From Biomolecules to Bioprocesses: Biochemical and Biotechnological Advances in Agri-Food Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Research on agri-food systems is undergoing a significant shift, from the basic characterization of biomolecules toward their concrete valorization as functional ingredients, nutraceuticals, or industrial building blocks. For decades, research has focused primarily on molecule discovery and compositional analysis; the current challenge is to translate this large body of basic knowledge into biotechnological processes capable of delivering real, scalable value.

This shift requires bridging the gap between different research levels: from the biochemical and structural understanding of agri-food-derived biomolecules, through their biotechnological production and processing, to their integration into viable products and applications. Enzymatic and fermentative bioprocessing, structural and computational characterization, and delivery technologies are central to this shift. The growing emphasis on the circular economy is pushing research in the same direction: agri-food residues and by-products are increasingly seen as valuable biotechnological resources, not simply as waste to be disposed of.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, which aims to bring together research that advances this transition—from basic molecular understanding to concrete biotechnological valorization—across the agri-food sector.

This Special Issue aims to collect research that reflects how academia and industry are responding to this shift, from biomolecules to bioprocesses and from the laboratory to the field. Sustainable extraction methods and molecular-level investigations are paving the way for biotechnological innovations that transform agri-food resources into high-value biomolecules, innovative products, and sustainable bioprocesses with real, near-market potential.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Up-cycling and valorization of agri-food by-products (circular economy approaches);
• Discovery and characterization of bioactive biomolecules from agri-food sources;
• Enzymatic and fermentative bioprocessing strategies;
• Structure–function relationships of proteins and peptides;
• Bioactivity screening and functional validation;
• Formulation, encapsulation, and delivery approaches for bioactive molecules;
• Case studies bridging basic research and biotechnological/industrial valorization.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Chiara Magni
Guest Editor

Dr. Davide Emide
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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