The Effects of Different Gums and Their Interactions on the Rheological Properties of a Dairy Dessert: A Mixture Design Approach

In this study, the steady and dynamic rheological properties of the dairy dessert samples (puddings) containing carrageenan, alginate, guar and xanthan gums and their combinations were investigated in a model system, and mixture design was utilized to observe the effects of the gums and their interactions. The flow behaviour of the pudding samples fitted to the Ostwald de Waele model (R ²?>?0.98). All the samples exhibited a gel structure with their higher G′ (storage modulus) values than the G″ (loss modulus) values. Carrageenan was the most effective hydrocolloid on both the steady and dynamic rheological parameters of the dairy dessert samples. On the other hand, alginate had relatively smaller effect. Furthermore, 30 pudding samples containing different gum or gum combinations were classified into two groups (A and B) by using principal component analysis (PCA). Samples containing more than 33% carrageenan in their formulations made up the group A which positively correlated to K (consistency index), η ₅₀ (apparent viscosity at shear rate 50 s^?1), G′, G″, G* (complex modulus) and η* (complex viscosity) values.     

Rheological behaviors of hydroxypropylated sweet potato starches influenced by guar,locust bean,and xanthan gums

This study examined the steady flow and dynamic rheological behaviors of hydroxypropylated sweet potato starch (HPSPS) pastes mixed with guar gum (GG), locust bean gum (LBG), and xanthan gum (XG) at different concentrations (0, 0.3, and 0.6%). The HPSPS–gum mixtures had higher shear‐thinning fluid characteristics than the control (0% gum) at 25°C. The addition of the gums resulted in an increase in the consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity (η_a,100). The dynamic moduli (G′, G″) and complex viscosity (η*) values of the HPSPS–gum mixtures were higher than those of the control, and they increased with an increase in gum concentration. In particular, the presence of XG at 0.6% in the HPSPS–gum mixture systems gave rise to the greatest viscoelastic properties among the gums examined at different concentrations. The tan δ (ratio of G″/G′) values (0.35–0.57) of the HPSPS–GG and HPSPS–XG mixtures were much lower than those of the control (0.82) and HPSPS–LBG (0.88–1.06), indicating that the elastic properties in the HPSPS–gum mixture systems were strongly affected by the additions of GG and XG. These steady flow and dynamic rheological parameters indicated there were synergistic interactions between the HPSPS and gums. The synergistic effects of the gums and modified starch were hypothesized by considering the molecular incompatibility and molecular interactions between the gums and HPSPS.     

Influence of guar gum addition on physicochemical,microbial, rheological and sensory properties of stirred yoghurt

This study investigated the effects of adding guar gum (0, 0.6 and 0.8 g/100 mL) on the physicochemical, microbial, rheological and sensory properties of stirred yoghurt. Incorporation of guar gum into the yoghurt significantly affected the pH and colour, but did not significantly influence the lactic acid bacteria counts. The magnitudes of apparent viscosity (η_a,100), consistency index (K), yield stress (σ_oc), storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) for yoghurt samples containing guar gum (0.6–0.8 g/100 mL) were significantly greater than those for the control (without guar gum), indicating that guar gum can improve the steady and dynamic shear rheological properties of yoghurt.     

Steady and dynamic shear rheological properties of extrusion modified fenugreek gum solutions

This study investigated the rheological properties of extrusion modified fenugreek gum solutions (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%, w/v) under steady and dynamic shear conditions. Fenugreek gum was extruded in a twin-screw extruder without an exit die to minimize a decrease in molecular weight of fenugreek gum during extrusion process. Both of the steady and dynamic shear rheological tests revealed that extrusion process did not substantially influence the steady and dynamic shear properties of the gum. The power law model was applied to describe the flow behavior of the extruded gum solutions. The extrusion modified fenugreek gum solutions exhibited a shearthinning flow behavior at 25°C, and the values of consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity (η_a,100) increased with an increase in the gum concentration. The magnitudes of storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) for the extrusion modified fenugreek gum solutions increased with increasing frequency (ω) and with increasing gum concentration.     

A molecular modeling approach to understand conformation-functionality relationships of galactomannans with different mannose/galactose ratios

Conformations of simulated galacomannans with different mannose/galactose ratios were investigated using molecular modelling software (Insight II/Discover_3 and RIS program, Version 4.0.0). The mannose/galactose ratios used in the present study were 4/1, 3/1, 2/1 and 1/1 respectively to simulate locust bean gum, tara gum, guar gum and fenugreek gum. Conformational parameters, Lp, C_∞ and Rg, were calculated. The results showed that the insertion of galactosyl groups could cause bending of the chains. The conformation of locust bean gum was much stiffer than the other three gums. Among the other three gums, fenugreek gum behaved as the most compact and flexible chain which might be due to the interactions along the side groups; guar gum behaved as the stiffest chain among the three gums, and tara gum was in the middle range. No ordered structures were observed in the fully substituted fenugreek gum chain. It was assumed that intra-chain interactions, both through side groups or smooth regions, could affect chain conformations. The results could explain the synergistic interactions between galactomannans and cellulosic polysaccharides: a more flexible chain can help with penetrating through networks in solutions, while the side groups can help with forming stronger “hyperentanglements” which themselves could increase viscosity; the stiffer chain with more unsubstituted regions can form junction zones with the cellulosic molecules.     

Rheological properties of whey protein isolate stabilized emulsions with pectin and guar gum

Dynamic oscillatory and steady-shear rheological tests were carried out to evaluate the rheological properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) stabilized emulsions with and without hydrocolloids (pectin and guar gum) at pH 7.0. Viscosity and also consistency index of emulsions increased with hydrocolloid concentration. At γ = 20 s⁻¹, the value of viscosity of the emulsion with 0.5% (w/v) pectin was about fivefold higher than that of the emulsion without pectin. Flow curves were analyzed using power law model through a fitting procedure. Flow behaviour index of all emulsions except for containing 0.5% (w/v) guar gum was approximately in the range of 0.9–1.0, which corresponds to near-Newtonian behaviour. The shear thinning behaviour of emulsions containing 0.5% (w/w) guar gum was confirmed by flow behaviour index, n, of 0.396. Both storage (G′) and loss modulus (G″) increased with an increase in frequency. Emulsions behaved like a liquid with G″ > G′ at lower frequencies; and like an elastic solid with G′ > G″ at higher frequencies. Effect of guar gum was more pronounced on dynamic properties. Phase angle values decreased from 89 to <10° with increasing frequency and indicated the viscoelasticity of WPI-stabilized emulsions with and without pectin/guar gum.     

Hydrocolloids in emulsions: particle size distribution and interfacial activity

The emulsification properties of 14 hydrocolloid gums (propylene glycol alginate, gellan, carrageenan, pectin, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, gum arabic, locust bean gum, guar, xanthan, mustard, flaxseed, fenugreek, oat) were investigated. Gum dispersions were prepared in water (0.5%) and emulsified with 40% oil using a Polytron homogenizer. Emulsion stability was determined by centrifugation and storage time, surface and interfacial tension by Du Nouy ring, particle size by integrated light scattering and overall morphology by light microscopy. When compared to the other gums in this study, fenugreek produced a very stable emulsion. Fenugreek was more efficient than other gums in lowering the interfacial free energy, its emulsion was composed of very small oil droplets (70%<1 μm) and under the light microscope appeared as uniform droplets with a narrow size distribution.     

On solid-like rheological behaviors of globular protein solutions

Dynamic viscoelastic and steady flow properties of β-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, and α-lactalbumin aqueous solutions were investigated at 20°C. When a sinusoidal strain in the linear viscoelastic region was applied, the solutions of the globular proteins except for α-lactalbumin showed typical solid-like rheological behavior: the storage modulus G′ was always larger than the loss modulus G″ in the entire frequency range examined (0.1–100 rad/s). Under a steady shear flow, strong shear thinning behavior was observed with increasing shear rate from 0.001 to 800 s⁻¹, for the globular proteins except for α-lactalbumin. The values of the steady shear viscosity η were lower than those of the dynamic shear viscosity η* at a comparable time scale of observation, violating the Cox–Merz rule, and thus suggesting that a solid-like structure in a globular protein solution was susceptible to a steady shear strain. During isothermal gelation of the protein colloids at 70°C, no crossover between G′ and G″ was observed so that the gelation point was judged by an abrupt increase in the modulus or a sudden decrease in tanδ.     

Starch–cassia gum interactions: A microstructure – Rheology study

We present for the first time the interactions of starch and cassia gum – a novel galactomannan recently approved for use in food processing. Viscoelastic, pasting and microstructural characterization of various starches (waxy; high amylose; normal; cross-linked waxy corn starch; potato starch) containing different levels of the cassia gum was carried out. Significant changes were observed in the morphology of granule remnants formed during gelatinization in the starch pastes prepared with and without the addition of cassia gum. The freeze-dried starch–cassia gum pastes presented a shrunken and tight arrangement of the starch granule remnants, when studied by scanning electron microscopy. A significant reduction in the granule remnant size was also calculated using laser diffraction particle size analysis. The extent of interaction with cassia gum differed significantly among the various starch types. All the unmodified corn starches recorded an increase in peak viscosity at all levels of the cassia gum addition. An increase in the final viscosity of these starches was also observed by the addition of cassia gum, with high amylose and normal corn starch showing the maximum. Similarly, the extent of breakdown and setback viscosity also differed among the different starch types. Ranges of dynamic rheological measurements (temperature, time and frequency sweeps) were performed within the viscoelastic zones. Rheological parameters, such as storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″) and the gelatinization temperature (T_gel), of the corn starches during the heating cycle were observed to increase, when cassia gum was present at lower levels. The starch–gum systems also exhibited higher tan δ values during both the heating and the cooling cycles, indicating the dominance of the viscous modulus. The G′ and G″ of all the corn starch gels containing cassia gum showed higher values throughout the frequency sweep range. However, the increase in G′ and G″ of different starches was not always consistent with the increase in cassia gum levels. The changes in rheological behaviour during storage of the starch gels, aged on the plate of the rheometer and then studied through time sweeps at 5 °C and frequency sweeps at 25 °C, suggested that the starch gels containing cassia gum had less pronounced changes in the rheological parameters than had their control counterparts.     

Steady and Dynamic Shear Rheology of Rice Starch‐Galactomannan Mixtures

Rheological properties of rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures (5%, w/w) at different concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8%, w/w) of guar gum and locust bean gum (LBG) were investigated in steady and dynamic shear. Rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures showed high shear‐thinning flow behaviors with high Casson yield stress. Consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (η_a,100) and yield stress (σ_oc) increased with the increase in gum concentration. Over the temperature range of 20–65°C, the effect of temperature on apparent viscosity (η_a,100) was described by the Arrhenius equation. The activation energy values (E_a = 4.82–9.48 kJ/mol) of rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures (0.2–0.8% gum concentration) were much lower than that (E_a = 12.8 kJ/mol) of rice starch dispersion with no added gum. E_a values of rice starch‐LBG mixtures were lower in comparison to rice starch‐guar gum mixtures. Storage (G′) and loss (G′′) moduli of rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures increased with the increase in frequency (ω), while complex viscosity (η*) decreased. The magnitudes of G′ and G′′ increased with the increase in gum concentration. Dynamic rheological data of ln (G′, G′′) versus ln frequency (ω) of rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures have positive slopes with G′ greater than G′′ over most of the frequency range, indicating that their dynamic rheological behavior seems to be a weak gel‐like behavior.     

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.     

Gelling property of soy protein–gum mixtures

Gelling properties of soy protein–gum mixtures were determined by small deformation oscillation measurement and the experimental data were analyzed with blending laws of polymers. Gel strength of soy protein–carrageenan mixture was found to follow either upper or lower bounds depending on the concentration of the constituents, suggesting the occurring of phase shift. G′ of soy protein–xanthan mixed gel always followed the upper bound, indicating that soy protein was the continuous phase regardless variations of the gum concentration. Combination of soy protein with propylene glycol alginate (PGA) produced a mixed gel with high gel strength and stayed above the upper bound at all gum concentrations examined. Covalent bonds between PGA and soy protein was suggested to contribute to the rigidity. Storage modulus of the mixture of soy protein–locust bean gum (LBG) was below the lower bound at low gum concentrations due to the limited demixing process of LBG. G′ values of the mixture of soy protein and LBG–xanthan followed the lower bound but approached upper bound on reducing protein concentration, suggesting that the presence of soy protein might inhibit LBG–xanthan mixture from forming continuous networks.     

Analytical data for Acacia senegal var. senegal gum samples collected between 1993 and 1995 from Sudan

Over 1500 authentic and commercial A. senegal var. senegal gum samples were analysed to evaluate existing quality control parameters and to assess the potential of new parameters such as pH, viscosity, viscosity average molecular weight (M_V) equivalent weight and total uronic acid content as additional qualifying indices. The data obtained indicate the following mean values: moisture (10.75%), ash (3.77%), nitrogen (0.328%), specific rotation (−31.3°), pH (4.66), equivalent weight (1436) and total uronic acid content (13.71%). The results also indicate wide variations in intrinsic viscosity and viscosity average molecular weight (mean values 16.4 ml g⁻¹ and 9.0×10⁵, respectively. Accordingly these parameters, therefore, cannot be recommended as qualifying indices.     

Rheological properties of gluten-free bread formulations

In this study, the rheological properties of rice bread dough containing different gums with or without emulsifiers were determined. In addition, the quality of rice breads (volume, firmness and sensory analysis) was evaluated. Different gums (xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum (LBG), hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), pectin, xanthan–guar, and xanthan–LBG blend) and emulsifiers (Purawave^™ and DATEM) were used to find the best formulation for gluten-free breads. Rice dough and wheat dough containing no gum and emulsifier were used as control formulations. The rice dough containing different gums with or without emulsifiers at 25 °C showed shear-thinning behavior with a flow behavior index (n) ranging from 0.33–0.68 (except pectin containing samples) and consistency index (K) ranging from 2.75–61.7 Pa sⁿ. The highest elastic (G′) and loss (G″) module were obtained for rice dough samples containing xanthan gum, xanthan–guar and xanthan–LBG blend with DATEM. When Purawave^™ was used as an emulsifier, dough samples had relatively smaller consistency index and viscoelastic moduli values compared to DATEM. The viscoelastic parameters of rice dough were found to be related to bread firmness. Addition of DATEM improved bread quality in terms of specific volume and sensory values.     

An investigation of four commercial galactomannans on their emulsion and rheological properties

Four types of galactomannans, namely fenugreek gum (FG), guar gum (GG), tara gum (TG) and locust bean gum (LBG), were investigated in the present study on their emulsion and rheological properties. The M/G ratios of the four galactomannans were 1.2, 1.7, 3.0 and 3.7, respectively. The results revealed that the M/G ratio, along with molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity, played an essential role on emulsion and rheological properties. Surface activity followed the trend: FG > GG > LBG > TG. Emulsion capacity and stability followed the trend: GG > FG > TG > LBG. Storage modulus (G′) followed the same order as intrinsic viscosity, which was: GG > FG > TG > LBG. By fitting the shear-thinning region of the flow curves into the Power law model, power law index (n) increased with increased concentration. Zero shear viscosity (η_sp)₀ was derived by fitting the Newtonian regions of the flow curves into Cross model, and followed the same order with viscosity based molecular weight (M_v), which is: FG > GG > TG > LBG. Exponents of the four gums were generated from Master curves (log (η_sp)₀ versus log C), which were 4.57, 3.92, 4.31 and 4.19 for FG, GG, TG and LBG, respectively.     

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.     

Studies on the rheological properties and functional potentials of achi (Brachystegea eurycoma) and ogbono (Irvingia gabonesis) seed gums

Water soluble gums were extracted from seeds of achi (Brachystegea eurycoma) and Ogbono (Irvingia gabonesis). The rheological properties of each gum were studied at temperatures from between 10–70°C at 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% concentrations. The effects of small quantities of the gums on some of the quality characteristics of an ice cream mix were investigated. These characteristics were compared with those of some commercial food gums, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Kappa carrageenan (KCA), and sodium alginate (SA). The viscosities of both gums were time-independent and Ogbono seed gum (OSG) appeared to be more pseudoplastic than Achi seed gum (ASG). The pseudoplastic nature was not affected by increasing temperature. The temperature control was more critical for OSG (E_a. 20.2 MJ mol⁻¹) than ASG (E_a 13.9 MJ mol⁻¹) during processing. The viscosity behaviour of ASG indicates that it may be a highly branched polysaccharide. The overrun, viscosity, shapefactor and meltdown values of the ice cream, when ASG was added as stabilizer, were 95%, 0.035 PaS, 72% and 32%, respectively. Values for OSG were 70%, 0.025 PaS, 65% and 37.7%, respectively. Only values for the ASG cream fell within the ranges of values obtained for the commercial gums. ©     

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.     

Effect of freezing rate and frozen storage on starch–sucrose–hydrocolloid systems

Model food systems based on starch (100 g kg⁻¹), sucrose (150 g kg⁻¹) and water (750 g kg⁻¹) with and without the addition of a low proportion of hydrocolloid (xanthan gum, guar gum or sodium alginate) were gelatinised, frozen at different rates and stored to analyse textural changes by oscillatory rheometry. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to analyse gelatinisation, amylopectin retrogradation and glass transition temperatures. Sucrose had a significant effect on the increase in the gelatinisation temperature as well as on the decrease observed in glass transition values. The onset temperature of the second step of the glass transition, corresponding to the heat capacity change close to ice melting (denoted Tg_im in the present work), ranged between −23.0 and −22.2 °C. Rheological viscoelastic tests showed an increase in the dynamic moduli G* and G ′ after slow freezing and during storage at −19 °C (T > Tg_im) in starch–sucrose systems that is related to sponge formation due to amylose retrogradation. DSC studies confirmed that also amylopectin retrogradation occurs during storage; however, samples containing gums did not develop the spongy appearance. Storage at the usual commercial temperatures (close to −18 °C, slightly above Tg_im) affects the quality of aqueous starch–sucrose pastes without gums owing to amylose and amylopectin retrogradation. However, when hydrocolloids are included in the formulations, the usual storage conditions allow the maintenance of acceptable textural attributes. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Small and large deformation viscoelastic behaviour of selected fibre blends with gelling properties

Dietary fibres can be used as valuable functional ingredients in baked goods, as thickeners and gelling agents as a result of their ability to modify the structural properties of the matrix in which they are embedded. Viscoelastic behaviour of 12 selected gel–fibre blends (carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, locust bean gum, high ester pectin, fructo-oligosaccharide and gluco-oligosaccharide) prepared at 10% concentration (w/v) was investigated at 25 °C and 95 °C by applying both fundamental and empirical rheological techniques to explore their usefulness/suitability as structural ingredients in diluted and weakened baking systems such as gluten free matrices. Mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties were recorded by using a controlled stress rheometer, measuring the storage modulus (G′), the loss modulus (G″) and the complex viscosity (η*). Textural characteristics were assessed by using a TAXTplus Texture Analyser with different attachments. Penetration and back extrusion tests were used for solid and liquid-like samples, respectively. The overall results indicated that (i) carboxymethylcellulose and pectin formed the strongest and the weakest gels, respectively, and that (ii) temperature had a significant effect on gel strength improvement especially for locust bean gum. A 30% substitution of hydrated fibres (cellulose derivates, galactomanans and high ester pectin) by prebiotics (fructo-oligosaccharides and gluco-oligosaccharides) led to a significant decrease of gel structure rigidity when compared to an identical system without prebiotic addition. Only locust bean gum exhibited an opposite behaviour inducing an increase in values of both dynamic moduli (G′ and G″) and static hardness. Significant relationships between dynamic (rheometry) and static (texture analysis) methods were found. Strengthening and structuring ability of some fibre blend gels endorsed them to be used as promising functional ingredients to make gluten-free bread by using low cost thickeners' agents.