Biotechnology Approaches for Sustainable Food Waste Management
A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Biotechnology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2025 | Viewed by 667
Special Issue Editors
Interests: industrial processes; bioprocesses; biotechnology; bioenergy; fermentative processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in addressing food waste sustainably by transforming waste into valuable products. Various biotechnological approaches, such as microbial fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis, and anaerobic digestion, help convert food waste into biofuels, bioplastics, animal feed, and fertilizers. Microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, are used to break down organic waste efficiently, reducing landfill accumulation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Advanced techniques like genetic engineering enhance microbial efficiency in decomposing waste, while biorefineries integrate multiple processes to extract maximum value from discarded food. Composting with bioengineered microbes accelerates decomposition, producing nutrient-rich compost for agriculture. Anaerobic digestion generates biogas, a renewable energy source, while fermentation transforms food waste into organic acids, bioethanol, and biopolymers.
Additionally, food waste valorization through biotechnological innovations supports a circular economy by converting surplus food into functional ingredients or sustainable packaging materials. Precision fermentation can produce alternative proteins, reducing reliance on traditional animal agriculture. These approaches align with global sustainability goals, minimizing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency.
Implementing biotechnology-driven food waste management requires supportive policies, industry collaboration, and public awareness to scale up solutions. By leveraging biotechnology, food waste can become a valuable resource, fostering a sustainable and waste-free food system.
Dr. Walter José Martínez-Burgos
Guest Editor
Dr. Josilene Lima Serra
Guest Editor Assistant
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- biotechnology
- sustainable food waste management
- bioconversion
- anaerobic digestion
- composting
- enzymatic hydrolysis
- microbial fermentation
- bioenergy production
- waste valorization
- circular economy
- food waste recycling
- bioplastics
- nutrient recovery
- industrial biotechnology
- organic waste treatment
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