The increasing consumer demand for chemical-free food products has driven the food industry toward safer, natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives. Synthetic additives, although effective in preserving food quality and extending shelf life, have raised concerns due to their potential health risks and negative consumer perceptions. Consequently, there is a growing interest in natural antimicrobial agents. and bio-preservatives, which offer safer and environmentally friendly solutions.
Background and Rationale
Traditional chemical preservatives, though effective, often raise concerns regarding toxicity, allergic reactions, and long-term health risks. With growing awareness about food safety and sustainability, the industry is shifting towards natural antimicrobial agents such as plant extracts (e.g., essential oils), microbial metabolites (e.g., bacteriocins like nisin), and enzymes (e.g., lysozyme). These natural compounds not only inhibit microbial growth but also meet consumer demand for 'natural' and 'organic' labeling.
Objectives
- To identify and evaluate potential natural antimicrobial agents from plant, microbial, and animal sources.
- To study their effectiveness against common foodborne pathogens (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Salmonella).
- To assess the impact of these bio-preservatives on the sensory, nutritional, and physicochemical properties of selected food products.
- To develop formulation strategies for their application in food systems (e.g., dairy, meat, and ready-to-eat products).
Topics of interest
The issue will cover a range of topics, including, but not limited to:
- Introduction to Natural Antimicrobials and Bio-Preservatives
- Synergistic Effects with Other Preservation Methods
- Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Action
- Use with nanotechnology for delivery systems
- Evaluation Techniques for Antimicrobial Activity
- Regulatory and Safety Considerations
- Applications in Food Systems
- Stability during processing and storage
- Impact on Sensory and Nutritional Properties
- Genetic engineering for improved bio-preservative production
- Smart packaging with integrated antimicrobials
- Future Prospects and Research Directions
- Artificial Intelligence and preservative research
Target Audience
Researchers are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, and visionary perspectives relevant to the scope of the special issue.
Benefits of submitting by the deadline
- No article processing charges
- Complimentary language editing
For further details, please contact the editorial office at: info@scifiniti.com