The effects of varying the enzyme-to-substrate ratios on reaction velocity and the effect of water activity on the activation energy for the reaction could not be explained by a simple diffusional model, but required postulates that were more complex:
1. The diffusional resistance is localized in a shell adjacent to the enzyme.
2. At low water activity, the reduced hydration produces conformational changes in the enzyme, affecting its catalytic activity.
The relationship between water content and water activity is complex. An increase in aw is usually accompanied by an increase in water content, but in a non-linear fashion. This relationship between water activity and moisture content at a given temperature is called the moisture sorption isotherm. These curves are determined experimentally and constitute the fingerprint of a food system.
3.1.4 Recommended equipment for measuring aw
Many methods and instruments are available for laboratory measurement of water activity in foods. Methods are based on the colligative properties of solutions. Water activity can be estimated by measuring the following:
• Vapour pressure
• Osmotic pressure
• Freezing point depression of a liquid
• Equilibrium relative humidity of a liquid or solid
• Boiling point elevation
• Dew point and wet bulb depression
• Suction potential, or by using the isopiestic method
• Bithermal equilibrium
• Electric hygrometers
• Hair hygrometers
3.1.4.1 Vapour pressure
Water activity is expressed as the ratio of the partial pressure of water in a food to the vapour pressure of pure water with the same temperature as the food. Thus, measuring the vapour pressure of water in a food system is the most direct measure of aw. The food sample measured is allowed to equilibrate, and measurement is taken by using a manometer or transducer device as depicted in Figure 3.2. This method can be affected by sample size, equilibration time, temperature, and volume. This method is not suitable for biological materials with active respiration or materials containing large amounts of volatiles.
Figure 3.2 Vapour pressure manometer.