Beyond Mixed Utilization: Fractionation, Functional Divergence, and Precision Applications of Soybean 7S and 11S Globulins

Soybean β-conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S) differ markedly in their structure, physicochemical properties, and bioactivity; however, industrial practice still treats them as a mixed ingredient, obscuring their differentiated functional potential. This review critically evaluates fractionation technologies through the lens of the "purity-yield-sustainability" trilemma. First-generation chemical precipitation methods achieve high purity at the laboratory scale but suffer from heavy reagent use, environmental burden, and poor scalability. Second-generation green and physical techniques, such as phytase-assisted, membrane-based, and field-assisted separation, improve sustainability but face challenges in fouling control, process stability, and scale-up. Third-generation upstream strategies, including breeding and gene editing, fundamentally alter the 7S/11S ratio at the source, potentially bypassing downstream tradeoffs. Functionally, 7S globulin excels in regulating lipid metabolism and reducing obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, whereas 11S globulin shows advantages in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular protection. Structurally, 7S exhibits favorable emulsification and foaming capacities, whereas 11S dominates gel network formation, supporting diverse applications from plant-based foods to nanocarriers and biodegradable films. Future breakthroughs lie in AI-guided hybrid separation systems, data-driven process optimization, and direct linking of fractionation outcomes to end-use functionality. Moving beyond mixed utilization toward precision deployment, soybean 7S and 11S globulins can evolve from bulk commodities into high-value resources for sustainable food systems and precision health applications.