Book

Description

Plant Bioactive Compounds and Encapsulation presents an in-depth exploration of naturally occurring bioactive compounds derived from plants and the innovative encapsulation technologies developed to improve their stability, delivery, and functional efficacy. As consumer demand for natural health-promoting ingredients continues to increase, plant bioactives have gained significant attention in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and therapeutic properties. However, many of these compounds are highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as heat, light, oxygen, and moisture, which limits their practical applications. This book addresses these challenges by highlighting modern encapsulation strategies designed to protect and enhance the performance of plant-based bioactive compounds. The book comprehensively discusses the sources, classification, extraction, purification, characterization, and biological activities of important phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, essential oils, terpenoids, and other functional plant metabolites. It further examines advanced extraction methods and sustainable processing technologies that improve the recovery and quality of bioactive ingredients from plant materials and agro-industrial by-products. A major focus of this book is the application of encapsulation technologies such as microencapsulation, nanoencapsulation, liposomes, nanoemulsions, spray drying, freeze drying, coacervation, inclusion complexes, and biopolymer-based delivery systems. The mechanisms, advantages, limitations, and industrial applications of these technologies are critically analyzed with emphasis on improving bioavailability, controlled release, shelf life, and targeted delivery of plant bioactives. Designed for researchers, scientists, postgraduate students, food technologists, pharmacists, and professionals in related disciplines, Plant Bioactive Compounds and Encapsulation serves as a valuable reference for understanding the integration of plant science, food technology, biotechnology.