Advances in Research on the Effects of Dietary Fiber on Protein Gel Properties

Abstract

Protein gels are three-dimensional protein networks with high moisture content, which have been widely applied in several fields such as food, medicinal, and industrial sectors. Gel texture can be improved by adding dietary fiber due to its good physical, chemical and physiological properties, which has become the focus of attention of researchers. In order to better understand recent progress in research on dietary fiber-protein composite gels, this paper focuses on the classification, structure and functional characteristics of dietary fiber, and summarizes the current state of knowledge on the effect and mechanism of dietary fiber on the characteristics of protein gels. Moreover, it gives an overview of the application of fiber-protein gels in the fields of food and medicine and predicts future development directions. This paper will provide a basis for the preparation and application of fiber-protein gels.

Keywords

• dietary fiber; protein gels; gel properties