Detection of adulteration of locust bean gum with guar gum by capillary electrophoresis and polarized light microscopy

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and polarized light microscopy (PLM) were utilized in the detection of the adulteration of locust bean gum with guar gum. For CE analyses, standards of locust bean and guar gums were extracted with 30% CH₃CN, removing the residual proteins from the gum matrix. A 8.75 mM NaH₂PO₄-20.6 mM Na₂B₄O₇ buffer, pH 9, was used to separate these proteins and to identify marker proteins that were present in the guar gum. These markers did not co-migrate with components in the extracts of mechanically processed locust bean gum, and are used as indicators of adulteration. Using PLM with toluidine blue and iodine staining techniques, unadulterated locust bean gum samples were distinguished from mixed samples through the differential staining of components in locust bean versus guar and tara gums. These experiments in the use of CE and PLM provide orthogonal and complementary methods for the verification of 'true' positives and the elimination of 'false' positives.     

Viscosity of solutions of xanthan/locust bean gum mixtures

Xanthan and locust bean gums are polysaccharides able to produce aqueous solutions with high viscosity and non‐Newtonian behaviour. When these solutions are mixed a dramatic increase on viscosity is observed, much greater than the combined viscosity of the separated polysaccharide solutions. In this work the influences of different variables on the viscosity of solutions of mixtures of xanthan/locust bean gum have been studied. Total polysaccharide concentration, xanthan and locust bean ratio on mixture and temperature at which the gum was dissolved (dissolution temperature) for both xanthan and locust bean gums have been considered. Under these different operational mixture conditions shear rate and time have also been considered to describe the rheological behaviour of the solutions studied. The high viscosity increase observed in these mixtures is due to the interaction between xanthan gum and locust bean gum molecules. This interaction takes place between the side chains of xanthan and the backbone of the locust bean gum. Both xanthan molecule conformation in solution – tertiary structure – and locust bean gum structure show great influence on the final viscosity of the solution mixtures. Xanthan conformation changes with temperature, going from ordered structures to disordered or chaotic ones. Locust bean gum composition changes with dissolution temperature, showing a dissolved galactose/mannose ratio reduction when temperature increases, ie the smooth regions – zones without galactose radicals – are predominantly dissolved. The highest viscosity was obtained for the solution mixture with a total polysaccharide concentration of 1.5 kg m⁻³ and a xanthan/locust ratio of 2:4 (w/w) and when xanthan gum and locust bean gum were dissolved at 40°C and 80°C, respectively. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

The viscosity of dilute solutions of guar gum and locust bean gum with and without added sugars

The apparent viscosities of dilute solutions of guar and locust bean gums have been measured. The intrinsic viscosity [n] of guar gum solution is greater than that of locust bean gum solution, but the interaction coefficient k of guar gum solutions is less than that of locust bean gum. Addition of glucose, sucrose, or glucose syrup increases the apparent viscosity of the gum solution. The intrinsic viscosity of the gum solution is decreased but the interaction coefficient is increased.     

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.     

Effect of Sweeteners and Stabilizers on selected Sensory Attributes and Shelf Life of Ice Cream

Guar and locust bean gums were combined with sucrose, 36 DE corn syrup and/or 42 high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in a minimum fat (10%) ice cream formulation. A total of 27 combinations were evaluated for sweetness, iciness, chewiness and vanilla intensity. Replacing 50% of the sucrose with 42 HFCS did not significantly affect sweetness or vanilla intensity. Chewiness was enhanced when high corn syrup levels were combined with a high guar to locust bean gum ratio. Storage study data showed that ice creams containing high levels of HFCS became objectionably icy earlier than ice creams containing low levels or no HFCS. With a high guar to locust bean gum ratio ice creams became both detectably and objectionably icy sooner than if a low ratio of these gums was used.     

Rheological behaviour of pullulanase-treated guar galactomannan on co-gelation with xanthan

The present study involves the use of non-specific enzyme pullulanase (from Bacillus acidopullulyticus) to remove galactose residues from guar galactomannan to obtain modified guar galactomannan mimicking the functional properties of locust bean gum. The modified guar galactomannan blended with xanthan exhibited the rheological behaviour of elastic modulus (G′) greater than viscous modulus (G″) with a decrease in tan δ value similar to locust bean gum/xanthan blend. Also a twofold increase in the magnitude of elasticity compared to xanthan alone suggested the synergistic interaction with formation of three dimensional networks. The modified guar galactomannan with galactose content of 21% and M:G ratio 1:3.8, almost akin to locust bean gum, showed a better interaction with xanthan. Dynamic stress sweep study of modified guar galactomannan/xanthan blend with increased yield stress of 800 dynes/cm² also indicated the synergistic behaviour. Modified guar galactomannan also revealed the maximum synergistic interaction with xanthan at a mixing temperature of 60 °C than at 20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C, respectively. Modification of guar galactomannan by pullulanase is an alternative route to produce galactose-depleted guar galactomannan with enhanced rheological functionalities on co-gelation with xanthan, as a cost effective replacement to locust bean gum.     

Identification of two additives, locust bean gum (E-410) and guar gum (E-412), in food products by DNA-based methods.

Locust bean gum (E-410) and guar gum (E-412) are high molecular weight galactomannans used by the food industry as versatile food additives. The compounds, although chemically closely related, do not have the same functional properties when used in foods, and the substitution or unadvertised addition of either could change the desired qualities of the product. Analytical discrimination between E-410 and E-412 is technically difficult since they only differ in their galactose: mannose ratios, being 1 : 4 and 1 : 2 for locust bean gum and guar gum, respectively. A qualitative DNA-based method is reported for the authentication of additives E-410 and E-412 in finished food products (ice cream, dehydrated desserts, milk derivatives, dehydrated soups, salad dressing, marmalade and meat) from small quantities of food. DNA sequences from the nuclear ribosomal spacers of Ceratonia siliqua and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, the plant sources of E-410 and E-412, respectively, were used to design polymerase chain reaction primers specific for each additive (PA23/PA21 and PG22/PG21). Twenty-two foods were analysed for the presence of E-410 and E-412 additives by this single-step polymerase chain reaction-based method. Positive DNA amplifications with the E-410 and/or E-412 primers were obtained in all 19 samples reported to contain either additive.     

Effects of nonprotein substances on protein hydrolysis and plastein formation

Effects of various naturally occurring nonprotein substances (carbohydrates, polysaccharides, fats and salts) on enzymatic hydrolysis of soy protein isolate and plastein formation from hydrolyzed soy protein were investigated. Relative extent of hydrolysis and plastein formation were measured as protein solubility in 10% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) since this method was found suitable for analysis of turbid, viscous and/or low protein samples. The presence of guar, xanthan, locust bean and arabic gums, arabinogalactan, unsaturated fatty acids (2%), salt mixture and xylan were found to enhance soy protein peptic hydrolysis at 0·5% enzyme/substrate; unsaturated fatty acids (1%) inhibited hydrolysis. At enzyme/substrate of 3·5%, hydrolysis was enhanced by xanthan gum, unsaturated fatty acids and sodium chloride but inhibited by gum karaya, salt mixture, starch, cellulose, and saturated fatty acids. Plastein synthesis was inhibited by xanthan, locust bean and guar gums but stimulated by arabinogalactan. Several nonprotein substances were found to interfere with the TCA solubility assay. Positive interference was noted for systems containing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and magnesium, but negative interference was observed for systems containing guar gum, xanthan gum, calcium chloride and gum arabic.     

SENSORY AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF K-CARRAGEENAN GELS MIXED WITH LOCUST BEAN GUM, TARA GUM OR GUAR GUM

Mixed gels of _K-carrageenan (C) and a galactomannan gum, viz., locust bean (L), tara (T), and guar (G) in ratios of 7:3 and 1:1 (total concentration 1%), were examined for their rheological properties and by a sensory evaluation. Texture, creep and rupture were measured, and the semantic differential method (SD) was employed. _K-Carrageenan alone could not form a gel at the concentration of 0.5%, while C-L and C-T but not C-G mixtures in the ratio of 1:1 formed gels. The mixed gels of C-L were hard, very elastic and not perceived as smooth by the sensory evaluation. The values for the gels comprising T were intermediate between the C-L and C-G gels in instrumental measurements and sensory characteristics, indicating that the C-T mixture performed well as an edible gel. This difference is attributed to the synergistic effect between _K-carrageenan and the gums.     

Thermally stable hydrogels from enzymatically oxidized polysaccharides

Polysaccharides guar galactomannan (guar gum), locust bean galactomannan (locust bean gum) and tamarind galactoxyloglucan were selectively oxidized by galactose oxidase. The degrees of oxidation of the products were 18-28% for guar galactomannan, 10-16% for locust bean galactomannan and 12-14% for tamarind galactoxyloglucan, calculated from the ratio of oxidized galactose units and total carbohydrates. The rheological properties of the unoxidized and oxidized polysaccharide solutions were investigated by determining their viscosities, storage and loss moduli, and temperature dependence of moduli from 20 °C to 90 °C. All the studied oxidized polysaccharides formed hydrogels throughout the entire temperature range. Concentration (0.2-1% w/v) and degree of oxidation had an effect on the gel formation. The oxidized galactomannans formed stable gels already in low concentrations, such as 0.2-0.4% w/v, while oxidized galactoxyloglucan required a concentration of 0.8% w/v to be stable up to 90 °C. The oxidized polysaccharide hydrogels are highly potential materials for food and medical applications requiring thermal stability.     

Functional Properties of Flax Seed Mucilage

Flax seed (Linwn usitatissimum L.) mucilage was prepared by extraction of seeds with water followed by evaporation, precipitation with ethanol and freeze drying of extract. Proximate composition, solubility, foamability and moisture sorption characteristics were determined. The mucilage contained less carbohydrates, more minerals and more protein than commercial locust bean and guar gums. Its solubility, however, was higher than locust bean and guar gums, and lower than gum arabic. Flax seed mucilage exhibited good foam stability properties in aqueous solutions at 1.0% (w/v). Very diluted solutions exhibited Newtonian-like behavior while shear thinning was shown at concentrations above 0.2% (w/v). The viscosity was maximum at a pH range 6.0–8.0 and it was reduced in solutions containing NaCl.     

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     

Optimization of Gum Combination in Prebiotic Instant Hot Chocolate Beverage Model System in Terms of Rheological Aspect: Mixture Design Approach

Mixture design was used to investigate the effects of four different gums (xanthan gum, guar gum, alginate and locust bean gum) and their combinations on the rheological properties of a prebiotic model instant hot chocolate beverage (including 3.5% inulin) and to determine their interactions in the model beverage. Simplex centroid mixture design was applied to predict the physicochemical (soluble solids, pH, colour properties) and rheological parameters (consistency index (K), flow behaviour index (n) and apparent viscosity (η ₅₀)) of the samples. In the model, the optimum gum combination was found by simplex centroid mixture design as 59% xanthan gum and 41% locust bean gum, and the highest K value was 33.56 Pa s ⁿ . The increase of guar gum and alginate in the gum mixture caused a decrease in the K value of the sample.     

Nitrogen conversion factors for the proteinaceous content of gums permitted as food additives

Nitrogen conversion factors for gum arabic (Acacia senegal (L.) Willd.), gum tragacanth (Asiatic Astragalus spp.), gum karaya (Sterculia spp.), guar gum (Cyamopsis spp.), locust bean (carob) gum (Ceratonia spp.), tara gum (Caesalpinia spp.), and xanthan gum (Xanthomonas campestris) have been calculated from data for the amino acid compositions of their proteinaceous components. The factors derived differ from the arbitrary values (5.7 or 6.25) at present specified by international regulatory authorities for some emulsifiers, stabilizers and thickeners.     

EFFECT OF SURFACTANT GEL AND GUM COMBINATIONS ON DOUGH RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITY OF BREAD

Sodium stearoyl‐2‐lactylate (SSL), diacetyl tartaric acid esters of monoglyceride (DATEM), glycerol monostearate (GMS) and distilled glycerol monostearate (DGMS) surfactant gels were made with water. Addition of surfactant gels decreased water absorption by the bread while xanthan, karaya, guar and locust bean gums increased the same. Only DGMS or GMS and gum combinations further improved water absorption. All the gums except for guar along with surfactant gels improved dough stability. Both surfactant gels and gums improved the extensograph dough properties of wheat flour to varying degrees. Alveograph characteristics of wheat flour improved to varying extents with surfactant gels while the gums influenced the viscoelastic properties in differing ways. Different combinations of surfactant gels and gums showed varied influences on rapid visco analyzer characteristics of wheat flour. Both surfactant gels and gums improved the bread making quality. Among surfactants, SSL in combination with gums, and among gums locust bean in combination with surfactant gels improved the bread making quality of wheat flour to a maximum extent.     

Comparison of the effects of gums on dynamic rheological properties of acetylated sweet potato starch

Dynamic rheological properties of acetylated sweet potato starch (ASPS) pastes mixed with 3 commercial gums (guar gum, locust bean gum, and xanthan gum) were investigated at different gum concentrations. The dynamic moduli of the ASPS-gum mixtures were higher than those of the control, and they increased with an increase in gum concentration. In particular, the G′ value of xanthan and G″ value of guar gum at a 0.6% gum concentration were much higher as compared to those of other mixtures. Tan δ values of ASPS-xanthan mixtures were much lower than those of other samples, indicating that the elastic properties in the ASPS-gum mixture systems were strongly affected by the additions of xanthan. These results suggest that the presence of gums in ASPS modifies the viscoelastic properties, and that these modifications are dependent on the gum type and gum concentration.     

Moving Boundary Electrophoresis of Food Stabilizers

SUMMARY— The electrophoretic characteristics of locust bean gum, guar gum, arabic gum, carboxymethylcellulose, K- and h-carrageenan, alginate and the non-dialyzable fraction of corn syrup solids were studied by moving boundary electrophoresis. The physical properties of these colloids require the use of modified techniques in order to eliminate boundary disturbances which otherwise might be interpreted as heterogeneity of composition.
A high degree of homogeneity was observed for carboxymethylcellulose, arabic gum, alginate and X-carrageenan. In contrast, K-carrageenan was composed of a mixture of migrating components. The colloidal fractions of guar gum, locust bean gum, and corn syrup solids did not migrate in the electrical field.
Mixtures of carboxymethylcellulose with guar gum or gum arabic could be separated at pH 7. Mixtures of carboxymethylcellulose with carrageenan could be effectively separated at pH 2. Electrophoretic separation at 23°C of different stabilizer mixtures was unsatisfactory and the patterns showed evidence of interactions.     

Flow properties of fruit fillings

The flow properties of the fluid portion of fruit fillings were assessed to investigate the effects of gums. Results indicated that the shear rate–shear stress relations of the fluid portion of commercial fruit fillings and the model fillings made of waxy corn starch, fructose, citrate buffer, and a gum which could be guar gum, locust bean gum, CMC, xanthan gum or κ-carrageenan, fit well into the Herschel–Bulkley equation for pseudoplastic fluids. The fluid portion of the commercial fruit fillings was characterized with a yield stress between 39–51 Pa, a consistency index between 52–104 Pa·sⁿ, and a flow index (n) around 0.4. In addition, the shear rate–shear stress relations could be fitted into a modified Herschel–Bulkley equation with a flow index fixed at 0.4. Addition of guar gum, locust bean gum and CMC increased while xanthan gum and κ-carrageenan decreased the consistency and flow indices in the modified Herschel–Bulkley equation. The effect of gum addition on the apparent viscosity of model fillings varies with the type of gum, amount of addition, and shear rate.     

Rapid Visco-Analyzer (RVA) Pasting Profiles of Wheat,Corn, Waxy Corn,Tapioca and Amaranth Starches (A. hypochondriacus and A cruentus) in the Presence of Konjac Flour,Gellan, Guar,Xanthan and Locust Bean Gums

The Rapid Visco-Analyzer (RVA) 20min test was used to study the effects of different levels of konjac flour, guar, gellan, xanthan and locust bean gums on starch cooking properties. Wheat, corn, waxy corn, tapioca and A. hypochondriacus and A. cruentus starches were affected to different degrees by different levels of the gums. Peak viscosity increased at the higher gum concentrations, especially with locust bean gum at the 0.4 g level. The increase in viscosity was more pronounced with wheat and corn starches than with waxy corn and tapioca starches which consist mostly of highly branched amylopectin thus preventing close physical association between molecules. Amaranth starches showed much lower viscosity with all the gums than the other starches. Peak viscosity, time to reach the peak and maximum setback viscosity were affected by the gums. The increase in viscosity of starch/hydrocolloid systems is due to the release of amy-lose and low molecular weight amylopectin which promotes the formation of polymer complexes and significantly adds to the viscosity of the system.     

Effects of Food Gums on Zinc and Iron Solubility following in vitro Digestion

The effects of three levels (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5%) of locust bean gum, guar gum and sodium alginate on zinc and iron availability were evaluated in milk and soy systems. Availability was estimated as metal solubility after digestion with pepsin-HCl followed by addition of bicarbonate and digestion with pancreatic and bile extracts. Locust bean gum (0.5%) and guar gum (0.5%) reduced zinc solubility by 23.5 and 69.6%, respectively, in the milk and by 41.1 and 40.1% in the soy. Smaller reductions were observed at lower gum levels. The two gums also caused significant reductions in iron solubility from soy. Sodium alginate exerted little effect on mineral solubility.