MASS TRANSFER IN FOOD AND BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS (3 units)

Biological Systems Engineering 231 (Winter Quarter - even years)

DESCRIPTION: Biological Systems Engineering (EBS) 231 examines application of mass transfer principles to food and biological systems. This course covers mass transfer issues which affect food quality and shelf life. EBS 231 also analyzes mass transfer in polymer films used for coating and packaging foods and controlling release of biologically-active compounds.

TEXT USED: Readings assigned from the research literature.

ENTRY LEVEL: Graduate Standing.

COURSE FORMAT: Lectures (3 hours/week). Homework, student presentations and a term paper complete the course.

TOPICAL OUTLINE:

1. Fick's Law

2. Effect of Permeant and Polymer on Permeant Solubility and Diffusivity

3. Measurement of Solubilities, Diffusivities and Permeabilities

4. Mass Transfer in Composite and Multiphase Polymer Systems

5. Moisture and Gas Transfer through Hydrophilic Polymer Films

6. Moisture Transfer in Polymer-Packaged and Coated Foods

7. Oxygen Transfer and Reaction in Polymer-Packaged and Coated Foods

8. Modified Atmosphere Packaging in Polymeric Films

9. Controlled Release of Biologically-Active Compounds from Polymers

GRADING:

Homeworks - 20%

Presentation - 30%

Term Paper - 50%

LECTURE SCHEDULE: Click on this hyperlink

Instructor: J.M. Krochta