Microstructure and rheological properties of mixtures of acid-deamidated rice protein and dextran

Microstructure and rheological properties of mixtures of acid-deamidated rice protein (ADRP) and dextran were studied. The microstructures of the ADRP/dextran mixtures were described using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which revealed the effective association among ADRP and formation of a protein network-like structure in the mixture with higher protein concentration. Mechanical properties of the mixtures were observed by rheometer. The steady shear measurements showed a correlation with the CLSM results via a marked increase in the viscosity of the mixtures with protein association. Frequency sweeps further evidenced the build-up of the gelled network-like structure. The differences in fracture forces observed by textural measurements between mixture and single ADRP gel also suggested the difference in microstructures. The formation of network-like structure appeared to have occurred through a phase separation of ADRP and dextran.