Natural Biomolecules: Emerging Technologies Towards Novel Food Formulation Development

Dear Colleagues,

Novel foods are newly developed food formulations, derived from new sources and produced using innovative technologies and production processes. With innovation and globalization, a large number of food-derived bioactive phytochemicals are now being incorporated and consumed as novel foods because they play vital roles in diverse preventive and therapeutic effects in chronic diseases. This has resulted in the rising demand by consumers for natural-based food formulations with enhanced nutritional values, enriched with health-promoting biomolecules and improved functional, physical, and sensorial food properties. Additionally, there is also an increased awareness among consumers about environmental and sustainability concerns regarding the origin, safety, and environmental implications of some of the ingredients used in food and nutraceutical formulations. Nevertheless, these bioactive derived ingredients are faced with a plethora of challenges such as sensitivity to process and environmental conditions, poor stability during food preparation and storage, and low bioavailability.

This Special Issue is focused within the framework of the Knowledge Hub on Food and Nutrition Security initiative, designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and networking towards sustainable food and agriculture. The aims are to collect and publish recent reviews and research articles in the recovery of natural bioactive molecules through extraction optimization methodologies and isolation and refinement techniques; chemical characterization using advanced analytical techniques; bioassay evaluation focused on, but not limited to, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties; elucidation of their mechanisms of action; improved methods for assessing bioactive components and their bioaccessibility/bioavailability according to food matrix; and functional food formulation, characterization, and stabilization techniques using emerging encapsulation, stabilization, and controlled release techniques.

Prof. Dr. Lillian Barros
Prof. Dr. Ana Maria Pereira Gomes
Dr. Taofiq Oludemi
Guest Editors

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