The book aims to present a detailed overview regarding the extraction, characterization, modifications, and applications of plant-based biopolymers in different commercial sectors by pinpointing their advantages over conventional synthetic polymers. In this connection, an insight into the unconventional or underutilized plant sources will be explored. In addition, the book will also throw light on the physicochemical, biochemical, mechanical, and extraordinary properties of such biopolymers. Furthermore, the findings of recent research in this field that will help understand the existing limitations of biopolymers, the advanced strategies for overcoming these constraints, and the prospect of their large-scale production is included. Moreover, the significant contributions of other disciplines like biotechnology, nanotechnology, polymer science, and engineering will be discussed. An important section of this book will highlight the present global status of the commercialization, overall acceptance, and prospects of plant-based biopolymers. The post-graduate students, research scholars, faculties, and scientists working in the fields of food science and technology, pharmaceutical technology, biomedical science, environmental science, agricultural science and allied disciplines will benefit from this book.
Dr. Rakhi Chakraborty presently works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy Government College, Siliguri, India, for the last 10 years. She has done her Ph.D. on medicinal plants specifically characterizing the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic properties of Litsea cubeba fruits traditionally used to cure hyperglycemia and hypertension by the ethnic communities of Darjeeling Himalayas, India. She also has a keen interest in the study of nutraceutical properties of underutilized food plants and the food biochemistry of bakery products. She has also published Research and Review articles in journals of international repute. She has recently co-edited two books published by Springer. She has also presented her research work in several Seminars and Conferences and has also been awarded the Best Oral Presentation at the West Bengal State Regional Science Congress, at a National seminar organized by the University of North Bengal, India, and at an International Conference organized by the Banaras Hindu University, India.
Dr. Swarnendu Roy works as an Assistant Professor at the University of North Bengal, Siliguri, India. He has more than 15 years of teaching experience. He has received the University Gold Medal for securing the first position at B.Sc. and the University Silver medal for securing the second position at M.Sc. level. He received the Post-Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holder, which was awarded by the Ministry of HRD and UGC (2006-2008), Government of India. He also received the CSIR Junior Research Fellowship, which was awarded by CSIR-UGC (2008). He is actively engaged in research topics encompassing plant stress management by engineered nanoparticles and the synthesis of starch-based biofilms and edible coatings. He has published more than 50 articles with high-impact factors in reputed journals, such as Water Research and Scientific Reports, among many others. He has recently edited two books published by Springer and has also published several book chapters in edited volumes to date. He is a life member of prestigious societies like "The Indian Science Congress Association"; "Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India)" and "Society of Plant Research (India)".
