Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising green alternatives to conventional organic solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from natural matrices because of their tunable physicochemical properties, low toxicity, and environmental compatibility. However, most existing reviews primarily focus on application-based results, with limited mechanistic and process engineering interpretations necessary for industrial applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of DES-based extraction from the perspective of separation and process engineering, emphasizing the relationships between DES composition, physicochemical properties, mass-transfer behavior, and extraction performance. Key parameters, including viscosity, hydrogen bonding interactions, solvent-to-feed ratio, temperature, and water content, are critically evaluated in terms of their influence on extraction efficiency, selectivity, and scalability. Furthermore, solvent recovery, process intensification strategies, and industrial implementation challenges are discussed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and large-scale application. By integrating mechanistic insights with process-level considerations, this review provides a systematic framework for the rational design and optimization of DES-based extraction processes as sustainable and scalable-separation technologies.

The lack of stable, plant-derived elastase inhibitors for inclusion in health-promoting formulations necessitates the discovery of bioactive agents from sustainable sources. This study investigated the production, stability, and peptide profile of elastase-inhibitory hydrolysates from Moringa oleifera seed proteins. Through a comparative enzymatic approach, Alcalase was identified as the most effective protease for generating bioactive hydrolysates. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the bioprocess, identifying substrate and enzyme concentrations as the primary determinants of elastase-inhibitory activity. De novo sequencing identified the decapeptide NVRPNGSHFR, and subsequent in silico characterization and molecular docking suggested an inhibitory mechanism potentially driven by interaction with the elastase catalytic site, where the decapeptide is predicted to be stabilized by specific hydrogen-bonding networks. Validation using the synthetic decapeptide showed elastase-inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 2.55 mM. Furthermore, a cell-based model indicated dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity of the optimized hydrolysate, which also exhibited high stability across pH 2–12 and temperatures up to 100 °C. These findings suggest NVRPNGSHFR as a promising lead bioactive agent and establish a robust protocol for the measurement and extraction of high-value functional food ingredients from climate-resilient crops.

Goat's milk is increasingly considered an alternative to cow's milk for infants due to its potential health benefits. However, casein allergenicity and antigenicity, including potential cross-reactivity with cow's milk, remain important public health concerns. Although goat's milk has been reviewed, few studies have specifically addressed strategies to reduce allergenicity or integrated the diverse approaches required for comprehensive assessment. This review examines allergenicity and antigenicity of goat's milk protein and identifies key gaps in developing hypoallergenic infant formulas. It synthesizes current knowledge by combining in silico epitope prediction, structure-activity relationship (SAR) analyses, enzymatic hydrolysis strategies, and advanced analytical methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based immunoassays and peptide bioefficacy, including bioaccessibility and bioavailability, are also discussed, providing a holistic perspective for profiling allergenic potential. Enzymatic hydrolysis can markedly reduce goat's milk allergenicity and antigenicity, whereas integrated computational and experimental approaches enable identification of bioactive and allergenic peptides. By consolidating these strategies into a unified framework, this review provides a roadmap for designing safer, hypoallergenic goat's milk products and guides future research in infant formula development and broader dairy applications.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a fluoropyrimidine analog of uracil, is an extensively employed chemotherapy drug to treat many cancers, including solid malignancies, melanoma, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastric cancer. Its mechanism of action involves disrupting mRNA translation and DNA synthesis. However, the effectiveness of 5-FU is limited by several factors, including its rapid breakdown into inactive forms, loss of site selectivity, and fast elimination from the body when used as a standalone therapy. To address these challenges and improve its therapeutic potential, researchers have explored various strategies over time. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of various strategies aimed at enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of 5-FU. It covers the development of co-crystals, prodrugs, modulation approaches with co-administration, and derivatization techniques. Additionally, the review provides valuable insights into different carrier systems utilized for the targeted delivery of 5-FU, offering potential advancements in cancer treatment. By evaluating the rationale, advantages, and challenges associated with each approach, this paper highlights the ongoing efforts to optimize the use of 5-FU in cancer treatment.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seeds, often underutilized after fruit processing, are rich in starch, protein, and bioactive compounds, making them a promising candidate for producing non-dairy beverage formulations. This study evaluates the impact of dual thermal processing (roasting and repeated boiling) on the yield and nutritional composition, antinutritional factors, physicochemical, and functional properties of jackfruit seedbased milk alternatives (JSBMA). Optimized roasting conditions (72 degrees C, 34.36 min) based on response surface methodology increased JSBMA extraction yield by 13.7 %, improved its whiteness, and decreased pH, indicating acid formation and non-enzymatic browning. The optimal roasting significantly reduced antinutritional compounds (phytates and tannins), improved protein digestibility, and enhanced viscosity of JSBMA. Meanwhile, sequential boiling of the roasted dregs produced three additional extracts (JSBMA 2-4), each with declining protein, fat, and carbohydrate content. JSBMA 2 offered a favorable balance of nutrition, physical stability, and low glycemic index. JSBMA 1 and JSBMA 2 showed smaller particle sizes and better dispersion (higher stability coefficient), whereas JSBMA 3 and JSBMA 4 showed greater heterogeneity and sedimentation. Overall, the proposed processing strategy supports development of jackfruit seed-based milk alternatives with tailored composition and functionality.

Sustainable agriculture relies on maintaining healthy, ecologically balanced soil. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers has resulted in declining soil fertility, biodiversity loss, and structural degradation. In particular, the use of biofertilizers containing microbial inoculants that enhance plant growth and soil health offers a promising alternative by improving nutrient availability, suppressing pathogens, and restoring soil ecosystems. Studies have shown that rhizosphere microbes can enhance plant growth and control diseases by producing phytohormones and aiding nutrient uptake. Many bacterial genera can be used as biofertilizers, including nitrogen-fixers, phosphorus-solubilizers, potassium-solubilizers (K-solubilizers), and others. Among the diverse plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), species within the Pseudomonas genus have emerged as promising candidates due to their exceptional versatility and resilience. Pseudomonas spp. exhibits a wide array of plant growth-promoting traits, including atmospheric nitrogen fixation, solubilization of phosphorus and potassium, and the secretion of phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gluconic acid. By systematically linking their metabolic traits to specific soil health and crop productivity outcomes, this review provides new insights into their potential application in sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. Several Pseudomonas species have been extensively utilized as biofertilizers due to their multifunctional traits, adaptability to a wide range of soil environments, and capacity to enhance plant health under both biotic and abiotic stress conditions. The primary objective of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of biofertilizer mechanisms and the functional roles of Pseudomonas spp., including selected strains known to improve plant growth and soil fertility.

The present research explores the application of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) of hesperidin (HSP) from grapefruit peel (GFP) while using silica-supported ionic liquids (ILs) as a stationary phase. The ILs [Et3NH][HSO4], Benzalkonium chloride, and didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride were immobilised on mesoporous silica support of particle size 150 micron. The parameters were optimised for the preparation of crude extracts. The extraction of GFP with a 50-mesh particle size using 1:1 (v/v) of 1% (v/v) acidified methanol (glacial acetic acid) and DMSO for 80 min at a liquid to solid ratio of 20 and 350 rpm shaking speed produced 18 g of crude extract/100 g of GFP. After using silica-supported IL as the stationary phase in a DLLME-based clean-up, an extract with 0.54 mg of HSP/g of crude extract was obtained upon elution with DMSO. Remarkably, 0.80 mu g of HSP/g of crude extract was similarly recovered when IL was used as an eluent against a non-polar stationary phase. An enrichment factor for HSP equivalent to 2.1-3.4 was obtained by employing [Et3NH][HSO4] as a mobile phase against mesoporous silica or as a stationary phase supported on mesoporous silica. The findings support the great potential of silica-supported ILs as the stationary phase for DLLME.

Althaea officinalis (Malvaceae), commonly known as marshmallow, has long history of uses as a food and folk medicinal plant, especially to treat dermatological, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Recent scientific studies strongly support therapeutic potential of A. officinalis, most importantly, its antitussive, gastro-protective, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities. Different parts of A. officinalis contain diverse classes of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides (mucilage), flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, terpenoids, fatty acids and phytosterols. This comprehensive review examines ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of A. officinalis with the main purpose to explore functional food and nutraceutical potential of this versatile plant. We reviewed the detailed bioactive components profile of this species with particular focus on the polysaccharides, linking their potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Furthermore, based on the in vitro and in vivo research, the biological effects of A. officinalis's major constituents such as polysaccharides and polyphenols are examined, including their antitussive, gastro-protective, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. It can be suggested that A. officinalis has significant potential for nutra-pharmaceutical developments beyond its traditional food and ethnomedicinal uses due to its rich profile of high-value phytochemicals and diverse biological properties. However, further in vivo studies and human clinical research trials are needed for an inclusive understanding of the mechanisms of biological and therapeutic effects, and exploring the functional food and nutraceutical applications of this valuable plant.

This research focuses on the phytochemicals profiling and biological potential of selected olive cultivars from Punjab, Pakistan. Ultrasound-assisted aqueous ethanolic extraction was employed as a green route to extract diversified classes of bioactive components from five olive fruit cultivars: Ottobratica (V-1), Coratina (V-2), Picual (V-3), Koroneiki (V-4), and Arbequina (V-5). The extracts were purified via liquid-liquid partitioning and evaluated for antioxidant, antibacterial, hemolytic and anti-biofilm activities and further characterized for bioactives profiling using GC-MS. A total of 38 phytochemicals including 15 phenolics, 6 fatty acids, 2 esters, 7 heterocyclic, 2 alcohols, 4 aldo-keto, 1 oxysilane 1 hydrocarbon were identified. The V-3 olive cultivar exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) contents of phenolics, flavonoids, alcoholic, and aldo-keto compounds, as well as strongest DPPH radical scavenging, and biofilm lysing activity as evidenced by percent component analysis and correlation studies. V-3 samples extract exhibited the least RBC percent hemolysis. The olive fruit crude extracts (OFCEs) and olive fruit phenolic enriched extracts (OFPEEs) from V-2 V-3 exhibited superior anti-bacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Molecular docking data showed that β-sitosterol, quercetin, squalene, and 1’-hydroxy-4,3’-dimethyl-bicyclohexyl-3,3’-dien-2-one, although present in small amount, are the best ligands with potent binding affinities, supporting the antibacterial potential of the tested olive fruits extracts against S. aureus and E. coli. The phytochemicals profiling and biological activities data of the present study can be valuable towards exploring the functional food and nutra-pharmaceutical applications of these newly developed Pakistani olive cultivars.

Over the years, the direct use of alternative proteins has increased worldwide due to the unavailability of animal protein, economic demand for protein and animal disease. This review covers the recent advancements in alternative protein by explaining generations and types of alternative proteins, constituents, advanced extraction methods, taste and applications in the health and food industry, with future perspectives. The biggest obstruction to consuming these alternatives is the existence of antinutrients, which are partially offset by the possibility that they play an effective health-endorsing role. However, the consumption of oilseeds, legumes, and cereals gives a proportionate profile of amino acids. Meat substitutes are effective due to their lack of cholesterol, lower cost, and meat-like texture. Different extraction methods are used to extract proteins, and are divided into physical, chemical, and modern techniques. These proteins have large-scale applications in the food industry, such as fluorescence proteins, flavours, or reducing greenhouse emissions.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel with great potential, but its quality can decline over time due to oxidation, which forms harmful compounds like peroxides, aldehydes, and alcohols. This study examines the oxidative stability and storage life of biodiesel made from non-edible oils such as hemp, karanja, castor, and amla. The stability was evaluated using parameters, like peroxide value, totox value, conjugated diene and triene values, and para-anisidine value. To improve stability, both synthetic and natural antioxidants were tested. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was used as a synthetic antioxidant, while natural antioxidants used were aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves, citrus fruit residues, and olive pomace. BHA provided the best overall protection, and among the natural antioxidants, olive pomace extract performed the best. Engine emission tests were also carried out to study the environmental impact of these additives. The results showed that Moringa oleifera extract reduced the high NO x emissions commonly seen with biodiesel, while all antioxidants caused only a slight increase in CO and unburned hydrocarbons. Overall, the emissions from biodiesel remained lower than those from conventional diesel fuel.

Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) seeds are a sustainable, high-quality protein source, with protein content ranging from 24 to 33 %, and up to 62 % in oil-pressed by-products. Protein isolates exhibit molecular weights between 8 and 75 kDa, with key bands in the 20-50 kDa range, reflecting structural diversity. Amino acid analysis confirms the presence of all essential amino acids (EAA), especially histidine, tryptophan, and valine, although lysine and methionine are limiting for certain age groups according to WHO standards. Extraction at pH 11 enhances protein yield but reduces solubility due to denaturation, highlighting the need for tailored pH conditions in specific applications. Combined extraction approaches incorporating ultrasound or enzyme assistance improve yield and purity. Optimised hydrolysis yields hydrolysates with antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties, supporting nutraceutical potential. This review underscores Sacha Inchi's role as a versatile protein source and highlights the importance of optimising processing strategies for food and health applications.

OBJECTIVE:Biocompatible drug delivery systems that endure stomach acidity while enabling controlled release in the colon are essential for enhancing bioavailability. SIGNIFICANCE:This study presents Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna) gum, a plant-based substitute for synthetic excipients and a natural, biodegradable polymer for controlled drug delivery. It helps create safer, more efficient oral formulations with more stability of acid-labile drugs. METHOD:T. arjuna gum was utilized to create plain, blended (T. arjuna gum and sodium alginate were used in a blended formulation to increase stability, drug entrapment, and controlled release), and coated (Propylene glycol and gum mixture was used as the coating material) microbeads via the ionic gelation method. RESULT:Characterization showed that the size of plain microbeads was 645.67 ± 7.74 μm, while the size of coated microbeads was 586.23 ± 7.18 μm. Drug entrapment efficiency ranged from 67.06% to 88.12%. Swelling studies in pH 7.4 buffer revealed that coated microbeads had a higher swelling index (1.47 ± 0.09) than blended microbeads (1.18 ± 0.06). In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained release, as predicted by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating non-Fickian diffusion. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) results revealed spherical microbeads with varying surface morphologies, including rough, porous, and smooth textures, depending on the formulation. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) confirm the stability of microbeads. Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) confirmed the amorphous form of P-Na within the microbeads, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) validated successful drug entrapment without significant interactions with the polymer. Acute toxicity studies on Swiss albino mice showed no adverse effects, and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits demonstrated a prolonged P-Na half-life, increasing from 1.12 to 2.24 hrs with a Cmax of 2264.8 ng/mL. CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that T. arjuna gum-based microbeads are promising candidates for sustained drug delivery applications. Future research should focus on optimizing these formulations for various drugs, exploring additional therapeutic applications, and investigating the long-term stability of T. arjuna gum-based systems for potential clinical use.

This study aims to explore the potential of citrus waste for valuable products. A special pyrolysis chamber was used to produce bio-oil through thermo-catalytic pyrolysis of sweet lemon (Citrus limetta) waste with a zeolite beta, ammonium catalyst. The kinetic parameters were derived from thermogravimetric data using the Kissinger equation. The activation energy and frequency factor values for hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin were determined to be 83.14, 108.08, and 124.71 kJ mol-1 and 6.3 x 104, 9.4 x 106, 2.6 x 109 min-1, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the bio-oil revealed a variety of fuel-range hydrocarbons. Additionally, the biochar generated from non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis was compared, exhibiting different surface characteristics, as evident by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy images. Our findings indicated that zeolite beta, ammonium served as an effective catalyst by reducing the activation energy and lowering the temperature required for maximum degradation during pyrolysis, ultimately yielding a diverse array of useful products from citrus waste compared to the non-catalyzed reaction. Based on the fuel properties, it was concluded that the bio-oil, if slightly upgraded using the appropriate techniques, has a promising future as a green fuel.

Resistant starches (RS) are non-digestible, low molecular weight polysaccharides that, when consumed, act as prebiotics and provide multiple physiological benefits. Colonic fermentation of RS can yield short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have therapeutic potential against metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, overweight, and hypertension. Underutilized fruits have shown remarkable potential as sources of RS that can be fermented into SCFAs. This review explores the possibility of various underutilized tropical fruits as sources of RS and their prospective uses in producing SCFAs. The factors influencing the yield of SCFAs and the pathways and mechanisms of colonic fermentation are also assessed. The physiological benefits of RS-derived SCFAs are also reviewed. Exploiting the under-utilized fruit starches in the production of SCFAs will add value to natural resources and offer various physiological benefits to protect consumers' health.

Biodiesel synthesis by utilizing nonedible species of oil-bearing seeds is a viable, eco-friendly, and pragmatic approach to combating fossil fuel shortages and environmental pollution. Therefore, in the present research work, hemp oil was extracted in good yield (29.9%) utilizing industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) seeds cultivated in a greenhouse at PCSIR-Lahore, Pakistan, using hydroponic technology (Crop 2022). For maximum biodiesel production, a ternary metal (MgO-ZnO-BaO NPs) nanocatalyst was designed and thoroughly characterized by PXRD, SEM, EDX, and FTIR analysis. Afterward, the nanocatalyst-assisted transesterification of hemp oil was carried out. The transesterification reaction of hemp oil was optimized by response surface methodology based on central composite design (CCD-RSM). A quadratic polynomial equation was employed to predict the optimal yields, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified the statistically significant factors influencing the process. The maximum yield of biodiesel (92%) was obtained by adjusting the methanol to hemp oil molar ratio (6:1), temperature at 65°C, MgO-ZnO-BaO NPs dosage of 2.5 g, and a reaction time of 3 h with a constant stirring rate of 750 rpm. The hemp-oil-based biodiesel was characterized by FTIR and GC-MS analysis. Fuel characteristics of biodiesel were determined according to ASTM D 6751, which were comparable to literature and ASTM standards. The findings of this comprehensive study proved the credibility of hemp seed oil as a feasible nonfood, nonconventional feedstock for producing high-quality biodiesel.

The research presents a pH-sensitive acrylic acid-grafted hydrogel (graft composite) derived from Abelmoschus esculentus mucilage (AEM) to improve therapeutic outcomes in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm successful grafting with a porous structure favorable for drug loading. Drug release studies showed slower PAS release under acidic conditions and faster release under alkaline conditions, mimicking the pH variations of the gastrointestinal tract. Release kinetics confirmed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, exhibiting non-Fickian diffusion behavior, especially in the alkaline medium, with R2 value ranging from 0.9874 to 0.9989. Biocompatibility assessments, including cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, and acute oral toxicity tests, demonstrated that the graft composite is safe for use. In vivo studies confirmed an increase in the half-life of PAS from 1.119 to 4.395 h. This pH-sensitive delivery system offers a promising approach for the controlled, targeted release of PAS in the colon, enhancing therapeutic efficacy for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The successful development of this grafted composite represents a significant advancement in biocompatible, controlled drug delivery for gastrointestinal disorders.