Chitosan in the Preservation of Agricultural Commodities presents a cohesive overview of research topics regarding the production and characterization of chitosan, the development of coatings and fi lms, its functional properties, and antimicrobial potential of this compound on economically important agricultural commodities. It includes the modes of action from a physiological, enzymatic, and molecular perspective, and evaluations of the activity of chitosan nanocomposites and nanoparticles in biological models. The first section deals with the chemical characteristics and functional properties of chitosan and new chitosan-based biomaterials intended for food preservation. The second section covers various aspects of the control achieved by chitosan on different microorganisms affecting various horticultural commodities, grains, and ornamentals, and its modes of action. The third section explores enzymatic and gene expression induction by chitosan application on fruit and vegetables; the fourth section offers insight on the use of chitosan nanocomposites in biological models associated with food conservation and control of microorganisms. Analyzes chitosan chemical and functional properties Explores obtaining, characterizing, and developing chitosan coatings and fi lms for agricultural use Presents functional properties, antimicrobial potential, and modes of action of chitosan from a physiological, enzymatic, and molecular perspective Includes biological models of the activity of chitosan nanocomposites and nanoparticles

Offers a comprehensive guide to the isolation, properties and applications of chitin and chitosan Chitin and Chitosan: Properties and Applications presents a comprehensive review of the isolation, properties and applications of chitin and chitosan. These promising biomaterials have the potential to be broadly applied and there is a growing market for these biopolymers in areas such as medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, agricultural, textile, cosmetics, nanoparticles and more. The authors – noted experts in the field – explore the isolation, characterization and the physical and chemical properties of chitin and chitosan. They also examine their properties such as hydrogels, immunomodulation and biotechnology, antimicrobial activity and chemical enzymatic modifications. The book offers an analysis of the myriad medical and pharmaceutical applications as well as a review of applications in other areas. In addition, the authors discuss regulations, markets and perspectives for the use of chitin and chitosan. This important book: Offers a thorough review of the isolation, properties and applications of chitin and chitosan. Contains information on the wide-ranging applications and growing market demand for chitin and chitosan Includes a discussion of current regulations and the outlook for the future Written for Researchers in academia and industry who are working in the fields of chitin and chitosan, Chitin and Chitosan: Properties and Applications offers a review of these promising biomaterials that have great potential due to their material properties and biological functionalities.

Nanotechnology-Enhanced Food Packaging Timely overview of functional food packaging made with nanotechnology and nanomaterials In Nanotechnology-Enhanced Food Packaging, a distinguished group of researchers delivers a comprehensive and insightful introduction to the application of nanomaterials in food packaging. This edited volume covers recent innovations—as well as future perspectives—in the industry and offers a complete overview of different types of nanomaterials used in food packaging. The book also discusses the use of nanoparticles in the development of active and functional food packaging and the related environmental and toxicological aspects. Featuring one-of-a-kind contributions from leaders in the field, Nanotechnology-Enhanced Food Packaging provides real-world solutions to food packaging challenges and considers the legislative and economic implications of new technologies. Among the new developments in nanotechnology-enhanced food packaging covered by the book are: Thorough introduction to biopolymers in food packaging systems and nanostructures based on starch, their preparation, processing, and applications in packaging Comprehensive explorations of chitosan-based nanoparticles and their applications in the food industry Practical discussions of active packaging systems based on metal oxide nanoparticles and an overview of higher barrier packaging using nano-additives In-depth examinations of the characterization techniques for nanostructures in food packaging Perfect for materials scientists, food technologists, and polymer chemists, Nanotechnology-Enhanced Food Packaging also belongs on the bookshelves of plastics technologists and allied professionals in the food industry.

Eco-Friendly Technology for Postharvest Produce Quality presents the scope of emerging eco-friendly technologies to maintain the postharvest quality of fresh produce in terms of safety and nutrition. The book covers an analysis of the alternative and traditional methodologies pointing out the significant advantage and limitations of each technique. It provides a standard reference work for the fresh produce industry in postharvest management to extend shelf life by ensuring safety first and then nutritional or sensory quality retention. Fruits and vegetables are a huge portion of the food supply chain and are depended on globally for good health and nutrition. The supply of good food, however, greatly depends on good postharvest handling practices. Although substantial research has been carried out to preserve the quality of fresh horticultural produce, further research—especially on safety—is still required. This book provides foundational insights into current practices yielding best results for produce handling. - Includes appropriate approaches, technologies, and control parameters necessary to achieve shelf-life extension without compromising produce quality - Presents successful food safety methods between the time produce is harvested to consumption - Includes the latest information on preservation technologies using novel chemical methods, active packaging, and monitoring the effect of environmental stresses on quality and shelf life of agricultural produce

Mycotoxins are toxins produced by aerobic, microscopic fungus under special conditions of moisture and temperature. They colonize in a variety of foods from harvest to the grocer. Mycotoxins have gained world wide interest in recent years with the revelation of the effect of these toxins on health. A current example is the presence of ochratoxin A, a human carcinogen and nephrotoxin, in wines. The increased concern about fruit safety has led to increased studies throughout the world and enhanced awareness for stringent regulations governing mycotoxin limits in food.Presented in three defined sections, this is the first book to provide comprehensive analysis of the main mycotoxins contaminating fruits and vegetables and their derived products. The first section provides a safety evaluation of mycotoxins in fruits and vegetables, details regarding factors affecting mycotoxin production and diffusion in the fruit tissue, and recent methods for detection of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins produced by the fungi. The second part takes a critical look at the main individual mycotoxins and the third section focuses on approaches for prevention and control. - The first book dedicated to mycotoxins in fruits and vegetables - Presents mycological, mycotoxicological and phytopathological aspects of fruits and vegetables - Includes an analysis of detection, prevention and control methods for mycotoxigenic fungi and the mycotoxins they produce - Provides a complete risk assessment and safety evaluation of mycotoxins in perishable produce

Written by a diverse group of research professionals, Postharvest Decay: Control Strategies is aimed at a wide audience, including researchers involved in the study of postharvest handling of agricultural commodities, and undergraduate and graduate students researching postharvest topics. Growers, managers, and operators working at packinghouses and storage, retail, and wholesale facilities can also benefit from this book. The information in this book covers a wide range of topics related to selected fungi, such as taxonomy, infection processes, economic importance, causes of infection, the influence of pre-harvest agronomic practices and the environment, the effect of handling operations, and the strategic controls for each host-pathogen, including traditional and non-traditional alternatives. - Includes eleven postharvest fungi causing serious rots in numerous fruits and vegetables - Offers selected microorganisms including pathogens of commercially important tropical, subtropical and temperate crops worldwide, such as tomatoes, pears, apples, peaches, citrus, banana, papaya, and mango, among others - Presents content developed by recognized and experienced high-level scientists, working in the postharvest pathology area worldwide - Provides basic information about each fungus, pre- and postharvest factors that contribute to infection and control measurements, including the use of chemicals and non-traditional methods

Due to their unique properties, chitosan-based materials have emerged as useful resources in a variety of medicines, drug controlled-release carriers, tissue engineering scaffolds, and immobilized enzymes. But many of these materials have yet to reach the commercial market. Therefore, more work must be completed to fill the gap between research and