Multitechnique approaches for characterising phase behaviour in food biopolymer systems

Abstract Understanding the phase behaviour of biopolymer composites is vital for various technological applications, such as developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, encapsulation, isolation and fractionation of enzymes and proteins. The growing consumer demand for healthier food products pressures the food and nutraceutical industries to innovate while maintaining traditional texture and nutritional quality. This review critically examines various analytical techniques, including spectroscopic, microscopic, calorimetric, rheological, viscometry, and diffraction methods, used to study phase behaviour. Each technique provides unique insights into phase behaviour mechanisms at micro and macroscopic levels, with respective advantages and limitations discussed. The review advocates for a multi-technique approach for a comprehensive understanding of phase behaviour and highlights the development of in situ probing techniques with minimal sample pre-processing as a promising advancement. These innovations are expected to significantly enhance the practical applications of these techniques in the food industry, meeting current consumer demands without compromising traditional qualities.