Advances in Biopolymers for Food Science and Technology

Advances in Biopolymers for Food Science and Technology brings together the latest techniques for the preparation of bio-based polymeric materials for novel food applications. Sections introduce biopolymers and their various polysaccharide and protein sources, addressing biopolymers from marine sources in particular. Food design using biopolymers, and their preparation as gels and composites are then discussed in detail. This is followed by in-depth chapters that guide the reader through specific applications, including fat replacement products, delivery systems, food emulsions, micro- and nano-encapsulation, nanovehicles, nanostructures, nanofilms, antimicrobial peptides, food coatings, food packaging, smart monitoring, cryoprotection, and cultured meat production. Finally, the various challenges regarding sustainability of food packaging are addressed. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students across polymer science, food science, chemistry, packaging, nanotechnology, and materials science, as well as industrial scientists and R&D professionals with an interest in biopolymers for advanced applications in food products and packaging.

• Covers biopolymers from a range of sources and their preparation as composites, gels, and coatings
• Explores applications across food structure design, smart packaging systems, encapsulation, and nutraceuticals
• Offers case studies and analyzes experimental data on biopolymeric materials for food applications

Dr. Kunal Pal is a Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India. His major research interests revolve around biomedical signal processing, biomedical equipment design, soft materials, and controlled drug delivery. He has published more than 100 publications in SCI-cited journals of high repute.

Dr. Preetam Sarkar is an Assistant Professor of Food Sciences at the Department of Food Process Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, India. He completed his Ph.D. in Food Sciences from Purdue University, USA. The research at Dr. Sarkar’s lab at NIT Rourkela focuses on the development of delivery vehicles such as emulsions, films and coatings, for the protection of bioactive compounds such as antimicrobial agents for food safety applications. He has published 30 articles in SCI journals, 10 book chapters, and co-edited 3 books.

Dr Miguel Cerqueira is a Staff Researcher at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Portugal. His research focuses on developing sustainable, plant-based materials; polymer gels, specifically, oleogels; and innovative technologies such as encapsulation of functional compounds. He is the principal investigator for several research projects and has supervised over 20 Masters and PhD students. Dr Cerqueira has published more than 120 articles and is the editor of 6 books. In 2014, he won the Young Scientist Award, and in 2018, he joined the list of "Highly Cited Researchers" presented by Clarivate Analytics.