Ultrasound-assisted modification of functional properties and biological activity of biopolymers: A review

• Published in: Ultrasonics sonochemistry 2020-07, Vol.65, p.105057-105057, Article 105057
• Main Authors: Wang, Xiaomei, Majzoobi, Mahsa, Farahnaky, Asgar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological activity; Biopolymers; Biopolymers - chemistry; Biotechnology - methods; Elasticity; Functionality; Gels - chemistry; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Molecular Structure; Rheology; Solubility; Sonication - methods; Surface Properties; Temperature; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 1350-4177; 1873-2828
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2020.105057

•Ultrasound-assisted modification of functional properties and biological activity of biopolymers are reviewed.•Examples of improving gelling, structural, emulsifying, rheological properties and solubility are discussed.•Bioactivity of biopolymers can be enhanced by ultrasonication, examples provided.•Knowledge gap in terms of mechanism of alteration of biopolymers activity by ultrasound is highlighted. In this review, the recent applications of power ultrasound technology in improving the functional properties and biological activities of biopolymers are reviewed. The basic principles of ultrasonic technology are briefly introduced, and its main effects on gelling, structural, textural, emulsifying, rheological properties, solubility, thermal stability, foaming ability and foaming stability and biological activity are illustrated with examples reviewing the latest published research papers. Many positive effects of ultrasound treatment on these functional properties of biopolymers have been confirmed. However, the effectiveness of power ultrasound in improving biopolymers properties depends on a variety of factors, including frequency, intensity, duration, system temperature, and intrinsic properties of biopolymers such as macromolecular structure. In order to obtain the desired outcomes, it is best to apply optimized ultrasound processing parameters and use the best conditions in terms of frequency, amplitude, temperature, time, pH, concentration and ionic strength related to the inherent characteristics of each biopolymer. This will help employ the full potential of ultrasound technology for generating innovative biopolymers functionalities for various applications such as food, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.