Phase change and crystallization behavior of water in biological systems and innovative freezing processes and methods for evaluating crystallization

Abstract

AbstractThe phase change of water occurs in biological samples during freezing and introduces significant changes to the processed materials. The phase change phenomenon includes complex processes at the macro and micro levels. At molecular levels, water undergoes a rate-limiting nucleation stage to form templates for the next step called crystal growth. The rate and interaction of these two stages play an essential role in the characteristics of the process and the products. Technically, crystal size distribution and its control through processing parameters are linked to the properties of products. Thus, understanding the interactions between water phase change steps, evaluating the effects of crystallization and ice crystals features, and employing novel techniques to control and monitor nucleation and crystal growth stages is essential for improved frozen products quality. Finding the moisture behavior information with direct and indirect measurements can describe crystals in multi-perspectives, providing practical knowledge on the mechanisms of the freezing process. Moreover, innovative novel freezing technologies improve the crystallization process during the freezing of foods. This review focuses on an overview of the water phase change and crystallization process. Specific emphasis was placed on modeling approaches, the measuring methods, and novel accelerating and suppression of nucleation and ice crystals growth.