Multi‐Frequency Power Ultrasound: A Versatile Tool for Advancing Food Processing—Applications, Underlying Mechanisms, and Future Prospects

Ultrasound technology, due to its unique acoustic cavitation effect, significantly enhances heat and mass transfer and is widely applied in unit operations of food processing. However, the common standing wave effect in conventional single-frequency power ultrasound creates alternating regions of acoustic pressure nodes and antinodes, resulting in a highly uneven distribution of the acoustic field. This makes it difficult to meet the dual requirements of the modern food industry for precise control and high efficiency in processing technologies. This comprehensive review aims to systematically integrate the molecular mechanisms and practical applications of multi-frequency power ultrasound (MFPU) in food processing, establishing a unified theoretical framework to elucidate its advantages over traditional single-frequency systems. Systematic literature analysis indicates that MFPU demonstrates significant advantages in food processing applications. Research reveals that these advantages stem from nonlinear interactions, which surpass the simple linear superposition model of traditional single-frequency systems. These synergistic effects generate a uniform cavitation field, effectively eliminating the inherent standing wave limitations of conventional single-frequency systems, and exhibit universal applicability across diverse food matrices ranging from protein modification to complex tissue processing. Studies confirm that MFPU represents a transformative technology in food manufacturing. It not only addresses the technical limitations of existing processing methods but also provides an integrated solution combining efficiency enhancement with quality preservation. Translating these proven advantages into industrial practice requires establishing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms at the molecular level, developing standardized parameters, and creating intelligent process control systems.