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
Master Student
Effects of high pressure processing on the physicochemimcal properties of resveratrol and its antidiabetic cardiomyopathy
Master Student
Preparation and characterization of electrospun of Gracilaria coronopifolia polysaccharide/polyvinyl alcohol/d-limonene nanofibrous membrane
Master Student
Physicochemical properties of fish oil from sturgeon viscera
Master Student
Sustainable utilization of shrimp head and evaluation of its biological characteristic
Master Student
Development of phytosome and liposome encapsulated with djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) extract and its application on cosmeceutical
Master Student
Effect of ultrasonic treatments on the physicochemical properties of wheat flour and noodles quality
Master Student
Effects of high-pressure short time condition on the physicochemical properties of maize starch
Master Student
Application of calcined oyster shell powder in food preservation
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
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: 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 MoreABSTRACT: Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis are abundantly available red seaweeds that have been used in traditional medicine and food for years and are rich in nutritional value. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive compounds found in the cell walls of red seaweeds, including Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis. Notably, Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis polysaccharides are sulfated and have been reported to possess various beneficial biological activities (antioxidant, anti-urolithiatic, anti-inflammatory, α-glucosidase inhibitor, antiaging, wound healing, skin whitening, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, and antidiarrheal) and are widely used in food packaging, food formulation, cosmeceutical products, and drug development industries. Sulfated polysaccharides can be further purified from crude polysaccharide extracts of Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis. However, different species, extraction methods, and harvesting periods produce polysaccharides with varied quantities and qualitative characteristics. This review aims to provide comprehensive information by comparing reports of polysaccharides derived from 11 different species of Gracilaria and 2 species of Gracilariopsis to maximize their potential for future development and utilization in various industries.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) is an endemic cereal plant to Taiwan that has been cultivated by Taiwanese aborigines for hundreds of years. Djulis Djulis is a well-known ruby cereal because it contains betanin and exhibits strong antioxidant activity. This review summarizes comprehensive information regarding proximate composition, phytochemical compounds, biological activities, and recent industrial applications. Djulis is rich in phytochemical compounds including flavonoids, phenolics, and betanin. Further assessment of cell and animal studies showed that djulis leaf, whole grain, hull, and seed extracts exhibited antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, anticancer, anti-adipogenesis, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and gastric protective properties. Products incorporating djulis were also included in this review. This review provides new insights into the application of djulis in the development of new products.
Learn MoreABSTRACT: Sacha inchi oil is growing in demand worldwide owing to its high fatty acid content of linolenic acid (44.30%–51.62%) and linoleic acid (34.08%–36.13%). In addition, Sacha inchi oil also contains phytosterols, such as stigmasterols (346- 456 μg/g), sitosterols (435–563 μg/g), and campesterols (10.47% ± 4.36%). Its main tocopherol is gamma-tocopherol (120.41–125.69 mg/100 g). The antinutrients in Sacha inchi seeds can be reduced by roasting prior to extraction. Various extractions, including both conventional and novel methods, have been used to extract Sacha inchi oil. However, the variety of extraction methods and origins of the seeds change the nutrient profiles, antinutrient content, and physicochemical properties. Incorporation of Sacha inchi oil into food products can increase its nutritional value, and it works as a moisturizing agent in cosmetic products. To obtain Sacha inchi oil with the desired properties and nutritional profile, this review summarizes the effects of different Sacha inchi seed oil extraction methods and processes on chemical compounds, antinutrient content, and physicochemical properties, including their potential and recent applications in food and cosmetic industries.
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.