Natural colorants/pigments are nowadays gaining popularity due to increased consumer awareness and severe health problems caused by the use of synthetic pigments. The efficient extraction of natural pigments from different plant sources leads to their effective application as substitutes for synthetic pigments in the food processing sector. In the present review, authors discussed the mechanistic approach of a novel ultrasonication technique in the extraction of natural color pigments having potential bio-functional characteristics leading to numerous health benefits. The recent advancements in the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of plant pigments including anthocyanins, betalains, carotenoids, and chlorophyll were explored. The most significant observations were that the extraction efficiency improved due to the phenomenon of cavitation, low installation and maintenance costs, and reduced energy requirement. Further, the optimum extraction conditions, stability, and bioaccessibility of the pigment compound significantly impact the process parameters.Moreover, recent progress in enhancing the performance of the UAE technique was addressed. Practical applicationsUltrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is an effective way to improve the recovery of natural pigments from plants. Ultrasound treatment is a novel green extraction technology that offers a wide range of benefits. The present review conveys a better understanding of UAE mechanisms and optimum conditions of extracted pigments from different plant sources for their effective use as a natural colorant in food applications on an industrial scale.

Elephant foot yam starch (EFYS) is modified by the pulsed electric field (PEF, 4–16 kV cm−1) and used for the development of the biodegradable film. The increase in PEF intensity increases the oil (1.66–2.22 g g−1) and water absorption capacity (1.79–2.08 g g−1) and reduces the gelatinization temperature (Tg) and enthalpy (ΔΗ). Storage modulus (G') is found to be higher than loss modulus (G"), indicating strong gel characteristics of EFYS. Electrical intensity affects the degree of crystallinity and disrupts the granule's surface. Film prepared with PEF‐modified EFYS and different concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 25%, 50%, and 90%) shows that the increase in the concentration of PVA results in increased thickness, tensile strength, % elongation, water vapor permeability, water vapor transmission rate, seal strength, and solubility. PEF modification increases the film's mechanical and moisture barrier properties. The study proves that PEF changes the physico‐functional and structural characteristics of EFYS, making it suitable to be used in the biodegradable film.