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The utilization of edible insects (EIs) as an alternative source of nutrients and functional foods has gained substantial recognition in recent years, opening doors to sustainable food production, improved dietary health, and unique food experiences. EIs are rich in bioactive compounds (BACs) encompassing proteins, peptides, PUFA, vitamins, and antioxidants. These BACs have a wide array of health-enhancing qualities, from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune system-modulating effects. Furthermore, the potential of EIs extends to the management or mitigation of health conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and malnutrition. The incorporation of EIs into food systems has evolved beyond traditional consumption, with applications in the development of functional foods, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. In this context, this critical review aims to amalgamate the most recent developments in the realm of EIs-based food products, in addition to elucidating the most efficient process intensification procedures for the extraction and recovery of these BACs. The sustainable utilization of EIs calls for a careful examination of several crucial considerations, including consumer acceptance or allergenicity. In this respect, intensified technologies have emerged to maximize the potential of BACs derived from EIs, while simultaneously enhancing their functionality, stability, and regulatory approval within the ambit of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae contain a diverse range of high-value compounds that can be utilized directly or fractionated to obtain components with even greater value-added potential. With the use of microalgae for food and medical purposes, there is a growing interest in their digestive properties and impact on human gut health. The extraction, separation, and purification of these components are key processes in the industrial application of microalgae. Innovative technologies used to extract and purify microalgal high-added-value compounds are key for their efficient utilization and evaluation. This review's comprehensive literature review was performed to highlight the main high-added-value microalgal components. The technologies for obtaining bioactive compounds from microalgae are being developed rapidly, various innovative, efficient, green separation and purification technologies are emerging, thus helping in the scaling-up and subsequent commercialization of microalgae products. Finally, the digestive behavior of microalgae nutrients and their health effects on the human gut microbiota were discussed. Microalgal nutrients exhibit favorable digestive properties and certain components have been shown to benefit gut microbes. The reality that must be faced is that multiple processes are still required for microalgae raw materials to final usable products, involving energy, time consumption and loss of ingredients, which still face challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract \nHIGHLIGHTS Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the response to immune checkpoint therapy, therefore modulation of the microbiome with bioactive molecules like carotenoids might be a very effective strategy to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This review highlights the bio-functional effect of carotenoids on Gut Microbiota modulation based on a bibliographic search of the different databases. The methodology given in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) has been employed for developing this review using papers published over two decades considering keywords related to carotenoids and gut microbiota. Moreover, studies related to the health-promoting properties of carotenoids and their utilization in the modulation of gut microbiota have been presented. Results showed that there can be quantitative changes in intestinal bacteria as a function of the type of carotenoid. Due to the dependency on several factors, gut microbiota continues to be a broad and complex study subject. Carotenoids are promising in the modulation of Gut Microbiota, which favored the appearance of beneficial bacteria, resulting in the protection of villi and intestinal permeability. In conclusion, it can be stated that carotenoids may help to protect the integrity of the intestinal epithelium from pathogens and activate immune cells. Gut microbiota plays an essential role in regulating the immune checkpoint therapy Carotenoids are promising molecules in the alteration of gut microbiota Carotenoids activate the immune cells resulting in a low incidence of oxidative stress Gut microbiota plays an essential role in regulating the immune checkpoint therapyCarotenoids are promising molecules in the alteration of gut microbiotaCarotenoids activate the immune cells resulting in a low incidence of oxidative stress [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]