Impact of xanthan gum, sucrose and fructose on the viscoelastic properties of agarose hydrogels

Mixed carbohydrate systems are of special interest for the food and non-food industry as they offer a versatile range of unique and novel functional properties. However, intense research is required to understand the complex processes occurring in such systems on a molecular level and to be able to modify them aim-oriented. In food, characteristic properties are based on the physicochemical functions of the biopolymers added. Thus, small deformation tests and moisture analysis have been applied to study the impact of xanthan gum and two types of sugar on the viscoelastic properties, the sol–gel transition and the water holding capacity of 1% agarose hydrogels. Agarose gels are very elastic, turbid and prone to synaeresis, which impinges on their mouth feeling. Additions of xanthan gum revealed less elastic gels with an unaffected water holding capacity. Progressive addition of two different types of up to 40% of sugar yield an increase of the elasticity of agarose gels, whereby sugar concentrations of 60% partially result in a structural breakdown and thus a significant lower network structure but better water holding. In ternary systems, the effect of the sugar concentration and sugar type used is diminished by xanthan gum. The gelation mechanism of agarose gels with a distinct amount of co-solutes is presumably mainly affected by the water shortage evolved from the competition for it of all solutes present.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Co-solutes used have a pronounced impact on rheological properties of agarose gels. ► Up to 40% of sugar enhances and 60% of sucrose decreases the elasticity. ► The impact of sugar diminishes with the addition of xanthan gum. ► High concentrations of carbohydrates result in less elastic and clearer gels. ► Effects based on interplay of chain charge, chain flexibility and hydrate shells.