Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2026

Easy Manipulation of Architectures in Protein-based Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications
Published on: August 4, 2017
High-pressure homogenization for food protein modification: Structural mechanisms, functional regulation, and
Yixuan Zhang1, Shuifang Mao1, Jianhua Liu1
1College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, PR China.
Abstract:
High-pressure homogenization (HPH) is a promising non-thermal technology for modulating food protein structure and techno-functional properties, including solubility, emulsifying activity and foaming capacity in food-processing systems. During HPH, protein dispersions pass through narrow valves or microchannels, where shear, turbulence, cavitation and localized heating collectively disrupt aggregates, reduce particle size, expose hydrophobic/sulfhydryl groups and rearrange protein structures, enhancing solubility, emulsification, foaming and interfacial performance. However, HPH-induced modification is non-linear. Moderate treatments drive deaggregation and partial unfolding, while excessive pressure or repeated cycles trigger hydrophobic association, reaggregation and functional decline. This review summarizes recent advances in HPH modification of food proteins, focusing on processing-structure-function relationships. Combined strategies coupling HPH with heating, ultrasonication, enzymatic hydrolysis, glycation or protein-polyphenol conjugation are discussed to overcome limitations of single HPH treatment. Finally, challenges regarding mechanism elucidation, process standardization, complex matrices, equipment clogging and industrial scale-up are evaluated, providing a process-structure-function perspective for developing high-functionality protein ingredients.
Related Concept Videos
Tissue Homogenization and Cell Lysis
Mechanical methods of tissue homogenization
These methods rely on applying external physical force to disrupt...
Protein Denaturation
Downstream Processing
Pasteurization and Food Preservation
Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
Upstream Processing
