Natural Antioxidants from Plant-Based By-Products: Mechanisms and Applications in Food Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The growing demand for sustainable and health-oriented food solutions has driven increased interest in natural antioxidants derived from agro-industrial by-products. These bioactive compounds—particularly polyphenols—present in grape pomace, almond skins, olive leaves, and other plant-based residues, offer promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and functional properties. Their incorporation into food systems, especially meat and processed products, can improve shelf life, safety, nutritional value, and sensory quality while contributing to waste reduction and circular economy practices.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances in the extraction, characterization, mechanisms of action, and practical applications of natural antioxidants from plant-based by-products. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies related to the following:

• Innovative extraction and valorization techniques;
• Antioxidant mechanisms at molecular and cellular levels;
• Application in food preservation and formulation;
• Impact on product quality, safety, and shelf life.

Contributions from multidisciplinary approaches, including food science, chemistry, biotechnology, and nutrition, are highly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. María Jesús Petrón Testón
Guest Editor

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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.