Cold-set gelation of high pressure-treated soybean proteins

The ability of soybean proteins to form cold-set gels, using high pressure (HP) processing as denaturing agent and calcium incorporation was evaluated. Different protein preparations were assayed: soybean protein isolate (SPI), a beta-conglycinin enriched fraction (7SEF) and a glycinin enriched fraction (11SEF). 7SEF formed aggregated gels with low water holding capacity whereas 11SEF did not form self-standing gels. SPI formed the better gels: ordered and with high water holding capacity. SPI gels were relatively soft and their visual aspect, rheological and texture properties, and water holding capacity depended on HP level (400-600 MPa), CaCl2 concentration (0.015-0.020 mol L-1) and protein concentration (85-95 g L-1), thus gels with different characteristics may be obtained. The gels comprised a three dimensional network stabilized by non-covalent interactions with spaces filled of proteins in aqueous solution. The results indicate that it is possible to use HP and subsequent calcium incorporation to form self-standing cold-set gels from soybean proteins. These gels may be of interest to incorporate heat-labile compounds or probiotics during the gelation step. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.