Article (Scientific journals)
Protein-Flavor Interactions in Plant Protein Food Matrix: Molecular Binding Mechanisms, Influencing Factors, and Modulation Strategies.
Dai, Xinran; Zhang, Jiaping; Chen, Zhaoshi et al.
2026In Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 25 (1), p. 70318
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
 

Files


Full Text
Comp Rev Food Sci Food Safe - 2025 - Dai - Protein‐Flavor Interactions in Plant Protein Food Matrix Molecular Binding.pdf
Author postprint (4.6 MB)
Download

All documents in ORBi are protected by a user license.

Send to



Details



Keywords :
Plant‐based protein food; analytical models; flavor modulation; influencing factors; molecular binding; protein‐flavor interactions; Plant Proteins; Flavoring Agents; Humans; Taste; Plant Proteins/chemistry; Flavoring Agents/chemistry
Abstract :
[en] As plant-based diets gain momentum for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, the demand for plant-based protein foods is accelerating. However, a critical barrier to consumer acceptance lies in their flavor profiles, which are often perceived as off-putting due to complex interactions between plant proteins and flavor compounds. While individual interactions have been explored, an integrated understanding of their mechanisms and modulation remains limited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on plant protein-flavor interactions across molecular, physicochemical, and sensory levels. We examine the structural and functional diversity of plant proteins (legumes, cereals, nuts, seeds, and novel sources), categorize their interaction modes (non-covalent and covalent), and assess the impact of intrinsic (e.g. protein conformation, hydrophobicity) and extrinsic factors (e.g. pH, ionic strength, processing). Analytical models such as Scatchard and Hill equations, alongside QSAR and molecular docking approaches, are discussed. We further explore emerging strategies-physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid-for targeted flavor modulation. It is noted that plant protein-flavor interactions play a dual role: enabling flavor retention and protection, but also triggering off-flavors through irreversible binding or volatile entrapment. These interactions vary across protein types, flavors properties and processing conditions, requiring tailored strategies for optimization. For instance, enzymatic hydrolysis, micro-encapsulation, and data-driven protein engineering (leveraging computational tools to design proteins) offer promising solutions. Future progress hinges on combining sensory physiology with computational modeling and structural bioengineering to develop plant-based foods with improved flavor authenticity, stability, and consumer appeal.
Disciplines :
Chemistry
Agriculture & agronomy
Author, co-author :
Dai, Xinran ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > TERRA Research Centre ; Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
Zhang, Jiaping;  Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
Chen, Zhaoshi;  Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
Awais, Muhammad;  School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
Fan, Bei;  Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China ; Institute of Western Agriculture, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural sciences, Changji, China
Fauconnier, Marie-Laure  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département GxABT > Chemistry for Sustainable Food and Environmental Systems (CSFES)
Liu, Liya ;  Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China ; Institute of Western Agriculture, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural sciences, Changji, China
Wang, Fengzhong;  Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China ; Institute of Western Agriculture, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural sciences, Changji, China
Language :
English
Title :
Protein-Flavor Interactions in Plant Protein Food Matrix: Molecular Binding Mechanisms, Influencing Factors, and Modulation Strategies.
Publication date :
January 2026
Journal title :
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
eISSN :
1541-4337
Publisher :
Wiley, United States
Volume :
25
Issue :
1
Pages :
e70318
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Available on ORBi :
since 11 January 2026

Statistics


Number of views
44 (2 by ULiège)
Number of downloads
107 (2 by ULiège)

Scopus citations®
 
0
Scopus citations®
without self-citations
0
OpenCitations
 
0
OpenAlex citations
 
0

Bibliography


Similar publications



Contact ORBi