sustainability and economic viability of aquaculture systems. Over the past 30–40 years, extrusion technology has emerged as an efficient method to produce high‐quality feed with enhanced functional attributes, such as digestibility, palatability, buoyancy and water stability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art in aquafeed extrusion, highlighting the mechanisms underpinning extrusion technology, challenges for industrial production and future opportunities in this field. Through bibliometric analysis, we examine the evolution of aquaculture feeding techniques and their impact on feed quality and fish growth performance. Comparisons between pelletised and extruded feeds highlight advancements in extrusion methods, which offer superior nutrient retention and feed conversion efficiency. We elucidate the scientific principles of feed extrusion, including the effects of temperature, moisture and mechanical energy on feed properties. Despite significant progress, key challenges remain for the production of extruded feed, such as ingredient variability, operational complexity, diverse product requirements and waste management. Conversely, we explore opportunities for extrusion technology, emphasising predictive characterisation, extrusion modelling, and AI‐driven quality control. The review concludes with a perspective of the industrial context, discussing the commercial drivers for aquafeed milling, insights from industry stakeholders and future directions for commercial research and development. This review offers researchers, technologists and industry stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape, challenges and future prospects for extruded aquafeed production.