Gel properties of Nicandra physalodes (Linn.) gaertn. seeds polysaccharides with tea polyphenols and its application

The novel gelling polysaccharides (NPGP) were extracted and characterized from Nicandra physalodes (Linn.) Gaertn. seeds, while properties and potential application of NPGP gels with tea polyphenols were further explored. NPGP was composed of GalA, Glc, Rha, Gal, Xyl, Ara, and Man at a molar ratio of 71.87:17.13:3.10:2.55:2.19:1.64:1.52, with molecular weight of 6.32 × 10⁴ Da and low methoxylation degree of 45.21%. The gelling properties of NPGP gel induced by tea polyphenols showed that tea polyphenols significantly improved the structural and rheological properties of NPGP gel, due to the formation of dense network by hydrogen bonds and the increase of crystalline degree of NPGP. NPGP gels with tea polyphenols could significantly ameliorated the texture, water-holding capacity, aggregation, leading force, and moisture distribution of surimi during freeze-thaw cycles. All results suggest that NPGP gels with tea polyphenols has fine properties and show potential to be applied as natural additives in food industry.