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Abstract In vivo, molecular imaging is prevalent for biology research and therapeutic practice. Among advanced imaging technologies, photoacoustic (PA) imaging and sensing is gaining interest around the globe due its exciting features like high resolution and good (~ few cm) penetration depth. PA imaging is a recent development in ultrasonic technology that generates acoustic waves by absorbing optical energy. However, poor light penetration through tissue continues to be the key obstacle in the field. The NPs as contrast agents can assist in overcoming tissue penetration depth as NPs can produce high signal to noise (SNR) PA signal which aids reconstruction of high resolution of the PA images in deep tissue sights. Subsequently, NPs are very effective in PA based targeted and precise theranostic applications. This article detail about various NPs (organic, inorganic and hybrid) used in PA imaging and spectroscopy applications including various disease diagnosis, therapy and theranostic. It also features optical property, advantages and limitations of various NPs utilised in PA techniques which would comprehend readers about the potential of NPs in evolving PA technique from laboratory to clinical modality in future. Graphical abstract

Pectin is a heterogeneous hydrocolloid present in the primary cell wall and middle lamella in all dicotyledonous plants, more commonly in the outer fruit coat or peel as compared to the inner matrix. Presently, citrus fruits and apple fruits are the main sources for commercial extraction of pectin, but ongoing research on pectin extraction from alternate fruit sources and fruit wastes from processing industries will be of great help in waste product reduction and enhancing the production of pectin. Pectin shows multifunctional applications including in the food industry, the health and pharmaceutical sector, and in packaging regimes. Pectin is commonly utilized in the food industry as an additive in foods such as jams, jellies, low calorie foods, stabilizing acidified milk products, thickener and emulsifier. Pectin is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of medicines that reduce blood cholesterol level and cure gastrointestinal disorders, as well as in cancer treatment. Pectin also finds use in numerous other industries, such as in the preparation of edible films and coatings, paper substitutes and foams. Due to these varied uses of pectin in different applications, there is a great necessity to explore other non-conventional sources or modify existing sources to obtain pectin with desired quality attributes to some extent by rational modifications of pectin with chemical and enzymatic treatments.

Storage stability of apple, persimmon, peach and pear fruit rolls prepared by incorporating outer peel of fruits after packing in laminated pouches(150 gauge) and polythene pouches (200 gauge) and storage under refrigerated and ambient temperature was evaluated. The packing of fruit rolls in laminated pouches followed by storage under refrigerated conditions (4-5 oC) upto six months resulting in minimum changes in quality as compared to ambient temperature. During 6 months of storage, an increase in mean moisture content from 13.43 to 15.43% was noticed in polythene pouches whereas, decrease in moisture content from 13.43 to 13.35% was noticed in laminated pouches. After 6 months of storage, ascorbic acid decreased from 14.27 to 13.83, total phenols from 810.12 to 755.24 mg 100 g-1, free radical scavenging activity from 73.10 to 67.18%, total carotenoids from 9.60 to 7.93 mg 100 g-1, and crude fibre contents decreased from 1.75 to 1.38% irrespective of fruit roll type and storage temperature. The packing of fruits rolls in laminated pouches followed by storage at refrigerated conditions is optimized for storage of fruit rolls.