Advanced Rheological Techniques for Texture and Structural Analysis of Foods
摘要
Rheological instrumentation and rheological measurements have become essential tools in the analytical laboratories of food companies for characterizing ingredients and final products, as well as for predicting product performance and consumer acceptance. However, this characterization can be difficult to determine using a traditional rheometer due to the complex composition, structure of the food, as well as the difficulties in accounting for the changes to the food during oral processing. This study presents an advanced rheological technique that integrates large amplitude oscillatory shear, extensional rheology, interfacial rheology, microrheology, tribology, and texture profile analysis to provide a comprehensive assessment of the mechanical and sensory-relevant properties of food systems. The technique enables the deconvolution of linear and nonlinear viscoelastic responses, allowing for detailed insights into structural integrity, yield behavior, and breakdown mechanisms under processing and consumption-like conditions. By applying this methodology to a range of complex food matrices, including gels, emulsions, and semi-solid foods, the study demonstrates its capability to correlate rheological parameters with sensory attributes such as creaminess, firmness, and spreadability. This approach offers a robust, non-destructive analytical framework for both food formulation and quality control, advancing the field of food texture and structure analysis.