Oil Absorption Research Articles

An environmentally friendly and superhydrophobic melamine sponge self-roughened by in-situ controllably grown polydopamine nanoparticle for efficient oil-water separation

The preparation of conventional superhydrophobic sponges inevitably requires the involvement of noxious and non-degradable raw materials，thus threatening ecosystems. As reported herein, an environmentally friendly and superhydrophobic melamine sponge is facilely prepared for efficient oil-water separation, which is completely derived from eco-friendly substances. The formation of a hierarchical structure on the sponge skeleton was achieved via the in-situ controllable growth of polydopamine nanoparticles in mildly alkaline solution. In addition, octadecyl amines (ODA) with long chains of hydrophobic alkyl groups were grafted onto the polydopamine coating to reduce the surface energy through Schiff base or Michael addition reactions. Ultimately, the resulted sponge possessed extreme water repellency with a water contact angle (WCA) of 153.21 ± 1.31° and could retain its superhydrophobicity when it was exposed to solutions with different pH values and high temperature. Moreover, the resultant sponge exhibited fully reversible compressibility with up to 80% strain and excellent structural stability after 200 cyclic compression tests. Meanwhile, distinct organic liquid absorption experiments were conducted to confirm the resulted sponge with excellent oil absorption capacity (73.46 - 119.66g/g) and oil-water separation properties. Therefore, the as-prepared superhydrophobic sponge provides valuable insight into efficient oil-water separation.

Synthesis of magnetic polystyrene nanocomposite by emulsion polymerization using a photo-responsive emulsifier for efficient crude oil absorption

Both human health and marine life are seriously threatened by crude oil spills into bodies of water. For effective crude oil spill cleaning, we created a magnetic polystyrene (m-PS) nanocomposite. The use of magnetic nanoparticles makes crude oil absorption more environmentally friendly by making it easier to collect and recycle using an external magnetic field. To make Fe3O4 nanoparticles compatible with the hydrophobic styrene monomer used in emulsion polymerization, they were treated using a hydrophobic surface modification reaction. This alteration facilitated the grafting of polystyrene (PS) chains onto the nanoparticles, which then underwent emulsion polymerization. As an emulsifier, a light-responsive amphiphilic block copolymer containing coumarin was created via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. This allowed for regulated emulsification and demulsification in response to UV stimulation. The synthesized m-PS nanocomposite demonstrated a crude oil absorption capacity of up to 2.31 times of its own weight, indicating its high efficiency for crude oil spill cleanup. The synthetic emulsifier exhibited a significantly lower critical micelle concentration compared to the commercial P105 emulsifier (0.0976 against 0.354 mg/mL, respectively), indicating higher efficiency and reduced environmental impact. For a more thorough comprehension of the reported results, we also assessed the Hofmeister effect in PS produced using commercial and synthetic emulsifiers.

Advanced superhydrophobic polylactic acid fibers with high porosity and biodegradability for efficient solvent recovery

The conventional oil-absorbing materials utilized for addressing oil and organic solvent pollution are plagued by the issue of secondary pollution. In this study, biodegradable porous polylactic acid (PLA) fiber materials were prepared using centrifugal spinning technology, with PLA and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) as raw materials. PVB was utilized as a pore-forming agent to fabricate multi-layered porous PLA fiber materials. When the content of PVB in the spinning solution was 14 %, the porous PLA fibers exhibited the maximum specific surface area of 60.7 m2/g and a porosity of up to 85.4 %, interior of the fiber contained numerous mesopores. Additionally, the porous PLA fibers demonstrated excellent superhydrophobic oil absorption properties, with a water static contact angle of 137.8° and oil or organic solvent absorption capacities ranging from 10 to 17.7 g/g. Furthermore, porous PLA fiber materials exhibited outstanding biodegradability, with a degradation mass loss rate of 42.3–45.1 %. Therefore, superhydrophobic and oleophilic biomass-based PLA fiber materials prepared in centrifugal spinning show promising applications in the recovery of organic solvents and oily substances.

Nutritional and Functional Characteristics of Senescent Plantain Powder Mix

Post-harvest loss of plantain peeks at senescence. Drying senescent plantain enhances its culinary applications. This study aimed to determine the biochemical and functional properties of foam-mat dried senescent plantain samples, and their respective powdered mixes prepared for baking ofam (an Indigenous spicy cake). The nutritional benefits of foam-mat dried senescent plantain, with its high vitamin C and total carotenoid content, make it a valuable addition to dietary interventions. Foam-mat dried plantain samples and their respective powdered mixes were evaluated for their proximate composition, vitamin C, total carotenoids, amino acid contents, water and oil absorption capacities, and least gelation concentration using standard methods. The products were predominantly carbohydrates (73.3g - 80.4g/100g) with low moisture contents (9.19 - 20.68 g/100g). Vitamin C and total carotenoids ranged from 17.42 mg/100g to 33.99 mg/100g and 3.4 to 7.2 µg/g respectively. The samples had appreciable amounts of calcium (78.90 - 175.18 mg/100g), magnesium (112.13 - 113/79 mg/100g), potassium (95.76 - 77.09 mg/100g), iron (17.65 - 12.76 mg/100g) and zinc (10.94 - 15.82 mg/100 g). The most abundant amino acids were phenylalanine, histidine, methionine and aspartic acid. Sample SPPFSCF exhibited the best gelation capacity (22 g/100 mL). The water absorption capacities of the samples were influenced by the flour type used. However, the variations in the oil absorption capacities of the powdered mixes were statistically insignificant. EAPFRCF absorbed the least oil (0.84 g/g) while SPPFSCF absorbed the most (0.94 g/g). Foam-mat dried senescent plantain and their powdered mixes have the potential for utilization in nutritional interventions. Its low moisture content will support a longer shelf-life than the fresh overripe plantain.

Effect of α-tocopherol on the oil absorption of French fries based on physicochemical characteristics of frying oil and the morphology of French fries

With the development of oil processing technology, the retention rate of lipid concomitants in oil has increased. The effect of lipid concomitants on the physicochemical characteristics of oil has garnered significant interest; however, the effect of the lipid concomitant α-tocopherol on the physicochemical properties of rice bran oil (RBO) and the oil absorbency of French fries during frying is unclear. Thus, the influence of α-tocopherol on total polar compounds, diacylglycerols content, and viscosity of frying oil as well as oil content and distribution, moisture content, micromorphology, and quality of French fries is studied. The results revealed that RBO with 0%–0.1% α-tocopherol dose-dependently decreased the total polar compounds, diacylglycerols content, and the viscosity of RBO. This primarily affected the adsorption of surface and structural oils in the French fries. Additionally, RBO with 0%–0.1% α-tocopherol decreased the porous structure of the French fries. Compared with other α-tocopherol levels, RBO supplemented with 0.1% α-tocopherol demonstrated a better effect on reducing the oil absorption in French fries. Moreover, α-tocopherol had a minimal effect on French fry quality. Consequently, incorporating α-tocopherol (0.1%) into frying oil because of its inhibitory effect on the oil absorption of French fries is recommended.

Effect of Cold Exposure on the Biofoam Produced from Different Types of Oyster Mushroom

Mycelium-based biofoam is a sustainable material derived from the growth of fungal mycelium on lignocellulosic agricultural waste substrate, as it has potential use in a variety of applications. The main objective of this research is to advance the sustainable alternatives for various application by investigating the mycelium growth of the biofoam produced from Pleurotus florida and Pleurotus sajor-caju on rice husk substrate, in improving the properties of the biofoam through innovative cold exposure. This study showed P. florida can produce mycelium biofoam at a faster rate, 7.022mm/day compared to P. sajor-caju 6.08mm/day). By cold exposure at 0°C and 10°C for 3 hours, every 2 days and 5 days, respectively until the mycelium are fully grown in the substrate, sample exposed to the latter condition for P. florida exhibits a faster growth rate at 7.3037 mm/day. However, cold exposure on biofoam produced from P sajor-caju had not improved the mycelium growth rate. Cold exposure samples at 0°C every 5 days and 10°C every 2 days have demonstrated capability in water (103.51%) and oil absorption (143.23%), proving their effectiveness in absorbing pollutants for the purpose of environmental remediation. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydrophilic and oleophilic characteristics in the biofoam, indicating its capability to absorb water and oil. By subjecting biofoam to cold exposure, its properties can be altered, broadening its potential applications.

Enhancing mechanical properties of cellulose acetate/carbon black nanofibers for oil spill cleanup

Oil contamination caused by various oil-related industries and domestic usage is one of the major global challenges that threaten the environment. Therefore, employing efficient and environmentally friendly methods for oil removal from oily water is crucial. Nanofibers offer suitable mediums for such applications due to their low fiber diameter and high surface area. Herein, mechanically enhanced carbon black (CB) loaded-cellulose acetate (CA) nanofiber mats were developed for oil removal applications. Initially, CA/CB nanofibers were fabricated from 15% wt. CA solutions containing 2% wt. CB. To improve the mechanical properties, the samples were treated in an ethanol:acetone bath for 2 and 4h. Increasing post-treatment duration increased the nanofiber diameters from 438 nm to 601 nm and decreased porosities from 75% to 66%. The post-treatments improved the mechanical properties of the samples and the highest modulus was achieved as 20.85 MPa. The water and oil contact angles increased from 86° to 102° and 61° to 80°, respectively. The liquid absorption and retention capacities of the samples were evaluated by immersing them in water, seawater, waste oil, and their emulsions. Despite their lower initial oil absorption compared to the non-treated one, post-treated samples still retained large amounts of oil at the end of 24 h.

Refractance window drying of Spanish cherry (Mimusops elengi Linn) pulp: Impacts on drying kinetics, color, and phytochemical properties

In present study, Spanish cherry pulp (SCP) was dried using refractance window (RW) dryer at varying temperatures (50 to 90 °C) to investigate the impacts on drying kinetics and physicochemical properties and compared with freeze-dried samples. An increasing RW drying temperature from 50 to 90 °C reduced drying time from 320 to 80 min. The water and oil absorption capacity showed no significant (p < 0.05) changes in RW-dried SCP samples. Noticeable changes in color values, ascorbic acid, β-carotenoid, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were observed on increasing RW drying temperature. As per results, compared to control, RW drying at 50 °C retained most of the nutrients. From nutrient retention perspective, RW drying at 80 and 90 °C may not be suitable SCP samples. From multivariance analysis, RW drying of SCP samples can be performed at 60 °C instead of 70 °C for better nutrient contents.

Effect of gel composition interaction on rheological, physicochemical and textural properties of methyl cellulose oleogels and lard replacement in ham sausage

Cellulose-derived edible vegetable oleogels can replace saturated/trans fats. The gelation mechanism relies on non-covalent interactions between gel components, influenced by their structure, concentration, and nature of the gelling factors. On the premise of preparing methyl cellulose (MC) with different viscosity, the effects of different gelling agents, MC, gelatin and oil concentration on the structure, physicochemical properties, oil binding capacity (OBC) and texture of emulsion and oleogels were studied. The oleogels were used as a lard substitute to study the effect on the texture, structure and sensory properties of the prepared ham sausage. We found that MC3 with gelatin had superior emulsification properties, inhibiting particle size and aggregation. Raising MC3 and gelatin concentrations to 1.5 wt% and 0.5 wt% led to oleogels with high OBC (>95 %), stability, and viscosity. The oleogels exhibited a dense structure and high mechanical strength with significantly enhanced structural hardness (199.55 g and 226.44 g). Higher oil concentration stabilized the emulsion but reduced oleogels stability after freeze-drying due to saturated oil absorption. The ratio of oleogels replacing lard was closely related to the texture of ham sausage. The texture properties of the ham sausage with 50 % lard replacement were closest to those of the control group.

Dual-Functional TiO2/SiO2@Poly(Hexadecyl Methacrylate-co-Butyl Methacrylate-co-Methyl Acrylate) Composites: Nanointegrated Enhancements in Oil Absorption and High-Efficiency Emulsion Interface Demulsification

Our research described in this report introduces a multifunctional composite resin, TiO2/SiO2@poly(hexadecyl methacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate-co-methyl acrylate), synthesized to enhance oil absorption and demulsification for oily wastewater treatment. By incorporating hydrophobically modified nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) and nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) into a polyacrylate resin through suspension polymerization, we aimed to overcome the limitations of traditional oil absorbent resins. The resin’s formulation included hexadecyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, and methyl acrylate. Characterization was conducted through measurements of contact angle, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analyses. The study meticulously optimized the chemical synthesis conditions, focusing on the amount of monomer, initiator and crosslinker, which are crucial for the polymerization reaction. Additionally, the physical parameters, such as the particle size and quantity of the nano-materials, were carefully controlled to achieve the desired material properties. The inclusion of nano-TiO2 and nano-SiO2 significantly enriched the resin’s porous structure, boosting its oil absorption ratios for oil in various solvents, notably enhancing stability and recyclability. The resin exhibited superior oil absorption capacities (e.g. 54.7 g/g for trichloromethane) and improved emulsion separation efficiency (e.g. 98.10% for trichloromethane emulsions), marking a substantial advancement in materials for environmental remediation applications.

Preparation of a rubber nanocomposite for oil/water separation using surface functionalized/silanized carbon black nanoparticles

Clean water is the basic need of living organisms on the earth. Oil spills to free waters is one of the most important threats to living beings. It has been believed that using sorbents is the most effective method for this purpose. In this research, usage of tire rubber with improved hydrophobic properties is considered. For this purpose, carbon black nanoparticles (CBNs) were surface modified with vinyltrimthoxysilane (VTMS) at concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 by sol-gel method. Before, the CBNs were hydroxylated to increase silane grafting content. The surface modified was evaluated using XPS, FTIR, TGA, BET and FESEM analysis. Results showed a great change in the CBNs nature from hydrophilic to hydrophobic after silane modification that could help in more oil absorption and water repletion at the same time. In fact, the water contact angle (WCA) of the CBNs changed from 40 to 135°. The pure and silane grafted CBNs were added to the tire tread compound to prepare elastomeric nanocomposites as oil sorbent. The results showed that the modified nanocomposite had a higher reinforcement index than the samples contained pure and hydroxylated CBNs. The effects of CBNs on WCA, OCA and oil absorption capacity of the samples were also determined. It was found that silane modification a considerable increase in the WCA from 61.2° to 125.03° and a decrease in the oil contact angle (OCA) from 70.01° to 17.74°. Also, the oil absorption capacity of rubber enhanced from 0.55 to 1.95 g/g.

Differences in physicochemical properties and structure of red sorghum starch: Effect of germination treatments

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesGermination has been extensively studied, but the changes in different starch components have not yet been entirely elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of germination on the starch composition, physicochemical properties, and structure of red sorghum seeds.FindingsGermination of red sorghum starch led to decreased amylose, water absorption, and syneresis, but increased oil absorption, solubility, and swelling power. The freeze–thaw stability of germinated sorghum starch improved. However, the starch paste exhibited thinning under shear, suggesting its gel structure was susceptible to damage. The starch's peak viscosity and breakdown value increased significantly with the increase in germination time, whereas the setback value decreased. Germination treatment did not alter the chemical structure of the starch, but it increased the porosity and the number of dents on the surface of starch granules. Notably, the in vitro digestibility of the starch increased significantly after germination.ConclusionsThe germination treatment of red sorghum affected the structure and physicochemical properties of the isolated starch to some extent.

Impact of hydrophobically modified cellulose nanofiber on the stability of Pickering emulsion containing insect protein.

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is an ideal Pickering emulsion stabilizer because of its high aspect ratio and flexibility. CNF was hydrophobically modified by dodecenyl succinic anhydride and used to stabilize the simulated food emulsion system containing insect protein. The prepared dodecenyl succinate nanofiber (D-CNFs) was characterized by contact angle and laser particle size analyzer. The stability of the emulsion system under different conditions was characterized by zeta potential and appearance observation. Lastly, in vitro digestion simulation experiments were carried out to investigate whether the addition of D-CNFs had an effect on the digestion and absorption of oil. The modification process for dodecenyl succinic anhydride to CNFs was that the system temperature was 40 °C, the system pH value was 8.5 and the reaction time was 6 h. The water contact angle of the modified CNFs increased to 83.2 ± 0.9°. D-CNFs were introduced into the simulated food emulsion system containing insect protein. The increase in the concentration of D-CNFs in the aqueous phase promoted the stability of the simulated emulsion system. Increasing the ratio of insect protein was not conducive to the stability of the emulsion. The final fat digestibility of the emulsion with D-CNFs was lower than that of the emulsion without D-CNFs. Overall, the analysis and characterization results show the potential of the modified CNF as a food simulant emulsion stabilizer containing insect protein, which can be used for the development of specific functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of mango seed kernel starch: Extraction and Analysis

During mango (Mangifera indica) processing, significant by-products like peel and kernel are generated. Mango seed kernels are cost-effective and readily available materials for starch extraction. This study explores low-cost methods to extract mango kernel starch (MKS) from Surjapuri (X) and Amrapali (Y) varieties using distilled water and alkaline solution. Proximate analysis revealed starch yield variations from 44.49 % to 62.11 %, with moisture content between 4.32 % and 5.89 %, protein content from 0.067 % to 0.069 %, fat content from 0.22 % to 0.24 %, and ash content from 0.12 % to 0.14 %. X-variety starch extracted using distilled water had a higher yield (62.11 %), foaming capacity (5.94 %), and emulsion capacity (6.36 %), while alkaline extraction showed higher water absorption (0.16 %) and oil absorption (0.15 %). Y-variety starch showed higher amylose content (23.50 %) with distilled water extraction and higher pH (7.94) with alkaline extraction. X-variety starch had higher swelling power (11.35 g g-1) with distilled water extraction and higher solubility (0.27 %) with alkaline extraction at 90 °C. Principal component analysis (PCA), Heat map, and Pearson correlation analyses highlighted significant relationships between proximate and physicochemical properties. These results suggest that distilled water extraction is an effective, low-cost method for isolating high-quality MKS, with potential applications in various industries.

Quality Evaluation of Composite Flour From Wheat, Soybean and Sunflower Seeds for Bread Making

Composite flours with good functional properties and high nutrient content was developed by substituting wheat with soybeans and sunflower seed flour. Wheat flour was supplemented with soybeans and sunflower seeds flour at a ratio of 100:0:0, 90:10:10, 80:10:10, 70:20:10 and 60:30:10, respectively. Standard analytical procedures were used for all the analysis on the samples. The composite flours obtained were evaluated for their functional properties, proximate composition and antinutritional properties. The results for the functional properties showed values which ranged from 1.76 to 2.38 mL/g and 1.85 to 2.45 mL/g for water absorption capacity, 1.02 to 1.10 mL/g and 1.10 to 1.25 mL/g for oil absorption capacity, 0.40 to 0.78 g/mL and 0.52 to 0.78 g/mL for bulk density, 8.33 to 12.10% and 8.66 to 12.10% for swelling capacity and 4.00 to 10.00% and 4.00 to 9.00% for least gelation concentration, respectively for the flours and flour blends. Addition of soybeans and sunflower seeds flour led to significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the protein content (15.22 to 28.90%), ash (1.01 to 3.31%), crude fibre (1.34 to 2.97%), fat (5.39 to 16.37%), energy value (388.05 to 434.67%) and a decrease in carbohydrate (69.68 to 42.94%) and moisture content (7.38 to 5.3%) for the flour blends. Processing methods affected the antinutritional factors as there was no significant increase in the tannin content (0.43 to 0.65 mg/100g), saponins (0.36 to 0.43 mg/ 100g), oxalates (1.24 to 2.40 mg/100g) and phytates content (1.22 to 2.12 mg/100g) concentration of the composite flour. The results reveal that the wheat, soybeans and sunflower seeds flours had good functional and nutritional density.

Construction of foam-templated Antarctic krill oil oleogel based on pea protein fibril and ι-carrageenan

Edible plant-based oleogels with zero trans-fat are promising solid fat substitutes. In this study, Antarctic krill oil (AKO) oleogels prepared from pea protein fibril (PPF) and ι-carrageenan (CG) by foam-templated method were developed for the first time. The modulation of the ratio of PPF and CG concentration on the structure and properties of foam, cryogel and oleogel was investigated and the potential formation mechanism of the foam-templated oleogel was explained. The results demonstrated that the addition of CG significantly decreased the foam size and enhanced the foam stability. The oil absorption and oil holding ability of the dense and reticular porous structure of the cryogel was demonstrated. Fourier infrared spectroscopy confirmed the interaction between PPF and CG involved in the formation of cryogels. With the addition of CG, the network structure and mechanical strength of the cryogel were reinforced, leading to more compact pores and higher capillary suction, which was appropriate for the establishment of good viscoelastic semi-solid oleogels. In addition, the oleogel was effective in masking the fishy odor of AKO. The significance of this study lies in its provision of a novel approach to the preparation of the foam-templated oleogel with PPF and CG as the oleogelators.

Proximate Composition and Functional Properties of Soyabeans (Glycine Max) Enriched Carbohydrate Diets

This study explored enhancing the nutritional value and functional properties of carbohydrate-rich diets by incorporating soybeans into millet, cassava, and yam. Soybeans, known for their high protein, unsaturated fats, and micronutrients, were used to fortify these staple foods. Proximate analysis assessed the macronutrient content of both the original and soybean-enriched samples, while functional properties such as water and oil absorption capacities, swelling index, bulk density, and gelation capacity were evaluated. Results showed significant increases in protein content, particularly in the millet-soybean mixture (29.81%), with relatively low levels of fat and ash. Functional assessments indicated millet’s highest gelation capacity and cassava’s superior water absorption. These findings suggest that soybean fortification can improve carbohydrate-rich diets’ nutritional quality and versatility. Further research is recommended to assess the impact of these dietary modifications on human health and consumer acceptance.

Upgrading the Bioactive Potential of Hazelnut Oil Cake by Aspergillus oryzae under Solid-State Fermentation.

Hazelnut oil cake (HOC) has the potential to be bioactive component source. Therefore, HOC was processed with a solid-state fermentation (SSF) by Aspergillus oryzae with two steps optimization: Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken design. The variables were the initial moisture content (X1: 30-50%), incubation temperature (X2: 26-37 °C), and time (X3: 3-5 days), and the response was total peptide content (TPC). The fermented HOC (FHOC) was darker with higher protein, oil, and ash but lower carbohydrate content than HOC. The FHOC had 6.1% more essential amino acid and benzaldehyde comprised 48.8% of determined volatile compounds. Fermentation provided 14 times higher TPC (462.37 mg tryptone/g) and higher phenolic content as 3.5, 48, and 7 times in aqueous, methanolic, and 80% aqueous methanolic extract in FHOC, respectively. FHOC showed higher antioxidant as ABTS+ (75.61 µmol Trolox/g), DPPH (14.09 µmol Trolox/g), and OH (265 mg ascorbic acid/g) radical scavenging, and α-glucosidase inhibition, whereas HOC had more angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition. HOC showed better water absorption while FHOC had better oil absorption activity. Both cakes had similar foaming and emulsifying activity; however, FHOC produced more stable foams and emulsions. SSF at lab-scale yielded more bioactive component with better functionality in FHOC.

Proximate Analysis and Techno-Functional Properties of Berberis aristata Root Powder: Implications for Food Industry Applications.

Berberis aristata, commonly known as Indian barberry, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Despite its recognized pharmacological benefits, its potential application in the food industry remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the proximate analysis and techno-functional properties of Berberis aristata root powder to evaluate its feasibility as a functional food ingredient. The root powder of Berberis aristata was subjected to proximate analysis to determine its moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate content. Techno-functional properties, including water and oil absorption capacity, emulsifying and foaming properties, and bulk density, were evaluated using standardized analytical techniques. The proximate analysis revealed a high fiber content and a significant number of bioactive compounds. The root powder exhibited favorable water and oil absorption capacities, making it suitable for use as a thickening and stabilizing agent. Emulsifying and foaming properties were comparable to conventional food additives, indicating their potential in various food formulations. The findings suggest that Berberis aristata root powder possesses desirable techno-functional properties that could be leveraged in the food industry. Its high fiber content and bioactive compounds offer additional health benefits, making it a promising candidate for functional food applications. Further research on its incorporation into different food matrices and its sensory attributes is recommended to fully establish its utility.

Effect of transglutaminase on the structure, properties and oil absorption of wheat flour

The structure, properties, as well as the oil absorption characteristics of wheat flour (WF) treated with varying concentrations of transglutaminase (TG) (0 U/g ∼ 50 U/g) were characterized. The content of free amino groups in WF modified by TG (TG-WF) decreased and protein aggregated. The isopeptide bonds and disulfide bonds played important roles in protein crosslinking. The thermal stability, the peak viscosity after gelatinization and protein secondary structure stability of TG-WF were improved. In addition, the oil absorption and surface oil content of TG-WF after frying were reduced. TG enhanced the protein-protein interactions in WF, so that protein played barrier roles in the process of high-temperature frying, protecting the starch particles covered by them from the infiltration of oil, thus reducing the oil absorption of TG-WF during frying. Among them, the oil content of TG-WF-30 U/g after frying was the lowest, which decreased by 10.73 % compared with the control group.