Unlocking the Potential of Agro-Forestry Residues: Biomolecules for Diverse Applications and Multifunctional Uses
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 4
Special Issue Editors
Interests: wood technology; wood chemistry; circular economy; biorefinery; forestry; coatings; wood decay
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: wood technology; wood chemistry; circular economy; biorefinery; forestry; coatings; wood decay
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Agro-forestry residues represent a largely untapped yet highly promising source of bioactive compounds and functional biomolecules. In the current context of advancing the circular bioeconomy, the recycling and valorization of agricultural and forest by-products—traditionally considered waste—have become an urgent scientific and industrial priority. These residues can be transformed into high-value biomolecules with multifunctional properties, offering sustainable alternatives for a wide range of applications. Particularly important are biomolecules with biocidal activity, which open new avenues in material protection, environmental remediation, and human and plant health promotion. Moreover, the development of nanostructured forms of these biomolecules is gaining traction, enabling enhanced efficacy and innovative delivery strategies. Such nanoinnovations significantly broaden the application potential of agro-forestry-derived compounds. This Special Issue invites the submission of original research articles, reviews, and case studies focusing on the extraction, structural and functional characterization, modification, and application of biomolecules obtained from agro-forestry residues.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Sustainable extraction and purification techniques;
- Structural and functional characterization of bioactive compounds;
- Functional properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and biocidal activity;
- Nanostructured formulations for targeted or enhanced applications;
- Uses in textiles, water purification systems, soil remediation, and material protection (coatings, packaging);
- Biorefinery models and circular economy integration.
By fostering dialogue between researchers from different fields, this Special Issue seeks to highlight the multifunctionality of biomolecules from agro-forestry residues and their role in building a more sustainable future.
Prof. Dr. Manuela Romagnoli
Guest Editor
Dr. Swati Tamantini
Guest Editor Assistant
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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.
Keywords
- waste management
- recycling
- lignin
- tannins
- cellulose
- additives
- eco-friendly materials
- nanotechnology
- sustainability
- circular economy
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
