Food-Grade Bigel Systems: Formulation, Characterization, and Applications for Novel Food Product Development.

Bigels are characterized as biphasic systems consisting of two structured phases of different polarity, namely the oleogel and hydrogel phases. These systems have been widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, owing to their enhanced physicochemical stability compared to other structured systems and their ability to simultaneously deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. Considering the above advantages, bigels could have considerable potential for the food industry.

On the structural and mechanical properties of mixed coconut and olive oil oleogels and bigels.

The interaction of monoglycerides and phytosterols in olive- and coconut oil on the structuring of oleogels was analyzed. Specifically, bigels with gelatin hydrogel in different ratios (40:60 and 60:40 w/w) were formed. The physicochemical and microstructural attributes of these systems were assessed.

Microstructure, Physical Properties, and Oxidative Stability of Olive Oil Oleogels Composed of Sunflower Wax and Monoglycerides.

The utilization of natural waxes to form oleogels has emerged as a new and efficient technique for structuring liquid edible oil into solid-like structures for diverse food applications. The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction between sunflower wax (SW) and monoglycerides (MGs) in olive oil oleogels and assess their physical characteristics and storage stability. To achieve this, pure SW and a combination of SW with MGs in a 1:1 ratio were examined within a total concentration range of 6-12% /.

Evaluation of bigel systems as potential substitutes to partially replace pork backfat in semi-dry sausages.

Bigels prepared with olive oil oleogels admixed with κ-carrageenan or κ-carrageenan and gelatin hydrogels (BG1 and BG2, respectively) were characterized with respect to microstructure and textural properties and were used as pork backfat alternatives in semi-dry sausages. Stable oleogel-in-hydrogel type bigels were formed, with BG2 having higher hardness values. Control sausages (CF) were formulated with 20% pork backfat and sausage treatments B1F and B2F had 50% of the pork backfat substituted by BG1 and BG2 bigels, respectively.

Structural and Physical Characteristics of Mixed-Component Oleogels: Natural Wax and Monoglyceride Interactions in Different Edible Oils.

Waxes and monoglycerides (MGs) added in edible oils form oleogels that can be used as an alternative structured fat, providing healthier substitutes to saturated and fats in foods. This study aimed to investigate the properties of oleogels formed by the interaction between monoglycerides and different waxes in various edible oils. For this purpose, waxes, namely rice bran (RBW), candelilla (CDW), sunflower (SW), and beeswax (BW), together with MGs in a total concentration level of 15% (/) were dissolved in several edible oils (olive, sunflower, sesame, and soybean).