Plant and Algal Antioxidants in Stress Defence
A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "ROS, RNS and RSS".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 3
Special Issue Editors
Interests: plant toxicology; abiotic and biotic stress; nanoparticles; ultrastructural changes; changes in proteome; oxidative stress; terrestrial plant; aquatic plants; microalgae
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue will focus on bioactive compounds of plant and algal origin with pronounced antioxidant properties and their role in protecting cells and organisms from various forms of stress, including oxidative, environmental, biotic and abiotic stress. Plants and algae produce a wide range of antioxidants, from enzyme systems to small molecules such as polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopherols, glutathione and other secondary metabolites that play a key role in maintaining redox balance and adapting to stressful conditions.
We aim to synthesize contemporary research that explains the mechanisms of action, biosynthesis, regulation and biological effects of these compounds, as well as their roles in signalling networks, defence responses and adaptation processes. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between the structure and function of antioxidants and their potential for biotechnological and industrial applications in nutrition, pharmacy and medicine.
We also encourage papers that bridge basic and applied research, using interdisciplinary approaches such as “omics” technologies, advanced microscopy, analytical chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology. Our aim is to deepen the understanding of antioxidant systems in plants and algae and highlight their potential in protecting the environment and human health.
Relevant topics include, but are not limited to,
- Identification and characterization of antioxidant compounds from plants and algae;
- Biosynthetic pathways and regulation of antioxidant production;
- Molecular mechanisms of antioxidant defence and stress protection;
- Role of antioxidants in photosynthetic organisms under abiotic or biotic stress;
- Comparative studies of antioxidant activity and efficacy;
- Effects of environmental factors on antioxidant metabolism;
- Extraction, purification and structural identification of natural antioxidant compounds;
- Bioassays and omics approaches in antioxidant research;
- Application of plant and algal antioxidants in food, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries;
- Interactions between antioxidants and signalling pathways in stress responses.
We welcome original research articles and comprehensive reviews from the fields of molecular biology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, ecotoxicology, biotechnology and related disciplines that contribute to the understanding of bioactive plant and algal antioxidant compounds and their stress-protective roles.
Dr. Petra Peharec Štefanić
Guest Editor
Dr. Bruno Komazec
Guest Editor Assistant
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antioxidants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- plant antioxidants
- algal antioxidants
- oxidative stress
- bioactive compounds
- ROS
- abiotic stress
- biotic stress
- antioxidant enzymes
- secondary metabolites
- stress physiology
- phytochemicals
- natural antioxidants
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