Food preservation – mycolab.ai

The Possibility of Using Sulphur Shelf Fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus) in the Food Industry and in Medicine—A Review

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Sulphur shelf fungus, known as ‘chicken of the woods,’ is a bright yellow mushroom that grows on tree trunks and has remarkable health benefits. Research shows it contains compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, making it valuable for both food and medicine. The fungus can be cultivated relatively quickly and easily, and some countries already recognize it as safe for food use, potentially opening new applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Advances and Challenges in Smart Packaging Technologies for the Food Industry: Trends, Applications, and Sustainability Considerations

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Smart food packaging is evolving from simple containers into intelligent systems that actively protect food and communicate its freshness to consumers. These packages use special materials, embedded sensors, and smart labels to monitor temperature, detect spoilage early, and provide real-time tracking information. While these technologies promise fresher food, longer shelf life, and reduced waste, they face challenges including cost, environmental impact, and privacy concerns that need to be addressed for widespread adoption.

Renovation of Agro-Waste for Sustainable Food Packaging: A Review

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This review explores how agricultural waste can be transformed into eco-friendly food packaging materials. Researchers are finding ways to extract valuable compounds like cellulose from crop residues and chitin from shrimp shells to create biodegradable packaging films that preserve food while reducing environmental pollution. These sustainable packaging alternatives perform as well as conventional plastics while being completely biodegradable, representing an important step toward a circular economy and reducing agricultural waste.

Development of Active Antibacterial CEO/CS@PLA Nonwovens and the Application on Food Preservation

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Researchers created special biodegradable packaging material made from corn-based plastic combined with chitosan (from crab shells) and cinnamon oil. When placed over fresh strawberries, this material killed 99.99% of harmful bacteria and significantly extended shelf life. The packaging reduced strawberry decay, weight loss, and spoilage while maintaining nutritional quality.

Whey Proteins and Bioactive Peptides: Advances in Production, Selection and Bioactivity Profiling

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Whey, a liquid byproduct from cheese-making that was once considered waste, contains valuable proteins that can be broken down into smaller bioactive peptides. These peptides have numerous health benefits including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and can be used in functional foods and medicines. Researchers are developing advanced techniques to extract and produce these peptides more efficiently, and using computer models to predict which peptides will have specific health benefits.

Natamycin-Loaded Ethyl Cellulose/PVP Films Developed by Microfluidic Spinning for Active Packaging

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Researchers developed special thin films that can help preserve fruits and vegetables by preventing mold growth. These films are made by combining two biodegradable polymers with an antimicrobial substance called natamycin using a new spinning technique. The films successfully inhibited gray mold, which causes major spoilage in strawberries, tomatoes, and other crops. This technology offers a promising way to extend shelf life and reduce food waste.

pH-responsive imine-chitosan-based intelligent controlled-release packaging films with transformable antimicrobial modes from defense to attack

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Researchers developed a smart food packaging film that fights bacteria and fungi in two different ways depending on acidity levels. When stored with neutral pH foods, the film’s surface prevents microbes from sticking to it. When the food becomes more acidic (like in tomato juice), the film releases antimicrobial compounds that actively kill the microorganisms. Tests showed it effectively preserved cherry tomatoes and tomato juice while blocking harmful UV light.

Alginate Edible Films Containing Essential Oils: Characterization and Bioactive Potential

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Scientists created edible films made from alginate (a natural material from seaweed) mixed with essential oils from plants like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. These films could replace plastic packaging for food and have natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The oregano oil film worked best, completely stopping the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi while protecting food from oxidative damage.

Lactic acid bacteria: beyond fermentation to bio-protection against fungal spoilage and mycotoxins in food systems

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Mold and fungal toxins spoil food and threaten human health, costing billions globally. While chemical preservatives work, many consumers want natural alternatives. Lactic acid bacteria (the same organisms used in yogurt production) produce natural antimicrobial compounds that can prevent mold growth and neutralize harmful toxins, offering a safer, more natural way to keep food fresh longer.

Essential Oil Nanoemulsions—A New Strategy to Extend the Shelf Life of Smoothies

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This review explores how essential oil nanoemulsions could naturally preserve smoothies and extend their freshness. Essential oils have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties but taste and smell too strong at effective doses. Nanoemulsions—tiny oil droplets encapsulated in water—solve this problem by being more effective at lower concentrations while maintaining good taste, making them a promising natural alternative to chemical preservatives.

Research Keyword: Food preservation