Advances in Food Preservatives

This book presents the most up-to-date methods for extracting and analyzing food preservatives, offering readers a comprehensive view of cutting-edge research on both natural and synthetic preservation agents. Organized into five sections, it opens with an in-depth overview of the potential of wild and medicinal plants, essential oils, and bioactive compounds as natural preservatives, as well as their relevance in animal feed applications. Through this section, readers gain insight into modern extraction techniques and innovative approaches for harnessing these natural compounds to improve food safety and extend shelf life. The second section presents innovative preservation strategies, with a focus on biopolymer-based active films that offer sustainable and effective protection for food products, while subsequent chapters in section 3 outline green extraction strategies, as well as preconcentration and purification technologies designed to obtain high-quality natural preservatives. Advanced analytical section covers chromatographic techniques, innovative detection methods, and data-driven approaches for monitoring preservative residues. The book concludes with a section devoted to case studies for postharvest strategies, multi-omics, and machine learning-assisted detection, offering practical insights into improving fruit and vegetable quality and controlling microorganisms in food systems. Given its breadth, the book is a valuable resource for researchers in food science, chemists specializing in food safety, and professionals in the food industry. It bridges traditional knowledge with modern innovations, providing evidence-based solutions for sustainable food preservation.