Effects of Grafting Degree on the Physicochemical Properties of Egg White Protein-Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Conjugates and Their Aerogels

Abstract

To improve the mechanical strength and oil-loading performances of egg white protein (EWP) aerogel, the effects of different grafting degrees on the modification of EWP by sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) were investigated. After different dry-heat treatment durations (0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h), the EWP/CMC-Na conjugates with different grafting degrees (noted as EC0, EC12, EC24, EC36, and EC48, respectively) were obtained. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties of the conjugates, as well as the microstructure, mechanical properties, pore parameters, emulsification properties and oil-carrying properties of the conjugated aerogels, were characterized. The results showed that EC12 (with a grafting degree of 8.35%) aerogel possessed a uniform structure, the largest specific surface area, and the best emulsification performance. This facilitated a more robust aerogel (2.05 MPa) with nearly three times the mechanical strength of EWP aerogel. Moreover, this had a positive influence on the efficient loading and stable retention of oil. EC12 aerogel thus achieved an oil absorption capacity of 5.46 g/g aerogel and an oil holding capacity of 31.95%, and both values were nearly 1.7 times higher than those of EWP aerogel. In general, the EWP-based aerogel with a grafting degree of 8.35% had the best mechanical and oil-loading properties.

Preparation, Properties and Application in Electrospinning of Tremella Polysaccharide–Protein Complex

“…According to the method of S. Tang et al [ 13 ], 200 μL sample solution was added to 4 mL OPA solution and reacted in a water bath at 35 °C in the dark for 2 min. The absorbance of the sample at 340 nm was measured.…”

Chicken Egg White Gels: Fabrication, Modification, and Applications in Foods and Oral Nutraceutical Delivery

“…For desirable oil-loading matrices, EW aerogels are required to achieve good mechanical properties and loading efficiency to broaden their applicability. To improve the mechanical strength and oil-loading performances of EW aerogels, Tang and Jiang [ 94 ] investigated the effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) glycosylation on the physicochemical properties of EW proteins, as well as the microstructure, mechanical properties, pore parameters, and oil-carrying properties of the corresponding aerogels. The slope of the stress-compression curve can be employed to assess the stiffness of the aerogels.…”