Functional Characterization
Solubility
| Instrument(s) | Purpose | Photo |
|---|---|---|
Oakton pH 700 meter |
To determine the soluble protein in a protein-water dispersion by measuring the protein concentration of the dispersion before and after centrifugation to sediment insoluble proteins. | 
|
LECO FP 828 |
To determine the soluble protein in a protein-water dispersion by measuring the protein concentration of the dispersion before and after centrifugation to sediment insoluble proteins. | 
|
Oil Binding Capacity
| Instrument(s) | Purpose | Photo |
|---|---|---|
Chemical assay |
To determine the amount of oil bound to the protein structure. Oil-binding capacity is related to a protein's surface hydrophobicity and influences its emulsification properties. | 
|
Water Binding Capacity
| Instrument(s) | Purpose | Photo |
|---|---|---|
Chemical assay |
To determine the amount of water bound to protein via hydrogen or ionic bonds | 
|
Gelation and Least Gelation Capacity
| Instrument(s) | Purpose | Photo |
|---|---|---|
Texture Analyzer XT Plus |
To determine a protein's ability to form a three-dimensional network with entrapped water. Gel strength measures the force required to rupture the gel. Least gelation concentration determines the lowest protein concentration at which a protein solution forms a heat-induced gel and holds its shape. | 
|
Emulsification Capacity
| Instrument(s) | Purpose | Photo |
|---|---|---|
Scilogex D500 and IKA RW 20 benchtop homogenizers |
To determine the quantity of oil a certain amount of protein can emulsify. Oil is titrated into a protein solution and emulsion failure is measured by a decrease in viscosity. | 
|
Emulsion Stability
| Instrument(s) | Purpose | Photo |
|---|---|---|
Scilogex D500 and IKA RW 20 benchtop homogenizers |
To form coarse emulsions | 
|
GEA Niro Soavi Panda benchtop homogenizer |
To form fine emulsions | 
|
Memmert HPP 260 humidity and temperature-controlled shelf-life chambers |
To determine shelf-life of a product while regulating temperature, humidity, air composition (CO2 or O2), and light intensity | 
|
LA-960 HORIBA laser scattering particle size distribution analyzer |
To measure oil droplet distribution over time | 
|
Anton Paar MCR302e Modular Compact Rheometer |
To measure changes in rheological properties of emulsions | 
|
Foaming Capacity & Stability
| Instrument(s) | Purpose | Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Scilogex D500 and IKA RW 20 benchtop homogenizers | To determine a protein's ability in a protein solution to produce a foam after agitation. Foaming stability, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a protein foam to remain stable over time, and against gravitational or mechanical stresses. |
|
Color Analysis
| Instrument(s) | Purpose | Photo |
|---|---|---|
Minolta Chroma Meter |
To determine L*a* b* values of protein ingredients as affected by extraction conditions, glycation, processing conditions, etc. | 
|
Rheological Properties
| Instrument(s) | Purpose | Photo |
|---|---|---|
Anton Paar MCR302e Modular Compact Rheometer |
To measure changes in rheological properties of protein samples |
|