Plant protein consumption is crucial for sustainability, but their astringent off-sensation hinders adoption. This study shows that transforming plant proteins into physically cross-linked microgels significantly improves their lubricity, reducing boundary friction by an order of magnitude compared to native proteins and matching the performance of oil/water emulsions. These plant protein microgels offer a platform for designing healthier, more palatable, and sustainable foods.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Aug 07, 2023
Authors
Ben Kew, Melvin Holmes, Evangelos Liamas, Rammile Ettelaie, Simon D. Connell, Daniele Dini, Anwesha Sarkar
Tags
plant proteins
microgels
sustainability
lubricity
food technology
Related Publications
Explore these studies to deepen your understanding of the subject.