Antioxidants and Enzymes in Food Industry: Innovations, Mechanisms, and Industrial Perspectives

Oxidation is one of the largest challenges in food shelf-life food quality and retention of nutrition in food systems. The food industries dependence on synthetic preservatives results in expenditures of billions of dollars each year on antioxidants and preservation tactics. In the last few years, there has been a revolution towards natural and enzyme-based interventions to combat oxidative damage while addressing consumer demand for clean label and environmentally friendly products. Antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes are critical tools not only for food stability improvement but also for preventing disease and introducing greater nutritional functionality to food products. Their applications vary from protecting flavor and color in processed foods to inhibiting the rancidity of fats and oils and preventing free radical formation responsible for chronic metabolic diseases. In the past decade, the food industry has witnessed rapid advances in green processing, synthetic biology, enzyme engineering, and the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. The incorporation of antioxidants and enzymes into smart packaging materials, edible coatings and active films represents a frontier innovation for extending food shelf life while reducing dependence on non-biodegradable plastics and synthetic stabilizers. Antioxidants and Enzymes in Food Industry: Innovations, Mechanisms, and Industrial Perspectives thus serves as a timely and comprehensive resource, integrating fundamental chemistry, biotechnological innovation, and industrial application in the context of food antioxidants and enzymatic systems. It offers a holistic vision that connects molecular mechanisms with novel technologies like AI-based enzyme design nanozymes encapsulation systems and waste valorization technologies for eco-friendly manufacturing. Scientists and policymakers alike will find this book a valuable reference as they strive towards a next-generation food system which is nutrient-dense, oxidation-stable and environment-friendly.