The overexpression of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a pivotal factor in the progression of various cancers, making it a critical target for therapeutic intervention. This study employed molecular docking techniques to identify potential inhibitors against wild-type EGFR and its clinically relevant mutations, including the exon 19 deletion and T790M/L858R resistance mutations. Nine compounds, comprising five irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and four small molecule natural compounds, were systematically screened using CB-dock2 computational tool. The drug-likeness and toxicity of these molecules were also examined based on their ADMET and Toxicity Prediction profiles. Among the tested compounds, Tetrandrine, Dauricine, and Olmutinib exhibited robust binding affinities across both wild-type and mutant EGFR configurations, highlighting their potential as effective inhibitors. These findings align with existing literature, reinforcing the importance of natural compounds and targeted inhibitors in combating EGFR-driven cancers. The integrated approach of combining molecular docking using CB-dock2, ADMET profiling, and Lipinski's rule of five provides a robust framework for preliminary drug candidate screening, potentially accelerating the development of more precise and effective EGFR-targeted therapies. The findings contribute to the growing body of research exploring alternative and more nuanced strategies for inhibiting EGFR-driven oncogenic mechanisms, highlighting the importance of computational methods in identifying novel molecular targets with improved specificity and reduced side effects.

South Africans have traditionally been sun-curing wild game to preserve the meat, a product often called biltong. Biltong is a popular meat snack in the US, but microbiological safety standards have not been fully developed. Most ready-to-eat, shelf-stable products undergo a thermal kill step, whereas biltong is dried in ambient air after marination and salting to preserve the meat. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of lactic acid spray (2-3 %), marination (vinegar, spices, and celery juice powder), and air drying at different temperatures (25.5-32 degrees C) with 60-80 % relative humidity (RH) to reduce the populations of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 on biltong. The biltong manufacturing process achieved a 5.0 log10 CFU/g reduction in both pathogens when treated with a marinade and dried at 25.5 degrees C and 80 % relative humidity, thereby reducing water activity (aw) to below 0.85. The reduction in E. coli O157:H7 population was relatively lower than that of Salmonella, possibly indicating higher tolerance. Future research should focus on microbiological validation of different processing parameters relevant to biltong production, exploring various marinade ingredients and their effects on sensory properties, as well as the sustainability benefits of low-temperature drying, to support product development, wider manufacturing, and broader consumption.

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, and emerging research highlights the role of the gut microbiota in cancer development. This complex microbial community supports digestion, immunity, and even mental well-being, adapting to lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. One key function is the breakdown of tryptophan (Trp) into indole. Studies have linked these compounds to cancer, inflammatory conditions, and brain disorders. This review compiles evidence showing that indole derivatives produced by gut bacteria could serve as potential anticancer agents by targeting specific biochemical pathways. Mechanistically, these metabolites inhibit IDO1, lower kynurenine levels, decrease regulatory T cells, and increase CD8+ T cell responses. They also activate tumor-suppressive signaling pathways such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), while regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, some indole derivatives trigger interleukin-12 (IL-12)-mediated T cell activation, leading to metabolic stress in cancer cells by downregulating UHRF1 and activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thereby depleting ATP and causing cell death. Relevant literature was identified from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus up to January 2026. Collectively, understanding this link could support development of personalized diets and microbiota-based cancer therapies.

Alveolar bone regeneration remains a significant challenge in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery due to the limited availability of autografts and the complexity of restoring the native bone microenvironment. In the present study, multifunctional bio-nanocomposite films composed of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), LAPONITE® nanoclay (LAP), and guar gum (GG) were fabricated by the solvent-casting technique and investigated as potential bioresorbable films for alveolar bone regeneration. Structural and physiological characteristics, characterized using FESEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, and TGA confirmed the successful incorporation of LAPONITE® within the PHB/GG matrix and revealed significant modifications in the morphology, crystallinity, thermal behaviour, and surface characteristics of the films. The incorporation of LAPONITE® increased film thickness from 0.056 ± 0.005 mm in the control to 0.156 ± 0.007 mm in 10 wt% and significantly influenced the mechanical performance and porous microstructure of the bio-nanocomposites. Among the investigated formulations, the 5 wt% bio-nanocomposite film exhibited the most balanced combination of porous morphology, mechanical strength (123.90 ± 4.25 MPa), biomineralization behaviour, controlled degradation profile, antimicrobial activity, and cytocompatibility. In vitro biomineralization studies demonstrated the progressive formation of an apatite-like mineral layer following immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), while degradation studies indicated a controlled mass-loss behaviour over 28 days. Antimicrobial evaluation against S. aureus demonstrated that the developed bio-nanocomposite films exhibited antimicrobial activity. Cytocompatibility assessment using MG-63 cells confirmed that all bio-nanocomposite films were non-toxic, with the 3-5 wt% formulations exhibiting the most favourable cellular response. Collectively, the developed PHB/LAPONITE®/guar gum bio-nanocomposite films demonstrated a favourable combination of structural integrity, mechanical performance, bioactivity, antimicrobial properties, and cytocompatibility, highlighting their potential for alveolar bone regeneration applications.

Dumplings are a popular food item globally, made from a meat filler of ground meat and vegetables wrapped in wheat flour dough. Replacing broccoli flower powder with ground pork in dumplings creates a promising opportunity to develop dumplings that offer additional nutritional benefits. Broccoli flower (Brassica Oleracea var. italica) offers a range of benefits, particularly in its dietary aspects, with a protein content of approximately 21% and the inclusion of soluble dietary fiber. The objectives of this study were to determine whether substituting ground pork with broccoli flower powder in the dumpling filling would enhance the texture and nutritional properties of the dumpling. Broccoli flower powder was substituted for 10%, 20%, and 30% of the ground pork in the dumpling filling. Attributes such as pH, color, cook loss, and texture analysis were used to analyze the dumplings. The cooking loss showed an increasing trend from 23% to over 30% when broccoli flower powder was used to substitute the dumpling filling at a rate of 20% or more. However, no significant differences were observed between the cooking loss of control and the dumpling (p < 0.05). The hardness of the dumplings decreased from 5,900 g in control to below 2,100 g in the samples with broccoli flower powder substituted for ground pork. The decrease in hardness was attributed to the reduction in protein content when broccoli flower powder was substituted for ground pork. Results showed improvement in functional and nutritional properties. The 10% substitutions showed the best functional properties without severely affecting the textural properties. Overall, replacing broccoli flower powder with ground pork in dumplings created promising dumplings that contain additional dietary benefits; however, limitations, especially in their textural properties, need to be improved for the product to have the potential to be accepted by consumers.

Pyrethroid insecticides like deltamethrin pose significant risks to non-target organisms due to widespread use in agriculture and vector control. Researchers explore synthetic and plant-derived compounds to counteract pesticide toxicity. This study shows that seed extracts from Nigella sativa (NSSE) and Syzygium cumini (SCSE) possess strong antioxidant properties, effectively mitigating deltamethrin-induced oxidative damage. Deltamethrin generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, hepatic injury, and potential apoptosis. In vitro studies on HepG2 cells revealed that deltamethrin (10–50 µM) reduced viability (45–70%), increased ROS (2.5-fold), and impaired mitochondrial membrane potential. Pretreatment with NSSE or SCSE (50–200 µg/mL) restored viability (60–85% recovery), reduced ROS (50–70%), and maintained mitochondrial function. Key bioactives were thymoquinone (NSSE) and ellagic acid (SCSE). In vivo experiments in Swiss albino mice (n = 30; deltamethrin 18 mg/kg b.w., oral, 10 days) showed elevated serum ALT (3.2-fold), AST (2.8-fold), and ALP (2.5-fold), with depleted antioxidants (GSH: 55% reduction; SOD/CAT: 40–50% inhibition). Co-administration of NSSE or SCSE (200 mg/kg) reversed these changes (enzyme reductions: 55–70%; GSH recovery: 80–90%) and decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA: ~65%). Histopathological examination confirmed deltamethrin-induced necrosis, sinusoidal dilatation, and inflammation, largely ameliorated (80–95% recovery) by extracts; NSSE showed superior antifibrotic effects. The findings indicate that seed extracts from Nigella sativa and Syzygium cumini display strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-repairing properties that counteract liver damage caused by deltamethrin, both in laboratory settings and animal models. This evidence highlights their promise as naturally derived agents for protecting the liver.

The transformation of microplastics (MPs) under gastrointestinal digestion conditions and their associated risks to human health remain unclear. This study investigated the behavior of four food-grade polymers, polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) under simulated in vitro human digestion with dietary components (starch, protein, and lipids). MPs of ≈200 μm and ≈50 μm size were analyzed for chemical modifications, enzyme interactions, and additive migration. Zeta potential significantly decreased after digestion, with PET showing the largest shift from -10.22 mV to -48.17 mV in protein-rich conditions, indicating strong protein adsorption. Enzyme inhibition was size and concentration dependent, with 50 μm PS strongly inhibiting α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase, while pepsin showed minimal inhibition. LC-MS revealed higher di-n-butyl phthalate release, particularly during gastric digestion. These findings demonstrate that MPs interact with digestive components, impair enzyme function, and release harmful additives, highlighting need for further in vivo research.

Soil pollution, driven by industrialization and intensive agriculture, poses critical risks and global threats, with over 16% of global soils estimated to be contaminated by heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pesticides. This is impacting ecosystems, food security, and human health through bioaccumulation and carcinogenicity. Conventional remediation methods are often costly, destructive, and insufficient for deep and heterogenous contamination, often generating secondary waste and require long time for treatment. Nanotechnology introduces a paradigm shift, leveraging nanomaterials with high surface area, tunable reactivities, and targeted delivery capabilities, offering rapid, versatile, and potentially sustainable in situ remediation. Nanoremediation mechanisms includes adsorption and immobilization, chemical reduction and degradation, catalytic and photocatalytic degradation, nano-enhanced bioremediation and phytoremediation. Key NM includes nZVI, FeO, doped TiO2, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, dendrimers, and nanobubbles, each tailored for specific contaminants and remediation strategies. Advances in green synthesis, surface functionalization, and delivery methods such as colloidal suspensions, electrokinetic injection addresses the challenge of NM scalability, mobility, and specificity in complex soil. Field-scale applications, in situ injection and nano-enhanced PRBs, demonstrate significant reduction in contaminant concentration and remediation times, though scalability and cost-benefit analyses remain ongoing. However, concerns about NM ecotoxicity, fate, and long-term environmental impacts necessitate comprehensive risk assessment, LCA, and robust regulatory frameworks. Nanotechnology offers transformative potential for soil remediation, with demonstrated efficacy in pollutant removal and process efficiency. Future researchers must focus on smart, sustainable NM design, predictive modelling, long-term field studies, and public engagement to ensure safe, effective, and widely accepted deployment of NMs. Despite growing body of the literature on NM-based remediation, majority of the existing studies are confined to aqueous batch system and controlled laboratory setups. Field scale investigations conducted under authentic soil conditions are scarce. This disparity limits direct translation of mechanistic findings in real-world soil decontamination conditions. Consequently, future research studies must prioritize validated soil column studies, pilot-scale trials, and in situ field studies for bridging gap between theoretical potential and practical applications. This review fills critical and long-standing gap by providing actionable, visually guided, and quantitatively supported information in a single data-rich document, satisfying the scope for transformative and interdisciplinary research.

Plastic pollution, resulting from the persistence of conventional polymers, remains a critical environmental challenge that necessitates the development of biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) represent an attractive solution, being naturally synthesized by microorganisms under nutrient-limited conditions. This study investigates the production of PHAs using lignocellulosic wood waste, specifically sal and teak residues, as an economical carbon source. Fermentable sugars were obtained via dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis (10% w/v biomass with 4% v/v H2SO4), incubated at 120 °C for 1 h, and filtered to yield a hydrolysate containing approximately ~ 36 mg/mL total reducing sugars (DNS assay). The hydrolysate served as the carbon source in bioprocess optimization (optimal carbon concentration: 2.50%, equivalent to 25 g/L). Potential PHA-producing isolates were screened using Nile Blue and Sudan Black staining. The most efficient producer, Klebsiella pneumoniae strain DSM 30,104 (MK2023), confirmed through 16 S rRNA sequencing, demonstrated notable PHA accumulation. Process parameters-including carbon and nitrogen concentrations and Temperature-were optimized through Plackett-Burman Design (PBD) followed by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using a face-centered central composite design. Optimal production was achieved at 2.50% carbon, 0.105% nitrogen, and 34 °C, yielding 5.7 mg/mL PHA after 72 h with 10% (v/v) inoculum. UV-Vis and FTIR analyses confirmed the polymer's identity as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The study highlights wood waste as a viable, low-cost substrate for PHA synthesis, promoting sustainable biopolymer production while advancing circular bioeconomy practices.

The demand for sustainable and alternative protein sources has been on the rise, driving interest in the valorization of underutilized plants. This study evaluated Calendula officinalis (marigold), a common floral waste, as a sustainable alternative protein source for the food industry. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of protein fractions from Calendula officinalis flower to evaluate their potential as a novel protein ingredient. Extraction of the Calendula officinalis flower yielded 92.17% of the crude protein. A sequential extraction of albumin, globulin, glutelin, and prolamin from marigold flower revealed albumin as the dominant fraction (65.47%) and exhibited the highest protein functionality, including water-holding capacity (2.37 g/g), oil-holding capacity (2.49 g/g), and emulsifying capacity (65.22 mL/g). Compared with other protein fractions, glutelin showed a relatively high emulsifying and foaming capacity (EC: 59.13 mL/g; FC: 16.23%). Differential scanning calorimetry revealed high thermal stability for albumin (T-p = 105.28 degrees C) and glutelin (T-p = 97.6 degrees C). Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) confirmed the presence of abundant low-molecular-weight polypeptides (<37 kDa), which enhanced emulsification, while scanning electron microscopy revealed porous structures aligned with hydration properties. Antioxidant activity was higher in albumin and glutelin, linked to surface hydrophobicity. LC-MS/MS identified 33 short-chain proteins, including oxidoreductase proteins and lipid-transfer proteins. Findings highlight marigold flower proteins as a sustainable, functional ingredient for a diverse range of food applications.

ABSTRACT Broccoli flower proteins (BFPs) are a sustainable alternative plant protein source; however, their application in food systems remains limited because of poor techno‐functional properties compared with conventional proteins. This study employed a clean‐label strategy to improve BFP functionality using marigold color extract (MCE), a phytochemical‐rich floral waste product. BFP–MCE complexes were prepared using different extract concentrations (0%–4%, v/v) and characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and functional property analysis. FTIR analysis revealed concentration‐dependent structural modifications, with α‐helix content decreasing from 50.3% to 28.4%, while β‐sheet structures increased from 22.1% to 34.2% following MCE incorporation. SEM observations revealed a transition from porous protein aggregates to dense, cohesive network structures. Structural changes significantly improved protein functionality, including increased foaming capacity from 14.9% to 69.2%, foam stability from 6.1% to 42.0%, emulsifying activity index from 23.1 to 76.2 m2/g, and antioxidant activity from 41.2% to 65.3%. Surface hydrophobicity decreased from 19.3 to 10.2 a.u., indicating improved protein–water interactions. Metabolomic profiling of MCE identified flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino alcohols, oxygenated heterocycles, and sesquiterpenes as major compounds that are potentially responsible for noncovalent interactions with proteins via hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, π–π stacking, and electrostatic attraction. This research shows that MCE successfully modified BFPs into sustainable plant protein ingredients with improved functionality and enhanced antioxidant activity for clean‐label food production.

The global demand for edible flowers has increased due to their diverse applications in food, nutraceuticals, and the medical field. However, issues of species identification, adulteration, contamination, and quality necessitate the use of advanced methods to authenticate product quality for edible flowers. Conventional methods are expensive, time-consuming, and require highly skilled personnel and technical expertise. Spectroscopic methods, including Fourier transform infrared, near-infrared, and Raman spectroscopy, are efficient, fast, and non-destructive, providing rapid insight into the chemical structure and authenticity of edible flowers. This review systematically summarizes the recent advances in spectroscopic methods for authenticating edible flowers, including the detection of chemical changes and ensuring product integrity. The primary goal is to examine the applications of spectroscopic techniques for assessing quality changes in edible flowers during processing for food applications. Spectroscopic techniques, such as FT-IR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy, are rapid, accurate, and non-destructive alternatives for authenticating the composition and quality of edible flowers. These methods enable the detection of bioactive compounds, differentiation of species, and identification of adulterants with minimal sample processing. Furthermore, chemometric models enhance data analysis, allowing for automated classification and real-time quality monitoring of edible flowers.

Cannabis sativa L., renowned for its versatility in pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetic industries, is highly susceptible to several agronomic and environmental factors, particularly herbicides. These chemical agents, while commonly used for weed control, can adversely affect plant growth, physiology, and secondary metabolite production. Understanding the plant’s response to such external stressors is essential for optimizing its cultivation and ensuring the quality of its bioactive compounds. In our current work, we studied the impact of two herbicides- glyphosate and metribuzin on the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of cannabis plants. The secondary metabolite production analysis was carried out using Gas Chromatography-Mass S pectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, in silico studies using molecular modelling and optimization via Density Functional Theory (DFT) were performed, followed by molecular docking. It was observed that both herbicides greatly impact overall plant productivity including primary and secondary metabolite production. Further, glyphosate treatment caused an increase in fatty acid synthesis while the contrary was observed in case of metribuzin. Also, herbicide stress leads to the synthesis of cannabidivarol and cannabidiol although they were absent in the untreated group. These findings provide crucial insights for optimizing agricultural practices in cannabis cultivation. Moreover, molecular simulation results showed that both metribuzin and glyphosate bind at the active pocket of Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCA synthase) and offer a mechanistic explanation for the observed variations in Δ9 -tetrahydocannabinol (THC) levels by suggesting that both herbicides inhibit THCA synthase activity, contributing to a deeper understanding of herbicide-plant interactions at the molecular level. Our findings indicate that herbicide stress impacts overall cannabis productivity and alters biosynthesis. The stress notably stimulates the production of cannabidivarol and cannabidiol. In addition, molecular docking studies revealed that metribuzin binds to the same active channel as Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)- the THC precursor, while glyphosate binds at the entrance, thereby hindering THC production. This multifaceted approach guides sustainable farming strategies and has implications for manipulating cannabinoid profiles in pharmaceutical and other industrial applications.

Gut microbiota-derived metabolites have emerged as promising candidates in cancer therapeutics. Among these metabolites, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4-EPS), produced through dietary metabolism, is linked to chronic diseases but remains unexplored as a therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. This study investigates the selective anticancer activity of 4-EPS using HCT-116 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and CCD 841 normal colon epithelial cells. Treatment with 4-EPS significantly reduced cell proliferation, viability, ATP levels, and colony-forming ability while increased apoptosis rate. Morphological changes included cell shrinkage, intracellular vesicle formation, and loss of membrane integrity. Mechanistically, 4-EPS upregulated Bax, downregulated Bcl2, and induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. In silico investigations revealed strong interactions with HDAC isoforms, suggesting epigenetic modulation. Markedly, 4-EPS treatment showed no deleterious effect on CCD 841 normal colon epithelial cells, which proved its selective anticancer role for colon cancer cells. These findings highlight 4-EPS as a promising therapeutic agent for treating CRC.

Growing demands for plant proteins are driven by the great potential of this protein source to improve food functionality, nutritional value, and environmental sustainability. This research characterized functional, thermal, and structural properties and protein profile (Brassica oleracea var. italica) flower. The various protein fractions were extracted using Osborne's sequential extraction, giving 89.60% of crude protein. Among the yields, glutelin had the highest value, at 12.75 f 1.07 g; this was followed by albumin, 4.75 f 0.53 g; globulin, 1.05 f 0.48 g; and prolamin, 0.42 f 0.06 g. Antioxidant activity assay showed higher activity for albumin and higher total phenolic content for prolamin. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate gel electrophoresis yielded various profiles, and through Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis, glutelin was proved to be more thermally stable (peak denaturation temperature of 82.50 f 0.05 degrees C). Functional properties were also determined: glutelin had the highest foaming and water-holding capacity; albumin had the highest oil-holding capacity. Albumin and glutelin demonstrated high emulsifying activity. Proteomic analysis identified 1681 proteins, globulins (45%) and albumins (29%). Results show that broccoli flower proteins could have great potential for improving food attributes, extending shelf life, and being used as natural food additives.

Continuous anthropogenic inputs have raised environmental concerns regarding non-degradable plastics derived from non-renewable petrochemicals, creating an urgent need for sustainable alternatives and driving a paradigm shift toward bioplastics. This review investigates the transformative role of the natural biopolymer xanthan gum as an eco-friendly additive in advancing biodegradable materials. Derived from Xanthomonas campestris, xanthan gum offers non-toxicity, biodegradability, and strong compatibility. The literature indicates that its negative charge enables interactions with positively charged molecules, enhancing composite properties such as mechanical strength. Although xanthan gum has limitations when used alone, it functions as an effective additive in packaging applications. The novelty of this work lies in exploring diverse techniques and formulations for integrating xanthan gum into bioplastic films and coatings, emphasizing its role in reinforcing biopolymer structures. As a sustainable alternative, xanthan gum-based composites preserve food quality and extend shelf life by providing protection against moisture, oxygen, UV radiation, and microbial contamination. Realizing its full potential requires optimized formulations to prevent structural disruptions and reduced stretchability at higher xanthan gum concentrations. Continued research, especially leveraging nanotechnology, is essential to amplify its advantages and address related challenges. This review highlights xanthan gum's pivotal contribution to bioplastic innovation, presenting a strong case for its broader adoption in the food packaging industry.

This research mainly focused on developing and validating the ultraperformance liquid chromatography photodiode array (UPLC-PDA) method to analyze 4-oxo-2-nonenal (4-ONE) in fully cooked meat products. The UPLC-PDA method developed has advantages such as sensitivity, excellent resolution, and fast separation through chromatography. To ensure its reliability and accuracy, the method underwent validation processes for linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, and limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ). The results demonstrated a linear relationship between concentration and response within the 0.0032-10 ng/mL range with a correlation coefficient of R 2 ≥ 0.9993. The method also exhibited precision with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 2% for both intraday and interday analyses. Moreover, recovery studies confirmed the method's accuracy, with percent recoveries ranging from 97.16% to 105.9%. Furthermore, the results for LOD and LOQ were 0.03 and 0.091 ng/mL, respectively. Lastly, it was concluded that the developed method remains reliable under certain conditions by varying parameters such as the flow rate, mobile phase composition, and detection wavelength in robustness evaluations. This developed UPLC-PDA technique offers a reliable and effective means of identifying and measuring 4-ONE in cooked meat. It plays a role in ensuring food safety and addressing health issues associated with its consumption.

ABSTRACT Extruded fortified rice kernel often differs in its physicochemical, soaking, and cooking properties from regular rice and is not preferred due to alterations in its sensory properties. Fortified rice with identical physicochemical and sensory properties as regular rice is thus needed, and this study aimed to do so. Whole‐grain rice having 55% degree of gelatinization (DG) was simultaneously soaked with iron salt (NaFeEDTA) solution and dried in a microwave‐assisted‐fluidized bed spray‐soaking and drying (MAFBSD) setup that facilitated iron migration, further gelatinization (60%), drying of rice kernel, and develop identical gelatinization induced whole grain fortified rice kernel (GIWGFRK). The impact of the MAFBSD processing conditions, that is, spray‐flow rate, microwave power density during soaking, and drying of rice at fixed fluidization velocity (12 m/s) on rice quality was initially explored, and optimized conditions were then used for rice fortification. Up to 32% of additional moisture gain through microwave‐assisted soaking (at 50 mL/min spray‐flow rate for 2 h) followed by microwave drying (for 85 min at 0.6 kW/kg) to 13 ± 1% moisture content did not show any visible fissure and alteration in head rice yield. Spray soaking of NaFeEDTA solution (0.106 mg/mL) with the pre‐optimized processing condition resulted in a gain in iron content (21.25 mg of iron/kg), nonsignificantly impacting its quality. After washing and cooking, the fortified rice showed 52.19 ± 2.46% and 22.77 ± 3.19% iron retention, respectively. Further modification in gelatinization parameters may offer more nutrients retention, additionally gelatinization‐induced fortification as a practical approach for whole‐rice fortification. This research enables the commercial production of fortified rice with identical sensory and physicochemical properties to regular rice, improving consumer acceptance and addressing iron deficiency without compromising rice quality.

Vegetables are crucial for human nutrition, providing essential micronutrients and beneficial compounds. Heavy metal contamination of vegetables irrigated with wastewater poses a significant public health risk in developing Asian countries. This review analyses recent research on heavy metal accumulation in vegetables across India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China. Studies consistently report concerning levels of cadmium, lead, chromium, arsenic, nickel, and mercury in vegetables, often exceeding international safety standards. Leafy vegetables consistently show higher heavy metal accumulation compared to fruit and root vegetables. Within plant structures, roots generally contain higher heavy metal concentrations than edible parts, though this varies depending on the metal and plant species. Many studies report health risk indices exceeding safe limits, indicating potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from chronic dietary exposure, with children at higher risk. The review highlights inadequate regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. A multi-faceted approach is urgently needed, encompassing improved wastewater treatment, best agricultural practices, rigorous monitoring, and public awareness campaigns. Future research directions are identified, including long-term health impact studies, development of cost-effective remediation techniques, and exploration of sustainable alternatives to wastewater irrigation. While wastewater irrigation addresses immediate water scarcity, it poses significant long-term food safety and public health risks. Integrated policies balancing water scarcity, agricultural productivity, and health risks are essential. This review underscores the pressing need for coordinated efforts from policymakers, researchers, and health officials to safeguard public health and ensure sustainable agriculture in developing Asian countries facing increasing urbanization and water scarcity.