Research Progress on the Effect of Ultrasound on Animal Protein Structure and Properties

Animal proteins are mainly derived from meat, eggs and milk. They are usually rich in nutritional value, whereas their functional properties usually cannot fully meet industrial requirements. As a kind of non-thermal physical treatments, ultrasound can lead to changes in the physicochemical and structural properties of animal proteins, therefore, improving their functional properties. However, relationships between the effects of ultrasound on various animal proteins and changes in their properties are still unclear and need to be studied. In order to clarify the effects of ultrasonic treatment on the structure and properties of animal proteins, the physicochemical properties, microstructure, interfacial properties and functional properties of different kinds of animal proteins are reviewed under different ultrasonic power and ultrasonic time in this study. Relationships between their changes are also analyzed. At last, in order to provide theoretical reference for the application and promotion of ultrasonic treatment on animal proteins, their application is discussed and prospected.