RAP opportunity at U.S. Army CCDC Soldier Center CCDC SC
Magnetic-Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopic Determinations of Food Matrices
Location
U.S. Army CCDC Soldier Center, Food Technology
| opportunity |
location |
|
| 39.01.02.B0743 |
Natick, MA 017605020 |
Advisers
| name |
email |
phone |
|
| Christopher J Doona |
christopher.j.doona.civ@army.mil |
508 206 3970 |
Description
The heterogeneous distribution of food constituents influence physical and chemical stability are discernible using electron spin resonance spectroscopy, time domain nuclear magnetic resonance, and three dimensionally using magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI). Constituents such as starch, protein, and water molecules tend to be organized as physically distinct and interdispersed domains, each with characteristic physiochemical and rheological properties. Depending on the particular molecular environment, reactions such as crystallization, oxidation-reduction, or crosslinking can take place, which are generally undesirable. The localized viscosity of these domains is discernible using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and a labeled spin-probe and using time domain nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine T2 relaxation times and diffusion coefficients for water molecules. An understanding of how domains are organized, how to classify domains exhibiting similar properties, and how to determine dynamic changes in the characteristics of domains is crucial to enhancing food stability. MRI, relying on C-13, and proton resonances, can provide a three-dimensional image of these domains; can determine localized regions of distinct glass-transition temperatures; and can map temperature during Ohmic heating of model foods during processing. The results will provide information on the inhomogeneities in viscosity and their effects on the structural and kinetic factors that control the physicochemical stability and microbiological stability of food systems.
Reference
Doona CJ, Baik MY: Journal of Cereal Science 45(3): 257, 2007
key words
Food science; Proteins; Magnetic resonance spectra; Images and image processing; Food processing;
Eligibility
Citizenship:
Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
Level:
Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants
Stipend
| Base Stipend |
Travel Allotment |
Supplementation |
|
| $63,800.00 |
$2,000.00 |
$5,000 Supplement for Doctorates in Engineering & Computer Science |
Experience Supplement
Postdoctoral and Senior awardees will receive an appropriately higher stipend based on the number of years of experience past their PhD.
|
Additional Benefits
Relocation
Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.
Health insurance
A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.