Effect of added calcium chloride on the physicochemical and rheological properties of aqueous mixtures of sodium caseinate/sodium alginate and respective oil-in-water emulsions

Changes induced by addition of calcium chloride in particle size distribution and electrokinetic potential were determined in sodium caseinate/sodium alginate mixtures dissolved in water or acetate buffer at ambient temperature. Rheological properties of aqueous mixtures and respective oil-in-water emulsions (30% oil w/w) were evaluated using a low-stress rheometer. Stability and particle diameter of emulsions were measured. Caseinate and alginate solutions were negatively charged and showed negative electrokinetic potential; however values of mixtures were between those of the values for the individual hydrocolloids. When calcium ions were added the electrokinetic potential diminished while the negative charge was preserved. Aqueous mixtures of caseinate and alginate showed average particles size between of those of caseinate or alginate samples. We observed low viscosity values and Newtonian behavior for both caseinate (1 and 2%) and alginate (0.1%). Addition of 5 mM CaCl₂ to alginate solutions induced shear-thinning behavior as well as the development of viscoelasticity. Both the viscosity and the elastic modulus of these polysaccharide solutions were attenuated by the presence of protein or dispersed oil in mixtures or emulsions, respectively. High average particle diameter of emulsions prepared was obtained (close to 10 μm), however, stability of emulsions was possible only with the addition of CaCl₂ to the mixtures, in both water and acetate buffer. In these cases elastic behavior predominated to viscosity in the formation of emulsions, confirming the prevalence of aqueous phase rheology on emulsions.