Application of nanocellulose in food field

The application of nanocellulose in the food field is receiving increasing attention and research, mainly because of its natural source, biodegradability and functional properties, and has broad potential in food processing and improvement. Here are some of the main applications of nanocellulose in the food field:

1. Food packaging:

Nanocellulose can be used as an additive for food packaging materials to improve packaging performance. Nanocellulose-based films have excellent gas barrier properties and mechanical strength, which can effectively extend the shelf life of food and provide better packaging protection.

2. Food stabilizers and thickeners:

Nanocellulose can be used as food stabilizers and thickeners to improve the texture and taste of food. Nanocellulose has good emulsification and dispersion properties, which can stabilize the emulsion and suspension system while increasing the viscosity and taste of food. For example, adding a certain concentration of nanocellulose to the ice cream formula helps to maintain its original shape at room temperature and improves the viscosity and taste of the ice cream.

3. Nutritional health products:

Nanocellulose can be used as a carrier or embedding for nutritional health products. For example, nanocellulose can be used to prepare nano-scale nutrient delivery systems, improve the bioavailability and stability of nutrients, and enhance the functionality of nutritional health products.

4. Food surface coating:

Nanocellulose can be used to coat food surfaces to enhance the texture and appearance of food. Nanocellulose coatings can improve the gloss, waterproofness and mechanical strength of foods, while improving the quality and commercial value of foods. In addition, since cellulase is not present in the human system, the coating made of cellulose can withstand adverse conditions in the human gastrointestinal tract and protect encapsulated bioactive compounds such as vitamins, fatty acids, curcumin and probiotics.

5. As a functional food ingredient

As one of the seventh largest nutrients, cellulose is an indispensable nutrient for maintaining human health. It can soften intestinal substances, stimulate peristalsis of the stomach wall, assist defecation, and reduce the absorption of cholesterol and glucose in the blood. Therefore, nanocellulose can also be used as a Functional food ingredients. In the study of controlling food viscosity and glucose absorption, it was found that nanocellulose can significantly inhibit glucose diffusion and delay starch decomposition, which can play a 'weight loss' effect in a certain sense.

In general, the application of nanocellulose in the food field covers multiple aspects such as food packaging, stabilizers, nutritional health products, and food additives, providing new materials and technical support for the innovation and development of the food industry.