PhD Student
Impact of processing conditions on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effects, and potential for alleviating diabetic cardiomyopathy in Sacha inchi oil
PhD Student
Chemical composition and antifungal mechanisms of polysaccharides from Gracilaria coronopifolia against postharvest fungal diseases in fruits and vegetables
PhD Student
Sustainability of calcined oyster shell powder as a natural preservative for postharvest green onion (Allium fistulosum)
PhD Student
Development of black green onion
PhD Student
Master Student
Lab Assistant
Lab Assistant
Lab Assistant
Studies on the hypoglycemic constituents: stem of Psidium guajava and root of Flemingia macrophylla
Functionality of djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) by-products and in vivo anti-diabetes effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Physicochemical properties of gelatinized cassava starch and food colloid composites
Effect of high-pressure treatment on structural, thermal, pasting, rheological, and functional properties of wheat flour
Effects of heat-gelatined starch and hydrocolloids composites on physicochemical properties and quality of tapioca pearls
Effects of high pressure processing, ultrasonic, and heat-moisture-treatment on the physical properties of maize starch
Effects of high-pressure processing on the physicochemical properties and degradation kinetics of resveratrol
Electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol/ d-limonene/ Gracilaria coronopifolia polysaccharide nanofibrous membrane
Characterization of Viscera Oil from Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) Extracted by High-Pressure Processing
Characterization and functional properties of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) phytosomes and liposomes
Effects of Dual Annealing and Ultrasonic Treatments on the Physicochemical Properties of Oryza sativa L. Rice Taichung Sen 17 Flour.
Physicochemical properties of wheat flour with ultrasonic treatments and its application on bakery products
Physicochemical and functional properties of palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) sap granulated sugar and syrup prepared by drying
NEXTA STA 300, equipped with Real View® Sample Observation System (Hitachi High-Tech Science)
HPP600MPa/6.2L (Bao Tou Ke Fa High Pressure Technology Co., Ltd.)
Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Niumag)
Manifold Freeze Dryer (UNISS)
Crystal 9000 (Chromatec)
5410 UV Detector (Hitachi) 5110 Pump (Hitachi) 655A-52 Column Oven (Hitachi) 1430 Diode Array Detector (Hitachi) L-2400 UV Detector (Hitachi) L-2130 Pump (Hitachi)
CT3 Texture Analyzer (Brookfield)
SH-U830 (Shishin Technologies Co., Ltd.)
MINI-300 (Major Science)
(Thermo Fisher Scientific)
Invitrogen™ iBlot™ 3 (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
Olympus BX53 polarized light microscope equipped with a charge-coupled device camera (Olympus)
(Fancy International Enterprise Co., Ltd.)
(Deying Ice Cream)
NA-9524AE (Nissei)
ABSTRACT: High-pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal technology that allows for targeted modifications of flour, the main carbohydrate polymer in wheat flour, thus enhancing the functional and textural properties of flour-based systems. This study evaluated the effects of HPP at 200, 400, and 600 MPa for 5 min on the structural, thermal, and rheological characteristics of wheat starch within flour and dough. The findings revealed pressure-dependent modifications, with moderate pressure (200 MPa) enhancing starch–protein interactions, preserving starch granule integrity, and improving dough elasticity and cohesion. These effects may be attributed to partial unfolding of gluten proteins and rearrangement of hydrogen bonds, which promote non-covalent interactions between starch and protein molecules. In contrast, higher pressures (400–600 MPa) caused extensive starch gelatinisation and protein aggregation, disrupting granular structure and weakening gluten networks, likely through irreversible denaturation and formation of aggregated protein structures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a rise in gelatinisation temperature at 200 MPa, while elevated pressures decreased enthalpy, indicating loss of crystalline order in starch. Rheological analysis further confirmed improved viscoelasticity at moderate pressure, while higher pressure weakened dough structure. Microscopic observations supported these results by showing progressive disruption of starch granules and gluten matrices. Overall, this study demonstrated that HPP can selectively tailor the structure and behaviour of wheat starch in flour and dough systems, offering an effective strategy for modulating textural quality in starch-based food products.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of ultrasonication on the pasting, morphological, thermal, and rheological properties of wheat flour and dough, highlighting its potential as a green and sustainable processing technology. Wheat flour was treated with ultrasonic energy levels ranging from 40 to 140 kJ for 20 min. Rapid visco analysis (RVA) showed that at 40 kJ, peak viscosity increased from 1045.67 mPa·s (control) to 1259.00 mPa·s, and final viscosity rose from 2011.33 mPa·s to 2146.67 mPa·s, indicating enhanced gelatinisation. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed an increase in gelatinisation enthalpy (ΔH) from 8.03 J/g to 9.53 J/g, suggesting enhancement in molecular organisation. Rheological measurements demonstrated that ultrasonicated samples at 40 kJ and 100 kJ exhibited the lowest tan δ, suggesting improved elasticity and structural integrity. FTIR analysis confirmed intensified hydrogen bonding and improved gluten network formation. Low-field NMR and MRI analyses showed that ultrasonication significantly influenced water mobility and distribution within the dough. Moderate energy treatments (40 kJ to 100 kJ) enhanced water retention and network development. Scanning electron microscopy revealed surface roughness and partial granule disruption. These findings confirm that moderate ultrasonication enhances flour functionality by improving hydration, viscoelasticity, and thermal behaviour without the use of chemical additives. Ultrasonication offers an eco-friendly and energy-efficient approach for modifying wheat flour to improve the quality of sustainable flour-based products.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Sturgeon visceral oil, a fish-processing by-product extracted from sturgeon offal, is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including omega-3 fatty acids and may serve as a valuable source of nutritional lipids. It is important to optimize the extraction methods for such nutritionally rich by-products, and ultrasonic pretreatment is a promising technique for enhancing oil recovery. Therefore, this study compared ultrasonic pretreatment (60, 100, and 140 kJ for 20 min) with conventional wet rendering (95℃ for 2.5 h) to recover sturgeon viscera oil and evaluated its effects on oil yield, acid value (AV), iodine value (IV), and fatty acid composition. Ultrasonic pretreatment at 60 kJ resulted in a significantly higher oil yield and retained a greater proportion of PUFAs than the conventional method. In contrast, oil obtained via conventional wet rendering exhibited a higher acid value and saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, as well as a lower iodine value and reduced PUFA levels. Overall, these findings demonstrate that ultrasonic pretreatment can improve the yield and quality of sturgeon viscera oil, highlighting its potential for producing high-quality PUFA-rich fish oil from processing by-products.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Marine by-products, such as shrimp heads, are valuable, yet underutilized resources rich in bioactive lipids with potential health benefits. This study investigated the effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) at 200, 400, and 600 MPa on the extraction efficiency and functional properties of shrimp-derived bioactive lipids (SDBL). Chemical composition, bioactive compound content (astaxanthin and α-tocopherol), color parameters, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays), and enzyme inhibition activities (lipase and α-amylase) were evaluated. The results showed that moderate HPP treatments (200–400 MPa) significantly enhanced the protein content, antioxidant capacity, and lipase inhibitory activity compared to conventional solvent extraction. Although 600 MPa increased the α-tocopherol content, it resulted in reduced astaxanthin levels and antioxidant activity. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear pressure-dependent clustering, with the 400 MPa treatment showing the most balanced functional profile. These findings highlight HPP as an effective green extraction technology for valorizing shrimp head by-products and support its potential application in the development of sustainable, high-value functional ingredients for the nutraceutical and food industries.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Evidence from gut microbiota studies highlights the importance of probiotics in promoting human health alongside the market's demand. However, probiotics are particularly sensitive to unfavorable factors in a storage environment (e.g., humidity, temperature, oxygen, and light), frequently resulting in reduced viability during shelf life and a loss of original benefits. This study focused on the structure of multilayer embedding, with particular attention on enhancing the Lactobacillus plantarum thermal resistance, moisture permeability, and stability of probiotics for storage while considering high packaging efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The log values of viable bacteria in casein/pectin condensates cross-linked with transglutaminase (TGase) for 1 and 5 h, while heated at 80 °C for 5 min, were 5.33 and 5.25 CFU/g, respectively, with higher thermal tolerance than the control group (casein, 4.56 CFU/g). In addition, the storage stability results for 15 days at 37 °C with 51 % relative humidity (RH) showed the same trend. The groups cross-linked for 1 and 5 h had higher viability than the control group, implying that the powders performed satisfactorily regarding hygroscopicity. Similarly, after 5 min of heating at 80 °C, the viable bacteria were higher in groups with different ratios of canola oil to palm stearin (100:0, 70:30, and 50:50) than in the control group. Moreover, TGase cross-linked casein/pectin may enhance stability and improve probiotic powders' thermal tolerance, along with different emulsification oil embedding ratios. Hence, the findings of this study may be applied to encapsulating and preserving environmentally sensitive bioactive components, including probiotics.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is widely used to reduce economic losses by extending the shelf-life of food products. This study aimed to develop an active MAP formulation component with sodium ascorbate, sodium carbonate, and ferrous sulfate, which was shown to be applicable at low temperatures (4 °C) while efficiently controlling O2 and producing 1.0 %–44.1 % CO2. Moreover, the predicted equations enabled the estimation of the O2 and CO2 contents. In the future, the dosage could be determined based on the gas content required for various applications in food, such as refrigerated fruits, vegetables, and meats. Currently, the active MCP formulation for the reaction proceeds smoothly at 5 °C. Despite its promise, it requires additional water, making it inconvenient. However, these findings provide new insights into how active MAP facilitates convenient and effective development.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of blending alkaline-treated cassava starch (ATS) with hydrocolloids—guar gum (GG), carrageenan (C), locust bean gum (LBG), konjac powder (KP), and sodium alginate (SA)—on the physicochemical, pasting, thermal, and structural properties of cassava starch (CS). Alkaline treatment disrupted starch crystallinity, increasing its susceptibility to modification. Hydrocolloid incorporation enhanced the peak viscosity, holding capacity, and final viscosity of ATS, while reducing setback viscosity, indicating improved resistance to retrogradation. ATS + SA and ATS + KP exhibited the highest stabilization effects, as reflected in their increased viscosities and reduced amylopectin reassociation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed increased gelatinization temperatures and reduced enthalpy values in the composites, suggesting enhanced thermal stability. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed hydrocolloid-induced structural modifications via hydrogen bonding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) analyses demonstrated the formation of a hydrated matrix that improved water retention and minimized syneresis. These findings highlight the potential of ATS–hydrocolloid composites for enhancing the stability, texture, and shelf life of starch-based systems, providing insights for optimizing hydrocolloid use in starch modification and functional food applications.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Calcined oyster shell powder (COSP), a natural antibacterial agent derived from marine waste, was used in this study to treat postharvest green onions (Allium fistulosum), which are susceptible to microbial contamination during the washing process after harvesting. The green onions were dipped in COSP solutions of varying concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%). This study investigated the effects of COSP treatment on the physicochemical properties and microbial activities of green onions. Compared to untreated green onions, COSP-treated green onions exhibited an extended shelf life to 28 days, evidenced by reduced weight loss by up to 9.84%, reduced the total bacterial count by up to 1.20 Log₁₀ CFU/g, stabilized pH level (5.28 ± 0.38–6.06 ± 0.20), preserved chlorophyll a and b content (0.40 ± 0.01–0.46 ± 0.01 and 0.17 ± 0.003–0.22 ± 0.007, respectively), enhanced antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging activity up to 12.47%, ABTS value up to 82.94%), and better color appearance. Furthermore, COSP treatment was effective in preserving allicin (35.03 ± 0.77–45.07 ± 2.37%) content and inhibiting the degradation of cycloalliin (13.58 ± 0.08–16.48 ± 0.15 g/kg dry weight) and methiin (17.14 ± 0.10–19.41 ± 0.47 g/kg dry weight) in green onions, thereby preserving their fresh aroma. This study offers a novel postharvest preservation method for green onions using marine waste-derived COSP dipping, which helps reduce the loss of quality in postharvest products.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: This study aimed to investigate changes in the physicochemical properties and kinetics of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) during non-enzymatic browning reactions. This study indicated that the initial caramelization rate of XSO heat-treated at 140–190 °C was 3.97× 10−4– 8.50× 10−3 h−1) and the activation energy (Ea) was 94.4 kJ/mol. The initial MR rates for XSO with amino acids exhibited an upward trend with increasing temperature, whereas the Ea for this process fell within the range of 27–113 kJ/mol. In addition, the MR products had a maximum thermogravimetric loss of approximately 36–56 % at pH 11, which occurred above 400 °C, compared to the caramelized products, and the MR products showed higher heat resistance. Overall, this study provides essential information on XOS in thermo-processed applications, which facilitates the potential explosion of XOS as a substitute sugar addition in thermally processed foods, namely, into a portion of functional food.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Rice bran is a highly nutritious source, and it is increasingly being used in food applications as a result of the growing awareness of health benefits and sustainable practices involving various food products, including bakery products, noodles, and snacks. This study revealed that composite flour containing 10%–20% rice bran flour (RBF) at concentrations of 10%–20% considerably reduced the gluten strength and dough extension resistance. The use of RBF as a substitute resulted in increased hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness of the noodles. Furthermore, 10% and 20% RBF noodles with rich total dietary fiber content exhibited reduced in vitro digestibility of starch and an increased number of pores in the structure, which shortened the cooking time. However, the cooking loss rate was substantially increased, and the different drying methods were unaffected. Moreover, the 10% RBF-substituted noodles showed a favorable appearance and overall acceptance under conventional hot-air and 0.5 kW microwave-assisted hot-air drying. Therefore, the findings of this study enable the improvement of the nutritional profile of noodles and have crucial implications for the food industry. These results offer a promising avenue for developing functional foods, catering to the growing demand for healthy options and sustainable food products.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Chenopodium formosanum (djulis), well known for its vivid color variation during diverse senescence stages, has attracted attention for its perceived health benefits and antioxidant capacity. Djulis leaves, often discarded as biowaste after harvesting, were evaluated for their potential as a source of antioxidant compounds. The current study analyzes the physicochemical and antioxidant activities of red, green, and yellow djulis leaf extracts across various senescence stages to probe their prospective utility in cosmeceuticals. Various plant compounds including total carbohydrates, phenolics and flavonoids, chlorophyll a and b, and betaxanthins and betacyanins were measured using spectrophotometric techniques. Antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, TEAC, and DMPD assays. Green djulis leaves displayed elevated total carbohydrate and chlorophyll levels, whereas red djulis leaves exhibited heightened phenolic, flavonoid, betaxanthin, and betacyanin content, indicating its suitability for cosmeceutical applications. Antioxidant evaluations revealed substantial disparities among the extracts, with red djulis leaf extract demonstrating superior antioxidant activity in most assays. These findings revealed the distinct antioxidant profiles of djulis leaf extracts influenced by color and senescence stage. These findings advance our understanding of the bioactive attributes of djulis leaves and their potential for incorporation into functional products.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Heat-gelatinized starch (HGS), which is prepared via heat treatment, enhances viscosity and provides suitable thickening properties, which improve water retention in products. This study aimed to investigate the potential of blending gelatinized starch with edible hydrocolloids (guar gum, carrageenan (C), locust bean gum, konjac powder, and sodium alginate) to assess their effect on the stabilization of starch gelatinization and reduction of retrogradation. Optical microscopic observations revealed the disrupted structures of gelatinized starch after heat treatments, along with diminished or absent birefringence. Adding C to the gelatinized starch reduced its peak viscosity, breakdown and setback value. For the rheological analysis, heat gelatinization and hydrocolloid addition contributed to the increased elasticity and viscosity of samples. Gelatinization and hydrocolloid addition emerged as effective strategies for improving starch quality. Although it still warrants further exploration, the introduced approach holds potential for applications in the development of convenience and canned food products.
Learn MoreThis achievement was part of the Minsheng College Anniversary Academic Series during the 113th Academic Year Food and Health Technology Symposium, hosted by the Conference on Food and Health Science and Technology at Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety.
Under Professor Po-Hsien Li's guidance, Song-Yang Zhuang represented Taichung City at the "114th National Agricultural Management Experience Sharing and National Agricultural Talent Selection" This recognition highlighted Zhuang's agricultural management skills and innovation, showcasing Taichung City nationally while bringing new hope to Taiwan's agriculture.
Congratulations to Professor Po-Hsien Li and Song-Yang Zhuang for being selected as the 7th "Top 100 Young Farmers" by the Ministry of Agriculture for resource guidance.
Congratulations! Under the guidance of Professor Po-Hsien Li, doctoral student Amanda Tresiliana Mulio participated in the 38th Tokyo Innovation Genius International Invention Exhibition in 2024 and secured the gold medal. The work is titled: SN Miracle Skin Wrinkless Firming Essence.
Congratulations to PhD student Amanda Tresiliana Mulio, who participated in the International Symposium ISNST 2022—International Symposium on Novel and Sustainable Technology—and won the Outstanding Paper Award for Oral Presentation.
Congratulations to Amanda Tresiliana Mulio from Professor Po-Hsien Li's laboratory, for securing the gold medal at the 2023 AII Da Vinci International Invention Exhibition in the United States.
Under the guidance of Professor Po-Hsien Li, Ted Huang won the poster contest in 2024 Food Tech for NeXT: Sustainable and Green Taiwan, conducted by Taiwan Association for Food Science and Technology.
Congratulations! Professor Po-Hsien Li has won the gold medal at the 2023 WiC World Innovation and Invention Competition in South Korea for their work titled: C++ Brighten White Vitamin C Serum.
Congratulations! Professor Po-Hsien Li and team won the gold medal at the 2022 Malaysia Science Expo International Invention Exhibition. The work titled: SN Miracle Skin Wrinkles Firming Essence, in the category of Healthcare, Personal Care Technology, Biotechnology and Life Sciences.














