Crystal control in ice cream - Mechanism of controlling crystal growth by IBP

5 important questions on Crystal control in ice cream - Mechanism of controlling crystal growth by IBP

Which bonds drive the interaction between ice and IBPs?

Hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding

How do the IBPs from fish and insects look like?

Flat and relatively hydrophobic surface

How does the shape of ice crystals with IBPs change during growth?

  • The water molecules have a round and flat shape.
  • In presence of IBPs, the shape of the crystal changes into a  hexagon. The hexagon crystals have a basal and prism plane.
  • The IBPs bind to the prism face. Growth is inhibited in the horizontal direction; additional water molecules bind to the basal plane and crystals start to grow in the vertical direction until the tip of the bipyramid is formed and no basal plane is exposed anymore.
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Why is it not necessary to cover the crystal's surface completely with IBPs to reach the anti-freeze effect?

Because the IBPs change the curvature of the ice crystal. The IBPs force the ice surface into a collection of curved micro-surfaces in between the IBP proteins. At macroscopic level, the crystal appears smooth, but it is irregular at smaller length scales. The curved micro-surfaces inhibit addition of new water molecules, restricting crystal growth, resulting in a freezing-point depression without a change in the melting point.

What are the different planes on ice crystals?

  • Basal
  • Primary prism
  • Pyramidal

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