Ionotropic Cross-Linking of Biopolymers: Applications in Drug Delivery provides in-depth insights and presents the latest advances in ionotropic cross-linked biopolymeric systems for drug delivery and related applications. Sections introduce the fundamentals of ionotropic cross-linking of biopolymers, including mechanisms, chemistry, cross-linking methods and gelation. Additional content delves into ionotropically cross-linked biopolymers based on a range of sources, including alginate, pectinate, carboxymethyl cellulose, gellan gum, chitosan, carboxymethylated gums, plant polysaccharide blends, and synthetic polymer blends. This is followed by a section focusing on ionotropically cross-linked biopolymeric systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles, microparticles, beads, and reinforced matrices.The last part of the book explores specific advanced drug delivery applications, before considering future opportunities and challenges in the field. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students across polymer science, biomaterials, biomedicine, pharmaceutics, biotechnology, and chemistry, as well as scientists and R&D personnel working in pharmacy, drug delivery, and materials for biomedicine. - Explains chemistry, mechanisms, preparation methods and applications of biopolymeric systems - Covers a range of biopolymer sources, including alginate, pectinate, gellan gum, chitosan, and others - Guides the reader to cutting-edge applications in drug delivery, drug release, cell delivery and tissue engineering

Biopolymer Membranes and Films: Health, Food, Environment, and Energy Applications presents the latest techniques for the design and preparation of biopolymer-based membranes and films, leading to a range of cutting-edge applications. The first part of the book introduces the fundamentals of biopolymers, two-dimensional systems, and the characterization of biopolymer membranes and films, considering physicochemical, mechanical and barrier properties. Subsequent sections are organized by application area, with each chapter explaining how biopolymer-based membranes or films can be developed for specific innovative uses across the health, food, environmental and energy sectors. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students involved in biopolymer science, polymer membranes and films, polymer chemistry and materials science, as well as for those in industry and academia who are looking to develop materials for advanced applications in the health, food science, environment or energy industries. - Presents detailed coverage of a range of novel applications in key strategic areas across health, food, environment and energy - Considers the difficulties associated with two-dimensional materials - Assists the reader in selecting the best materials and properties for specific applications - Helps researchers, scientists and engineers combine the enhanced properties of membranes and films with the sustainable characteristics of biopolymer-based materials

There is growing interest in the food, supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries in improving the healthiness of their products by incorporating lipophilic bioactive substances like oil-soluble vitamins (A, D and E), omega-3 fatty acids, and nutraceuticals (carotenoids, curcuminoids and flavonoids). However, there are many challenges that need to be overcome due to their poor water-solubility, chemical stability, and bioavailability. For this reason, there is interest in the development of effective encapsulation technologies to increase the efficacy of lipophilic bioactives. This book reviews the encapsulation systems currently available for delivering lipophilic bioactives, including their preparation, functionality, and application range, including nanoemulsions, emulsions, Pickering emulsions, HIPEs, microgels, organogels and liposomes. Chapters 1-2 review the biological activity of delivery systems and lipophilic bioactives. Chapters 3-5 describe the materials and preparation methods used to assemble delivery systems. Chapters 6-17 focus on the formation and application of different kinds of delivery systems. Chapter 18 discusses future trends in the development of bioactive delivery systems. Edited and authored by world renowned scholars, the book provides a state-of-the-art overview of the design, fabrication, and utilization of delivery systems for bioactives that will be useful for academic, government, and industrial scientists in fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, chemical engineering, nutrition, and foods.

This book presents the synthesis, processing and application of selected functional biopolymers as new advanced materials. It reviews theoretical advances as well as experimental results, opening new avenues for researchers in the field of polymers and sustainable materials. The book covers various aspects, including the structural analysis of functional biopolymers based materials; functional biopolymer blends; films, fibers, foams, composites and different advanced applications. A special emphasis is on cellulose-based functional polymers, but other types of functional biopolymers (e.g. from chitosan, starch, or plant oils) are also described.

Industrial Applications of Marine Biopolymers presents different classes of marine biopolymers and their industrial applications, demonstrating the precious value of ocean resources to society. This timely volume discusses the exceedingly useful polymers derived from these materials that are biodegradable, biocompatible, and at times water soluble. Direct use or chemically modified forms of such biomaterials have many chemical sites, making them suitable for varied types of industrial applications. In addition, this book also addresses current global challenges of conservation, including extended drought conditions and the need for improved agricultural methods, together with new bio-medical developments. It is suitable for anyone who has an interest in the industrial applications of biopolymers.

The book covers novel technologies, including high pressure, antimicrobials, and electromagnetism, and their impact.

Revolutionize the search for sustainable industry with these biodegradable materials The search for biodegradable materials has become an increasingly essential component of the global response to climate change and the urgent need for more sustainable industrial processes. Biodegradable polymers, either synthetic or natural, have become an explosive research subject as their applications in food, medicinal, and pharmaceutical industries become more and more apparent. There is an urgent need for chemists and other professionals working in these industries to understand the range of available biopolymers and how to use them. Biopolymers in Pharmaceutical and Food Applications presents an overview of all currently-known food-safe polymers and their applications for food and pharmaceutical technology. Its grasp of recent sustainable trends in biopolymer production and distribution make it a one-stop shop for researchers and industry professionals looking to understand the future of sustainable food production, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Comprehensive and accessible, it has never been timelier as a contribution to these key industries. Readers of the two volumes of Biopolymers in Pharmaceutical and Food Applications will also find: Treatment of biopolymers including collagen, chitosan, carrageenan, and more Detailed discussion of drug delivery systems incorporating plant- and animal-based biopolymers An editor with extensive research and teaching experience in biopolymer and pharmaceutical research Biopolymers in Pharmaceutical and Food Applications is ideal for polymer chemists, pharmaceutical chemists, food scientists, and any other researcher looking to work with biodegradable polymers.

Biopolymer-Based Nano Films: Applications in Food Packaging and Wound Healing covers a variety of biofilms, including active biofilms, nisin-silver nano-films, silk fibroin-based composite films, lignocellulose/cellulose-based biofilms, carboxymethyl cellulose-coated polypropylene, hybrid film-loaded antimicrobials, chitosan hybrid systems, pullulan, and biopolymers films. The applications of these nano-biofilms in different fields, particularly in food packaging, wound healing, and as potential antimicrobials against new, emerging, and multidrug resistant microbes are also discussed. This is an important resource for researchers in the fields of pharmacology, nanotechnology, microbiology, biotechnology, and for clinicians. The possibility of associating nanotechnology with biotechnology helps with the creation of innovative new products and the development of processes at the molecular level. Within this context, nanobiotechnology advances and revolutionizes several scientific fields. In the development of new technologies and products, it is also necessary to develop "platforms" that allow the specific application and delivery of compounds/actives in a controlled, specific and non-toxic way. - Covers a variety of biofilms - Outlines the fundamental properties and major applications of nanostructured biofilms - Associates nanotechnology with biotechnology and how they can help with the creation of innovative new products and the development of processes at the molecular level

This book focuses on various types of bioactive compounds, including secondary metabolites, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, flavonoids, peptides/proteins, carotenoid pigments, quinones, terpenes, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and presents an overview of their nutraceutical activities. It covers the current status and future potential of food compounds, as well as extraction technologies for bioactives derived from plant, fungi and marine-derived bioactive agents. Finally, health-promoting effects of plant, fungi and marine-derived bioactive agents are discussed. Chapters come from top researchers in this area from around the globe. The volume caters to the needs of undergraduate and post-graduate students in the area of food biotechnology, food bioprocessing, biotechnology, food engineering, etc., and also contains information pertinent to researchers.

Frontiers in Pharmacology was launched in 2010, with a number of sections which were eventually reorganized. The founding Field Chief Editor was Prof. Théophile Godfraind, an eminent scientist active in cardiovascular pharmacology, who pioneered the discovery of calcium antagonists. At that time he invited me to serve as Chief Editor for a section named “Analytical and Experimental Pharmacology”. Later on, our section enlarged and was re-named as “Experimental Pharmacology and Drug Discovery” to outline the translational potential of fundamental pharmacological research and theoretical analysis to the improvement of human health, through the invention of novel medicinal products. We are now entering the 10th year of editorial activity, which sees the publication of the 1,000th paper in our section. Such an achievement is very rewarding for us and our community, but it is even more remarkable when placed into the timeline of our development. In fact, in a 10-year frame we have significantly grown in quantity and quality, e.g. both in number of published papers and in scientific impact. [From a personal perspective by Salvatore Salomone, Specialty Chief Editor]