Feasibility of using pulsed electric fields to modify biomacromolecules: A review

The challenges encountered in the utilisation of biomacromolecules as functional ingredients can be overcome through modification of their structural elements. Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in the usage of non-thermal or chemical free modification techniques to improve the s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in food science & technology 2018-02, Vol.72, p.91-113
Main Authors: Giteru, Stephen Gitonga, Oey, Indrawati, Ali, M. Azam
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomacromolecules
Chemical reactions
Disintegration
Electric fields
Electrochemical
Electrochemistry
Feasibility studies
Food science
Ingredients
Macromolecules
Microstructure
Mixtures
Modification
Molecular properties
Molecular weight
Network formation
Polarisation
Polysaccharides
Proteins
Pulsed electric fields
Saccharides
Structural members
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Summary:The challenges encountered in the utilisation of biomacromolecules as functional ingredients can be overcome through modification of their structural elements. Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in the usage of non-thermal or chemical free modification techniques to improve the stability and function of primary ingredients in the food, biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. This has led to the investigations of pulsed electric fields (PEF) technology as an alternative technique for enhancing modification of chemical reactions and microstructure of biomacromolecules. The goal of this paper was to conduct a systematic review on the effect of PEF on the functional properties of proteins, polysaccharides and their blends, focusing on the configurational and conformational modifications in the microstructure due to the application of micro/millisecond electric field. PEF has potential to modify the microstructure and functional properties of biomacromolecules. PEF–induced modifications follow two primary mechanisms, i.e. electrochemical reactions and polarisation of the structural moieties. Critical PEF treatment intensity (EC) is required for the onset of the microstructural changes in biomacromolecules. These changes are influenced by the settings and configuration of the PEF equipment, product characteristics (molecular weight, pH, conductivity) and system temperature. If properly managed, PEF treatment and subsequently the changes in molecular properties (i.e. molecular disintegration and network formation) could be tailored for the production of superior micro-/nano-structured products for various applications. [Display omitted] •PEF induces electrochemical reactions and polarisation.•PEF modifies the microstructure and functional properties of biomacromolecules.•PEF-induced modifications have potential in tailoring nanostructured materials.
ISSN:0924-2244
1879-3053
DOI:10.1016/j.tifs.2017.12.009