The parboiling process holds historical popularity in Southern Asia. However, its soaking phase requires precise control and is energy and time-intensive. To address these challenges, this study introduced a fast yet effective approach where conventional hot water soaking (HWS) was replaced with microwave-assisted soaking (MWS). A comprehensive assessment was carried out for the feasibility and efficacy of MSW parboiling treatment of barnyard millet, which is a powerhouse of nutrition but underutilised due to its complex structure, leading to low dehusking efficiency. The statistical design was used to study the effect of microwave power (MWP), soaking duration (ST), grain to-water ratio (GWR) on responses: evaporative loss, leaching loss, hardness, energy absorbance efficiency, energy use effectivity, energy utilization efficiency. The optimised condition was achieved at 400 W MWP soaked for 120 s at 2:5 GWR. The microstructure analysis of the parboiled millet showed a homogeneous amorphous mass contrasting with the perfectly arranged crystalline structure of raw millet. Differential scanning calorimetry graph confirms starch modification through shifted and broadened endothermic peaks. The developed MSW methods drastically reduced the parboiling time as compared to the conventional methods, proving to be a fast, energy-efficient approach for enhancing both milling and nutritional quality.

Food security, dietary needs and population expansions focused use of non-conventional food components in their diet. Non conventional proteins have gained attention due to their unique properties, diverse sources and consumer acceptability. The systematic review related to non conventional proteins provide a state-of-the-art from a decade of research on sources, chemistry, extraction strategies, nutraceutical potentials, development of future foods and their potential in food sectors, including bakery, meat and fish industry. Key findings from this systematic review underscore non-conventional protein’s promising potential in addressing current sustainability challenges, food security and human health. Moreover, the study identifies research gaps and future directions to facilitate non-conventional protein commercialization and widespread adoption. The non-conventional proteins have the potential to develop a protein-rich diet from insects, microbial, and cultured meat-based proteins to meet the global demand for protein-rich foods. In conclusion, this systematic review comprehensively examines non-conventional proteins, shedding light on their sources, extraction methods, and potential applications. The findings contribute knowledge related to non-conventional protein sources and offer valuable insights for researchers, interested in harnessing the benefits of these novel protein sources.

This chapter focuses on the extraction of oil through ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction from various oilseeds such as walnut, peanut, perilla seeds, and soybean. The nutritional benefits of these oilseeds including the traditional practices of oil extraction from these oilseeds have also been discussed. It elucidates the synergistic effect of ultrasound and certain enzymes in the extraction of oil from oil-bearing substances. The advantages of using enzymes along with their limitations have also been elaborated. The use of this emerging technique for oil extraction from oil-bearing substances has proven to be quite beneficial in increasing the yield of extraction and enhancing the quality of edible oil.

In the realm of food security, there is growing recognition of lignocellulosic biomass as a valuable resource for meeting various food production needs. To advance the design of efficient processes for converting biomass into food-related value-added products, it is vital to gain a deep understanding of its distinctive properties. This research study was conducted for extensive physico-chemical analysis of non-edible and waste lignocellulosic biomass sources, all with the overarching objective of enhancing their utilization as potential feedstock in biolipid production. The present study revealed that both apricot kernel shell (AKS) and almond green husk (AGH) have high polysaccharides and low lignin content. FTIR spectra showed the existence of functional groups attributed to cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The weight loss of 51.32

This research aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a bionanocomposite made of chitosan, CNC, and TiO2 nanoparticles to package freshly sliced apples. At the outset, the effect of varying concentrations of CNC (1, 5, and 10 %) and TiO2 (1, 3, and 5 %) on the mechanical, thermal, and water sensitivity characteristics of the chitosan bionanocomposite was studied. Among different combinations, the bionanocomposite containing 10 % CNC and 3 % TiO2 displayed significant enhancements compared to neat chitosan film. Notably, it exhibited a substantial increase in tensile strength (78.2 %), glass transition temperature (26.7 %), and melting temperature (30.0 %) compared to neat chitosan film. Additionally, it demonstrated reduced WVP (27.8 %), FWS (44.4 %), and SR (50.7 %). These improvements were attributed to the synergistic interactions among chitosan, CNC, and TiO2 nanoparticles through hydrogen and oxygen bonding, corroborated by spectral changes in the material. The photocatalytic degradation of ethylene and microbes by UV-A (intermittent) activated TiO2 contained in the developed bionanocomposite was confirmed by the retention of acceptable quality and radical scavenging activity (70 % retention) of fresh-cut apple slices up to 11 days. The developed bionanocomposite can thus preserve the quality of ethylene-producing horticultural produce.

This study focuses on producing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from rice straw cellulose. It employs an integrated hydrolysis and ultrasonication approach to achieve an optimized balance between two crucial parameters, the crystallinity index (CI) and mean particle size (MPS), both vital for enhancing biopolymer reinforcement. The research investigates the effects of three key process parameters: sulfuric acid concentration (40 to 70

Nanomaterials (in nanoscale range), in the contemporary world, have acted as a magic wand for miniaturization of process hardware and development of functionally enhanced and engineered materials. However, both the source and method of production of nanomaterials involve synthetic approach which tends to increase the human health and environmental risk. Green nanotechnology (principally relying on the concepts of green chemistry), which involves the use of green nanoproducts or the use of nanoproducts in enhancing the environmental stability, has been a promising concept for reducing negative externalities of synthetic nanomaterials. Green nanomaterials include the nanomaterials which are synthesized either using environmental-friendly technologies (microwave or ultrasound) or from a natural sustainable raw material (biowastes, etc). These nanomaterials are advantageous from the conventional ones in terms of biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, lower toxicity, cost, reduced effluents, 18etc., besides other numerous advantages. The conventional applications of nano or green nanomaterials have been limited to electronics, material manufacturing, and information technology industries. However, the recent past has seen an upward trend in the use of green nanomaterials in nonconventional fields like agriculture, food processing, biomedicine, energy conversion, and storage. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive insight on green nanomaterials and their importance, besides highlighting their applications especially in nonconventional fields.

Pectin yield of 22.22 ± 0.98 % (dry basis) was achieved from prematurely dropped Golden Delicious apples, having a light orange hue (hue value: 78.08 ± 0.04) and an overall color difference (ΔE) of 9.92 ± 0.01 compared to commercial pectin (CP). Extracted AP exhibited a lower equivalent weight (725.24 ± 29.73) and higher methoxy content (8.36 ± 0.28 %) in contrast to CP. However, a similar degree of esterification of 71.57 ± 0.79 and 70.55 ± 0.59 %, was observed in AP and CP respectively. Apple pectin demonstrated slight lower galacturonic acid (GalA) content of 68.10 ± 3.94 % in comparison to 72.31 ± 4.62 % of CP, which was further corroborated by reduced intensity in FTIR fingerprint region (912-1025 cm-1). Morphology revealed a sheet-like cloudy appearance indicating a significant presence of associated sugars whereas X-ray diffraction highlighted the highly amorphous nature of AP. AP and CP solutions (3-9 %) displayed a shear-thinning flow and viscoelastic behavior where the loss (G') moduli dominated over the storage moduli (G"). Owing to high degree of esterification, galacturonic acid content (>65 %) that aligns with commercial standards and viscoelastic behavior, the extracted AP holds promise for potential utilization in commercial applications. This study underscores the potential for sustainable utilization of prematurely dropped apples through pectin extraction, contributing to valorization of the wasted bioresource.

The purpose of this study was to use an ultrasound-assisted approach to maximize the extraction of polyphenols from defatted flaxseed cake. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the power intensity (757, 1010, 1262 W/cm(2)), solid-liquid ratio (1: 10, 1:20, and 1:30 g/ml), and sonication time (15, 20, and 25 min), using a three-factor Box-Behnken design. The optimization was done on the basis of different responses viz. extract yield, total phenolics content (TPC), and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The linear effect of power intensity was significant (p < .01) on all the responses. However, TPC assay and DPPH radical scavenging activity was only significantly affected by power intensity in a negative linear fashion. The interactive effect of power intensity with sonication time was also significant (p < .05) on all the responses. The optimized values obtained for extract yield, TPC assay, and DPPH antioxidant activity were 19.126%, 51.984 mg GAE/g, and 72.149%, respectively, under the optimal condition of power intensity 1013.69 W/cm(2), solid-liquid ratio 22.83 g/ml, and sonication time 22.22 min. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that ultrasound-assisted extraction effectively disrupted the defatted flaxseed cake powder, thereby improving polyphenol yield.

The recent upsurge in the studies on micro/nano plastics and antimicrobial resistance genes has proven their deleterious effects on the environmental and human health. Till-date, there is a scarcity of studies on the interactions of these two factors and their combined influence. The interaction of microplastics has led to the formation of new plastics namely plastiglomerates, pyroplastics. and anthropoquinas. It has long been ignored that the occurrence of microplastics has become a breeding ground for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Evidently microplastics are also associated with the occurrence of other pollutants such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides. The increased use of antibiotics (after Covid breakout) has further elevated the detrimental effects on human health. Therefore, this study highlights the relation of microplastics with antibiotic resistance generation. The factors such as uncontrolled use of antibiotics and negligent plastic consumption has been evaluated. Furthermore, the future research prospective was provided that can be helpful in correctly identifying the seriousness of the environmental occurrence of these pollutants.

Background: Population expansion, global warming, and food scarcity have all increased the demand for alternative lipid sources to ensure food and energy security. Furthermore, over the last few decades, industrialization has posed a significant environmental risk to the world through its waste. Utilization of agri-food waste and byproducts as a substrate by oleaginous microorganisms for production of microbial lipids could be a phenomenal approach. Scope and approach: Oleaginous microorganisms have numerous advantages, including a shorter life span, rapid growth rate, ease of cultivation, ability to use a variety of substrates, and adaptability to metabolic/genetic changes. Exploiting oleaginous microorganisms for the production of microbial lipids can be viewed as an alternative sustainable food source as well as a versatile raw material for the production of food additives, surfactants, and tailored triacylglycerol's. Key Findings and Conclusion: Microbial oil production processes that mimic plant, animal, and marine lipids are non-toxic, sustainable, and adaptable, as well as energy efficient. Recent research on oleaginous microorganisms, as well as recent interventions in waste management, have resulted in microbial oils being the next and most viable product for a variety of end-user applications and an efficient way of waste management.

The purpose of this work was to use a microwave-assisted technique to improve and accelerate lignin removal from rice straw biomass. Using a Box-Behnken experimental design, the effect of four critical process parameters, viz. microwave power (480-800 W), irradiation time (4-12 min), bleaching solution concentration (0.4-3.0 %), and bleaching time (1-5 h) on the delignification (%) was investigated, and the process was optimised using response surface methodology. The experimental data best fitted a quadratic model with an R2 of 0.9964. The optimized value of process parameters (in aforementioned sequence) was found to be 671 W, 8.66 min, 2.67 %, and 1 h respectively, for the best delignification of 93.51 percent.The absence of lignin peaks (1516 and 1739 cm-1) was corroborated by deconstructed morphological structure and higher crystallinity in the optimised delignified sample (53.7 %).

In the current study, a guar-gum-based biodegradable hydrogel film was prepared using an initiator (potassium persulfate), crosslinker (N-N methyl bis acrylamide), and plasticizer (glycerol) for packaging of fruits and vegetables. The effect of independent variables (initiator, crosslinker, and plasticizer) on the biodegradation (% wt. loss), color difference (ΔE), hardness (N), swelling index (%), and transparency (%) of the film was studied using Box–Behnken design, random surface methodology (RSM). The results showed significant effects on all the abovementioned parameters, and it was observed that the developed model was accurate, with a prediction error of only −3.19 to 2.99%. The optimized formulation for the preparation of hydrogel film was 0.15% initiator, 0.02% crosslinker, and 2.88% plasticizer exhibiting satisfactory biodegradability, color difference, hardness, swelling index, and transparency. Results showed that a guar-gum-based biodegradable hydrogel film has adequate physical, optical, and biodegradable properties and can be successfully utilized in the food packaging industry.

Microplastics are the tiny particles of the plastics scattered all around the world and its disposability has become a major environmental concern. The presence of microplastic abundantly in marine ecosystem has given many thorough and deep case studies. Microplastics originate from the fragmentation of plastics from domestic, personal care, and industrial waste. Cosmetic industries use microbeads in their products such as facial scrubs, which are abrasive in nature to exfoliate the skin. These wastes are then further disposed to the wastewater treatment plants. Two important source of sewage contamination is due to the fibers released from the textile industries and domestic washing of clothes. On increasing human population, the usage of synthetic textile increases, with increase in contamination of biodiversity's. Microplastics is not limited only to marine but has spread to terrestrial land as well. The effect of microplastic ingestion is also visual in biotas residing in aquatic and terrestrial environment. Agricultural land is also badly affected due to the soil contamination, which reduces the root growth of the plants. This book chapter highlights the major affecting areas of the aquatic and terrestrial habitat by the microplastic pollution, interaction of microplastics with biotas and different types of waste, which includes micro- or nanoplastics.

Lignocellulosic biomass (like rice straw) provides an alternative for depleting non-renewable energy sources through its value-added utilization (like production of biofuels and nanocellulose) owing to its abundance, renewability, polymer presence and environmental friendliness. Prior to its utilization, any lignocellulosic biomass is subjected to a timeconsuming delignification process for lignin free biomass recovery. The present study aims to reduce the time of delignification of rice straw along with enhancing the delignification percentage of biomass by use of microwave assisted sodium chlorite method. The experiments were done at two microwave power levels (640, 800 W), three bleaching solution concentrations (0.4, 1.7, 3.0 %) and three microwave treatment times (4, 8, 12 min). The delignification percentage of the rice straw for the whole experimentation varied from 24.7 to 90.12%. The results revealed that the time of delignification was greatly reduced (12 min) with a very high delignification (90.12%) percentage. The morphology of the delignified samples also revealed the deconstruction of the lignin structure. The improved method can thus be applied for the delignification of other biomasses as well for quick and effective delignification.

Drying of pre-treated turmeric slices was performed in an innovative infrared assisted hybrid solar dryer. The study evaluated the effect on the drying time and quality parameters (color, antioxidant activity) of the pre-treated turmeric slices by the independent parameters. Numerical optimization of process parameters for solar drying of turmeric slices was done through response surface methodology approach with Box-Behnken experimental design. Three levels of independent parameters including dryer temperature (50 to 70ºC), power of infrared (1000 to 1500 W) and drying tray to infrared source distance (11 to 35 cm) were used for the experiment. At the optimized values of dependent parameters (69.16ºC, 1500 W and 11 cm), the color variation, antioxidant activity (EC50 value) and drying time was 13.684, 5.131 and 307.2 min respectively.