Binary wax oleogels: Improving physical properties and oxidation stability through substitution of carnauba wax with...

High concentrations of carnauba waxes (CRWs) that can compromise organoleptic properties are required to create self-sustained and functional oleogels. The weak physical properties and stability of 4% w/w CRW-rice bran oil (RBO) oleogel were addressed by substituting CRW with beeswax (BW) in different weight ratios. The texture profile analyzer revealed that substituting only 10% (weight ratio) of CRW with BW improved the hardness compared to the mono-CRW oleogel. The hardness of binary oleogels increased gradually as the proportion of BW increased. At a BW ratio of 70% or more, the hardness was three times higher than that of mono-BW oleogel. Rheology analysis showed the same trend as the large deformation test; however, the hardest binary oleogels had lower critical strain and yield point compared to the mono-wax oleogels, implying that they are more prone to lose their structure upon applied stress. Nevertheless, nearly all binary mixtures (except for 10%BW90%CRW) showed oil-binding capacities above 99%, suggesting improved nucleation and crystallization process. Polarized light microscopy showed the coexistence of BW and CRW crystals and changes in the size and arrangement of wax crystals upon proportional changes of the two waxes. X-ray diffraction confirmed no differences in the peaks' location, and all oleogels had β' polymorphism. Differential scanning calorimetry showed eutectic melting behavior in some binary blends. Oxidation stability in the binary wax oleogels improved as compared to the mono-wax oleogel and bulk RBO. BW and CRW mixtures have promising oil-structuring abilities and have various properties at different ratios that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: As a trending green oil-structuring technology, oleogelation has shown great potential to reduce saturated fats in food systems. The current research provides valuable fundamental information on the strong synergistic interactions between beeswax and carnauba wax that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes created with a much lower total concentration of the required wax. This will help create wax oleogels with better organoleptic properties and less negative waxy mouthfeel. Such knowledge could prove beneficial for the development of healthy products that have potential applications in meat, bakery, dairy, pharmaceutical, as well as cosmetic industries.