Evaluation of the effect of partial hydrolysis ethyl cellulose on physicochemical properties of soybean oil oleogel

The effects of the solvent composition of ethanol and acetic acid (50/50 and 70/30 v/v), time (30 and 60 min) and temperature (65 and 95 degrees C) of hydrolysis were conducted on the structural and physicochemical properties of ethyl cellulose (EC). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and capillary viscometer results revealed that EC hydrolysis significantly decreased glass transition temperature (Tg) and intrinsic viscosity. FTIR spectra of hydrolysed EC (H-EC) revealed a breakdown of many glycosidic bonds. The oleogels were prepared by H-EC at the concentration of 6 wt%. Results showed that hydrolysis conditions significantly affected oleogel formation and strength. An optimal oleogel structure was achieved with H-EC at 65 degrees C, 50/50 solvent ratio (H-EC65/50). The rheological analysis of H-EC65/50 oleogel showed higher strength and a lower melting temperature range than EC oleogel. Microscopic observations confirmed that the H-EC65/50 forms a new structure with many small cavities, probably the main reason for the firmer gel. The prepared formulation could have potential to prepare reduced fat formulations with the suitable melting point and texture.

Automated summary

The effects of solvent composition, time and temperature on hydrolysis of ethyl cellulose (EC) were investigated. Hydrolysis significantly decreased the glass transition temperature and intrinsic viscosity of EC. The hydrolyzed EC (H-EC) formed optimal oleogel structure at 65°C with a 50/50 solvent ratio. The H-EC65/50 oleogel showed higher strength and a lower melting temperature range, indicating potential for reduced fat formulations.