Composition and Bioactive Components of Plant Oils and Influence of Extraction Technologies on Their Characteristics

Dear Colleagues,

As plant oils are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, tocopherols, phytosterols, and essential fatty acids, they have been used for centuries in food, medicine, and cosmetics. With the growing demand for sustainable and health-promoting ingredients, modern research has examined advanced extraction technologies (e.g., supercritical CO₂, cold pressing, and enzyme-assisted extraction) and their effects on oils’ stability, bioactivity, and sensory properties.

This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements in plant oil research, including these oils’ nutritional, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. It will cover fundamental studies, innovative extraction methods, and the impact of processing techniques on oils’ quality, functionality, and retention of bioactivity.

We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, and short communications on the following:

• Novel extraction techniques (e.g., using ultrasound, microwaves, and green solvents);
• The profiling of bioactive components and their health benefits (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties);
• The impact of processing (refining, storage, encapsulation) on the oil quality;
• Sustainable and zero-waste production methods;
• The use of omics technologies (genomics, metabolomics) in oil crop improvement;
• Functional applications in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food fortification;
• Comparative studies of traditional vs. emerging extraction methods;
• The structure–function relationships of bioactive lipids;
• The stability enhancement and shelf-life extension of plant oils;
• The industrial scalability and economic feasibility of new technologies;
• Clinical and preclinical studies on plant oils’ bioactive effects.

Dr. Yunping Yao
Prof. Dr. Emma Chiavaro
Guest Editors

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