fudustrial uses of polysaccharides centre on their ability to thicken or structure many times their own weight of water, or in other words to control the rheology of hydrated systems. Until comparatively recently, however, objective characterisation of polysaccharide rheology, except in a few specialist research laboratories, was largely confined to compression of gels, simple measurements of solution viscosity, often in ill-defined geometries, and imitative tests intended to reflectproductperformance in specific areas ofend-use. Several factors have combined to bring a wider range of rheological techniques into common use. One is the increasing practical importance of systems that cannot adequately be described as solids or liquids, such as 'weak gels' and spreadable pastes. fu parallel, routine characterisation of such systems has become economically feasible with the development of a new generation of comparatively inexpensive computer-controlled instruments. There has also been a change ofemphasis from phenomenologicaldescription ofproduct texture towards the use of rheological measurements to probe the underlying molecular and supramolecular structures and the processes by which they are formed. As a result, even the most pragmatic producers and users of industrial polysaccharides are probably now familiar with terms such as creep compliance, stress overshoot and the ubiquitous G' and G", although perhaps not fully understanding their precise meaning or practical significance. A definitive text giving a rigorous description of the rheological approaches relevant to polysaccharide systems is therefore appropriate and timely. Romano Lapasin and Sabrina Priel are to be congratulated for tackling the daunting but worthwhile taskofproducing such avolume.

Comprehensive in scope, Food Polysaccharides and Their Applications, Second Edition explains the production aspects and the chemical and physical properties of the main classes of polysaccharaides consumed as food, highlighting their nutritional value and their technological characteristics. Chapters in this new edition detail the source,

Quite possibly the first comprehensive text on galactomannans, Industrial Galactomannan Polysaccharides compiles information on their industrial uses in the form of gums including locust bean, guar, tara, fenugreek, cassia-tara, and Sesbania-bisipinasa varieties. The book describes how galactomannans are currently produced commercially and how they

Offers comprehensive coverage of the structural characterization of polysaccharides-emphasizing commercially available and potential exopolysaccharides as well as new applications. Presents the major chemical and physical properties of polysaccharides and derivatives.

Hydrogels are an emerging area of interest in medicine as well as pharmaceutics, and their physico-chemical characterization is fundamental to their practical applications. Compared with synthetic polymers, polysaccharides that are widely present in living organisms and come from renewable sources are extremely advantageous for hydrogel formation.

Advances in Food Rheology and Its Applications presents the latest advances in the measurement and application of food rheology, one of the most important tools for food companies when characterizing ingredients and final products, and a predictor of product performance and consumer acceptance. Split into two main focuses, the book gives in-depth analysis of the general advances in the field, with coverage of the relationship between food microstructure and rheology, the use of tribology in the study of oral processing, the use of large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) measurement and Fourier-transform rheology in food, and the influence of fibers and particle size distribution on food rheology, as well as many other advances. Written by a leading international team of authors, the book provides an in-depth and state-of-the-art coverage of this essential topic on the consumer acceptance of food. - Brings together top researchers in the field of rheology, providing in-depth and state-of-the-art coverage on an area of study essential for managing the quality of foods and gaining consumer acceptance - Presents in-depth coverage of advances in rheology, many of which have never been featured before, including tribology, large amplitude oscillatory shear measurement, and the influence of fibers and particle size distribution on food rheology - Contains information that is highly relevant to the industrialist who wants to improve the rheological properties of the foods with which they are working

Handbook of Hydrocolloids, Third Edition is a must-have substantive reference on hydrocolloids, helping food industry scientists ever since its first edition was published and well received. This thoroughly updated and expanded edition reviews the structure, function, properties, and applications of a broad range of hydrocolloids used in food and related industries. The third edition updates existing chapters on developments and theories on the structure and functional characteristics of individual hydrocolloids. The book provides additional chapters on new techniques for the chemical and physicochemical characterization of hydrocolloids, and applications technologies for encapsulation and controlled release of active compounds. Edited by two leading international authorities in the field, this third edition continues to be relevant to food industry researchers, food manufacturers, graduate and postgraduate students, particularly in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sciences. - Introduces to food hydrocolloids considering regulatory aspects and functional characteristics - Examines the manufacture, structure, function, and applications of over twenty-five hydrocolloids - Brings a detailed overview of the function of hydrocolloids as emulsifiers, rheological modifiers, film formers, and encapsulation agents