AGRO-WASTE DERIVED BIOPOLYMERS AND BIOCOMPOSITES This comprehensive book describes the fundamental principles and major advancements in the utilization of agro-waste for deriving biopolymers, and their applications to fabricate composite, nanocomposite, and hybrid food packaging films and coatings. The book serves as a complete, systematic, comprehensive account of the contemporary developments in the area of novel and environment-friendly valorization of agro- and food wastes into value-added products like biodegradable polymer and active functional agents for food packaging applications. It also describes the hurdles and challenges in the commercialization of these novel biopolymer-based materials, including their composites, their applications, safety, and legal ramifications. This book consists of fifteen chapters covering different aspects of agro- and food waste utilization, the development of biodegradable polymers, and their composites for sustainable food packaging applications. The first thirteen chapters detail the processing of various agro- and food wastes of plant and animal origin to synthesize different biopolymers, such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, silk proteins, pectin, etc., and their applications for the fabrication of sustainable food packaging materials and composites that are attractive alternatives to synthetic plastic packaging. These chapters also summarize the effectiveness of these biopolymers and their composites in developing active films and edible coatings for shelf-life extension and preservation of perishable foods. A chapter is devoted to issues of biodegradability, including analyses of various biodegradation reactions, such as depolymerization, mineralization, biochemical, and abiotic degradation both in soil and aquatic environments. The book concludes with a chapter addressing the concerns associated with the possible migration of components or additives from these biodegradable packaging into packaged food items. Audience The primary audience for this book is researchers, scientists, and engineers working in food science and technology, food engineering and technology, food biotechnology, sustainable food packaging, etc. Additionally, food entrepreneurs and associated businesses, such as the packaging and coatings industries, will also have a keen interest in the book.

Biopolymers and Biocomposites from Agro-waste for Packaging Applications looks at the utilization of biocomposites and biopolymers for packaging applications. The book focuses on the development of affordable, innovative, sustainable packaging products made from biopolymers and biocomposites derived from agricultural waste/biomass and how they that result in improved shelf-life performance. In addition, it explores how these affordable packaging products can reduce food loss across the supply chain, the future direction of setting-up platforms for broader uses, and how these products can also contribute to minimizing waste-to-landfill problems. Focuses on the application and use of non-exploited cheap agricultural waste for food packaging applications Contains information on the modeling and processing of biopolymers and biocomposites to predict thermal and mechanical behavior Features a discussion of coatings on packaging products to enhance shelf life

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.The book begins by introducing 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 guiding 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

Food and agricultural waste is a huge global issue that has detrimental effects on society, the economy, and the environment. Plant leaves, stems, roots and peels (outer leaves and stems) are among the wastes and by-products from agriculture and the food business, along with residues from oil production, fruit and vegetable peels, and seeds. High concentrations of dietary fiber, phytochemicals, cellulose, and hemicellulose are typically found in these residues. As the next environmentally conscious step of waste valorization, research from recent years has demonstrated that employing organic ingredients/biodegradable fibers generated from waste and by-products in the food packaging business may be an efficient strategy to reduce the quantity of food waste and by-products. In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in finding alternative polymer materials as high-value novel packaging materials through the valorization of agricultural waste. Thus, utilizing agricultural wastes and by-products as raw materials for food packaging could help cut down on the amount of waste produced. Agro-Wastes for Packaging Applications provides an update on the strategies for valuing agricultural waste and how these might be used in packaging. It also includes recent research on these approaches and presents an innovative strategy for developing sustainable, green, and biodegradable packaging options. A detailed overview of the packaging application of valorized agricultural waste materials is discussed, and concept clarification is achieved using flowcharts and figures supported by the latest research investigations. These agricultural leftovers are abundant sources of polysaccharides, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which can be processed further utilizing various physicochemical techniques and other unconventional techniques to create nanocellulose fibers or crystals. The main goal of this book is to provide food experts and the general public with superior, environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging materials that can be used in place of plastic polymers. Key Features Contains abundant information on advanced valorization techniques for different types of agricultural wastes Provides information on possible applications of component/constituents obtained by the valorization Discusses the impact of the incorporation of these valorized components in different packaging systems Reviews the legal standards and future trends in the commercialization of these derived polymers in food packaging industries

Our current food system faces challenges across the board – from ensuring food security and reducing environmental impact to managing costs and minimizing waste. Fortunately, cutting-edge food processing technologies play a critical role in paving the way for a more sustainable future. Taking a two-track approach, Future Crops and Processing Technologies for Sustainability and Nutritional Security presents sustainable technologies and emerging crops that are capable of ensuring nutritional security. There are various crops that are nutritious but under-utilized. Crops covered in the book are those that are climate resilient and exhibit less use of water and zero discharge to environment, such as millets and legumes like chickpea, groundnuts, and pigeon pea. KEY FEATURES: Provides a comprehensive literature review on the opportunities and challenges in achieving sustainability and nutritional security Presents compatible, relevant crops to address both sustainability and nutritional security Discusses the emerging technologies/crops/food products to justify sustainability and potential to ensure nutritional security This book also provides information on all aspects related to the processing and use of sustainable technologies and crops. The use of technologies like 3D printing, novel drying method, high pressure processing, high-voltage treatments, and the proper combination of conventional methods are addressed.