Non-Conventional Processing Technologies for Molecular Modification of Food Biomolecules: Structure–Function Relationships
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 14
Editor
Interests: food processing; emerging technologies; thermal processing; enzymes; proteins; plant based; milk; fermentation; probiotics; sustainable food development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Food biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides, play a fundamental role in determining the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of food systems. In recent years, non-conventional processing technologies have emerged as powerful tools for inducing targeted molecular-level modifications, enabling the design of ingredients and products with enhanced functionality and added value.
Technologies such as ultrasound, high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, cold plasma, and other innovative approaches have been increasingly applied to modify intermolecular interactions, conformational structures, and aggregation behavior of food biomolecules. These modifications directly impact key functional properties, including solubility, emulsification, gelation, water-holding capacity, and bioaccessibility. In addition, advances in analytical techniques have improved the understanding of structure–function relationships, supporting the rational design of novel food systems.
This Special Issue welcomes original research articles and reviews focusing on molecular-level modifications induced by non-conventional processing technologies, with emphasis on structural characterization, physicochemical changes, and their relationship with functional and technological properties. Contributions addressing innovative ingredients, process optimization, and sustainable approaches are also encouraged.
Prof. Dr. Bruno Ricardo de Castro Leite Júnior
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- non-conventional technologies
- food biomolecules
- molecular modification
- structure-function relationships
- ultrasound
- high-pressure processing
- cold plasma
- pulsed electric fields
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