Lita Katopo

Effect of whey protein agglomeration on spray dried microcapsules containing Saccharomyces boulardii

This work investigates the effect of whey protein agglomeration on the survivability of Saccharomyces boulardii within spray dried microcapsules. It attempts to go beyond phenomenological observations by establishing a relationship between physicochemical characteristics of the polymeric matrix and its effect on probiotic endurance upon spray drying. It is well known that this type of thermal shock has lethal consequences on the yeast cells. To avoid such undesirable outcome, we take advantage of the early agglomeration phenomenon observed for whey protein by adjusting the pH value of preparations close to isoelectric point (pH 4-5). During the subsequent process of spray drying, development of whey protein agglomerates induces formation of an early crust, and the protein in this molten globular state creates a cohesive network encapsulating the yeast cells. It appears that the early crust formation at a given sample pH and temperature regime during spray drying benefits the survivability of S. boulardii within microcapsules.

Phase behaviour of gelatin/polydextrose mixtures at high levels of solids

This investigation focuses on understanding the phase behaviour of gelatin when mixed with polydextrose (co-solute) primarily at high solid concentrations. The experimental work was carried out using small deformation dynamic oscillation in shear, modulated differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray diffraction and environmental scanning electron microscopy. A progression in the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the gelatin network was observed with the addition of polydextrose to the system. Combined thermomechanical and microscopy evidence argues for the development of phase separation phenomenon between protein and co-solute in high-solid preparations, where gelatin maintains helical conformation to provide network integrity as well as glassy consistency at subzero temperature. At the high solids regime, glassy consistency was treated with theoretical frameworks from the synthetic polymer research to pinpoint the glass transition temperature of the system.

Calcium chloride effects on the glass transition of condensed systems of potato starch

The effect of calcium chloride on the structural properties of condensed potato starch undergoing a thermally induced glass transition has been studied using dynamic mechanical analysis and modulated differential scanning calorimetry. Extensive starch gelatinisation was obtained by hot pressing at 120°C for 7 min producing materials that covered a range of moisture contents from 3.7% w/w (11% relative humidity) to 18.8% w/w (75% relative humidity). FTIR, ESEM and WAXD were also performed in order to elucidate the manner by which salt addition affects the molecular interactions and morphology of condensed starch. Experimental protocol ensured the development of amorphous matrices that exhibited thermally reversible glassy consistency. Both moisture content and addition of calcium chloride affected the mechanical strength and glass transition temperature of polymeric systems. Highly reactive calcium ions form a direct interaction with starch to alter considerably its structural properties via an anti-plasticizing effect, as compared to the polymer-water matrix.

Investigation on the phase behaviour of gelatin/agarose mixture in an environment of reduced solvent quality

Investigation on the phase behaviour of a biopolymer mixture has been performed using 7.5% (w/w) gelatin and 1.5% (w/w) agarose in the presence of variable amounts of polydextrose as the co-solute from low to high levels of total solids. Mechanical observation of the system was performed using small deformation dynamic oscillation in shear along with thermal studies using modulated differential scanning calorimetry. Micrographs provided images of the changing morphology of the network with the addition of co-solute. Agarose and gelatin form non-interactive bicontinuous phases in the aqueous environment. Systematic increase in the concentration of polydextrose prevents the formation of a stable agarose network, with the polysaccharide chains dispersing in the high solids environment. Gelatin, on the other hand, retains its conformational stability even at a saturating co-solute environment through enhanced protein structuring. Vitrification studies on the high solids system at subzero temperatures provides information on the structural and molecular relaxation identified as a glass transition phenomenon. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to analyse potential direct interaction between polymers and co-solute. The extent of amorphicity in the system was confirmed using wide angle X-ray diffraction.

Networks of polysaccharides with hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics in the presence of co-solute.

The present investigation deals with the changing network morphology of agarose and high methoxy pectin when mixed with polydextrose as co-solute at concentrations varying up to high level of solids. Thermomechanical analysis and micro-imaging were performed using small deformation dynamic oscillation in shear, modulated differential scanning calorimetry and environment scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide angle X-ray diffraction were practised to examine the nature of interactions between polymer and co-solute, and the extent of amorphicity of preparations. We observed a decline in the mechanical strength of aqueous agarose preparations upon addition of high levels of polydextrose, which should be attributed to reduced enthalpic content of the coil-to-helix transition of the polysaccharide network. Glass transition phenomena were observed at subzero temperatures in condensed preparations, hence further arguing for the formation of a lightly cross-linked agarose network with changing solvent quality. High levels of co-solute induce formation of weak pectin gels at elevated temperatures (even at 95°C), which with lowering temperature exhibit increasing strength. This results in the formation of rubbery pectin gels at ambient temperature, which upon controlled cooling to subzero temperatures convert to a clear glass earlier than the agarose counterparts.

Analysis on the effectiveness of co-solute on the network integrity of high methoxy pectin

Co-solute requirements for high methoxy pectin gelation were observed by the addition of glucose syrup and polydextrose at concentrations varying from 50% to 78% (w/w). Pectin content was fixed at 2% (w/w) in formulations. Studies from small deformation dynamic oscillation in shear, modulated differential scanning calorimetry and environmental scanning electron microscopy are reported. Structural properties of pectin preparations were recorded in relation to the molecular weight and concentration of added co-solute in an acidic environment (pH ∼3.0). High levels of co-solute induce formation of weak pectin gels at elevated temperatures (even at 95°C), which upon subsequent cooling exhibit increasing strength and convert to a clear glass at subzero temperatures. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and wide angle X-ray diffraction were practised to examine the nature of interactions between polymer and co-solute and the extent of amorphicity of preparations. Glucose syrup is an efficient plasticiser leading to a reduction in the glass transition temperature (T(g)) of the pectin network, whereas polydextrose assists in the formation of stronger pectin gels in the rubbery state.

Combined spectroscopic, molecular docking and quantum mechanics study of β-casein and p-coumaric acid interactions following thermal treatment

The molecular nature of interactions between β-casein and p-coumaric acid was studied following exposure of their solutions to ultra-high temperature (UHT at 145 °C). Interactions were characterised by employing multi-spectroscopic methods, molecular docking and quantum mechanics calculations. FTIR demonstrates that the ligand lies in the vicinity of the protein, hence inverting the absorbance spectrum of the complex. This outcome changes the conformational characteristics of the protein leading to a flexible and open structure that accommodates the phenolic microconstituent. Results are supported by UV-vis, CD and fluorescence quenching showing considerable shifts in spectra with complexation. Molecular docking indicates that there is at least a hydrogen bond between p-coumaric acid and the peptide backbone of isoleucine (Ile27). Quantum mechanics calculations further argue that changes in experimental observations are also due to a covalent interaction in the protein-phenolic adduct, which according to the best predicted binding pose involves the side chain of lysine 47.

Molecular interactions of milk protein with phenolic components in oat‐based liquid formulations following UHT treatment and prolonged storage

BACKGROUND Nowadays there is a growing demand for nutritionally balanced breakfast beverages enriched with functional ingredients including wholegrain oat, which is rich in phenolic acids. Such beverages typically contain added food ingredients (e.g. milk protein, sugar and lipids) and undergo thermal processing that initiates many molecular processes. Therefore, this work aims to investigate the molecular interactions between milk protein and phenolic acids that govern bioactivity in model oat-based beverages. RESULTS Findings showed the susceptibility of ferulic and p-coumaric acids, in model oat beverages, to ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing at 145 °C for 8 s. Among model beverages, those with added milk protein demonstrated a considerable loss of phenolic acids following UHT processing due to the interaction between these micronutrients and the protein. The nature of molecular interactions was mainly categorized as covalent with hydrogen bonds playing a supportive role. CONCLUSION UHT processing of oat-based beverage formulations facilitates the formation of protein-phenolic acid complexes, which are largely covalent and static in nature. This finding underlines the ability of UHT treatment to induce chemical modifications of food ingredients.

Effect of Storage on the Textural Profile of Insoluble Fibre Incorporating UHT Beverage

The investigation deals with the effect of incorporating insoluble fibre in UHT treated beverages in order to improve the nutritional profile of these product concepts. A variety of insoluble fibres are used including orange fibre, kibbled wheat fibre and oat fibre, whose particle size distribution ranges over an order of magnitude from 372 to 35 µm. The work demonstrates that the overall acceptability of UHT beverages is significantly affected by the particle size distribution and level of fibre addition varying from 0.5 to 5% w/w in formulations. Results indicate a positive relationship between fibre characteristics and beverage consistency, with increasing concentration or size distribution in particles yielding higher steady-shear viscosity. Further, extended storage over 12 weeks at 22 °C exhibits increasing viscosity at a given concentration and type of fibre, whereas storage at 30 °C results in increasing flow, which is an interesting outcome for the commercialisation of the industrially based formulations.