The combined effect of hydrocolloid addition and microwave heating on the structural, physical and functional properties of cassava starch remains underexplored, despite individual studies on these modification methods. The dielectric properties, important for the microwave treatment of starch, have received little attention in recent studies. Cassava starch with and without addition of hydrocolloids (guar and xanthan gums) was modified by microwave heating for two different exposure times, and its structural, functional, and dielectric properties were studied. The dual modification enhanced the swelling power and oil holding capacity of the starch, reduced its gelatinization temperature, and did not alter its crystallinity. Notably, xanthan-modified starch microwaved for 6 min exhibited higher color variation (ΔE*) and increased granules agglomeration, while the microwave treatment alone roughened the surface of the starch granules. The mean diameters D[4,3] of starch increased with xanthan gum addition, microwave treatment (6 min), and their combination. The relative permittivity (ε’), loss factor (ε”) and penetration depth (Dp) were lower for samples modified by the combined method. Considering the type of hydrocolloid and the microwave exposure time, the combined modification significantly influenced the properties of starch, offering a promising approach to producing starch with enhanced functional properties.
Three-dimensional (3D)-printed fish analogs are gradually nearing the ability to mimic real fish meat in response to personal demand, supply pressure, food safety, and environmental concerns. However, the use of 3D food printing to simulate the composite structure of real meat tissue remains a challenge. In this study, we used dual-nozzle 3D printing technology to construct plant-based yellow croaker tissue analogs by soy protein isolate–xanthan gum-starch complex (as simulated muscle ink) and nanostarch-carrageenan emulsion gel (as simulated fat ink). We successfully prepared 3D-printed fish meat with a high simulation composite structure by constructing a muscle/fat biphasic 3D model and optimizing the printing process. The texture, moisture distribution, and nutrient content of the simulated fish meat were analyzed and compared with real yellow croaker meat, demonstrating that 3D-printed plant-based yellow croaker flesh with a composite structure had a good simulation quality.
Kinnow also known as mandarin are popular fruits worldwide for their refreshing flavor and nutritional benefits. Their quality standards vary globally due to differences in climatic conditions, agronomical practices, mandarin physiology, etc. The fruit maturity indices are region and consumer specific which make traditional methods of maturity predictions a very difficult task which become challenge for producers and researchers. This review provides state-of-art approches on maturity indices of mandarin fruit by understanding its physiological changes including their biotic, abiotic factors, physicochemical parameters and artificial intelligence integration with non-destructive technologies to predict the fruit maturity. It focuses on rapid on-field sensor and camera based systems with different algorithmic models for fruit maturity prediction. The use of AI driven advanced spectrometry, imaging techniques, real time monitoring are crucial for predicting harvest time. It also highlights significant technical challenges and identifies promising areas for future research, offering a valuable insights for growers.

