The Fabrication and Characterization of Pickering Emulsion Gels Stabilized by Sorghum Flour

Effect of denaturation rate of sliver carp myosin induced by alcohols on its thermal aggregation behavior and gel properties

The effects of ethanol, 1,2-propanediol, and glycerol at concentrations from 10 % to 40 % on the thermal denaturation and aggregation of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) myosin were investigated. The results revealed that ethanol and 1,2-propanediol induced thermal denaturation of myosin more rapidly than glycerol, which minimally impacted the secondary structure. At 10 % concentration, 1,2-propanediol significantly influenced myosin's secondary structure more than ethanol. While at a concentration of 20 %, ethanol prompted faster thermal denaturation and aggregation, resulting in higher turbidity than 1,2-propanediol (P < 0.05). Notably, higher concentrations of ethanol (30 % and 40 %) and 1,2-propanediol (40 %) induced the formation of non-disulfide covalent bonds, contributing to excessive myosin aggregation. Furthermore, hydrophobic interactions emerged as crucial within myosin aggregation in glycerol solutions during heating. Additionally, the effects of three alcohols at 1 %, 3 %, and 5 % on the gel properties were investigated. The results showed that an appropriate concentration of 1,2-propanediol (3 %) and glycerol (5 %) significantly enhanced the gel properties by inducing desirable unfolding and aggregation of myosin molecules. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for utilizing alcohol additives to enhance the gel quality of heat-induced surimi.

Current and potential future uses of sorghum to increase nutrient density for human foods

This review attempts to set forth the current uses and benefits of sorghum ingredients (sorghum syrup, grain, and flour) and implications for future potential uses of sorghum for human consumption. Additionally, this review aims to direct future innovation, research, and development for this grain in all forms, with a particular focus on increasing the nutritional quality of food for human onsumption. Sorghum is an ancient grain that has been underutilized in terms of its nutrient and antioxidant density and functional properties. Sorghum syrup is a sweetener that has a complex flavor profile lending a harmonious balance of sweet and savory in product formulations and provides a lower glycemic index and a higher antioxidant content compared to other commonly used sweeteners. Sorghum syrup has great potential uses within the beverage category, specifically coffee, as a clean-label sweetener with a complex flavor profile. Currently, with growing interest in gluten-free alcohol, specialty brews, and sorghum's shorter growing season compared to barley and wheat, sorghum grain is being used more frequently in alcohol and no- and low-alcohol beverage production. Additionally, sorghum grain is being utilized in products as a non-wheat, nutrient-dense baking grain that has a glycemic index lower than wheat, is high in resistant starch, and contains significantly more antioxidants. Other potential applications for sorghum ingredients include a non-synthetic food dye and a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to plastic films and coatings for foods. Sorghum should be considered an ingredient in product formulation, especially in light of its ability to withstand drought and high temperatures seen in global warming.

Construction and characterization of sesame meal-stabilized Pickering high internal phase emulsions and their application in cake production

Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) show promise for solid fat replacement and nutrient delivery, but the availability of safe and easily accessible food-borne particulate emulsifiers is a bottleneck limiting their practical application. In this study, the feasibility of using sesame meal as an emulsifier for the construction of sunflower oil-based Pickering HIPEs was evaluated. These HIPEs were then characterized in terms of their microstructural and mechanical properties, and utilized as a substitute for butter in cake production. Results showed that sesame meal is rich in protein, and has a particle size (median diameter, 46.40 ± 0.83 μm), and wettability that makes it suitable for use as an emulsifier. It stabilized O/W type Pickering HIPEs formulated with sunflower oil with a volume fraction of up to 80 %. The mechanical properties of these Pickering HIPEs were positively correlated with the concentration of sesame meal. Sunflower oil-based HIPEs prepared from sesame meal can partially replace butter for cake preparation when φ = 80 % and c = 9.0 %, and enhance the internal pore structure of cake when butter substitution (Wb) ≤ 30 %. This provides a new way to use sesame meal and new type of food-grade Pickering HIPEs.

Production and investigation of Pickering emulsion stabilised by casein-Qodume Shirazi (Alyssum homolocarpum) seed gum complex particles: gastrointestinal digestion

Recently, there has been growing research interests in designing Pickering emulsions. In this work, Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) and casein protein (CP) nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated as Pickering stabilizers. AHSG (0.0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15% (w/w))-CP (2% (w/w)) nanoparticles were fabricated and their properties were investigated (mean diameter, morphology, zeta potential, Fourier transform infra-red, and contact angle). Formation and stability of Pickering emulsion (Pes) stabilized by AHSG-CP NPs were monitored by mean diameter, rheological properties, and in vitro digestion. AHSG-CP Nps exhibited a small size (107.75 ± 0.42-201.52 ± 0.70 nm) and had wettability between 64.94 ± 3.44° and 70.92 ± 7.64°. The stability of PEs was greatly improved by 0.05AHSG-CP NPs, even after 30 days of storage, centrifugation, and in vitro digestion, owing to the reinforcement of particle structure at the oil/water interfaces.This study demonstrates that 0.05% (w/w) AHSG-CP NP showed the highest stability during storage and against gastrointestinal digestion which showed its suitability as a fat reducer emulsion structure.

Physico-Chemical, Textural and Sensory Evaluation of Emulsion Gel Formulated with By-Products from the Vegetable Oil Industry

The aim of this study was to obtain low fat mayonnaise-like emulsion gels using sesame cake and walnut cake by-products resulting from vegetable oil extraction. The ingredients used to formulate the mayonnaise like emulsion gel samples were corn starch, sesame seed cake (SSC), walnuts seed cake (WSC), lemon juice, sunflower oil, mustard, sugar, salt, gelatin and water. Five different samples were prepared: one control lab sample (M) containing only corn starch and the other ingredients (without SSC and WSC), two samples (SO1 and SO2) with 2 and 4% of SSC (without corn starch and WSC) and two samples (WO1 and WO2) with 2 and 4% of WSC (without corn starch and SSC). Also, an egg-free commercial mayonnaise (CM) was purchased and used for comparison. Physicochemical (fat, protein, moisture, ash, carbohydrate, water activity, emulsion stability, viscosity, density and color), textural (hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness), and sensory (aspect, color, texture/firmness, flavor, taste and acceptability) attributes of all samples were investigated. The results showed that carbohydrate content decreased in all four seed cakes samples compared to the control sample, while protein and fat content increased in all seed cakes samples, with the largest increases observed in the sesame seed cake samples. It was observed that the CM sample has a carbohydrate content value close to that obtained for the M sample, while the protein content has the lowest value for the CM sample compared to all samples analyzed. The stability of the emulsion gels increased from 70.73% (control sample) to 83.64% for the sample with 2% addition sesame seed cake and to 84.09% for the 2% walnut cake added, due to the coagulation capacity of the added cakes. The type and concentration of oil seeds cake added in emulsion gels affected their textural properties such as hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness. The hardness and adhesiveness of low-fat mayonnaise-like emulsion gels samples decreased with the addition of oil seeds cake. However, the addition of by-products improved the sensory properties of emulsion gels. This study provided a theoretical basis for the food industry's application of oilseed cakes, especially for the development of low-fat mayonnaise.

Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment on Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Pea Starch

The effects of ultrasonic treatment on the structure and physicochemical properties of pea starch were investigated in this study. The results showed that ultrasonic treatment increased the hydrolysis rate and particle size of pea starch. In the process of treatment, there were some depressions and pores on the surface of pea starch granules. Although the crystallization type of starch was retained, its crystallinity decreased. The pasting temperature of pea starch remained stable after ultrasonic treatment, but its peak viscosity, trough viscosity, cold viscosity, breakdown viscosity and setback viscosity all declined significantly. The transparency of starch paste decreased, but proper ultrasonic treatment could improve the strength of starch gel. The obtained results can provide a reference for the physical modification of pea starch.

Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Natural Quercetin Self-Stabilizing Pickering Emulsion

In contrast to their well-known physiological properties, phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, have been less frequently examined for their physiochemical properties (e.g., surface activity). A natural quercetin self-stabilizing Pickering emulsion was fabricated and characterized in the present study. The antisolvent precipitation method was used to modify quercetin (in dihydrate form), and the obtained particles were characterized by light microscope, atom force microscope, XRD, and contact angle. The antisolvent treatment was found to reduce the particle size, crystallinity, and surface hydrophobicity of quercetin. We then examined the effects of the antisolvent ratio, particle concentration, and oil fraction on the properties of the quercetin particle-stabilized emulsions. In addition, increasing the antisolvent ratio (1:1~1:10) effectively improved the emulsification performance of the quercetin particles. The emulsion showed good storage stability, and the particle size of the emulsion decreased with the rising particle concentration and increased with the rising oil phase ratio. The findings indicate that natural quercetin treated with antisolvent method has a good ability to stabilize Pickering emulsion, and this emulsion may have good prospective application potential for the development of novel and functional emulsion foods.

Formation mechanism of Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by proanthocyanidin particles: Experimental and molecular dynamics studies

The feasibility of constructing a Pickering emulsion gel with proanthocyanidin particles (PAP) was evaluated in this study, and the related mechanism was revealed by combining instrumental characterization with molecular dynamics simulation. The results showed that PAP was composed of nano/micron spherical particles or their fragments, which had excellent wettability. Suitable PAP addition amount (w, ≥1%) and oil volume fraction (φ, 40-90 %) were beneficial to the formation of stable Pickering emulsion gel. The oil droplet size of gel was inversely proportional to w and φ. The mechanical parameters (gel strength, loss modulus, and storage modulus) were positively correlated with w and φ. Molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the proanthocyanidin molecules in the oil-water system could spontaneously reside and aggregate at the interface, and their interactions with water and oil reduced interfacial tension, which was consistent with the experimental results. This study provides a reference for other polyphenol-based Pickering emulsions.

Carrageenan-Based Pickering Emulsion Gels Stabilized by Xanthan Gum/Lysozyme Nanoparticle: Microstructure, Rheological, and Texture Perspective

In this study, Pickering emulsion gels were prepared by the self-gel method based on kappa carrageenan (kC). The effects of particle stabilizers and polysaccharide concentrations on the microstructure, rheological characteristics, and texture of Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by xanthan gum/lysozyme nanoparticles (XG/Ly NPs) with kC were discussed. The viscoelasticity of Pickering emulsion gels increased significantly with the increase of kC and XG/Ly NPs. The results of temperature sweep showed that the gel formation mainly depended on the kC addition. The XG/Ly NPs addition could accelerate the formation of Pickering emulsion gels and increase its melting temperature (Tmelt), which is helpful to improve the thermal stability of emulsion gels. Cryo-scanning electron microscope (Cryo-SEM) images revealed that Pickering emulsion gel has a porous network structure, and the oil droplets were well wrapped in the pores. The hardness increased significantly with the increase of XG/Ly NPs and kC. In particular, the Pickering emulsion gel hardness was up to 2.9 Newton (N) when the concentration of kC and XG/Ly NPs were 2%. The results showed that self-gelling polysaccharides, such as kC, could construct and regulate the structure and characteristics of Pickering emulsion gel. This study provides theoretical support for potential new applications of emulsion gels as functional colloids and delivery systems in the food industry.