Temperature dependence of the formation and melting of pectin–Ca networks: a rheological study

Small deformation dynamic rheometry was used to characterise the calcium-induced gelation of low-methoxyl pectins, at two different pH values. The gelation kinetics was interpreted with basis on the change of the storage modulus with time, taken as a measure of changes in cross-linking density within the pectin–calcium network. The temperature influence on the rate of gel formation and ageing was evaluated, as well as the temperature sensitivity of the cured gels. The formation and the softening/melting of pectin–calcium networks were also studied under non-isothermal conditions. The structural diversity of the two pectin samples had a great influence on the gelation kinetics and thermal behaviour of these pectin–calcium networks, due to differences in the steric arrangement or environment and/or availability of the chelating groups. An association mechanism is suggested to predominate under conditions of low availability of dissociated carboxylic groups, due to a low pH, higher degree of methylation, or steric constraints introduced by acetylation or neutral side chains, different from the classical ‘egg-box’ model, and where non-ionic hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions may co-exist and cooperate with coordinative binding of calcium-ions.     

Stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions by enzyme catalyzed oxidative gelation of sugar beet pectin

Enzyme catalyzed oxidative cross-linking of feruloyl groups can promote gelation of sugar beet pectin (SBP). It is uncertain how the enzyme kinetics of this cross-linking reaction are affected in emulsion systems and whether the gelation affects emulsion stability. In this study, SBP (2.5% w/v) was mixed into an oil-in-water emulsion system (4.4% w/w oil, 0.22% w/w whey protein, pH 4.5). Two separate, identically composed, emulsion systems were prepared by different methods of preparation. The emulsions prepared separately and subsequently mixed with SBP (referred as Mix A) produced significantly larger average particle sizes than the emulsions in which the SBP was homogenized into the emulsion system during emulsion preparation (referred as Mix B). Mix B type emulsions were stable. Enzyme catalyzed oxidative gelation of SBP helped stabilize the emulsions in Mix A. The kinetics of the enzyme catalyzed oxidative gelation of SBP was evaluated by small angle oscillatory measurements for horseradish peroxidase (HRP) (EC 1.11.1.7) and laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) catalysis, respectively. HRP catalyzed gelation rates, determined from the slopes of the increase of elastic modulus (G′) with time, were higher (P < 0.05) than the corresponding laccase catalyzed rates, but the final G′ values were higher for laccase catalyzed gels, regardless of the presence of emulsions or type of emulsion preparation (Mix A or Mix B). For both enzymes, rates of gelation in Mix A were higher (P < 0.05) than in Mix B, and higher stress was needed to break the gels in Mix A than in Mix B at similar enzyme dosage levels. These differences may be related to a lower availability of the feruloyl groups for cross-linking when the SBP was homogenized into the emulsion system during preparation.     

Characterization of cold-set gels produced from heated emulsions stabilized by whey protein

This paper reports the cold gelation of preheated emulsions stabilized by whey protein, in contrast to, in previous reports, the cold gelation of emulsions formed with preheated whey protein polymers. Emulsions formed with different concentrations of whey protein isolate (WPI) and milk fat were heated at 90 °C for 30 min at low ionic strength and neutral pH. The stable preheated emulsions formed gels through acidification or the addition of CaCl₂ at room temperature. The storage modulus (G′) of the acid-induced gels increased with increasing preheat temperature, decreasing size of the emulsion droplets and increasing fat content. The adsorbed protein denatures and aggregates at the surface of the emulsion droplets during heat treatment, providing the initial step for subsequent formation of the cold-set emulsion gels, suggesting that these preheated emulsion droplets coated by whey protein constitute the structural units responsible for the three-dimensional gel network.     

Thermal inactivation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris</Emphasis> spores under conditions simulating industrial heating processes of tangerine vesicles and its use in time temperature integrators

The aim of the present study was to characterize the thermal inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions simulating industrial heating processes applied to tangerine vesicles. A microbiological time temperature integrator (TTI) suitable for estimating the severity of thermal processes applied to acid foods was also developed. The heat resistance of A. acidoterrestris was characterized by D _105 °C = 0.63 min and z = 10.8 °C in tangerine juice, showing linear survival curves, without shoulders and tails. Under non-isothermal conditions, the use of isothermal data allowed for an accurate prediction of the inactivation. The spores were included in alginate TTIs and they were used to estimate the severity of thermal treatments applied both in a thermoresistometer Mastia and in a food pilot plant scale system, which allows fast heating of the product to 93 °C and then a short holding time (2 min). In the thermoresistometer, tangerine juice was used as heating medium. In the food pilot plant scale system, thermal treatments were applied in batch to unpackaged tangerine vesicles. In both equipments, the TTIs accurately predicted the lethality of the thermal treatments applied. The percent coefficients of variation for survivor counting in TTIs showed that distribution of heat is homogeneous both in the thermoresistometer and in the reactor, being lower than 10% in all cases. The logistic and normal distributions were found to be the best for fitting the different survivor datasets.     

Rheological properties and permeability of soy protein-stabilised emulsion gels made by acidification with glucono-δ-lactone

BACKGROUND: Soy protein, an important efficient emulsifier, is widely used by the food industry for incorporation into milk, yogurts, ice cream, salad dressings, dessert products, etc. The objective of this study was to investigate the rheological and physical properties of soy protein‐stabilised emulsion gels as affected by protein concentration and gelation temperature. RESULTS: The rheological properties and permeability were determined using oscillatory rheometry, permeability and whey separation. The modulus (G′ and G″), fracture stress and fracture strain of acid‐induced emulsion gels after 20 h of glucono‐δ‐lactone addition depended strongly on soy protein concentration and gelation temperature. At increasing soy protein concentrations, acid‐induced emulsion gels had shorter gelation times but higher storage moduli (G′), fracture stresses and strains. Increasing gelation temperature decreased the gelation time, G′, fracture stresses and strains. Permeability and whey separation were significantly affected by the protein concentration and the gelation temperature. A significant positive correlation was observed between whey separation and permeability coefficient in emulsion gels formed at different temperatures. CONCLUSION: The rheological properties and permeability of soy protein‐stabilised emulsion gels were significantly influenced by protein concentration and gelation temperature. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Prediction of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Bacillus subtilis</Emphasis> spore survival after a combined non-isothermal-isothermal heat treatment

Different inactivation kinetics data have been used to predict the number of survivors exposed to a heat treatment and, in consequence, to design thermal processes for the food industry. In this work, spores of an acidophilic strain of Bacillus subtilis were heated under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. Experimental results obtained after isothermal treatments were analysed using the classical two-step linear regression procedure and a one-step non-linear regression method. Data obtained after non-isothermal treatments were analysed using a one-step, non-linear procedure. Kinetic parameters obtained from isothermal heating were close, either using the two-step linear regression (D₁₀₀=6.5 min) or the one-step non-linear regression (D₁₀₀=6.3 min), although the second method gave smaller 95% confidence intervals. The z values derived from non-isothermal heating were higher than those obtained in isothermal conditions (z=9.3 °C for non-isothermal heating at 1 °C/min versus z=7.7 °C for isothermal heating one step non-linear regression). Results were validated with experimental data obtained after different heat treatments, consisting of a phase of temperature increase at a fixed rate, followed by a holding phase. Non-isothermal methods predicted accurately the number of survivors after the heating ramp, while isothermal methods were more accurate for the holding phase of the treatment. When a temperature profile of a typical heat treatment process applied in the food industry was simulated, all predictions were on the safe side.     

Protective Effect of Microencapsulation Consisting of Multiple Emulsification and Heat Gelation Processes on Immunoglobulin in Yolk

ABSTRACT: Two different emulsification methods involving multiple emulsification and heat gelation were used for preparation of whey protein-based microcapsules containing immunoglobulin in yolk (IgY). The residual activity of IgY during the emulsion preparation and the effects of microencapsulation on IgY stability under harsh conditions were investigated. The residual activity of IgY in an emulsion prepared with a membrane emulsifier was higher than for an emulsion using a homogenizer. Microencapsulated IgY showed remarkable stability against both pepsin and acid. Both microencapsulated IgY and nonencapsulated IgY were relatively stable in bile and artificial intestinal juice. Microencapsulated IgY retained 74% of initial activity during heat treatment. There were no significant differences in the residual activities of microencapsulated IgY under storage temperatures of 4, 25, and 37°C.     

Sunflower Oil–Water–Cellulose Ether Emulsions as Trans-Fatty Acid-Free Fat Replacers in Biscuits: Texture and Acceptability Study

A new vegetable, and trans-fatty acid-free, fat replacer consisting of a sunflower oil–water–cellulose ether emulsion was employed to replace 100 % of the shortening in a short dough biscuit recipe, and the dough and biscuit texture properties were evaluated. In comparison to the shortening dough, the cellulose emulsion dough was significantly (p?<?0.05) softer and more elastic. However, the cellulose emulsion biscuits had higher spreadability, implying that the increase in dough elasticity was not affecting this property, probably because of the decrease in dough hardness. Although the cellulose emulsion biscuits contained 33 % total less fat than the shortening biscuits, their instrumental texture properties were very similar, implying that the cellulose emulsion avoids the increase in hardness associated with fat reduction. This was associated with the thermal gelation ability of the cellulose ethers, which develops during baking. The overall consumer acceptance was significantly (p?<?0.05) higher in the shortening biscuits, but their scores were very similar to those of the cellulose emulsion biscuits (maximum difference 1.1/9 points).     

Calcium-alginate microparticles for sustained release of catechin prepared via an emulsion gelation technique

Catechin-loaded Ca-alginate beads and microparticles were prepared by an emulsion gelation method using sunflower oil for efficient sustained release of catechin. The emulsion was prepared by sequential mixing of alginate, oil, and oleic acid ester as an emulsifier. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and inhibition of catechin release of the beads were significantly increased approximately to 453.83 and 148.71% by the emulsion gelation technique, respectively (p<0.05). For the microparticles, the highest inhibition of catechin release after 1 h of incubation (78.82%) was observed at the microparticles prepared by 5% (w/w) oil, 3% (w/w) alginate, 4% (w/v) CaCl₂, and 200 mg catechin with the most hydrophilic emulsifier, decaglycerol mono-ester. Moreover, the catechin release was sustained at acidic conditions and increased with increase in pH of release medium. These results suggest that catechin encapsulation within Ca-alginate particles by emulsion gelation method can be an effective delivery system for catechin.     

Microencapsulation of probiotic cells by means of rennet-gelation of milk proteins

Probiotic cells were microencapsulated in milk protein matrices by means of an enzymatic induced gelation with rennet. Water insoluble, spherical capsules with a volume-based median of 68 ± 5 μm were obtained from a novel developed emulsifying and subsequent internal gelation process. A high encapsulation yield was found due to the encapsulation procedure for Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12. After incubation at low pH-values, microencapsulation yielded higher survival rates compared to non-encapsulated probiotic cells. The viable cell numbers of encapsulated Lactobacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium lactis were 0.8 and 2.8 log units CFU g⁻¹ higher compared to free cells after 90 min incubation at pH 2.5. The improved survival of encapsulated cells can probably be explained by a higher local pH-value within the protein matrix of the capsules caused by the protein buffering capacity, protecting the cells during incubation under simulated gastric conditions at low pH. The study indicates that rennet-induced gelation of skim-milk concentrates for the microencapsulation of probiotic cells can be a suitable alternative to current available technologies, mainly based on ionotrophic gelation of plant-polymer solutions.     

Thermorheological Characteristics of Soybean Protein Isolate

ABSTRACT: Small amplitude oscillation shear measurement was used to study gel rigidity of commercial soy protein isolate (SPI) dispersions during isothermal and non-isothermal heating. Temperature sweep data (20°C to 90°C atheating rate of 1°C/min) of SPI dispersions demonstrated that elastic modulus (G) predominates over viscous component (G') for all concentrations studied. The gelation kinetics of SPI was evaluated by a non-isothermal technique as a function of elastic modulus (G). During experiments, it was observed that a critical concentration of 10% was required to form a true SPI gel. Thermorheological data of 10% and 15% SPI dispersions were adequately fitted by 2nd-order reaction kinetics. The reaction order of gelation was initially calculated by multiple regression technique correlating dG'/dt, G'and temperature, which finally was verified by linear regression of kinetic equation at selected order. Isothermal data of 15% SPI was also followed by 2nd-order reaction kinetics. The activation energy during the isothermal technique was significantly higher than non-isothermal gelation of SPI at same concentration level. Gel strength of the non-isothermally heated SPI sample (15% to 20%) was compared with isothermally heated (90°C for 30 min) one. Higher protein concentration (20%) and isothermal heating exhibited significantly higher gel rigidity while the difference between the 2 processes was insignificant at 15% concentration at a similar condition.     

Isolation and Properties of Starch from Wild Yam from Zimbabwe

Wild Yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) was collected during the wet as well as dry season in the bush of Zimbabwe. Starch from its tubers was isolated in behavioral conditions and properties were determined such as size of granules, content of water, amylose, phosphorus, proteins and lipids, characteristics of gelation of its gels and thermal properties (TG, DTG, DTA).     

Role of cathepsin D activity in gelation of chicken meat heated under pressure

The role of cathepsin D activity in gelation of chicken meat batters (400 MPa/30 min/70 °C) heated-under pressure was investigated, using a specific inhibitor, pepstatin, dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO)/acetic acid (9:1 v/v). Thermal treatment (70 °C/30 min) produced less thermal inactivation of cathepsin D activity at 400 MPa than at atmospheric pressure. Heating, under pressure conditions, produced gels which were less hard and chewy than those produced at atmospheric pressure. Irrespective of the pressure, the presence of the inhibitor solvent influenced the thermal gelation of meat batters, facilitating the formation of harder, chewier gels.     

Cold-set whey protein microgels for the stable immobilization of lipids

Novel sub-millimeter cold-set whey protein isolate (WPI) microgels for the stable immobilization of lipids were prepared by an emulsification/internal gelation technique. Microgels were prepared by the addition of a denatured WPI/lipid primary emulsion (containing a micronized calcium source) into an oil bath with gentle stirring, into which an oil soluble acid was added to liberate calcium and initiate gelling of the whey-based matrices. The efficiency of these matrices to entrap lipids was assessed by comparing to extrusion/externally gelled matrices, where the production process is potentially less destructive, but microgels under 1 mm in diameter are difficult to achieve. The micron-sized (below 100 μm in diameter) internally gelled matrices produced by an optimized process, successfully immobilized incorporated lipids, with greater than 93% retention of lipids, regardless of the investigated manufacturing conditions. Migration of exterior oil, during the O/W/O production process, into the microgels was also avoided. Examination of the micro-structure by scanning electron microscopy revealed voids uniformly distributed throughout the matrix, representative in size (under 0.4 μm) of the original primary emulsion lipid droplets. The study shows relevant feasibility for the stable inclusion of a wide range of sensitive lipophilic bioactive ingredients into these matrices, where the sub-millimeter size of the microgels represents potential for incorporation into a variety of food systems.     

Rheological properties of acid-induced soy protein-stabilized emulsion gels in the absence and presence of N-ethylmaleimide

The storage modulus (G′) and fracture properties of the non-treated and NEM-treated emulsion gels were investigated in the absence and presence of unadsorbed soy protein aggregates (USPA). In the absence of USPA, a decrease in the G′ of emulsion gels was observed after NEM treatment. However, in the presence of USPA, the addition of NEM only slightly decreased the G′ (p < 0.05). For both non-treated and NEM-treated emulsions, a ∼63-folds higher G′ value was obtained after the USPA addition. These results revealed the presence of sulphydryl group – disulfide bond interchange reactions at ambient temperature and under acidic conditions. In the absence of USPA, the sulphydryl group – disulfide bond interchange reactions was the main interactions responsible for the higher G′ values of non-treated emulsion gels, but for the emulsions with USPA presented, the large quantity of non-covalent interactions (e.g. hydrophobic group & hydrogen bonds) is the main interactions responsible for the aggregation and gelation of emulsion droplets. In the presence of USPA, the sulphydryl group – disulfide bond interchange reactions formed in the non-treated emulsion gels did not increase the final G′ but increased the stability of network. A power law relation was observed between the USPA concentration and the final G′, as well as between the oil volume fraction and the fracture stress/strain.     

热处理对乳液凝胶微结构的调控作用以及不同维生素贮藏稳定性的影响

采用葡萄糖酸-δ-内酯诱导的方法制备乳清分离蛋白乳液凝胶,用于包埋亲水性功能因子异抗坏血酸钠和疏水性功能因子VE,研究乳液凝胶微结构与被包埋物质稳定性之间的关联机制。实验利用热处理（85 ℃）控制蛋白质的变性程度,进而调控乳液凝胶的微结构和维生素的贮藏稳定性。结果表明：随着蛋白质溶液热处理时间的延长,乳液油滴粒径增大、Zeta电位减小,而乳液的表观黏度无明显变化。质构和流变分析显示,随热处理时间的延长,凝胶的储能模量和硬度增加,但弹性降低。不同温度下的贮藏实验发现,蛋白质热处理时间的延长有利于提高乳液凝胶中复合维生素的稳定性,且复合功能因子之间存在协同作用。结论：通过改变蛋白质热处理时间可以调控乳液凝胶的微结构,进而达到控制复合维生素贮藏稳定性的目的。     

Whey protein concentrate/λ-carrageenan systems: Effect of processing parameters on the dynamics of gelation and gel properties

The thermal characteristics, dynamics of gelation and gel properties of commercial whey protein concentrate (WPC), WPC/λ-carrageenan (λ-C) mixtures (M) and WPC/λ-C spray-dried mixtures (DM) have been characterized. In a second stage, the effect of the gelling variables (T, pH, total solid content) on gelation and textural properties of DM was evaluated through a Doehlert uniform shell design.The presence of λ-C either in mixtures (M) or in DM promoted the WPC gelation at lower concentration (8%). M showed higher rates of formation and better gel properties (higher hardness, adhesiveness, springiness and cohesiveness) than DM.Nevertheless, when the effects of pH (6.0–7.0), heating temperature (75–90 °C) and total solid content (12–20 wt%) on gelation dynamics and gel properties of DM were studied, gels with a wide range of rheological and textural properties were obtained. While pH did not affect the gelation dynamics, it had some effect on rheological and textural properties. Total solid content and heating temperature were the most important variables for the dynamics of gelation (gelation rate (1/t_gel), gelation temperature (T_gel), rate constant of gel structure development (k_G), elastic modulus after cooling (G′_c) and textural parameters (hardness, springiness and cohesiveness).     

SMALL AMPLITUDE OSCILLATORY TESTING (SAOT). INSTRUMENTATION DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION TO COAGULATION OF EGG ALBUMEN,WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE AND BEEF WIENER EMULSION3

An instrument to measure the development of protein gels during thermal coagulation was developed. Very small oscillatory movements, sufficiently small to avoid damaging forming structures, were imposed on the sample trapped within a specially constructed cell, and the torques transferred through the sample sensed with strain gauges. Temperatures were controlled with one heating and one refrigerated (20°C) bath and the sample properties determined through both heating and cooling cycles. Egg white (EW) whey protein concentrate (WPC) and beef wiener emulsion (BWE) were tested. EW and WPC were characterized by delayed onset of gelation followed by high temperature thickening. Cooling further stiffened the gel in both cases. B WE was characterized by an initial decrease in transmitted torque as fat melting was detected. This was followed by a rapid rise in transmitted torque as the protein coagulated, followed by a further increase or stiffening on cooling. Detailed parameters describing the thermal gelation of the three materials are given.     

Gelation of Food Protein Induced by Recombinant Microbial Transglutaminase

ABSTRACT: The recombinant microbial transglutaminase from Streptoverticillium mobaraense var. (rMTGase) was expressed in Escherichia coli. Specific enzyme activity of rMTGase was comparable to native MTGase. However, the gelation of a sodium caseinate solution induced by rMTGase was slower than that induced by native MTGase. In addition, the mechanical property of kamaboko prepared with rMTGase was weaker than that with native MTGase. In SDS‐PAGE analysis, α‐casein monomers decreased more slowly during the incubation with rMTGase than MTGase. These results confirmed the difference of cross‐linking activity between the 2 enzymes. Furthermore, thermal stability of rMTGase was lower compared to native MTGase. These results suggest that the difference of cross‐linking activity and thermal stability between the 2 enzymes cause differences in gelation activity of protein.     

Beverage emulsions: Comparison among nanoparticle stabilized emulsion with starch and surfactant stabilized emulsions

Emulsions are widely used in beverages to impart desired appearance and flavor to the products. Ring formation in beverages with emulsions during thermal processing and storage is one of the key challenges. This study was aimed at comparing the relative effectiveness of silica nanoparticle based emulsifiers with surfactant and biopolymer based emulsifier (modified starch) in influencing physical stability of emulsions in a model juice. The stability of emulsions was measured by characterizing changes in emulsion droplet size, zeta potential, UV–vis absorbance and visual evaluation of phase separation or ring formation in both primary emulsions and beverage emulsions as a function of storage time. The influence of thermal processing on stability of emulsions both immediately after processing and upon storage was evaluated. The thermal processing conditions simulated both high temperature short time and low temperature long time pasteurization conditions. The results demonstrate that the mean droplet diameter of primary emulsions stabilized by selected emulsifiers was stable during storage for 21 days with and without pasteurization. Based on measurements of mean droplet diameter and visible ring formation, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (tween-20) stabilized emulsion was not stable in a model juice and the stability of this emulsion was further reduced with thermal processing. In contrast, starch and silica stabilized emulsions in a model juice did not show significant changes in particle diameter or visible ring formation during storage with and without prior thermal processing, although starch stabilized emulsion did show a decrease in absorbance during storage. Zeta potential measurements in a model juice indicate that the surface properties of emulsions were significantly distinct from those of primary emulsion, indicating interaction of juice components with the emulsion interface influencing the surface charge at the interface. These changes in zeta potential of emulsion droplets did not correlate with reduced stability of the emulsions. Overall, the results demonstrate that nanoparticle stabilized emulsions can improve stability of emulsion in beverages as compared to surfactant and biopolymer stabilized emulsions and provides a comprehensive matrix to evaluate stability of emulsions in beverages.