Field-dependent NMR relaxometry for Food Science: Applications and perspectives

Background: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry is widely used for food products characterization. In order to exploit the full potential of the relaxation methods one can look at magnetic field dependence of spinlattice relaxation. Analysis of relaxation dispersion characteristics of food systems may complement knowledge about composition and dynamics of their constituents, in particular, of water. Scope and approach: In this article, we review the basic principles as well as recent applications of field-cycling NMR relaxometry in different food systems. Key findings and conclusions: The inter- and intra-molecular interactions modulated by molecular dynamics can be efficiently studied with NMR relaxometry. This method can be exploited for discrimination of liquids, determination of diffusion coefficient or paramagnetic ion concentration, observation of crystallization/solidification processes. The technique has already proven to be helpful to investigate changes occurring in food products due to different processing techniques and to detect food adulteration. FFC benchtop instruments represent a new frontier in food studies.