As a result of their unique physical properties, biological membrane mimetics such as biopolymers are used in a broad range of scientific and technological applications. This comprehensive book covers new applications of biopolymers in the research and development of industrial scale nutraceutical and functional food grade products. All the major food biopolymers are included, from plant, animal and marine sources. Coverage also includes biopolymer-based drug delivery mechanisms intended for biological applications such as bio-detection of pathogens, fluorescent biological labels, and drug and gene delivery. This is the first interdisciplinary book to address this area specifically and is essential reading for those who produce the functional biopolymer materials as well as those who seek to incorporate them into appropriate nutraceutical, food and drug delivery products.

Food biopolymers: Structural, functional and nutraceutical properties provides valuable coverage of all major food biopolymers from plant, animal and marine sources. The text focuses on the structural characteristics of biopolymers including starch, non-starch polysaccharides, proteins and fats. A full section is dedicated to the nutraceutical potential and applications of these polymers. Further sections provide comprehensive overviews of the development of functional food products and important data on biopolymer behavior and nutraceutical potential during processing. Researchers hoping to gain a basic understanding of the techno-functional, nutraceutical potential and applications of food biopolymers will find a singular source with this text. The first section of this work focuses on the the structure, functions, bioactivity and applications of starches. The next chapters cover non-starch polysaccharides. Further sections are dedicated to proteins, lipids and oils. A detailed overview is provided for each, followed by application procedures, specifics on individual types, proteins and enzymes, and nutraceutical properties. This work can be used as a singular source for all relevant information on food biopolymers and their structural and functional properties, including their potential to increase food quality, improve shelf life, and reduce pollution and waste in the food industry.

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

The incorporation of functional ingredients in a given food system and the processing and handling of such foods are associated with nutritional challenges for their healthy delivery. The extreme sensitivity of some components cause significant loss of product quality, stability, nutritional value and bioavailability, and the overall acceptability of the food product. Consequently, encapsulation has been successfully used to improve stability and bioavailability of functional ingredients. Encapsulation is one example of technology that has the potential to meet the challenge of successfully incorporating and delivering functional ingredients into a range of food types. The book will cover topics about 1) Characterization of novel polymers and their use in encapsulation processes. 2) Stability of nutraceutical compounds encapsulated with novel polymers. 3) Application of encapsulated compounds with novel polymers in functional food systems. This book provides a detailed overview of technologies for preparing and characterisation of encapsulates for food active ingredients using modified polymers. The use of modified polymers as coating materials it is a field that still needs study. The book is aimed to inform students and researchers in the areas of food science and food technology, and professionals in the food industry.

This book examines the rapidly growing field of functional foods in the prevention and management of chronic and infectious diseases. Chapters explore the varied sources, biochemical properties, metabolics, health benefits, and safety of bioactive ingredients of nutraceutical and functional food products. Special emphasis is given to linking the molecular and chemical structures of biologically active components in foods to their nutritional and pharmacological effects on human health and wellness. In addition to discussing scientific and clinical rationales for different sources of functional foods, the book also explains in detail scientific methodologies used to investigate the functionality, effectiveness, and safety of bioactive ingredients in food. The chapter authors discuss advanced nanocarriers for nutraceuticals based on structured lipids and nonlipids, nanoparticulate approaches for improved nutrient bioavailability, adulteration and safety issues, nanodelivery systems, microencapsulation, and more. The book discusses some particular health benefits from nutrition nutraceuticals, including probiotic dairy and non-dairy products and bioactive proteins and peptides as functional foods. The volume also gives an overview of emerging trends, growth patterns, and new opportunities in the field of nutraceuticals and functional foods.

The theme and contents of this book have assumed a new significance in the light of recent ideas on nanoscience and nanotechnology, which are now beginning to influence developments in food research and food processing. The fabrication of nanoscale structures for food use relies on an in-depth understanding of thermodynamically driven interactions

Biopolymers for Food Design, Volume 20 in the Handbook of Bioengineering series, describes how biopolymers have made a major impact in the food industry, from food design, to food control and safety. Biopolymers can be used in the development of novel nutritional alternatives, to replace difficult to obtain food products, or for foods inaccessible or inappropriate for a particular population (i.e. allergic to specific components). In addition, some polymers can be used as functional ingredients, and can also represent efficient scaffolds for food ingredients with therapeutic values. This valuable reference is ideal for those looking for new solutions for the food industry. - Presents common biopolymers and their applications in food bioengineering, from food design, to control and safety - Identifies how the use of certain biopolymers can result in faster production time and reduced costs - Includes cutting-edge technologies used in research for food design and other food-related applications - Discusses the use of biopolymers in food packaging, shelf-life extension, and the creation of novel food products

Active ingredients in foods must remain fully functional for as long as necessary and be transported and discharged appropriately to have the desired nutritional effect. Delivery and controlled release systems are an essential way to achieve these aims. This important book reviews how to optimise these systems to maximise the health-promoting properties of food products.Opening chapters review factors affecting nutrient bioavailability and methods to test delivery system efficacy. Part two addresses materials used and specific techniques for delivery and release. The benefits and drawbacks of structured lipids, micro- and nano-emulsions, food-protein-derived materials, complexes and conjugates of biopolymers, and starch as an encapsulation material for delivery of functional food ingredients, are all considered. Part three discusses the delivery and controlled release of particular nutraceuticals such as antioxidants and vitamins, folic acid, probiotics, fish oils and proteins. Part four covers regulatory issues and future trends in bioactives and nutraceuticals.Edited by a leading expert in the field, Delivery and controlled release of bioactives in foods and nutraceuticals is a valuable reference for those working in the food industry and particularly those developing nutraceuticals. - Reviews techniques to optimise the delivery and release of bioactives in food - Discusses the factors that affect nutrient bioavailability and methods to test delivery system efficacy - Addresses materials used and specific techniques for delivery and release

Biopolymer Nanostructures for Food Encapsulation Purposes, a volume in the Nanoencapsulation in the Food Industry series, guides readers on how to fabricate and apply nanostructures from different proteins, carbohydrates and chemical sources for food encapsulation purposes. This book covers recent and applied research in all disciplines of bioactive and nutrient delivery. Chapters emphasize original results relating to experimental, theoretical, formulations and/or applications of nano-structured biopolymers. - Includes updated applications of biopolymer nanostructures from different protein, carbohydrate and chemical sources - Discloses the current knowledge and potential of biopolymer nanostructures - Brings the novel applications of biopolymer nanostructures for the development of bioactive delivery systems together

Due to their unique properties and ability to interact with other food components, biopolymers have traditionally played a major role in food processing. Biopolymer Engineering in Food Processing explores processing technology associated with biopolymer applications and discusses both operational and economic aspects. Following an overview of biopolymer applications and their functionality in different processes, the text examines: Production routes, availability, costs, and physicochemical properties of commercial biopolymers Rheology of biopolymer suspensions, how concentration and shear may affect their flow behavior, and their response to pressure losses and heat transfer during flow Effects of food processing and storage conditions on the viscoelastic and textural properties of food gels Mechanical and mass transfer properties of films and coating produced from biopolymers, composites, and nanocomposites The use of biopolymer coatings to reduce oil uptake during deep-fat frying of foods and in modified atmosphere storage of foods The book also explores the application of biopolymers in separation processes for recovery of biocompounds. It discusses biopolymer behavior during thermoplastic extrusion and the response of certain cereals and snacks to extrusion operating parameters. Finally, it reviews engineering aspects of biopolymers used as drying aids in spray-drying and freeze-drying of fruit juices and pulps and discusses biopolymers used as cryoprotectants in food freezing. A comprehensive source of scientific and technical information for those involved with process design and research and development, the book is also an ideal reference for academic researchers and undergraduate and postgraduate students.