Chemical and Biomedical Engineering - Research Publications

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    Heat induced denaturation, aggregation and gelation of almond proteins in skim and full fat almond milk
    Devnani, B ; Ong, L ; Kentish, S ; Gras, S (Elsevier BV, 2020-09-30)
    The effect of thermal treatment (45-95 ⁰C for 30 minutes) on the structure of almond milk proteins was assessed, as the unfolding and association of these proteins in response to heat is not well understood. Above 55 ⁰C, protein surface hydrophobicity and particle size increased and alpha helical structure decreased, reducing the stability of skim or full fat milk. Fractal protein clusters were observed at 65-75 ⁰C and weakly flocculated gels with a continuous protein network occurred at 85-95 ⁰C, resulting in gels with high water holding capacity and a strength similar to dairy gels. The presence of almond fat increased gel strength but led to a more heterogenous microstructure, which may be improved by homogenisation. Elasticity could also be increased with protein concentration. This study improves our understanding of the heat stability of almond milk proteins and indicates their potential as a gelling ingredient for vegan and vegetarian products.
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    Formation of Cheddar cheese analogues using canola oil and ultrasonication – a comparison between single and double emulsion systems
    Leong, TSH ; Ong, L ; Gamlath, CJ ; Gras, SL ; Ashokkumar, M ; Martin, GJO (Elsevier BV, 2020-06)
    Cheddar cheese analogues were produced from skim milk in which canola oil was emulsified using ultrasound to form either single (O/W) or double emulsions (W1/O/W2). The double emulsion cheese analogues (DECH) had a distinct microstructure and retained small skim milk droplets, dispersed in the fat phase, for more than 7 months of aging at 4 °C. The single emulsion cheese analogues (SECH), prepared with the same fat content as control cheeses, produced comparable yields of cheese and whey, with similar composition, although the fat droplets were more spherical and showed greater coalescence. The DECH cheese with skim milk encapsulated in the oil droplets was harder, melted less and showed more free fatty acid development over 7 months of aging than the control cheeses. The SECH cheeses were softer than the control and also melted less effectively but did not show greater free fatty acid development.
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    The microstructure and textural properties of Australian cream cheese with differing composition
    Macdougall, PE ; Ong, L ; Palmer, M ; Gras, SL (Elsevier, 2019-12-01)
    Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to compare the microstructure of six Australian commercial cream cheese products. The optimal conditions for cryo scanning electron microscopy (cryo SEM) analysis of cream cheese microstructure were also examined. These complementary techniques revealed a typical cream cheese microstructure of homogenised fat globules embedded in a non-continuous protein network. The association between fat and protein within the microstructure was influenced by product composition (fat:protein ratio, moisture content) and ingredients. The addition of emulsifier led to a softer product with distinct microstructure. Cryo SEM also revealed a “honeycomb”-like structure, which was interpreted as a eutectic artefact formed by the addition of gum(s). Product hardness and gel strength generally correlated with high fat, low moisture content and a compact microstructure. Overall, this study shows how product composition affects the microstructure, texture and rheological properties of cream cheese.
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    An enzyme-responsive controlled release system based on a dual-functional peptide
    Li, X ; Burger, S ; O'Connor, AJ ; Ong, L ; Karas, JA ; Gras, SL (ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY, 2016)
    A new controlled release system was developed by loading a dual-functional peptide (DFP) on a mesoporous silica material. One-pot synthesis produced a DFP that was stimuli responsive, releasing a therapeutic peptide by protease cleavage. The design provides new steps towards smart biomaterials.