Phase behavior of ovalbumin and carboxymethylcellulose composite system

• The OVA–CMC mixture systems were studied.
• Phase behavior of OVA–CMC conjugates was related to pH, ratio and NaCl.
• Emptying interactions play a leading role in the separation system.

The phase behavior, rheological properties and microstructure of ovalbumin and carboxymethylcellulose (OVA–CMC) conjugates were studied and the influence parameters were investigated. The results showed that the phase behavior of OVA–CMC conjugates was related to pH and concentration of CMC and NaCl. When pH was over 5.0, discrete phase separation occurred in the mixture system, which indicated that OVA and CMC were thermodynamic incompatible. The mixture system turned into uniform stable emulsion system when pH reduced below 5.0. The addition of NaCl can improve the stability of composite system against pH sensitivity. CLSM and particle size distribution and ultraviolet spectrum analysis results confirm that emptying interactions play a leading role in the separation system.