Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
13:38
Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Plasticized methylcellulose coating for reducing oil uptake in potato chips
María José Tavera-Quiroz1, Marina Urriza, Adriana Pinotti
1Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA), CONICET La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, La Plata, Argentina.
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
|November 22, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a healthier potato chip by using methylcellulose coatings with sorbitol, reducing oil absorption by 30% without affecting taste or texture.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Material Science
Background:
- Growing consumer demand for healthier, low-fat food options.
- Need to reduce fat absorption in fried products like potato chips.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate sorbitol and glycerol as plasticizers for methylcellulose coatings.
- Determine the efficacy of these coatings in reducing oil uptake during potato chip frying.
Main Methods:
- Application of methylcellulose coatings with and without plasticizers (sorbitol, glycerol).
- Analysis of coating performance using dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
- Monitoring of color, mechanical properties, water activity, and lipid oxidation during storage.
Main Results:
- Methylcellulose coating effectively reduced oil absorption in fried potato chips.
- Optimal formulation: 10 g/L methylcellulose with 7.5 g/L sorbitol, reducing oil uptake by 30%.
- Coating and sorbitol did not negatively impact puncture force or color; sensory analysis showed no discernible difference.
Conclusions:
- Methylcellulose-based coatings plasticized with sorbitol offer a viable method for producing healthier potato chips.
- This approach addresses consumer health concerns without compromising sensory attributes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Bioplastics
Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...
01:05Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...