Effect of compositional factors against the thermal oxidative deterioration of novel food emulsions

This work attempts to determine any relationship between certain endogenous parameters and the oxidative deterioration of protein-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions. The contribution of compositional factors (e.g., type and amount of emulsifier, fat phase, etc.) is further elucidated. Among 10% cottonseed o/w emulsions prepared by 1% emulsifier (Tween, sodium caseinate, or whey protein), lipid autoxidation (at 40 degrees C) was much faster in the Tween emulsion than in the protein ones, with whey protein presenting a clear antioxidant effect. Increase in protein concentration (0.5-2% w/w) led to a decrease in droplet size but an increase in oxidative stability, in terms of conjugated diene hydroperoxides formation at 232 nm. The type of lipid phase significantly affected the rate of thermal oxidation at 60 degrees C. In the most oxidatively vulnerable sunflower-oil-based emulsions, an increase in fat content (10-40%) resulted in a reduction of oxidative deterioration. By selecting a more concentrated emulsion (20% o/w, 2% emulsifier), in order to structurally approach real novel food products, any influence of the composition of the emulsifier (combination of Tween and sodium caseinate preparation) was subsequently tested. An increase in protein proportion in the emulsifier was found to inhibit proportionally the oxidative instability of the emulsions, as evaluated by the determination of both primary (conjugated diene and lipid hydroperoxides) and secondary [thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)] oxidation products.