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Crustacean waste, consisting of shells and other inedible fractions, represents an underutilized source of chitin. Here, we explore developments in the field of crustacean-waste-derived chitin and chitosan extraction and utilization, evaluating emerging food systems and biotechnological applications associated with this globally abundant waste stream. We consider how improving the efficiency and selectivity of chitin separation from wastes, redesigning its chemical structure to improve biotechnology-derived chitosan, converting it into value-added chemicals, and developing new applications for chitin (such as the fabrication of advanced nanomaterials used in fully biobased electric devices) can contribute towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, we consider how gaps in the research could be filled and future opportunities could be developed to make optimal use of this important waste stream for food systems and beyond.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-022-00591-y | DOI Listing |
Soft Matter
September 2025
Nestlé Product Technology Centre, York, YO31 8FY, UK.
Particles with some degree of hydrophilicity are known to aggregate when directly dispersed in non-aqueous media. Proteins are generally insoluble in oil and have complex surface properties, but they may form networks in oil like more simple colloidal particles, depending on particle size and surface hydrophilicity. Here, the particle size of pea protein isolate (PPI) particles in oil was reduced to submicron sizes by stirred media milling.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInsect Sci
September 2025
Department of Entomology & Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a highly effective biologically-based method for the suppression of many insect pest populations. SIT efficacy could be improved by methods of male sterilization that avoid the use of irradiation that can result in diminished fitness and mating competitiveness. Alternative sterilization methods include conditional disruption of genes for male fertility, or using their sperm-specific promoters to drive the expression of genes for lethal effectors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEcology
September 2025
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Recent evidence suggests that parasite-mediated reductions in food intake (i.e., anorexia) in herbivores can trigger trophic cascades that increase producer biomass.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnal Chim Acta
November 2025
School of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, China. Electronic address:
Background: Bisulfite (HSO) plays crucial roles in food safety and physiological health. In the food industry, sulfur dioxide (SO) and its derivative bisulfite (HSO) are extensively employed as preservatives and bleaching agents. Nonetheless, overconsumption of bisulfite can present health hazards like asthma and potentially cancer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnal Chim Acta
November 2025
School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China; Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, Hefei, 230009, China; Intelligent Interconnected Systems Laboratory of A
Background: Copper is a vital trace element that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes due to its ability to exist in multiple oxidation states. Inspired by natural enzymes, researchers have developed copper-based nanozymes that mimic enzyme functions, offering cost-effective and stable alternatives to traditional enzymes. Despite their promising properties, the design and synthesis of these nanozymes can be complex and challenging.
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