Recent agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical research focuses attention on the development of delivery systems that can encapsulate, protect, and deliver natural compounds. Nanoemulsions are recognized as the best delivery systems for natural-origin nutraceuticals and phytochemicals, having many agri-food applications. Bio-based Nanoemulsions for Agri-Food Applications provides information on food-grade nanoemulsions and their application in agriculture and the food industry. This book covers concepts, techniques, current advances, and challenges in the formulation of the application of emerging food grade nanoemulsions. Particular attention is placed on food-grade nanoemulsion production methods and components used, such as plant/microbial products, biosurfactants, cosurfactants, emulsifiers, ligand targets, and bioactive/functional ingredients. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and food scientists who are looking to understand how nanoemulsions are being used in the agri-food sector. - Provides an overview of a range of bio-based nanoemulsions used in the agrifood sector - Explores how nanotechnology improves the properties of bio-based emulsions - Assesses the major challenges of manufacturing nanoemulsions at an industrial scale

This book presents an exhaustive analysis of the trends in the development and use of natural and synthetic polymer systems aimed at sustainable agricultural production. The polymers have allowed the development of controlled and released systems of agrochemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers and phytohormones through micro and nanoencapsulated systems, which protect and stimulate the growth of crops at low costs and without damage to the environment. Hydrogel systems from natural and synthetic polymers have also had their place in the agricultural industry, since they allow to maintain the humidity conditions of the crops for their correct development in drought times. Mulch films made of polymers have also become important in the control of weeds and pests in crops, as well as the use of edible coatings applied to fruits and vegetables during post-harvest, which reduce the losses of these perishable foods. Currently, the systems indicated, as well as others, are already used on a large scale. However, research studies in this area have been limited compared to other polymer applications. This book collects useful information for researchers, students and technologies related to the polymer technology and agri-food production. In this book, world-renowned researchers have participated, including associate editors of important journals, as well as researchers working in the area of research and development (R&D) of leading agri-food industries in the manufacture of agricultural inputs.

This book presents an exhaustive analysis of the trends in the development and use of natural and synthetic polymer systems aimed at sustainable agricultural production. The polymers have allowed the development of controlled and released systems of agrochemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers and phytohormones through micro and nanoencapsulated systems, which protect and stimulate the growth of crops at low costs and without damage to the environment. Hydrogel systems from natural and synthetic polymers have also had their place in the agricultural industry, since they allow to maintain the humidity conditions of the crops for their correct development in drought times. Mulch films made of polymers have also become important in the control of weeds and pests in crops, as well as the use of edible coatings applied to fruits and vegetables during post-harvest, which reduce the losses of these perishable foods. Currently, the systems indicated, as well as others, are already used on a large scale. However, research studies in this area have been limited compared to other polymer applications. This book collects useful information for researchers, students and technologies related to the polymer technology and agri-food production. In this book, world-renowned researchers have participated, including associate editors of important journals, as well as researchers working in the area of research and development (R&D) of leading agri-food industries in the manufacture of agricultural inputs.

This book gives a complete overview of current developments on the green synthesis and extraction of nano-emulsions for numerous uses in food, agriculture, biomedical, and cosmetics sectors. In the food and agriculture section, the book demonstrates the use of nano-emulsions to deliver nutraceuticals, coloring, and flavoring agents, in the development of biodegradable coating, improving the quality of packing films and enhancing the shelf life and nutritional value of foods. It also shows that nano-emulsions are very good for pesticides formulation where it enhances the solubility of poorly water-soluble pesticides, resulting in increased pesticide bioactivity compared to conventional pesticides. In the biomedicine applications section, the chapters show that nano-emulsion can dissolve hydrophobic drugs and is used as a drug delivery system for many cancers treatment such as lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver, and gastric cancer. Also, nano-emulsions are an excellent candidate for encapsulating drugs or imaging probes for targeted delivery and immunotherapy. This book caters to scientists, researchers, and students interested in nanotechnology, nanomedicine, environmental science, plant science, agriculture, chemistry, biotechnology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemistry, and many other interdisciplinary subjects.

In recent decades, agrochemicals have enhanced crop productivity to meet increasing global food requirements. However, prolonged and extensive use of agrochemicals has resulted in contamination that persists in the soil system which can be biomagnified in the food chain. Furthermore, toxic chemicals adversely affect important soil microbial biota, the key drivers of biogeochemical cycles. This concern has raised the need to develop environmentally friendly and cost-effective nano- and micro-biotechnology strategies to minimize the adverse impact of agrochemicals and pesticide residues on soil microbiota, soil fertility, and their biomagnification in food crops. Nano-bioinoculants - the combination of nano-compounds and bioinoculants - have been increasingly used as soil amendments. They can improve agri-potential and soil health by maintaining soil physico- and biological properties, microbial diversity, and the nutrient-solubilizing microbial population. They also aid in improving crop yields and reducing agrochemical and pesticide residues. Nano-bioinoculants are more efficient than other methods for removing contaminants due to their small size, high reactivity, and catalytic activities. Several types of nano-compounds (chitosan, zeolite, gypsum, and silicon dioxide) have been used in conjunction with beneficial microbes (bacteria fungi, actinomycetes & endophytic bacteria) as nano-bioinoculants.

This book entitled ‘Application of Nanotechnology in Food Science, Processing and Packaging’ presents up-to-date information on the emerging roles of nanotechnology in food industry, its fundamental concepts, techniques and applications. The application of nanotechnology in the food industry is an emerging area which has found tremendous use in improving food quality through the enhancement of food taste, texture, colour, and flavour. Also, its application has improved the bioavailability and target delivery of certain bioactive food ingredients through controlled release of nutrients, a feature that is impossible with the conventional methods of food processing. The application of nanotechnology in food packaging for the detection of contaminants, pathogens, biotoxins and pesticides through nanosensor safety evaluations has led to the increase in shelf-life of products and quality assurance through the detection and monitoring of toxins. This book taps from the experience of subject experts from key institutions around the world. The users of this book will benefit greatly as the chapters were simplified and arranged carefully to aid proper understanding, consistency and continuity.