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Emerging nonthermal and thermal food processing technologies are a better alternative to conventional thermal processing techniques because they offer high-quality, minimally processed food. Texture is important in the food industry because it encompasses several product attributes and plays a vital role in consumer acceptance. Therefore, it is imperative to analyze the extent to which these technologies influence the textural attributes of food grains. Physical forces produced by cavitation are attributed to ultrasound treatment-induced changes in the conformational and structural properties of food proteins. Pulsed electric field treatment causes polarization of starch granules, damaging the dense outer layer of starch granules and decreasing the mechanical strength of starch. Prolonged radio frequency heating results in the denaturation of proteins and gelatinization of starch, thus reducing binding tendency during cooking. Microwave energy induces rapid removal of water from the product surface, resulting in lower bulk density, low shrinkage, and a porous structure. However, evaluating the influence of these techniques on food grain texture is difficult owing to differences in their primary operation mode, operating conditions, and equipment design. To maximize the advantages of nonthermal and thermal technologies, in-depth research should be conducted on their effects on the textural properties of different food grains while ensuring the selection of appropriate operating conditions for each food grain type. This article summarizes all recent developments in these emerging processing technologies for food grains, discusses their potential applications and drawbacks, and presents prospects for future developments in food texture enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although sodium chloride is widely used in food processing as a preservative, flavor and texture enhancer, its high intake has been reported to cause cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and gastric cancer. The use of chloride salts and the reduction of sodium chloride content in food products have been proposed as common strategies to control high salt intake. However, sodium chloride reduction in food can lead to a significant loss of flavor and texture which can be quickly noticed by consumers. To mitigate these issues, various researchers are developing techniques to reduce sodium chloride without affecting the flavor, texture and taste. In the present contribution, oven-roasted peanuts, microwave and traditional bath cooked grass crab meat and surimi emulsified sausages were studied as models to reduce salt in food and good results were achieved. The approaches used in these studies are promising and open new perspectives in the future development of low sodium chloride food products.

Dietary polyphenols with great antidiabetic effects are the most abundant components in edible products. Dietary polyphenols have attracted attention as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors and indirectly improve insulin secretion. The DPP-IV inhibitory activities of dietary polyphenols depend on their structural diversity. Screening methods that can be used to rapidly and accurately identify potential polyphenol DPP-IV inhibitors are urgently needed. This review focuses on the relationship between the structures of dietary polyphenols and their DPP-IV inhibitory effects. Different characterization methods used for polyphenols as DPP-IV inhibitors have been summarized and compared. We conclude that the position and number of hydroxyl groups, methoxy groups, glycosylated groups, and the extent of conjugation influence the efficiency of inhibition of DPP-IV. various combinations of methods, such as in-vitro enzymatic inhibition, ex-vivo/in-vivo enzymatic inhibition, cell-based in situ, and in-silico virtual screening, are used to evaluate the DPP-IV inhibitory effects of dietary polyphenols. Further investigations of polyphenol DPP-iv inhibitors will improve the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of these bioactive compounds. exploration of (i) dietary polyphenols derived from multiple targets, that can prevent diabetes, and (ii) actual binding interactions via multispectral analysis, to understand the binding interactions in the complexes, is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamaldehyde is an essential oil extracted from the leaves, bark, roots and flowers of cinnamon plants (genus Cinnamomum). Cinnamaldehyde has shown biological functions such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-cancer. However, poor solubility in water as well as molecular sensitivity to oxygen, light, and high temperature limit the direct application of cinnamaldehyde. Researchers are using different encapsulation techniques to maximize the potential biological functions of cinnamaldehyde. Different delivery systems such as liposomes, emulsions, biopolymer nanoparticles, complex coacervation, molecular inclusion, and spray drying have been developed for this purpose. The particle size and morphology, composition and physicochemical properties influence the performance of each delivery system. Consequently, the individual delivery system has its advantages and limitations for specific applications. Given the essential role of cinnamaldehyde in functional food and food preservation, appropriate approaches should be applied in the encapsulation and application of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde. This review systematically analyzes available encapsulation techniques for cinnamaldehyde in terms of their design, properties, advantages and limitations, and food application status. The information provided in this manuscript will assist in the development and widespread use of cinnamaldehyde-loaded particles in the food and beverage industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Protein is one of the most important components of food which significantly contributes to the structure, functionality, and sensory properties which may affect consumer acceptability of processed products. Conventional thermal processing affects protein structure and induce undesirable degradation of food quality. This review provides an overview of emerging pretreatment and drying technologies (plasma treatment, ultrasound treatment, electrohydrodynamic, radio frequency, microwave, and superheated steam drying) in food processing by assessing protein structural changes to enhance functional and nutritional properties. In addition, mechanisms and principles of these modern technologies are described while challenges and opportunities for the development of these techniques in the drying process are also critically analyzed. Plasma discharges can lead to oxidative reactions and cross-linking of proteins that can change the structure of proteins. Microwave heating contributes to the occurrence of isopeptide or disulfide bonds which promotes α-helix and β-turn formation. These emerging technologies can be adopted to improve protein surface by exposing more hydrophobic groups which restrict water interaction. It is expected that these innovative processing technologies should become a preferred choice in the food industry for better food quality. Moreover, there are some limitations for industrial scale application of these emerging technologies that need to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microencapsulation of essential oils by complex coacervation continues to attract considerable attention due to high payload, increased thermal stability and sustained release of core materials. This review recapitulates the thermal properties of coacervates and essential oil microcapsules prepared by complex coacervation method using protein/polysaccharide and polysaccharide/polysaccharide. The authors discussed the factors affecting coacervation and the thermal properties of coacervates. Besides, this review describes the microencapsulation processes physicochemical properties and release characteristics of essential oils microcapsules based on complex coacervation method. Finally, the review concentrates on the antimicrobial properties and the applications of essential oils microcapsules in food and nutrition. Despite extensive research conducted on the preparation of essential oils microcapsules prepared by complex coacervation, the application of this technique in encapsulating essential oils exposed to high temperatures during processing and storage remains a current area of research. Therefore, the research consolidated in this review describes a high degree of thermal stability of essential oils microcapsules prepared with complex coacervation that is yet understood, which can be readily utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]