About this Research Topic
In the rapidly expanding global agricultural sector, approximately 55 million metric tons of food waste are generated annually, with fruits and vegetables contributing 16.5 to 20.5 million metric tons in the form of peels, seeds, and other byproducts. Significantly, these byproducts are rich in bioactive compounds, yet conventionally, they have been underutilized, often discarded or used merely as animal feed, which contributes to considerable economic losses and environmental damage due to methane emissions from decomposing waste materials.
This Research Topic aims to explore innovative extraction and utilization methods for these valuable bioactive compounds. Emphasizing a "trash to treasure" approach, we seek to employ greener extraction technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and supercritical fluid extraction to recover nutrients efficiently. These processes not only promise to minimize the environmental impact but also enhance the economic viability of using agro-industrial residues. Recovered bioactives can be utilized in various applications including functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic products, all while adhering to safety and quality standards recognized globally.
To gather further insights within this dynamic field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Extraction of bioactive compounds from plant wastes/by-products
• Utilization of bioactives in food systems
• Green and sustainable extraction techniques
• Economic and ecological assessments
• Clinical trials and therapeutic studies of bioactives
• Fermentation techniques for waste utilization
• Development of nutraceuticals and functional foods
• Advances in nano-fiber technology and encapsulation
• Synergistic approaches in waste utilization
This Research Topic aims to explore innovative extraction and utilization methods for these valuable bioactive compounds. Emphasizing a "trash to treasure" approach, we seek to employ greener extraction technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and supercritical fluid extraction to recover nutrients efficiently. These processes not only promise to minimize the environmental impact but also enhance the economic viability of using agro-industrial residues. Recovered bioactives can be utilized in various applications including functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic products, all while adhering to safety and quality standards recognized globally.
To gather further insights within this dynamic field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Extraction of bioactive compounds from plant wastes/by-products
• Utilization of bioactives in food systems
• Green and sustainable extraction techniques
• Economic and ecological assessments
• Clinical trials and therapeutic studies of bioactives
• Fermentation techniques for waste utilization
• Development of nutraceuticals and functional foods
• Advances in nano-fiber technology and encapsulation
• Synergistic approaches in waste utilization
Keywords: Agricultural wastes, Bioactive compounds, green extraction, Nutrition, Green chemistry.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
