Search Results (481)

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is an evolving threat to global swine health and food security, driven by its complex epidemiology, multi-host transmission cycles, and ongoing spread across countries. This review summarizes the global scenario and transmission pathways of ASFV, highlighting the outbreaks associated with evolving risk patterns to support effective disease prevention and control. ASF has been reported in pig-producing regions across Africa, Europe, and, more recently, Asia, largely driven by the spread of genotype II strains. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected pigs or pig-products, indirectly via contaminated materials, and through soft ticks of the genus Ornithodoros spp., with epidemiological patterns varying according to wildlife reservoirs and regional factors. Control measures mainly rely on early detection, movement control, strict quarantine, robust biosecurity measures, and international trade regulations. Despite significant advances, persistent challenges, including the absence of a widely available commercial vaccine, long-term stability of the virus, human activities, and inconsistencies in global response capacities, continue to hinder disease eradication efforts. This review underscores the need for transnational strategies and policies that integrate economically sustainable disease management systems and reduce the long-term impact of ASFV. Full article

The growing environmental plastic pollution triggered research for biodegradable and safe materials, among which biopolymer-based films stand as the most promising. Among these, chitosan has gained significant attention due to its biocompatibility, film-forming ability, and inherent antimicrobial properties. In this context, the use of fillers to design chitosan nanocomposite films has been shown to enhance the mechanical, barrier, thermal, optical, and antimicrobial properties of the resulting bioplastics. However, the fate and destiny of these fillers, as well as their impact on the biological properties and biodegradability of chitosan films, remain underexplored. We herein report a more comprehensive screening of a set of fillers, encompassing three clay variants (montmorillonite, sepiolite, and halloysite) and microcrystalline chitin. The films were systematically characterized to assess their antibacterial performance, cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and biodegradability. The highest antibacterial activity was observed for CS@MMT-f film towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Importantly, all developed films demonstrated negligible hemolytic activity and low cytotoxicity, indicating their safety for potential biomedical or food-contact applications. Moreover, the selected films completely degrade within four to six weeks under soil burial conditions, demonstrating their potential as environmentally friendly packaging materials. Full article

In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) films embedded with silver nanoparticles were fabricated to investigate their antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Inspired by the nanoscale topographies of natural antibacterial surfaces, such as dragonfly and cicada wings, microstructured pillars were introduced onto the polymer surface to enhance its bactericidal activity by increasing the effective contact area. Surface morphology was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including higher-magnification imaging of micropillar surfaces, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of silver. Higher-magnification SEM revealed nanoscale surface features on the micropillars, attributed to embedded or surface-associated silver nanoparticles. Antibacterial performance was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy with live/dead staining. The PVDF-HFP/Ag films exhibited a significant reduction in bacterial viability, particularly against S. aureus (reducing viability to 0.6% ± 1.1%), while showing moderate activity against E. coli (41.0% ± 3.7% viability). While the fabricated micropillars (~5 µm) are larger than bacterial cells and unlikely to induce direct mechanical rupture, they increase surface interaction. To further investigate the theoretical antibacterial mechanism of scaled-down features, finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to model the mechanical interaction between bacterial cells and nanostructured pillars. The simulation results indicated localised stress concentrations that could compromise bacterial membrane integrity, suggesting a possible mechanobactericidal contribution if the microstructures are further reduced to the nanoscale, in addition to the primary biochemical effects of silver nanoparticles. FEA results do not aim to explain the experimentally observed antibacterial performance and should be interpreted only as a conceptual investigation. These findings demonstrate the potential of bio-inspired PVDF-HFP/Ag films as antibacterial materials for food packaging and related applications, subject to future comprehensive toxicity and quantitative microbiological evaluations. Full article

Styrene, a constituent of polystyrene food-contact materials, can migrate into hot beverages, but data on short-term consumer exposure and associated biological responses remain limited. In this single-arm longitudinal human biomonitoring pilot study, 40 healthy adults consumed tea or coffee daily in Styrofoam cups for approximately two weeks. Biomarkers were measured at baseline, day 6, and day 11, including urinary mandelic acid (MA) and phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA), salivary malondialdehyde (MDA), comet assay parameters in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and micronucleus (MN) frequency in buccal cells. Measured styrene migration into beverages ranged from 3.3 to 7.1 μg/L, below the World Health Organization guideline value. Urinary metabolites and salivary MDA showed substantial interindividual variability and no consistent temporal pattern. In contrast, generalized estimating equation models showed progressive increases in comet assay indicators over the exposure period. Tail intensity and tail moment increased over time, with stronger changes among participants consuming two cups daily. MN frequency did not change significantly. These findings suggest that repeated short-term consumption of hot beverages in polystyrene cups was associated with modest changes in selected early biomarkers of biological effect under consumer-use conditions. The results should be interpreted cautiously in light of the modest sample size, short follow-up, and absence of more specific mechanistic endpoints, but they support further study of repeated low-level exposure to food-contact materials. Full article

The rapid expansion of the takeaway food industry has led to the widespread use of disposable gloves as food-contact materials, which may release microplastics (MPs) during use, posing potential risks to human health and the environment. This study investigated the release of MPs from three common types of disposable food-handling gloves—polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and polylactic acid (PLA)—into water and edible oil as food simulants. The results indicated that the oil-containing system significantly promoted the release of MPs, with release levels generally 2 to 3 times higher than those in the water environment. Among the materials, PE gloves released the highest amount of MPs in oil, reaching 3183.33 ± 500.83 items/m², while TPE gloves released the lowest amount in water, only 183.33 ± 28.87 items/m². Morphologically, the released MPs were predominantly fibrous, with a notable presence of granular MPs from PE gloves in the oil environment. Surface characterization by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy provided additional observations that were broadly consistent with the release patterns. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of material selection and usage conditions in mitigating MP contamination from disposable food-handling gloves. Full article

The food-packaging sector is undergoing a major transition driven by the environmental burden associated with petroleum-based plastics and the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives. In this context, biodegradable packaging materials capable of extending food shelf life through active preservation functions have attracted considerable interest. Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer and an attractive candidate for sustainable packaging; however, it lacks intrinsic antimicrobial activity. In the present study, innovative carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based composite films were developed by incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and thyme essential oil (TEO) as antibacterial active agents. The obtained films exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, completely eliminating planktonic cell viability after 3 h of contact and producing inhibition zones of up to 30 mm. In addition to their biological performance, the composite films showed improved mechanical and functional properties. ZnO NPs appear to act as multifunctional junctions within the CMC matrix, while the dispersed TEO droplets contribute, together with the inorganic phase, to reduced water-vapor transfer. The films retained good transparency in the visible range while exhibiting UV-A transmittance below 7%, indicating enhanced light-barrier performance. Preliminary tests on soft cheese indicated shelf-life extension up to 14 days at 4 °C, while in inoculated cheese slices packed in the composite films, S. aureus was not detected from the 3rd day. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of CMC/ZnO/TEO composite films as biodegradable active packaging materials for perishable food products. Full article

Nanocoating technology has emerged as a transformative strategy for enhancing the functional properties of food materials, packaging substrates, and food contact surfaces. This review explores the role of biopolymers as coating materials in nanocoating applications, with a particular focus on the food sector. Inorganic nanomaterials such as silver, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and silicon dioxide have been extensively studied for their antimicrobial, photocatalytic, and barrier-enhancing properties; however, concerns regarding toxicity and regulatory compliance continue to limit their direct food contact applications. Biopolymer-based nanocoatings present a safer and more sustainable alternative, offering biodegradability, biocompatibility, and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. Key application areas reviewed include edible coatings for fresh and minimally processed fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, and mushrooms; nanocoating of paper-based and polymeric packaging materials to improve gas barrier, mechanical, moisture resistance, and antimicrobial properties; nanocoating of glass or metal containers and active packaging systems, and nanocoating of food contact surfaces to prevent biofouling and microbial contamination. Recent studies confirm that biopolymer-based nanocoatings, particularly those based on chitosan, cellulose nanofibers, and alginate, can significantly extend shelf life, reduce weight loss, retard oxidation, and maintain sensory quality. Migration of nanomaterials from coatings into food systems is identified as a key safety concern. Challenges including scalability, coating durability, substrate compatibility, and incomplete toxicological profiling are critically discussed. This review underscores the need for standardized testing protocols, comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and continued research into durable, food-grade biopolymer nanocoatings as viable replacements for conventional synthetic coating systems in food preservation and packaging. Full article

Plastic-derived chemical additives, including bisphenols, phthalates, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastic-associated contaminants, are now recognised as widespread environmental toxins that measurably affect endocrine signalling, oxidative balance, inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. Continuous exposure through food contact materials, consumer products, and environmental media raises concerns about long-term health effects. An increasing number of epidemiological and experimental studies are linking these exposures to metabolic disorders, reproductive dysfunction, neurodevelopmental alterations, and increased disease susceptibility throughout the lifespan. This narrative review summarises the latest evidence on the toxicological mechanisms of these compounds, with a focus on endocrine disruption, redox imbalance, reproductive impairment, thyroid hormone dysregulation and epigenetic modifications induced by plastic-derived chemicals. Literature was identified through searches of major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Reference screening was also employed to complement these searches and ensure comprehensive coverage of vertebrate and invertebrate models. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies published within the last 10 years, focusing on experimental, experimental, and translational research. The review evaluates phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, isoflavones, catechins, sulforaphane, and chlorogenic acid as natural agents that can mitigate the biological effects of plastic-derived toxicants. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and receptor-modulating properties that counteract pathways disrupted by BPA, phthalates, and PFAS. Experimental studies have demonstrated that phytochemicals can modulate oestrogen receptor activity, enhance detoxification systems, reduce oxidative biomarkers and mitigate epigenetic and metabolic alterations induced by micro- and nanoplastics. Emerging nutritional evidence suggests that diets high in polyphenols may reduce the biological impact of plastic-derived contaminants within the body, rather than reducing exposure itself. This effect appears to be especially relevant during sensitive developmental periods, such as the prenatal, early postnatal and adolescent stages. Full article

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted considerable attention as versatile fluorescent nanomaterials in the domains of food safety and preservation, primarily due to their tunable photoluminescence, high aqueous dispersibility, and favorable biocompatibility. Although numerous reviews have documented the synthesis and extensive applications of CQDs, a focused critical assessment specifically addressing how rational surface functionalization and heteroatom doping impact their performance within complex food matrices remains absent. This review provides a targeted analysis of the interplay between the functional design of CQDs, including both surface group engineering and elemental doping, and their practical efficacy in food-related applications. Initially, a concise overview of the fundamental aspects of CQDs relevant to their functionality is presented, emphasizing the origin and role of surface chemical groups and pivotal photophysical sensing mechanisms. Subsequently, the core of the review critically evaluates recent advancements (particularly those from 2022 onward) in the use of functionalized CQDs for detecting food contaminants (such as heavy metals, pesticide residues, antibiotic residues, pathogens, and additives) and in food preservation techniques, including active packaging, antioxidative and antimicrobial coatings, and photodynamic inactivation. Through a systematic comparison of analytical figures of merit and the effects of various matrices across different design approaches, we delineate both the established capabilities and the current limitations of CQD-based technologies in realistic food systems. The review concludes by identifying ongoing challenges, specifically, batch-to-batch consistency, the long-term safety profile of CQDs in food-contact applications, and the translation gap from laboratory innovation to industrial practice, and outlines prospective research directions. The overarching aim of this work is to provide a structured framework for understanding how deliberate functional design can lead to improved performance, thereby guiding the rational development of next-generation CQD-based materials for ensuring food quality and public health. Full article

Environmental pollution from plastics is largely driven by inadequate waste management, particularly in food packaging that relies heavily on petroleum-derived materials. This study utilized gelatin capsule waste (GCW) as a sustainable biopolymer and incorporated yellow peacock flower extract (YPE), obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), at various concentrations (0–2%, w/v) to develop biodegradable films with enhanced functional and antioxidant properties. The main phenolic constituents of YPE were flavonoid aglycones and their glycosylated derivatives. YPE showed total phenolic content of 98.44–129.34 mg GAE/g dry extract, with ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP antioxidant activities ranging from 5.51 to 8.11, 3.17–7.63, and 3.86–5.82 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively. Incorporation of YPE into GCW films significantly improved light barrier properties, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and antioxidant activity, along with a reduction in water vapor permeability and an increase in contact angle, indicating enhanced film hydrophobicity. All films exhibited excellent biodegradability, with complete disintegration within 15 days under soil burial conditions. Films containing 2% YPE (GF4) showed significantly higher thickness, tensile strength, and thermal stability, along with increased opacity, compared with the control (GF0), indicating a reinforcing effect. FTIR analysis revealed the interaction between protein and phenolic compounds from YPE. In a food application model, GF4 film pouches (5 × 5 cm²) effectively delayed oxidative deterioration of dried shrimp during storage at 25 ± 2 °C for 15 days. These findings highlight YPE as a promising bioactive ingredient for biodegradable active packaging and demonstrate the feasibility of GCW as a sustainable biopolymer for eco-friendly films. Full article

Curcumin, a plant-derived polyphenolic compound, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective effects, and is widely used in food, medicine, and other fields. However, its poor water solubility and easy oxidative degradation limit its extensive application in biomedicine. To solve these problems, a series of biomedical polyurethanes (Cur-PU) with similar molecular weights but different PEG contents were successfully synthesized using HO-PCL-OH and HO-PEG-OH as soft segments and curcumin as a chain extender. The results indicated that increasing the PEG content reduced the T¹_m, T¹_c, and H¹_c of Cur-PU, along with a slower crystallization rate and lower crystallinity. More importantly, a higher PEG content decreased the water contact angle but increased water solubility and water uptake, which, combined with reduced crystallinity, enhanced hydrophilicity, swelling ratio, curcumin release rate, and degradation rate in an enzymatic solution and pH 8.0 buffer. Thus, precise regulation of Cur-PU’s degradation and curcumin release was achieved by controlling the PEG content. Biocompatibility tests confirmed that Cur-PU exhibited excellent antioxidant and antibacterial activities, making it a highly promising biomedical material. Full article

Metanil Yellow (MY), a highly toxic azo dye used in food products, was removed from aqueous solution using a metal- and halide-free ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) adsorbent. MY exhibited a strong affinity towards OMC in batch as well as column operations, and OMC performed much better than previously reported adsorbents. The pH, dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time were optimised, and detailed adsorption experiments were performed under these conditions. Several isotherm models were fitted to the adsorption data, showing that the Langmuir and the Freundlich adsorption models were followed. Adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic at all measurement temperatures. On the basis of pH studies, enthalpy data, and adsorption isotherm analysis, adsorption was determined to be by physisorption. In kinetics studies, the adsorption process was found to be pseudo-second order with interparticle diffusion as the rate-limiting step. Column experiments using a fixed bed of OMC resulted in almost 100% column efficiency and a fractional column capacity of 0.999. During adsorption/desorption cycles of the exhausted column, 99.71% of the dye was recovered after the first cycle and 97.66% after the eleventh. These findings indicate that OMC is a promising and efficient material for the adsorptive removal of toxic MY dye. Full article

Modification of PLA with functional nanoparticles is a promising approach for imparting new properties to the material. In this work, titanium nanoparticles (Ti NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) were synthesized by laser ablation and characterized by dynamic light scattering, spectrophotometry, and transmission electron microscopy. The average hydrodynamic diameter of Ti NPs was 12 nm, while that of TiO₂ NPs was 24 nm; both dispersions possessed a positive zeta potential (23–27 mV) and spherical morphology. L-PLA composite films containing 0.1 wt.% Ti NPs or TiO₂ NPs were obtained by solution casting. Atomic force and modulation-interference microscopy confirmed the uniform distribution of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix, although partial aggregation was observed. The introduction of TiO₂ NPs increased the water contact angle. Mechanical testing revealed a significant reinforcing effect: the addition of 0.1 wt.% NPs increased the Young’s modulus by 62–68% and the ultimate tensile strength by 16–18% while maintaining a ductile fracture pattern with elongation at break up to ~8%. Both types of composites generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aqueous solutions: Ti NPs increased H₂O₂ production by 5.5 times and TiO₂ NPs by 4.9 times, and they also induced the formation of hydroxyl radicals. The accumulation of 8-oxoguanine in DNA and long-lived oxidized protein species confirmed the materials’ ability to cause oxidative damage to biomacromolecules. For E. coli, growth inhibition reached 40.5% (for composites with Ti NPs) and 71% (for composites with TiO₂ NPs). The effect was even more pronounced for S. aureus, where inhibition levels were approximately 70% and 80%, respectively; flow cytometry confirmed the strong bactericidal effect, showing that materials containing TiO₂ NPs increased the proportion of dead cells to 25% for E. coli and ~68% for S. aureus. Cytotoxicity assessment on human fibroblasts (HSF) demonstrated the high biocompatibility of neat L-PLA and composites with Ti NPs (viability > 95%) and with TiO₂ NPs (viability ~93%). The obtained results indicate that L-PLA-based composites with Ti NPs and TiO₂ NPs exhibit pronounced ROS-mediated antibacterial activity without additional UV irradiation. These findings position these materials as highly promising candidates for active biodegradable food packaging to extend shelf-life and for biomedical devices, such as wound dressings and implants, where reducing the risk of bacterial colonization is critical. Full article

The rapidly growing concern over the hazardous impact of phthalates on the environment and public health has led to a critical need for alternative and environmentally friendly plastics. Plasticizers developed from natural materials represent one possible solution. This paper explores four types of renewable feedstocks (sorbitol/polyols, glycerin, cardanol from cashew nutshell liquid, and limonene from citrus peels) as sources for developing alternative plasticizer systems. Key areas explored include the type of feedstock utilized, the methods used for extracting or processing the feedstocks, the nature of the chemical modification processes (e.g., esterification, epoxidation, etherification, or reactive grafting) applied to generate the respective plasticizers, and the resultant physical and mechanical properties. The performance of each plasticizer system in polymers such as PVC, PLA, and polysaccharide-based bioplastics is evaluated, alongside the compatibility with biological tissues, toxicological properties, biodegradability, and chemical migration into food simulants. The feasibility of each family of plasticizers is also assessed from an economic perspective, including availability of the feedstocks, economies of scale associated with large-volume production, and competitive pricing relative to established petroleum-derived plasticizers. Overall, sorbitol/polyol and glycerin derivative families have reached a level of maturity that provides a good balance of processability, food-contact safety, and biodegradability. Cardanol-based systems provide an attractive option where aromatic functional groups and combined plasticization–stabilization effects are needed. Limonene-derived plasticizer systems appear promising for use in PLA, but their broader utility may be limited by volatility, strong odors, and susceptibility to oxidation. Common issues identified across all four families include chemical migration into food products, regulatory approval, and the need for detailed life-cycle assessments. Full article

Silicone food contact materials (FCMs) pose potential health risks due to the migration of siloxanes. This study presents a comprehensive migration profiling of 35 siloxanes (cyclic D3–D22 and linear L2–L14) from 30 silicone FCMs, with migration tests rigorously conducted under worst-case intended-use scenarios to ensure conservative and reliable exposure estimates. Methodological innovations include an expanded analytical scope, age-stratified exposure assessment across seven age groups, and a multi-tiered risk evaluation framework. The results reveal that migration behaviors were affected by simulant polarity, siloxane solubility, and silicone thermal stability. The risk evaluation framework integrates aggregate migration limits for total cyclic (D3–D13) and total cyclic plus linear siloxanes (D3–D13, L3–L13), complemented by individual siloxane assessment via Risk Quotient (RQ) and Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approaches. While the total migration of cyclic siloxanes exceeded the proposed action limit of 12 mg/kg for adults in several samples and 2 mg/kg for children in most samples, granular assessment revealed divergent risks: Cyclic D4 and D5 showed negligible risk (RQ < 5). In contrast, D3 migration posed a potential concern (RQ > 5), especially for individuals aged >13 years. Notably, the estimated exposures to 14 siloxanes with low molecular weight (<1000 Da), including highly prevalent D6 and L12 with detection frequency >90%, exceeded the TTC threshold across all age groups, highlighting unaddressed risks that are not captured by aggregate action limits. This work underscores the need for substance-specific, age-specific risk evaluations and regulatory updates for silicone FCMs. Full article