Sweetening power of aspartame in hydrocolloids gels: Influence of texture

Equivalent sweetness of aspartame relative to two sucrose concentrations (10% and 20% w/w) were determined in water and in hydrocolloids gels. The influence of the texture of three hydrocolloids gelled systems—gellan gum, κ-carrageenan, and κ-carrageenan/locust bean gum (LBG)—at two gums concentrations (0.3% and 1.2% w/w) on the equivalent sweetness of aspartame were then studied. For the three gelled systems, the increase in hydrocolloid concentration produced a significant increase in the true rupture stress and in the deformability modulus values. For both κ-carrageenan and mixed gels the true rupture strain values increased when increasing hydrocolloid concentration while for gellan gels, decreased. For the same hydrocolloid concentrations the κ-carrageenan/LBG gels showed the largest strain at rupture and gellan gels the smallest (most brittle). For both soft (0.3% gum) and hard (1.2% gum) gellan gels and κ-carrageenan gels, the concentrations of aspartame needed to deliver a sweetness intensity equivalent to that of gels with 10% sucrose (0.079–0.087% w/w) were similar to those obtained for aqueous solutions (0.084% w/v). For hard κ-carrageenan/LBG gels the corresponding concentration of aspartame was slightly lower. For all gelled systems the concentrations of aspartame needed to deliver a sweetness intensity equivalent to that of gels with 20% sucrose were higher for soft gels than for hard gels.     

Rheological behavior of aqueous dispersions of cashew gum and gum arabic: effect of concentration and blending

Rheological properties of cashew gum (CG) and gum arabic (AR), the exudate polysaccharides from Anacardium occidentale L. and Acacia, at different solutions (0.4–50% w/v) were studied. The intrinsic viscosity, [η], of CG in water at 20°C was ≈0.1 dl g⁻¹, while that of AR was ≈0.6 dl g⁻¹. The apparent viscosity of the unheated and the heated (at 80°C for 30 min) CG and AR solutions showed a progressive increase with increasing concentration. The flow curves of blends with equal viscosity solutions of AR/CG: 25/75, 50/50 and 75/25, showed no major interaction. The apparent viscosity (η_a) vs. shear rate data for both the AR and CG dispersions (4–50% w/v) exhibited shear-thinning characteristics at low shear rates (< about 10 s⁻¹) and Newtonian plateaus at shear rates >100 s⁻¹, and the Sisko model described well the η_a vs. data of all the dispersions.     

Rheological interactions of selected hydrocolloid–sugar–milk–emulsifier systems

Rheological properties of solutions containing different ratios and concentrations of three hydrocolloids, i.e., basil seed gum (BSG), guar gum and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were investigated. In addition, the effect of sucrose, skim milk powder and emulsifier, as key ice cream constituents, on the rheological properties of selected hydrocolloids was studied. Power law model was used to describe the rheological properties. Results showed that flow behaviour index of selected hydrocolloids, without any additives, was in the range of 0.501–0.789, while consistency coefficient and apparent viscosity of samples varied from 0.052 to 0.750 Pa.sⁿ, and 0.014 to 0.110 Pa.s, respectively. Addition of sucrose and emulsifier to hydrocolloids led to more viscous and more pseudoplastic solutions, whereas skim milk decreased viscosity and pseudoplasticity in some cases. BSG as a new source of hydrocolloid revealed promising results. Synergistic interactions between gums improved the viscosity of solutions, especially in the case of CMC and guar.     

Viscosity drives texture perception of protein beverages more than hydrocolloid type

Hydrocolloids are added to alter rheological properties of beverages but have other properties that can contribute to overall taste and texture perception. In this study, tapioca starch and λ-carrageenan were used to determine how hydrocolloid type, viscosity level (4–6 mPa·s, 25–30 mPa·s, and 50–60 mPa·s at 50 s⁻¹), and complexity of the system (aqueous, skim milk, or whole milk) influence sensory taste and texture of fluids. All fluids were shear thinning; however, skim milk and whole milk solutions that contained carrageenan had much higher low shear viscosity and lower high shear viscosity than those with starch. There was a significant effect of viscosity level on sensory perception of consistency, creamy/oily, mouthcoating, and residual mouthcoating in aqueous, skim milk, and whole milk beverages, and a weak effect of hydrocolloid type. However, normalizing creamy/oily, paste, and mouthcoating against sensory consistency removed the effect of hydrocolloid type. Flavors (cream, cooked, cardboard, and melon/cardboard) were associated with the type of hydrocolloid and milk protein ingredient. Temporal dominance of sensations showed that samples exhibit similar temporal sensory profiles, although the addition of hydrocolloids enhanced dominance of creaminess even in samples without fat. Hydrocolloid type did not significantly influence mouthcoating or the persistence of astringency. Additionally, increasing viscosity from 3 to 74 mPa·s at 50 s⁻¹ did not suppress perceived sweet or salty taste. The results suggest that in fluid systems with viscosity levels typically found in beverages, textural properties are determined by viscosity and independent of the type of hydrocolloid.     

Rheology of dairy custard model systems: Influence of milk -fat and hydrocolloid type

The influence of milk-fat content and the addition of two types of hydrocolloid (-carrageenan and a mixture of -carrageenan and xanthan gum) on the pasting behaviour, the flow and the viscoelasticity of custard model systems with modified tapioca starch at different concentrations was studied. To evaluate the pasting behaviour, apparent viscosity and temperature data were recorded over time. Flow was measured by recording shear stress at shear rates from 1 to 200 s^–1 and vice versa and viscoelasticity by performing the frequency sweeps from 0.01 to 1 Hz. Substitution of skim milk by whole milk increased apparent viscosity values during pasting. All the samples exhibited time dependence and pseudoplastic behaviour. Shear stress values increased when skim milk was substituted by whole milk, except for the custard system with 6% of starch. G, G and * values at 1 Hz resulted higher for whole milk systems although differences relatively decreased with starch concentration. The effect of hydrocolloid type was not significant (=0.05) for all the parameters studied except for the n values.     

Hydrocolloids from coffee: physicochemical and functional properties of an arabinogalactan–protein fraction from green beans

The arabinogalactan–protein (AGP) fraction of green coffee beans accounts for 15% of the dry bean. A procedure was developed to solubilise most of the AGP content of the beans so that its properties as a hydrocolloid could be investigated. An AGP fraction was partially purified from green arabica coffee beans, its rheological properties characterised and compared to those of some commercially important hydrocolloids, particularly acacia gum. The coffee AGP fraction dissolved readily in water to give colourless clear solutions. The polymer was a polyelectrolyte with a high molecular weight (M_w 3.78×10⁶), characterised by a narrow polydispersity index (M_w/M_n 1.3). The intrinsic viscosity was close to that of acacia gum ([η]=0.23 dL g⁻¹), but a 1 wt% solution of coffee AGP was three times more viscous than acacia gum at the same concentration. Coffee AGP showed Newtonian flow for concentrations below 6 wt%, but above this concentration the flow behaviour entered a shear-thinning regime. The coffee AGP fraction possessed interesting foaming properties providing that the biopolymer concentration was high enough to initially stabilize the interface that is created. The high molecular weight of coffee AGP combined with its globular structure conferred upon it a high ability to retain water within a foam thin film. However, the structure of the interfacial film was less effective than that of acacia gum to entrap efficiently the gas into the foam. In summary, coffee AGP shows some interesting rheological features which suggest that coffee beans could be used as an alternative source of the class of surface-active polymers which find many commercial applications.     

Differential scanning calorimetric studies of Philippines natural grade κ-carrageenan

Using differential scanning calorimetry, the gel-sol transition temperatures were compared for KCl-precipitated κ-carrageenan and Philippines natural grade (PNG) κ-carrageenan. The latter contains cellulose, which is associated with the carrageenan in seaweed. This leads to lower gel-sol transition temperatures. More heat absorption (-ΔH_m = 79 kJ/mol) is required for the formation of junction zones for the PNG κ-carrageenan than the KCl-precipitated κ-carrageenan (-ΔH_m = 40 kJ/mol). This behaviour can be attributed to the cellulose interspersing between κ-carrageenan aggregates in the PNG κ-carrageenan gels.     

Characterization of α-carrageenan solution behavior by field-flow fractionation and multiangle light scattering

The salt mediated molecular conformation change of alpha (α)-carrageenan was studied in 0.1 M solutions of NaCl, NaI, and KCl. Asymmetric Field-Flow Fractionation with multiangle laser light scattering (AFFF/MALLS) detection was used to determine the average molecular weight, radius of gyration, and hydrodynamic radius which were in turn used to calculate the molecular density. In the presence of 0.1 M NaCl, an inert salt that does not promote gelation, α-carrageenan has a denser structure compared to κ-carrageenan of a similar molecular weight. A distinct and dramatic increase in the molecular weight (factor of 2) was observed for α-carrageenan in 0.1 M NaI compared to 0.1 M NaCl. This combined with only a slight change in the radius of gyration, suggests intermolecular interaction to a more compact structure (e.g., coaxial helices). A similar increase in molecular weight is observed in 0.1 M KCl, accompanied with an approximate 50% increase in the radius of gyration as well as an increase in polydispersity. This may also be attributed to intermolecular interaction with helix formation (coaxial or lateral) or may be due to K⁺ cations interacting with naturally occurring residual ι-carrageenan in the sample. As previously reported for other carrageenans the random coil to helix transition of α-carrageenan appears to be stabilized by K⁺ cation or I⁻ anion in an aqueous environment.     

Effect of salts on the rheology of hydrocolloids from mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves in concentrated domain

Rheological properties of 2–8% mulberry leaf hydrocolloids extracted by hot water (Hw) or sodium bicarbonate (Alk or Alk-v) were evaluated. Steady shear rheological results of mulberry leaf hydrocolloids indicated the structural behavior with a Newtonian viscosity at low shear rate and shear-thinning behavior over intermediate to high shear rate regime. As simulated by Carreau model, the characteristic time constant of mulberry leaf hydrocolloids increased, but the power-law behavior index decreased with increasing concentration. Results from the dynamic rheological experiments revealed that the behavior of 2% mulberry leaf hydrocolloid solutions were characteristic concentrated polymer solution. However, as the concentration was raised up to 4–8%, a gel-like behavior may occur depending on the extraction methods, possibly owing to the formation of aggregates at high polymer concentration. Furthermore, rheological properties of Alk and Alk-v were generally higher than those of Hw. Though mulberry leaf hydrocolloids were ionic polymers, the rheological properties in concentrated domain were not influenced pronouncedly by the addition of 0–200 mM of NaCl, KCl or MgCl₂. In contrast, under sufficiently high CaCl₂ concentration (68 mM or 200 mM for alkaline extracted and water extracted mulberry leaf hydrocolloids, respectively), formation of a three-dimensional gel network was observed, possibly due to the cross-linking of Ca²⁺ with carboxyl groups of mulberry leaf hydrocolloids in addition to charge screening effects.     

Pasting Properties of Non‐waxy Rice Starch‐Hydrocolloid Mixtures

The swelling and pasting properties of non‐waxy rice starch‐hydrocolloid mixtures were investigated using commercial and laboratory‐generated hydrocolloids. The swelling power of the rice starch‐hydrocolloid mixtures was generally depressed at low concentration of hydrocolloids (0–0.05%), but increased directly with increasing hydrocolloid concentrations (0.05–0.1%). In gellan gum dispersion, the swelling power at 100°C was higher than that of control. The rice starch‐hydrocolloids mixtures showed shear‐thinning flow behavior (n = 0.26–0.49). Hydrocolloids except the exopolysaccharide from S. chungbukensis (EPS‐CB) increased apparent viscosity and consistency index (K) of rice starch dispersions, but decreased the n value. Hydrocolloids enhanced the trough and final viscosity of rice starch dispersions but EPS‐CB reduced the viscosity of rice starch pastes. Hydrocolloids lowered peak viscosity but addition of guar gum resulted in high peak viscosity, apparent viscosity, and consistency index of rice starch dispersions. Total setback viscosity appeared to be not affected by hydrocolloids at low concentration (0.05%). The hot and cold paste of the starch‐gellan gum mixture exhibited the highest viscosity values in the Brookfield viscometer.     

The rheological behaviors and morphological characteristics of different food hydrocolloids ground to sub-micro particles: in terms of temperature and particle size

Temperature sweep tests and steady shear properties of five different food hydrocolloids (guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, pectin and carrageenan) in two different particle sizes groups have been determined at 25, 40, 60 and 80 °C in 1% aqueous solution. Also, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of gums were taken to investigate the morphological properties of the samples. The particle size and processing temperature significantly affected all rheological parameters of the hydrocolloid solutions. The flow behavior of the samples was fitted to Ostwald de Waele model (R²?=?0.959). The highest n value was recorded at 60 °C for all samples. The most drastic changes in consistency coefficient (K) values of the samples were observed in carrageenan solution and it was ranged from 0.013 to 1.774 Pa.sⁿ before the size reduction and from 0.007 to 0.337 Pa.sⁿ after the size reduction process. As the consistency coefficient (K) and apparent viscosity (η₅₀) decreased with the temperature, the flow behavior index increased in both group of samples. As a result, it was concluded that the increase in processing temperature and size reduction process caused a decrease in resistance of hydrocolloid solutions subjected to the deformation, which is a very important factor affecting the quality and good mouth-feel of products.     

The effect of shear rate on the viscosity of solutions of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and k-carrageenan

The apparent viscosities of aqueous solutions of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and k-carrageenan have been measured over a range of shear rates from 14 to 1142 s^?1. Comparable measurements were also made on gum solutions to which glucose, sucrose, or glucose syrup had been added. For all the solutions the variation of relative viscosity with shear rate fits a power law equation. Addition of sugars to the most concentrated solutions of NaCMC has no effect on the non-Newtonian behaviour but addition of glucose syrup to the most dilute solutions of NaCMC decreased the non-Newtonian behaviour. However, the general pattern of behaviour showed close similarity with that of guar gum and locust bean gum. In the more concentrated glucose and sucrose solutions the non-Newtonian behaviour of k-carrageenan was increased appreciably. There was no comparable effect on k-carrageenan in glucose syrup solutions. This different behaviour of k-carrageenan is attributed to the development of solute-solute interactions.     

Rheological interactions between Lallemantia royleana seed extract and selected food hydrocolloids

BACKGROUND: Lallemantia royleana (Balangu) is a mucilaginous endemic plant which is grown in different regions of world. The flow behaviour of Balangu seed extract (BSE) and its mixture with xanthan, guar and locust bean gums at 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1 ratios, in addition to control samples (0% BSE), were evaluated. To describe the rheological properties of samples, the power law model was fitted on apparent viscosity–shear rate data. To evaluate the interaction between BSE and selected hydrocolloids in dilute solutions, the relative viscosity was also investigated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the consistency coefficient of guar and locust bean solutions and their blends substituted with 250 g kg^?1 BSE. The BSE–xanthan mixture at 1:3 and 1:1 ratios had consistency index equal to xanthan solution. BSE–locust bean gum at all ratios, BSE–xanthan at 1:3 ratio and BSE–guar gum at 1:1 and 3:1 ratios indicated relative viscosity lower than values calculated assuming no interaction. The intrinsic viscosity value of BSE was determined 3.50 dL g^?1. CONCLUSION: The apparent viscosities of BSE, selected hydrocolloids and their blends were the same at a shear rate of 293 s^?1 and the commercial gums can be substituted by 250 g kg^?1 and 500 g kg^?1 BSE. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

High nisin-Z production during repeated-cycle batch cultures in supplemented whey permeate using immobilized Lactococcus lactis UL719

Nisin-Z production was studied during repeated-cycle pH-controlled batch (RCB) cultures using Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis UL719 immobilized in κ-carrageenan/locust bean gum gel beads in supplemented whey permeate. After an initial colonization of gel beads during the first two cycles, nisin-Z production in bulk medium and gel beads was very similar for 1-h and 2-h cycle RCB cultures. A very high nisin-Z production (8200 IU mL⁻¹) was measured in the broth after the 1-h cycles, with a corresponding volumetric productivity of 5730 IU mL⁻¹ h⁻¹. This productivity is much higher than maximum nisin productivities reported in literature or maximum productivities obtained previously for free-cell batch cultures (850 IU mL⁻¹ h⁻¹), and free-cell (460 IU mL⁻¹ h⁻¹) or immobilized-cell (1760 IU mL⁻¹ h⁻¹) continuous cultures, using the same strain and fermentation conditions. The stability of RCB cultures was demonstrated for 24 and 36 1-h cycles carried out over 3 and 6-day periods, respectively. Changing environmental conditions during batch cultures resulted high nisin production.     

Rheological and thermal properties of milk gels formed with κ-carrageenan. I. Sodium caseinate

Mixed gels, formed by κ-carrageenan, and sodium caseinate were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheometry. DSC showed that during gelation (i.e. cooling) the thermal behaviour of κ-carrageenan was almost uninfluenced by the presence of sodium caseinate. Thus the interaction of κ-carrageenan with sodium caseinate has little (or no) effect on the carrageenan's coil-to-helix transition. In contrast, during melting, added sodium caseinate strongly modified the thermal behaviour. The DSC peak became progressively broader with addition of sodium caseinate, indicating that the junction zones are highly heterogeneous in the mixed gel. Rheometry showed that sodium caseinate strongly influences the storage modulus (G′). In experiments in which the concentration of sodium caseinate was fixed and that of κ-carrageenan varied, plots of G′ vs. concentration of κ-carrageenan were biphasic, with an abrupt change in slope at a concentration that increased linearly with the concentration of sodium caseinate. When the concentration of κ-carrageenan was constant and that of sodium caseinate varied, G′ as a function of concentration of sodium caseinate passed through a minimum. This behaviour could be modelled quantitatively, by assuming that: (a) the sodium caseinate adsorbs κ-carrageenan, but with a limited adsorptive capacity; (b) sodium caseinate aggregates (sub-micelles) with adsorbed κ-carrageenan can associate via interaction between free ends of adsorbed κ-carrageenan chains and form a gel network; and (c) the contributions to G′ from the sodium caseinate–κ-carrageenan network and the network formed by κ-carrageenan alone are additive. At low κ-carrageenan to sodium caseinate ratios, the sodium caseinate and κ-carrageenan combine to form a mixed gel. As the ratio of κ-carrageenan to sodium caseinate increases, the sodium caseinate becomes saturated and no further association with κ-carrageenan can occur—the increase in G′, as further κ-carrageenan is added, comes from a gel network formed by κ-carrageenan alone.     

Compression resistance,sweetener's diffusion and sweetness of hydrocolloids gels

The effects of the type and concentration of two hydrocolloids—κ-carrageenan and gellan gum—and of the type and concentration of two sweeteners—sucrose and aspartame—on the gel resistance to compression, on the sweetener diffusion and on the intensity of the gel sweetness and the relationships between the gel physical properties and their perceived sweetness were studied. The gels true rupture stress increased with hydrocolloid concentration, this increase being higher for gellan gels. Gellan gels showed lower true rupture strain values, which in contrast with carrageenan gels, decreased on increasing hydrocolloid concentration. The addition of sucrose produced a bigger increase in gel strength at the higher hydrocolloid concentration. The main effect detected on the sweeteners’ diffusion constant was the higher value observed in low concentration (3 g L⁻¹) κ-carrageenan gels. Gellan gels were perceived as sweeter than κ-carrageenan gels. The decrease in sweetness due to an increase in hydrocolloid concentration was greater in gellan than in carrageenan gels. Variations in sweetener concentration, true rupture strain, and deformability modulus values explained 93% of the variability in sweetness for gels with sucrose and 94% for gels with aspartame.     

Microscopic structure,viscoelastic behaviour and 3D printing potential of milk protein concentrate-hydrocolloid complex coacervates

To prepare a milk protein-enriched ink for extrusion-based 3D food printing, this study investigated the effects of a wide range of hydrocolloids on the microstructures, viscoelastic characteristics and 3D printing performance of milk protein concentrate (MPC). The distributions of hydrocolloids and milk protein in mixed coacervates were characterised by fluorescent covalent labelling and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), and the microstructure of the coacervates was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the rheological properties of prepared protein coacervates, including steady shear test, dynamic oscillatory test, thixotropy and creep recovery were investigated. Meanwhile, Burger’s model was fitted to the creep behaviour to further study their viscoelastic properties. The results showed that κ-carrageenan, pectin, guar gum and sodium alginate significantly increased the zero-shear viscosity, thixotropy and solid-like behaviour while xanthan showed an opposite phenomenon. Results showed that the presence of hydrocolloids improved the 3D printability of MPC by forming a complex network between protein particles and hydrocolloids, and guar gum, pectin and κ-carrageenan better help maintain the deposited 3D structures of MPC ink than xanthan.     

Influence of κ-carrageenan on the properties of a protein-stabilized emulsion

We report on the influence of κ-carrageenan (κ-CAR) on the surface activity of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and on the properties of BSA-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions. Surface tension data at low ionic strength indicate an electrostatic interaction at neutral pH which becomes much stronger at pH 6. The effect of the attractive BSA–κ-CAR interaction on the state of aggregation and creaming stability of protein-stabilized emulsions (20 vol% n-tetradecane, 1.7 wt% BSA, 5 mM) has been investigated at three pH values. At pH 6 the system behaviour is interpreted in terms of bridging flocculation leading to an emulsion droplet gel network over a certain limited polysaccharide concentration range. While the trend of behaviour is qualitatively similar to that reported recently for equivalent BSA+ι-carrageenan (ι-CAR) solutions and emulsions, the BSA–κ-CAR interaction is clearly weaker than the BSA–ι-CAR interaction under similar pH and ionic strength conditions. This means that a higher polysaccharide content is required to induce flocculation in systems containing κ-CAR, and also that the resulting emulsion gel network is weaker. The behaviour is consistent with the lower density of charged sulfate groups on the κ-CAR as compared with the ι-CAR.     

Aflatoxin M1 determination and stability study in milk samples using a screen-printed 96-well electrochemical microplate

A highly sensitive method for the determination of aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is described that involves the use of a disposable multichannel microplate coupled to intermittent pulse amperometry (IPA) for immunosensor development based on a direct competitive assay. Immunoassay parameters were evaluated and optimized to establish an electrochemical enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure for AFM₁ in milk samples. The suitability of the immunosensors for the direct analysis of the toxin in milk was assessed. AFM₁ was measured with a working range of 5–250 pg mL⁻¹ and a detection limit of 1 pg mL⁻¹. Good recovery values (90–105%) were obtained. The method was used to study the recovery of this toxin in frozen (−30 °C) or lyophilized (4 °C) milk samples stored for up to 3 months. A significant, but variable, decrease (>50%) of the measured AFM₁ concentration with respect to the initial toxin contamination levels was found.     

Rheological properties of selected hydrocolloids as a function of concentration and temperature

In this study, rheological properties of several food hydrocolloids (carrageenan, pectin, gelatin, starch and xanthan) were evaluated using a rotational viscometer at three concentrations (1–6%, depending on the type of hydrocolloid) and four temperatures (20, 40, 60 and 80°C). Samples were subjected to a programmed shear rate increasing linearly from 0 to 300 s⁻¹ in 3 min, followed by a steady shear at 300 s⁻¹ for 10 min and finally a linearly decreasing shear rate from 300 s⁻¹ to 0 in 3 min. Experiments were performed in duplicate. In general, the power law model fitted most of the experimental results. Xanthan gum and carrageenan (at 20^oC) were exceptions, characterized by a yield stress and hence the rheograms were fitted with the Herschel-Bulkley model. Furthermore, gelatin showed a Newtonian behavior. Three models (power, exponential and polynomial) were used to evaluate the concentration effect on apparent viscosity. Arrhenius model was used to describe the temperature effect. Among the samples, carrageenan showed the most temperature dependency and xanthan gum, the least.