Interactions in Protein/Polysaccharide/Calcium Gels

Abstract

ABSTRACT Protein‐polysaccharide‐calcium gels were prepared using combinations of crude myofibrillar protein, whey protein concentrate, sodium alginate, methylcellulose, low methoxyl pectin, carrageenan and CaCl. The nature of the interactions taking place in the gels and the effect of freezing or heating on viscosities and water losses were investigated. In most cases the stability of the gels was increased by freezing and lowered by heating. Myofibrillar protein with added whey protein concentrate formed stronger gels with the polysaccharide gums than did the myofibrillar protein extract alone. With the exception of methylcellulose gels, electrostatic interactions seemed to be the main forces involved in the formation and stability of the gels.