Protein-based strategies for fat replacement: Approaching different protein colloidal types, structured systems and food applications.

In the last decade, food structuring has received considerable attention due to the concern of replacing trans and saturated fats with healthier alternatives without compromising neither technological nor sensorial aspects of food products. Moreover, sustainability topics, consumers' preference for natural ingredients and the molecular architecture displaying a myriad of techno-functionalities embolden the use of proteins. Therefore, a promising approach is to explore this biopolymer as a texture promoter in lipid-based systems, conveying an extra edge in nutritional, sustainable and technological values.

Effect of pH and Pea Protein: Xanthan Gum Ratio on Emulsions with High Oil Content and High Internal Phase Emulsion Formation.

Electrostatic interaction between protein and polysaccharides could influence structured liquid oil stability when emulsification is used for this purpose. The objective of this work was to structure sunflower oil forming emulsions and High Internal Phase Emulsions (HIPEs) using pea protein (PP) and xanthan gum (XG) as a stabilizer, promoting or not their electrostatic attraction. The 60/40 oil-in-water emulsions were made varying the pH (3, 5, and 7) and PP:XG ratio (4:1, 8:1, and 12:1).

Effect of chia oil and pea protein content on stability of emulsions obtained by ultrasound and powder production by spray drying.

Chia oil is susceptible to oxidation and to make this oil application into foodstuffs possible, chia-oil based microparticles were produced. Oil-in-water emulsions were produced by ultrasound and their stability was maximized using a central composite rotational design (X: pea protein X: oil concentration). Hi-Cap 100 (HC) or maltodextrin (MD) were used as carrier agents in spray drying.

Spent brewer's yeast proteins and cell debris as innovative emulsifiers and carrier materials for edible oil microencapsulation.

Spent brewer's yeast is a by-product rich in proteins, polysaccharides, and fibres. In addition to being nutritive, this material is available in large amounts and can be considered a cheap and sustainable alternative as a carrier material for microencapsulation. The objective of this work was to use the protein hydrolysate of spent brewer's yeast as an emulsifying agent and carrier material for the microencapsulation of sunflower oil by spray drying.