Protein Structure Function Relationships In Foods

Food proteins constitute a diverse and complex collection of biological macro molecules. Although contributing to the nutritional quality of the foods we con sume, proteins also act as integral components by virtue of their diverse functional properties. The expression of these functional properties during the preparation, processing and storage of foods is largely dictated by changes to the structure or structure-related properties of the proteins involved. Therefore, germane to the optimal use of existing and future food protein sources is a thorough understanding of the nature of the relationships between structure and function. It is the goal of this book to aid in better defining these relationships. Two distinct sections are apparent: firstly, those chapters which address struc ture-function relationships using a variety of food systems as examples to demonstrate the intricacies of this relationship, and secondly, those chapters which discuss techniques used to either examine structural parameters or aid in establishing quantitative relationships between protein structure and function. The editors would like to thank all contributors for their assistance, co-operation and, above all, their patience in putting this volume together, and the following companies/organizations for their financial support without which it would not have been the success it was: Ault Foods Limited, Best Foods Canada Limited, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Quest International Canada Inc., and University of Guelph. R.Y.Y. R.LJ.

Although many pursue understanding of the relationship between protein structure and function for the thrill of pure science, the pay-off in a much broader sense is the ability to manipulate the Earth's chemistry and biology to improve the quality of life for mankind. Immediately goals of this area of research include identification of the life-supporting functions of proteins, and the fundamental forces that facilitate these functions. Upon reaching these goals, we shall have the understanding to direct and the tools required to implement changes that will dramatically improve the quality of life. For example, under standing the chemical mechanism of diseases will facilitate development of new therapeutic drugs. Likewise, understanding of chemical mechanisms of plant growth will be used with biotechnology to improve food production under adverse climatic conditions. The challenge to understand details of protein structure/function relationships is enormous and requires an international effort for success. To direct the chemistry and biology of our environment in a positive sense will require efforts from bright, imaginative scientists located throughout the world. Although the emergence of FAX, e-mail, and the World Wide Web has revolutionized international communication, there remains a need for scientists located in distant parts of the world to occasionally meet face to face.

The functional properties of food proteins affect behavior in food systems and influence the quality attributes, structure, texture, mouth-feel, and flavor of the final product. These attributes are precisely those with which food engineers and technologists are concerned when developing new products. This innovative book provides an overview of the physical properties of proteins and how dynamic changes in conformation, structural changes, and protein-protein interactions are involved in the performance of particular functional properties such as gelation, emulsification, and foaming properties. Models used include B-Lactoglobulin, soy, and meat proteins.

Chemical and Functional Properties of Food Proteins presents the current state of knowledge on the content of proteins in food structures, the chemical, functional, and nutritive properties of food proteins, the chemical and biochemical modification of proteins in foods during storage and processing, and the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of nitrogenous compounds. It emphasizes the structure-function relationship as well as the effects of practical conditions applied in food processing on the biochemical and chemical reactions in food proteins and food product quality. The first ten chapters discuss structure-function relationships, methods of analysis of nitrogenous compounds, chemical and enzymatic modifications, nutritive roles, and mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of food proteins. The following six chapters describe the proteins of meat and fish, milk, eggs, cereals, legumes, oilseeds and single cell organisms, and present detailed information on the effects of conditions applied in storage and processing on the reactions in proteins and their impact on quality attributes of food products.

This book discusses the chemistry of food proteins and peptides and their relationship with nutritional, functional, and health applications. Bringing together authorities in the field, it provides a comprehensive discussion focused on fundamental chemistries and mechanisms underpinning the structure-function relationships of food proteins and peptides. The functional and bioactive properties hinge on their structural features such as amino acid sequence, molecular size, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and net charges. The book includes coverage of advances in the nutritional and health applications of protein and peptide modifications; novel applications of food proteins and peptides in the development of edible functional biomaterials; advances in the use of proteomics and peptidomics for food proteins and peptide analysis (foodomics); and the relevance of food protein and peptide chemistries in policy and regulation. Research into the fundamental chemistries behind the functional, health and nutritional benefits is burgeoning and has gained the interest of scientists, the industry, regulatory agencies, and consumers. This book fills the knowledge gap providing an excellent source of information for researchers, instructors, students, food and nutrition industry, and policy makers.

This volume examines the contributions of proteins to the technological and organoleptic characteristics of food. It provides a solid basis for understanding the principles of food protein functionality and offers information to help develop unique food products using proteins as novel ingredients. Properties such as solubility, viscosity, gelation, emulsification and loam formation are discussed.

Although the art of making cheese can be traced to prehistoric times, it has continued to evolve as modern civilization progressed. The advent of new technologies and instrumentation has brought exponential growth in the understanding of cheese components and their function. Even more recently, the evolution of cheesemaking has accelerated, driven by economic factors such as the establishment of the European Economic Community, the changing diet of developed countries, and the environmental and economic concerns associated with whey disposal. Molecular biology has revolutionized the development of starter and adjunct cultures as well as rennets, and genetics will make it possible to maintain ideal milk components for cheesemaking. The ability to accelerate traditional ripening procedures has altered the production of certain cheeses, and the emphasis on decreasing the intake of dietary fat, especially in the United States, has prompted the development of technology for producing low-fat cheeses with traditional texture and flavor. In assembling a distinguished group of participants for the symposium, "Chemistry of the Structure/Function Relationships in Cheese," we hoped to review the interplay of these trends and forecast the direction of future research. Contributors evaluated the current status of cheesemaking and highlighted the information that will be essential for new developments. They also focused the attention of agricultural and food chemists on the opportunities in cheese research and the potential contributions they might make to the future of cheese, a most valuable food product. We are indebted to Dr. Patrick Fox, Dr. Mark Johnson, Dr. Milos Kalab, Dr.

A multidisciplinary resource, Food Proteins and Peptides: Chemistry, Functionality, Interactions, and Commercialization enables researchers in biochemistry, biotechnology, food science and technology, nutrition, and medicine to understand the physicochemical and biochemical factors that govern the functionality of these food components. Following chapters on the structure and chemistry of amino acids, peptides, and proteins, the book describes modes of characterization and the functional relationships of food proteins. It examines protein solubility and insolubility and explores proteins and peptides as emulsifying and foaming agents. Specialized topics include: Factors affecting heat-induced casein–whey protein interactions in bovine milk systems The effects of protein–saccharide interactions on the properties of food components Ameliorative action of peptides on cholesterol and lipid metabolism Proteins and peptides with elements of sweetness, kokumi, umami, and bitterness A new approach for the large-scale fractionation of peptides based on their amphoteric nature The book examines the source of bioactive peptides and describes their bioavailability, including their absorption and occurrence in human blood. It also provides a database of biologically active proteins and peptides. Final chapters review current status, future industrial perspectives, and future trends of bioactive food proteins and peptides and explore the role of nanotechnology in protein research. With contributions from a panel of international scientists, this volume captures the state of the art in protein and peptide research, providing a launching pad for further inquiry and discovery.