Application of Analytical Methods in Food, Drug, and Natural Products Research: 3rd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Natural products, foods, and drugs are part of our daily lives, and the boundary between them is often blurred. Traditionally, natural products were used as possible alternatives to drugs, but they have attained increasing attention in recent years. Today, natural products can be found in different areas, e.g., in cosmetics, where their potential beneficial effects are exploited, or in pharmaceutical formulations, where their possible deficiencies are integrated, to mention just a few fields of their application. Food can be viewed as a particular type of natural product. In fact, even in the gastronomic sector, there is growing interest in organic products, grown and harvested following environmentally friendly procedures. This interest in high-quality foodstuffs and natural products highlights the awareness of their use and assumptions regarding their salubrious effects on consumers. Despite the clear benefits that food and natural products can provide, there are situations in which it is necessary to develop synthetic pharmaceutical drugs. Consequently, on the one hand, it is of interest to understand the characteristics and properties of food and natural products; on the other, it is still necessary for old and new drugs to be studied and developed to expand our resources for treating diseases and ailments. In light of these considerations, it is clear that analytical chemistry plays a key role, to investigate these substances, characterize their properties, and evaluate any advantages or disadvantages of their intake.

This Special Issue aims to collate papers focused on applications of analytical methodologies finalized for the characterization of food, natural products, and drugs. In light of this, the submission of research focused on the use of analytical tools to assess these products is highly encouraged. If they cover the same areas of interest, reviews that provide an overview of the latest trends in this regard are also very welcome to be submitted.

Dr. Alessandra Biancolillo
Dr. Angelo Antonio D'Archivio
Guest Editors

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