Dear Colleagues,

Forestry, agro- and food production, and aquaculture production systems yield significant volumes of side- and by-products that are potential sources of functional molecules and bioproducts for various applications. To explore the potential of such sources for the development of biobased coatings and other functional materials with biological activities, it is necessary to develop new feedstock processing concepts and technological solutions that meet the requirements of effective, safe, easy-to-use, sustainable, and acceptable consumer products.

Despite the range of natural compounds already on the market, there is a need to identify bioactive molecules (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins and peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, waxes, and polyphenols) from different natural sources with functional properties including hydrophobic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidative effects. This Special Issue aims to identify and gather the latest information on the various sources of bioproducts, and the methods used for extraction, purification, and characterization of the functional properties. Additionally, the application mechanisms in different products such as coatings or films within matrices of packaging and/or other hybrid materials, or as paints or sprays, are of great interest. Additionally, the aspects of regulation and acceptance are included in this Special Issue.

Dr. Risto Korpinen
Dr. Tuula Jyske
Guest Editors

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