The collection bridges the gap between traditional engineering practices and the latest technological advancements. Spanning from the intricate scale of materials to the broader dimensions of structures and systems, this collection offers a panoramic view of the engineering landscape. Open to a diverse range of engineering disciplines, it welcomes contributions from areas such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Automotive Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Central to the collection is the integration of time-tested traditional methodologies with modern innovations like additive manufacturing and digital twins. Topics of interest include design simulations (single- or multi-scale), precision manufacturing, system maintenance, and the harmonization of legacy systems with contemporary tools, all while emphasizing the importance of understanding materials and their influence on larger structures and systems. By offering a blend of foundational knowledge and cutting-edge insights, this collection serves as an invaluable resource for authors aiming to showcase their research and readers keen on understanding the evolution of engineering practices.

Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites distributed in the plant kingdom, and some can also be obtained from animal and fungal sources. These metabolites can be classified into alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and essential oils. Many of them have been associated with health-promoting effects in humans, as potential biocide agents to mitigate the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture, or as biostimulants in different crops. Due to the many applications of phytochemicals new techniques and optimization strategies are being studied. This topical collection deals with articles related to the characterization techniques and emerging and new extraction methodologies of phytochemicals from different sources. It also comprises the application of phytochemicals in the formulation of functional foods, nutraceuticals, bio-pharmaceuticals, and agriculture as biocides or biostimulants.