Integrating sensors into plant-based meat extrusion
2019-2021
Dr. Koksel is exploring in-line structural, textural, and nutritional quality monitoring and manipulation during the processing of plant-based meat.
PRODUCTION PLATFORM: Plant-based
TECHNOLOGY SECTOR: End product formulation and manufacturing
Project aims
This project applies noninvasive in-line ultrasound sensing to the extrusion of protein-dense plant foods. It maps the process-structure-property relationships of plant-based meat extrusion. In turn, this determines the impact of protein source and concentration on nutritional quality of plant-based meat.
This work will reduce waste and increase efficiency through rapid, real-time quality control during the extrusion process. Applying ultrasound to various plant-source inputs will optimize textural and nutritional properties to accelerate industry adoption.
Principal researcher
Dr. Filiz Koksel
Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba, Canada
Dr. Koksel investigates the parameters that control food quality, safety, and nutrition. She uses various wave techniques to determine structure-property relationships and connects food components to their resultant mechanical and functional properties.
Page
Research grants
Learn about cutting-edge alternative protein research funded by GFI. Find funding opportunities for your own research.
View related grant projects
Integrating sensors into bioreactors
GFI grantees Dr. Ivana Gadjanski and Dr. Vasa Radonic are integrating sensors into bioreactors for cultivated meat production.
Microstructure engineering
Learn about GFI grantee Dr. Mario Martinez’s work at the University of Guelph engineering microstructures for whole-muscle plant-based meat.
Shear cell technology
GFI grantee Dr. Birgit Dekkers at Rival Foods in The Netherlands is developing shear cell technology to make whole cuts of plant-based meat.
Creating fiber-like structures
Learn how GFI grantee Dr. David Julian McClements is developing an alternative to extrusion for producing plant-based meat at the University of Massachusetts.
Explore research opportunities
- Cultivated
- Fermentation
- Plant-Based
Optimizing fat profiles for nutritional and sensory properties
Because alternative meat’s fat content and fatty acid profile can be more easily controlled than conventional meat’s, there is an opportunity to alter fat content for nutritional benefits. Additional research…
- Cultivated
- Fermentation
- Plant-Based
Hybrid products to optimize nutrition, taste, cost, and sustainability
Hybrid products are a promising means to improve the cost and sustainability of animal-derived meat while improving the taste of plant proteins. Promoting the health benefits of hybrids may facilitate…
- Cultivated
- Plant-Based
Plant-based scaffolds to improve cultivated meat nutrition
A variety of plant-based scaffolds present the opportunity to combine the natural nutritional and structural benefits of plants with the taste and high protein of cultivated meat. Bacterial nanocellulose from…
Check out related resources
Ultrasound waves take plant-based meat to a new level
GFI research grant recipient Dr. Filiz Koksel is using ultrasound waves to understand—and help improve—the structural qualities of plant-based meats.
Plant-Based Meat Manufacturing Guide
Learn about plant-based meat manufacturing by extrusion and explore directories of ingredients, facilities, and co-manufacturers.