Chemical and Functional Characterization of Novel Plant Proteins
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 218
Special Issue Editor
Interests: plant-based proteins; alternative proteins; chemical modifications; nutritional properties; functional properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The growing interest in novel plant proteins reflects an urgent need for sustainable, high-quality protein sources and a deeper scientific understanding of their chemical and functional behavior. This Special Issue, “Chemical and Functional Characterization of Novel Plant Proteins,” invites cutting-edge research that advances fundamental knowledge of the molecular composition, structural organization, and physicochemical attributes of emerging plant-derived proteins.
We particularly welcome studies employing advanced analytical, spectroscopic, chromatographic, or rheological techniques to elucidate protein conformation, aggregation behavior, and interactions within complex food matrices. Contributions that uncover mechanistic relationships between protein structure and techno-functional performance—such as solubility, emulsification, foaming, gelling, thermal stability, or viscoelasticity—are highly encouraged.
Equally valuable are investigations addressing the effects of extraction conditions, processing technologies, and enzymatic or physical modifications on molecular integrity and functionality. We also invite research exploring how chemical characteristics influence digestibility, bioactivity, and potential health-related effects.
By bringing together rigorous chemical characterization and functional evaluation, this Special Issue aims to stimulate innovative, interdisciplinary approaches and provide a comprehensive platform for advancing the science of novel plant proteins. We warmly encourage authors to submit original research articles and high-quality reviews contributing to this rapidly evolving field.
Dr. Joanna Miedzianka
Guest Editor
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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
- novel plant proteins
- chemical characterization
- functional properties
- protein structure–function relationships
- extraction and modification techniques
- techno-functional behavior
- protein digestibility and bioactivity
- sustainable protein sources
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