Microscopic structure, viscoelastic behaviour and 3D printing potential of milk protein concentrate‐hydrocolloid complex coacervates

Effect of different concentrations of kappa-carrageenan on gelation properties of walnut protein

Walnut protein (WP) possesses considerable nutritional and biological value, however, the 70% water-insoluble gluten composition constrains its applicability in commercial settings. The effect of different concentrations of kappa-carrageenan (KC) on the properties of WP gels was investigated in this study. The results suggested that hydrophobic interactions are the most important force when WP/KC gels are formed. Furthermore, structural analysis revealed that KC induces notable alterations in protein molecules' secondary and tertiary structures. Moreover, the critical gelation concentration of WP decreased from 10% (w/v) to 6% (w/v) in the addition of KC. As the amount of KC increased, the rheological properties, texture properties, and physical stability of gels were enhanced. Specifically, when the addition of carrageenan increased to 2.0% (w/v), hardness increased from 25.06 g to 139.07 g, and the water-holding capacity reached 99.75%. These results provide theoretical support for the diversification of potential uses of WP/KC complexes in the plant-based protein classes.

Quinoa protein/polysaccharide electrostatic complex stabilized vegan high internal phase emulsions for 3D printing: Role of complex state and gelling-type polysaccharides

Rational selection of the complex state and polysaccharide type may enhance the performance of electrostatic complex stabilized high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). Herein, quinoa proteins were extracted to form electrostatic complexes separately with three gelling-type polysaccharides to fabricate HIPEs. Results showed that the complexes in soluble state (pH 8.4-5.6) exhibited moderate size, high negative potential and enhanced protein hydrophobicity, and could achieve HIPEs with 84% oil phase upon acidification to pH 6 at low concentrations. Its excellent interfacial structure enhanced stability during heating, freeze-thawing and long-term storage, and exhibited promising 3D printing potential. Furthermore, the complexes formed by sulfated polysaccharide carrageenan had higher amphiphilicity than those formed by carboxylated polysaccharide pectin or sodium alginate, and their stabilized HIPE had preferable droplet size, stability and 3D printing resolution than its counterparts. This study may provide new insights into the performance enhancement of protein/polysaccharide electrostatic complex stabilized HIPEs.

Current and emerging applications of carrageenan in the food industry

Carrageenan, a polysaccharide derived from red algae, has a long history of use as a food additive in food. Carrageenan comes in three classes, κ-, ι-, and λ-carrageenan, with different properties attributed to their organosulfate substitution levels, and their interactions with other food components give rise to properties such as water holding, thickening, gelling, and stabilizing. Over the years, carrageenan has been used in wide variety of food products such as meat, dairy, and flour-based products, and their mechanisms and functions in these matrices have also been studied. With the emergence of novel food technologies, carrageenan's potential applications have been extensively explored alongside, including encapsulation, edible films/coatings, plant-based analogs, and 3D/4D printing. As the food technology evolves, the required functions of food ingredients have changed, and carrageenan is being investigated for its role in these new areas. However, there are many similarities in the use of carrageenan in both classic and emerging applications, and understanding the underlying principles of carrageenan will lead to a proper use of carrageenan in emerging food products. This review focuses on the potential of carrageenan as a food ingredient in these emerging technologies mainly based on papers published within the past five years, highlighting its functions and applications to better understand its role in food products.

Revolutionizing goat milk gels: A central composite design approach for synthesizing ascorbic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles decorated alginate-chitosan nanoparticles fortified smart gels

Goat milk gels (GMGs) are popular food due to their high water content, low-calorie density, appealing taste, texture enhancers, stability, and satiety-enhancing characteristics, making them ideal for achieving food security and zero hunger. The GMGs were optimized using the central composite design matrix of response surface methodology using goat milk powder (35-55 g), whole milk powder (10-25 g), and potato powder (10-15 g) as independent variables. In contrast, complex modulus, flow stress, and forward extrudability were chosen as dependent variables. The maximum value of complex modulus 33670.9 N, good flow stress 7863.6 N, and good extrudability 65.32 N was achieved under optimal conditions. The optimized goat milk gel was fortified with ascorbic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticle (magnetic nature) decorated alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (AA-MNP@CANPs), making it nutritionally rich in an economically feasible way-the decorated AA-MNP@CANPs characterized for size, shape, crystallinity, surface charge, and optical characteristics. Finally, the optimized fortified smart GMGs were further characterized via Scanning electron microscopy, Rheology, Texture profile analysis, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The fortified smart GMGs carry more nutritional diversity, targeted iron delivery, and the fundamental sustainability development goal of food security.

Birth of dairy 4.0: Opportunities and challenges in adoption of fourth industrial revolution technologies in the production of milk and its derivatives

Embracing innovation and emerging technologies is becoming increasingly important to address the current global challenges facing many food industry sectors, including the dairy industry. Growing literature shows that the adoption of technologies of the fourth industrial revolution (named Industry 4.0) has promising potential to bring about breakthroughs and new insights and unlock advancement opportunities in many areas of the food manufacturing sector. This article discusses the current knowledge and recent trends and progress on the application of Industry 4.0 innovations in the dairy industry. First, the "Dairy 4.0" concept, inspired by Industry 4.0, is introduced and its enabling technologies are determined. Second, relevant examples of the use of Dairy 4.0 technologies in milk and its derived products are presented. Finally, conclusions and future perspectives are given. The results revealed that robotics, 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Big Data, and blockchain are the main enabling technologies of Dairy 4.0. These advanced technologies are being progressively adopted in the dairy sector, from farm to table, making significant and profound changes in the production of milk, cheese, and other dairy products. It is expected that, in the near future, new digital innovations will emerge, and greater implementations of Dairy 4.0 technologies is likely to be achieved, leading to more automation and optimization of this dynamic food sector.