Emerging Non-Thermal Technologies for Reducing Anti-Nutritional Factors in Food Systems: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Food Processing Engineering

Background:

• Naturally occurring anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in foods, including tannins, saponins, and enzyme inhibitors, reduce nutrient bioavailability and impact human health.
• These ANFs present significant challenges for the food industry, requiring innovative strategies to enhance nutritional quality without compromising safety or sensory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze the mechanisms, efficacy, and challenges of novel non-thermal processing techniques in mitigating ANFs.
• To evaluate the potential of advanced non-thermal methods in improving the nutritional quality of food products.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of scientific literature on non-thermal processing techniques such as pulsed electric field (PEF), ultrasonication, irradiation, and cold plasma (CP).
• Examination of the biomolecular changes induced by these techniques, including electroporation, electrochemical interactions, and molecular polarization.
• Assessment of ANF reduction efficacy in various food matrices under different processing conditions.

Main Results:

• Novel non-thermal techniques demonstrate significant potential in reducing various ANFs, surpassing traditional methods in preserving nutritional integrity.
• Mechanisms like cavitation and high-energy waves effectively degrade complex anti-nutritional compounds.
• The effectiveness of these methods is contingent upon the food matrix, processing parameters, and specific ANFs targeted.

Conclusions:

• Non-thermal processing technologies offer a promising avenue for developing functional, nutrient-rich foods.
• These innovative techniques can help overcome the challenges posed by ANFs, meeting consumer demand for healthier food options.
• Further research is needed to optimize processing conditions and address practical implementation challenges for widespread industry adoption.