Multifunctional Applications of Natural Extracts: Current Status and Trends

Dear Colleagues,

Natural products, whether derived from plants, microorganisms, marine organisms or fungi, are valuable sources of biologically active compounds with a wide spectrum of applications in the food industries. The growing interest in health and well-being has driven research in the area of foods. A diet rich in essential nutrients and enriched with nutraceuticals can play a crucial role in the prevention and/or treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer and degenerative diseases. With the current trend of consumers looking for natural products, due to growing concerns about health, it is necessary to explore the use of natural products and their derivatives as antioxidants or antimicrobial agents, replacing synthetic preservatives.

Active packaging, through the addition of additive agents in the material or in the free space between the packaging and the food, can improve its performance by releasing components into the food. These active packaging technologies are essential for preserving the quality of food and extending its shelf life, meeting consumer demand for high-quality natural products. Therefore, continued research and development of these active packaging techniques is essential to the advancement of the food industry.

Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the use of natural products has great relevance in the food industry. Continuous research and development of new applications for these natural products are fundamental to the food industriy.

This Special Issue entitled “Multifunctional Applications of Natural Extracts: Current Status and Trends” aims to publish original scientific articles on obtaining, identifying and applying natural products in foods and evaluating functional foods. In vitro and in vivo studies related to nutraceuticals and functional food packaging are also encouraged.

Best regards,

Prof. Dr. Rogério Luis Cansian
Guest Editor

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• natural products
• biological activity
• functional food packaging
• nutraceutical
• functional foods