Application of Response Surface Methodology in Food Process Modeling and Optimization

Abstract

Modeling and optimization is an important task in food manufacturing. It enables one to understand and describe processes which in turn help establish quantified relationship between input and output variables. Modeling and optimization help to make informed decision on a process with the objective of improving efficiency and minimizing cost while maintaining quality. Response surface Methodology (RSM) has been employed in modeling and optimizing several food processing operations including baking, cooking, roasting, drying, extrusion, fermentation and many others. Moreover, RSM has been extensively used in product formulation and ingredient optimization. This chapter describes the application of RSM in food process modeling and optimization. The steps to be followed, the experimental designs that can be used and the interpretation of response surfaces developed are described. Moreover, selected application of RSM in food process modeling and optimization are reviewed and presented.