Journal: Current Nutrition and Food Science
Guest editor(s):Dr. DEBASHIS DUTTA
Co-Guest Editor(s): Dr. SHANKAR KHADE

Introduction

Food waste presents a significant challenge across the postharvest cycle, from agricultural production to distribution. However, within this waste lies a treasure trove of bioactive chemicals that hold immense potential for nutraceuticals, functional foods, and postharvest additives, including antimicrobials. Various extraction methods, such as solvent extraction (SE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), subcritical water extraction (SCW), enzymatic extraction, ultrasounds, cold plasma, and microwaves, offer green technology-based solutions for harnessing these bioactive components. Moreover, India's substantial portion of abandoned food waste underscores the urgent need for effective waste management strategies. Organic waste, though hazardous to the environment, can be repurposed as a valuable bioresource for bioactive compound extraction. These bioactive chemicals harbor health benefits, ranging from reducing the risk of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, cataracts, and Parkinson's, primarily due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Understanding and leveraging these properties not only mitigate food waste but also offer promising avenues for improving human health.

Keywords

Bioactive compounds, Food waste, Extraction, Postharvest additives, Antimicrobial

Sub-topics

1. "Optimization of Solvent Extraction Parameters for Bioactive Compound Recovery from Agricultural By-Products"
2. "Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Antioxidants from Food Processing Residues: Process Optimization and Bioactivity Evaluation"
3. "Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of Phytochemicals from Discarded Food Materials: Kinetics and Mechanistic Insights"
4. "Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Enhancing Stability and Bioavailability of Extracted Bioactive Compounds"
5. "Functional Food Formulation with Bioactive Compound Enrichment: Challenges and Opportunities"
6. "Antimicrobial Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Food Waste: Mechanisms and Applications in Postharvest Preservation"