Integration of Chemical, Biotechnological, and Process Engineering Tools for Sustainable and Circular Food Manufacturing

Dear Colleagues,

The global transition toward sustainable and circular food systems requires innovative approaches that merge food chemistry, biotechnology, and food process engineering. The integration of these disciplines enables the valorisation of food by-products, the development of novel bioprocesses, and the optimization of manufacturing pathways to minimize waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact.

This Special Issue of Molecules aims to collect cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that explore molecular, biotechnological, and engineering solutions for sustainable food manufacturing. Contributions are welcome that address fundamental studies, applied technologies, and systemic approaches linking chemical characterization, bioconversion, and process intensification within a circular economy framework.

We particularly encourage interdisciplinary works that bridge laboratory-scale molecular insights with industrial-scale process design.

Topics of Interest

• Green and sustainable chemistry in food manufacturing and processing;
• Biotechnological valorization of food waste and by-products;
• Enzymatic and microbial bioprocesses for ingredient recovery and synthesis;
• Process intensification and integration strategies for circular food production;
• Novel extraction and purification techniques of food bioactives based on green solvents and biocompatible media;
• Metabolic and synthetic biology tools for food-grade molecule production;
• Smart process monitoring and control in bioprocess and food engineering;
• Upcycling of agro-industrial residues through combined chemical and biotechnological routes;
• Molecular characterization of bioactive compounds in sustainable formulations.

We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Dr. Monica Rosa Loizzo
Dr. Vincenzo Sicari
Guest Editors

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