Hydro- and aerogels from quince seed gum and gelatin solutions

The composite hydro/aerogels were designed using gelatin and quince seed gum (QSG) at total polymer concentration (TPC) of 1, 1.5 and 2% and gelatin/QSG ratio of 1:0, 1:0.5 and 1:1. The gel syneresis decreased significantly with increase in TPC and QSG. Although, hydrogels with 2% TPC had remarkably higher gel strength and elasticity than 1% TPC ones, the addition of high levels of QSG to the gelatin (i.e., gelatin/QSG 1:1) led to a decrease in its gel strength (similar to 0.97-fold) and elasticity (similar to 3,463-fold). The temperature-sweep test showed higher melting points in gelatin/QSG hydrogels (>60 degrees C) compared to the gelatin ones (similar to 58 degrees C). Additionally, QSG addition to the gelatin led to more porous networks with higher gel strength, thermal stability, and crystallinity, as observed by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffractometer. Therefore, QSG could be used as a natural hydrocolloid to modify gelatin functionality.

Automated summary

In this study, composite hydro/aerogels were prepared by using gelatin and quince seed gum (QSG) at different concentrations and ratios. The addition of QSG led to a reduction in gel strength and elasticity of the hydrogels, while increasing the gel syneresis. The incorporation of QSG also resulted in higher melting points, more porous networks, and improved thermal stability and crystallinity of the gelatin hydrogels.