Rheological and structural properties of oleogel base on soluble complex of egg white protein and xanthan gum

Oleogels can be used to provide solid-like properties without using high levels of saturated fatty acids. In this study, the edible oleogels structure developed based on egg white protein (EWP) (5%) and xanthan gum (XG) (0%, 1%, 0.5%, and 0.75% wt/wt) complex by using aerogels system as a template for oleogel preparation. The effect of pH on the EWP-XG mixture indicated the creation of a soluble complex of EWP-XG in pH 5.5. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the interaction between EWP and XG. The amount of absorbed oil was considerably higher in EWP-XG aerogels. SEM showed a soft surface in EWP 5% aerogel, which can be the reason for its less oil absorption. The aerogel and oleogel including more XG concentration had a stronger network structure and created more elastic oleogels. The light microscopy images revealed by increasing of XG concentration, the structure of protein gel mesh became more compact and regular. The XRD patterns of the aerogels did not show any clear differences between crystallinity of the samples. Therefore, it can be concluded that the aerogels based on the structuring of EWP-XG complexes have a high potential as a three-dimensional network for the oil absorption and creating oleogel.