Alginate-based emulsion micro-gel particles produced by an external/internal O/W/O emulsion-gelation method: Formation, suspension rheology, digestion, and application to gel-in-gel beads. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Duanquan; Kelly, Alan L.; Miao, Song
• Is Part Of: Food hydrocolloids. Volume 120(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Alginate gel -- Digestion -- Emulsion micro-gel particle -- Suspension rheology -- External/internal gelation; Hydrocolloids -- Periodicals; Food additives -- Periodicals; Colloïdes -- Périodiques; Aliments -- Additifs -- Périodiques; Colloids; Food additives; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 664.06
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2021.106926
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-005X

Abstract

Abstract: Alginate-based emulsion gels can be used as fat replacers and encapsulation materials, but studies on emulsion micro-gel particles and nano-gel particles have rarely been reported, compared to bulk emulsion gels and emulsion macro-gel beads. This study investigated external/internal O/W/O emulsion-gelation methods for preparation of alginate-based emulsion micro-gel particles. The size, micro-structure, rheological properties, and in-vitro digestion of emulsion micro-gels prepared by external/internal methods were compared. The external gelation could produce emulsion micro-gels with small size (<100 μm), while emulsion micro-gels prepared by the internal gelation had bigger size and a more narrow size distribution. The suspensions of emulsion micro-gels prepared by the external gelation had higher φ rcp, φ j, G′, and G″ values than those prepared by the internal gelation. Emulsion micro-gel particles swelled during intestinal digestion, but those prepared by the external method were collapsed faster than those prepared by the internal method. Structuring emulsion gel beads by introducing emulsion micro-gel particles was also investigated. The presence of emulsion micro-gel particles prepared by the external gelation improved the Young's modulus of gel beads, delayed their structural collapse and thus delayed release of encapsulated lycopene during intestinal digestion. The results of this study are critical for preparation and applications of alginate-based emulsion micro-gel particles prepared by external/internal O/W/O emulsion-gelation methods in the food industry. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Emulsion micro-gel particles were prepared by external/internal O/W/O emulsification gelation. The external gelation led to micro-gel particles with smaller size than the internal gelation. Suspensions of externally induced micro-gel particles had higher G′ than internally induced particles. Externally induced micro-gel particles collapsed faster than internally induced particles during digestion. Externally induced micro-gel particles significantly increased Young's modulus of gel beads.