Protein Hydration in Structure Creation

Food processors have made structures from natural biopolymers for centuries, so why do we still not know the answers to all the problems of structure design, and its creation, in foods? Proteins are heteropolymers of amino acids, not designed for fabrication by processors, but evolved for particular biological functions at ambient temperature. Their performance derives from their distinctive native structure and that structure ' s peculiar interaction with its aqueous environment. We are left to elucidate their behavior under more extreme conditions of pH, water activity (a w ), temperature, pressure, etc. Adsorption isotherms of water on proteins at least show some similarities, and food processing operates across the entire a w or moisture - content spectrum. This report reviews what we know relative to the operating conditions and water contents used, with reference to general rules and the inevitable exceptions

Global missions and the critical needs of food science and technology

Background: Achievement of many Sustainable Development Goals has a critical reliance on the food chain at both a global and local level. The future contribution of the biological sciences to agriculture and human health has been widely recognised, but the enabling science and engineering underpinning food manufacturing and distribution has not been so thoroughly examined. Scope and approach: The challenges confronting Food Science and Technology are considered from a global perspective and routes to their solutions are expressed as Mission Statements requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. These encompass the introduction of novel raw materials; changes in Manufacturing, including process and systems engineering; waste reduction and product safety and traceability. Approaches to better health via improved diets are presented, including “Hidden Hunger” and affordable foods for the poor as well as the increasing role of advanced digital technologies such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Key findings and conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates that FS&T is a crucial knowledge base that will allow advances in Primary Production to be sustainably converted to better control of Health through Diet. The missions involve new greater interdisciplinary collaboration, and require development of new measurement science. The need for continuing investment in food science and technology is global, but its application will require different approaches in local regions. It is vital that continuous education and training is increased by both public and private sector investment. Consumers must also be engaged to increase their awareness of new technologies and their consequent benefits to food supply and healthier diets