This study aimed to address the structural deficiency of plant protein gels by investigating the impact of ultrasound power levels and Na+ concentrations on the characteristics of soy protein isolate (SPI)-hemp protein isolate (HPI)-carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite emulsion gels (S/H/C gels). The results revealed that low-concentration Na+ (100-300 mM) can effectively shield the charges on protein surfaces, facilitate efficient aggregation of protein molecules, and encourage the conversion of some α-helix into β-sheet, thereby promoting the creation of a gel network structure. Ultrasonic treatment (400 W) further induced protein denaturation, promoting the exposure of hydrophobic groups and the creation of disulfide bonds, resulting in a well-developed three-dimensional network structure. At an appropriate Na+ concentration (300 mM), gel hardness increased from 97.16 N to 104.64 N, the storage modulus G' reached its maximum value, and the proportion of β-sheet structure increased significantly. This demonstrated excellent water-holding capacity (increased by 15.56%) and digestive characteristics. Nevertheless, excessive ultrasonic power (600 W) or high Na+ concentration (600 mM) led to excessive protein aggregation and loosening of the network structure, disrupting the continuity of the oil droplet-protein interface and thereby degrading the performance of the emulsion gel. This study elucidates the synergistic mechanism between ultrasound and Na+ in controlling the multidimensional qualities of plant protein emulsion gels, providing a theoretical basis for developing low-salt gel foods.
Yuexin An, Ruqi Guo, Hongli Yin et al.· International Journal of Bio...· 0 citations
Soybean β-conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S) differ markedly in their structure, physicochemical properties, and bioactivity; however, industrial practice still treats them as a mixed ingredient, obscuring their differentiated functional potential. This review critically evaluates fractionation technologies through the lens of the "purity-yield-sustainability" trilemma. First-generation chemical precipitation methods achieve high purity at the laboratory scale but suffer from heavy reagent use, environmental burden, and poor scalability. Second-generation green and physical techniques, such as phytase-assisted, membrane-based, and field-assisted separation, improve sustainability but face challenges in fouling control, process stability, and scale-up. Third-generation upstream strategies, including breeding and gene editing, fundamentally alter the 7S/11S ratio at the source, potentially bypassing downstream tradeoffs. Functionally, 7S globulin excels in regulating lipid metabolism and reducing obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, whereas 11S globulin shows advantages in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular protection. Structurally, 7S exhibits favorable emulsification and foaming capacities, whereas 11S dominates gel network formation, supporting diverse applications from plant-based foods to nanocarriers and biodegradable films. Future breakthroughs lie in AI-guided hybrid separation systems, data-driven process optimization, and direct linking of fractionation outcomes to end-use functionality. Moving beyond mixed utilization toward precision deployment, soybean 7S and 11S globulins can evolve from bulk commodities into high-value resources for sustainable food systems and precision health applications.
Shuyin Hu, Yuyang Huang, Ya-Qi Lu et al.· Comprehensive Reviews in Foo...· 0 citations