Advances in Renewable Plant-derived Protein Source: The Structure, Physicochemical Properties Affected by Ultrasonication

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in renewable and sustainable protein resource of plant origin. The reasons for this are summarized as follows: (1) green, low-cost, environmental friendly and sustainable concepts are deeply rooted in people's minds; (2) long-term use of animal protein can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, negative environmental impacts; (3) more and more vegetarians are emerged; (4) many consumers still do not accept food grade insect. Based on this situation, this paper links eco-innovative ultrasound technology to plant-derived sustainable proteins resource, and magnifies the advantages of both at the same time. Ultrasound is a novel, green and rapid developing environmental friendly technology, which is suitable for up scaling and improving the physicochemical properties of protein. This review summarizes the mechanisms, cavitation properties of ultrasonic field, consumption of energy, applications of spectroscopic techniques for evaluating plant-derived proteins conformation changes, effects of ultrasound on the structure and physicochemical properties of plant-derived renewable proteins, and application of ultrasound treatment proteins in food industry. Furthermore, future research to better utilize this green technology is suggested. In this way, it not only conforms to the concept of sustainable, high-efficiency, and environmental protection of the food protein industry, but also clarifies the relationship between protein structure and properties, which are conducive to the application of ultrasound in protein industrialization.