Functional egg white–pectin conjugates prepared by controlled Maillard reaction

Changes in the functional properties of egg white (EW) protein/pectin mixtures and their chemical conjugation via the Maillard reaction were investigated. Pectin with high degrees of esterification was conjugated to EW protein at 60 °C and 79% relative humidity for 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. The conjugates were compared with a physical mixture of the two components. There was a significant decrease in the available lysine (free amino groups) of the conjugated protein during incubation with the polysaccharides, negatively correlated to the emulsification properties. Oil–water emulsions prepared using the EW–pectin conjugates showed good stability, with oil droplet mean volume diameters of 0.29–1.2 μm. The conjugates showed higher emulsion viscosity and stability than the raw materials at ambient temperature. Addition of pectin (0.05–0.5% w/v) to EW at concentrations of 1% and 5% w/v had a significant effect on foam volume and stability.