Wang's Lipid and Protein Innovation Lab | Department of Food Science

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Research Areas

Characterization of bioactive lipids: We use conventional TLC, HPLC, and GC-MS to characterize different classes of lipids, such as terpenoids from hemp extract (shown to be effective bioinsecticides and biofungicides when dispersed as nanoemulsions), phospholipids and glycolipids in microalgae, and other bioactive lipids such as tocotrienols, astaxanthins, and sphingolipids in oleaginous biomass.
$This figure shows the fractionation of CBD hemp and the main and by-products$
Lipid oxidation and stabilization: We study how the lipid’s molecular structure, such as a pendent hydroxyl group (free vs substituted), affects the kinetics of lipid oxidation. We also study how to prevent lipid oxidation in bulk oil or in dispersion systems, such as model emulsions and processed meat products.
Synthesis and evaluation of functional lipids, such as biobased waxes: We use domestic vegetable oil as feedstock to make wax-like materials that can mimic paraffin and carnauba wax’s properties. We investigate the synergistic effect among different classes of lipidic compounds found in wax matrices, so we can deliver tunable properties by engineering molecular composition, nanoscale and mesoscale crystallinity (by SAXS), thermal, mechanical, and coating and barrier properties of the biowaxes.
$This illustrates x-ray diffraction pattern of wax mixtures, and their melting profiles.$
Lipid extraction and fractionation: We explore environmentally friendly methods and conditions to maximize and optimize lipid extraction from corn fermentation by-products, microbial biomass, egg yolk, and dairy processing byproduct streams.
Protein chemistry and novel applications: We investigate protein derived compounds that are effective in inhibiting ice recrystallization and growth. These biobased and safe alternatives to the synthesized industrial chemicals have potentials to be used in frozen storage of food and biomaterials to prevent freezing induced damage to food structure and cells.

Examples of Recent Trainees

Francisco Layva-Gutierrez, PhD: Research Scientist, BroadPharm
Zifan Wan, PhD: Assistant Professor, Food Science, University of Wisconsin
Linxing Yao, PhD: Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Colorado State University
Jose Gerde, PhD: Faculty of Universidad Nacional de Rosario/CONICET, Argentina
Guang Wang, PhD: R&D Director, Bunge-Loders Croklaan
Hui Wang, PhD: Sr. Technical Manager, Protein Processing, ADM
Karamat Rezaei, PhD: Professor of the Department of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Iran
Lei Fang, PhD: Manager of Technical Services, AgCertain Industries, Inc.
Fei Tao, PhD: Research Assistant Professor, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University
Brett Brothers, MS: Associate Food Designers, Kellanova
Carmen Au, MS: Senior R&D Manager at Pilgrim’s

Awards and Honors for the Work of Wang’s Team

UTK GSS (Graduate Student Senate) Outstanding Graduate Student Support Award, 2024
AOCS (American Oil Chemists’ Society) Best Paper Award; ADM Best Paper in Protein and Co-Products Division, 2023
UTIA’s Charles E. Wharton Institute Professor, 2022 (https://utianews.tennessee.edu/ut-institute-of-agriculture-presents-top-faculty-and-staff-awards-for-2022/)
AOCS Alton E. Bailey Award for Outstanding Research and Exceptional Service in the Field of Lipids and Associated Products, 2020 (https://www.lipidsfatsoilssurfactantsohmy.com/2020/07/alton-e-bailey-award-feature-dr-tong.html; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz7UvgYVK5c)
AOCS Best Paper Award; ADM Best Paper in Protein and Co-Products Division, 2020
Endowed Jean Bacon Louis Faculty Fellow, Iowa State University (ISU), 2017
AOCS Society Fellow, 2016
Iowa State University Mid-Career Achievement in Research, 2014
American Oil Chemists’ Society’s Timothy L. Mounts Award for Excellence of Research in Basic or Applied Edible Oils, 2013
Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Mid-Career Achievement in Research Award, 2012
Women of Innovation in Research Innovation and Leadership, Technology Association of Iowa, 2009
Iowa State University College of Agriculture Early Achievement in Research Award, 2004
Iowa State University Graduate Research Excellence Award, 1998
AOCS Honored Student Award, 1997