Advanced Science Seminar
The Faculty of Agriculture welcomes Assist. Prof. Chun-Chi Chen, PhD and Assist. Prof. Hsiao-wen Wang, PhD of National Chiayi University (NCYU) for an Advanced Science Semi
Topic: Proteomics in the Food Industry & Tropical Fruit Export Techniques
Part 1: Application of proteomics in the food industry
Assist. Prof. Chun-Chi Chen, PhD
Part 2: Title: Determination of Harvest Maturity and Export Techniques for Tropical Fruits
Assist. Prof. Hsiao-wen Wang, PhD
Date: April 23, 2025
Time: 14:30 – 16:30
Location: BW 106 Lecture Hall
Application of proteomics in the food industry
Assist. Prof. Chun-Chi Chen, PhD
Department of Animal Science, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City 60004, Taiwan
Abstract
Protein is composed of 20 standard amino acids. Different proteins have different linear sequences of amino acids (primary structures). Protein is the main component of plant and animal cells, so food is rich in protein. Protein is a source of calories in the daily diet and also provides the functions of muscle growth, enzyme synthesis, increased immunity, and assisting in hormone secretion. Due to the importance of proteins, powerful protein analysis methods are needed. Proteomics is a method specifically used to analyze proteins. This method was proposed by Marc Wilkins and scholars in the 1990s. This method studies many different proteins simultaneously and provides information on protein composition and structure (Hood and Rowen, 2013; Anderson, et al., 2016). Since protein is an essential component of food, understanding the characteristics of food protein and developing newer food processing technologies play a vital role in the food industry. This article explains the characteristics of food proteins and their applications in the food industry from the proteomics perspective.
Biography
Chun-Chi Chen received a bachelor’s degree from National Chiayi University in 2005 and a master’s degree in 2007. A Ph.D. degree from Fu Jen Catholic University in 2017. He has been an assistant researcher at the University of Adelaide, Adelaide Midfield Group Food Processing Company, and the International Research Director of the R&D department of Taiwan Haofeng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. as well. Consultant researcher for agricultural and food companies in many countries such as China, Dubai, and South Korea. Served as a reviewer for the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Toxins and Molecular so on. Now he is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science at National Chiayi University, Taiwan.
Keywords: protein, proteomics, food, food processing technologies
Determination of Harvest Maturity and Export Techniques for Tropical Fruits
Assist. Prof. Hsiao-wen Wang, Phd
Department of Horticultural Science, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City 60004, Taiwan
Abstract
Taiwan is located in a subtropical region with a thriving fruit tree industry. Some fruits are physiologically classified as climacteric fruits, characterized by an extended harvesting period. However, the determination of harvest maturity often relies on experience, leading to inconsistencies in maturity at harvest. In recent years, our laboratory has focused on avocados and mangoes, aiming to refine the physiological characteristics of fruits at different harvest stages through horticultural physiological investigations and image processing technology. This research seeks to establish more precise maturity standards to enhance quality stability. Additionally, we explore the physiological changes in fruits harvested at different maturity stages during storage and their impact on quality. Another aspect of our research examines the effects of harvest maturity on fruit physiology and quality during export quarantine procedures and artificial ripening. The goal is to determine the optimal harvest maturity for various export markets.
Biography
Hsiao-Wen WANG obtained her Ph.D. degree in the Field of Biological and Environmental Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, in 2018. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Horticultural Science and the Director of Horticultural Technology Center in National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan, since 2021. She has expertise in postharvest physiology and technology in horticultural products. Currently, she is the project PI in “Alternative Oxidase: Regulating Ripening and Quality in New Mango Cultivars for Exporting with Precise Evaluation Algorithms and Software Development”, “Quality Enhancement in Avocado Fruits through Artificial Ripening Treatment”, “Establish the harvesting maturity standard and optimize the storage and transportation technologies for Taiwan avocado”, and “Evaluation of New Taiwan Mango Cultivars for Exporting and Storage Ability”..
Keywords: Harvest maturity, climacteric fruits, export technique, mango, avocado