Gel Products Research Articles

Compound Salt-Based Coagulants for Tofu Gel Production: Balancing Quality and Protein Digestibility

Tofu quality is critically influenced by coagulants, though their impact on protein digestibility remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of calcium sulfate (CaSO4), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and their combination (CaSO4 + MgCl2) on the physicochemical properties and protein digestibility of tofu. Water-holding capacity, cooking loss, texture, protein composition, and protein digestibility were analyzed. The results showed that the CaSO4 + MgCl2 combination yielded a water-holding capacity of 99.16%, significantly higher than CaSO4 tofu (93.73%) and MgCl2 tofu (96.82%), while reducing cooking loss to 2.03% and yielding the highest hardness (897.27 g) and gumminess (765.72). Electrophoresis revealed distinct protein retention patterns, with MgCl2 (0.6% w/v) forming denser gels that minimized protein leakage into soy whey. During in vitro digestion, MgCl2-coagulated tofu exhibited superior soluble protein release (5.33 mg/mL after gastric digestion) and higher intestinal peptide (5.89 mg/mL) and total amino acid (123.06 μmol/mL) levels, indicating enhanced digestibility. Conversely, the CaSO4 + MgCl2 combination showed delayed proteolysis in electrophoresis analysis. These findings demonstrate that coagulant selection directly modulates tofu’s texture, water retention, and protein bioavailability, with MgCl2 favoring digestibility and the hybrid coagulant optimizing physical properties. This provides strategic insights for developing nutritionally enhanced tofu products.

Cytotoxic and antifungal effects of different teething oral gels: an in-vitro study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of various teething oral gels, containing lidocaine, hyaluronic acid, and herbal-based ingredients, on cell viability and to compare the antifungal properties.Materials and methodsThe effect of the six different teething oral gels (Gengigel Teething, Orajel Baby, Calgel, Hyland’s Baby Organic Soothing Gel, Buccotherm Teething Gel and Aftamed Teething) on cell viability was evaluated through the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay on L-929 mouse fibroblast cells. The antifungal activity of teething oral gels against Candida albicans ATCC 90,028, C. tropicalis ATCC 750, C. glabrata ATCC 2001, C. parapsilosis ATCC 22,019, and C. krusei ATCC 6258 was assessed using the broth dilution method.ResultsThe cell viability analysis revealed that Aftamed Teething exhibited the highest level of cytotoxicity among the tested teething oral gel products, whereas Buccotherm Teething Gel demonstrated the lowest cytotoxicity. The teething oral gels can be ordered based on their respective cytotoxicity profiles: Aftamed Teething (IC50 4.62 mg/ml) > Calgel (IC50 33.40 mg/ml) > Gengigel Teething (IC50 122.85 mg/ml) > Orajel Baby (IC50 137.13 mg/ml) > Hyland’s Baby Organic Soothing Gel (IC50 229.20 mg/ml) > Buccotherm Teething Gel (IC50 284.38 mg/ml) (p < 0.05). The results indicate that Buccotherm Teething Gel, Hyland’s Baby Organic Soothing Gel and Orajel Baby did not exhibit any antifungal activity against C. albicans, while Gengigel Teething and Aftamed Teething demonstrated marginal effects at the 100 mg/ml concentration threshold. The Calgel exhibited the highest efficacy against C. albicans, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 12.5 mg/ml (p < 0.05). From non-albicans Candida species, it was ascertained that Gengigel exhibited a modest antifungal effect on C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis, while Calgel demonstrated a modest antifungal effect on C. glabrata. Additionally, Calgel demonstrates antifungal activity against C.tropicalis and C.parapsilosis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 25 mg/ml (p < 0.05).ConclusionTeething oral gels containing lidocaine, hyaluronic acid, and herbal formulations demonstrated varying degrees of cytotoxicity and antifungal efficacy. Herbal-based teething oral gels may be a more suitable option for young children compared to products containing lidocaine or hyaluronic acids, as they exhibit reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced biocompatibility. Lidocaine-containing gel may be preferred for opportunistic fungal infections, considering their high cytotoxic properties, solely to leverage their antifungal capabilities on different species.Clinical relevanceLidocaine-containing teething oral gel has demonstrated potent antifungal properties on both C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species, but the high cytotoxic effect revealed by the study, together with reported adverse effects, precludes its recommendation for use in infants.

Deciphering the formation rule and anti-retrogradation potential of starch/ferulic acid/ovalbumin composite gels: A ratio modulation and interaction perspective.

Deciphering the formation rule and anti-retrogradation potential of starch/ferulic acid/ovalbumin composite gels: A ratio modulation and interaction perspective.

Research on the development of a cosmetic product in a soft dosage form based on an extemporaneous suspension for the treatment of acne using carbomer

аcne is a chronic skin disease with a complex multifactorial pathogenesis, which is widespread and requires a long-term combination therapy. Local application of drugs is the standard method of treating acne. One of the drugs for external use, which is recommended by dermatologists-cosmetologists, is a solution for shaking or suspension that is extemporaneously manufactured and contains chloramphenicol, ichthyol, menthol, talc, zinc oxide, and ethanol. The disadvantages of suspensions are their instability during storage, the need for constant shaking before use. This can often lead to a violation of the ratio of active pharmaceutical ingredients and, accordingly, their dosage, as well as inconvenience during use. To improve the stability of this drug, it is advisable to increase the viscosity of the system by changing the dosage form: prepare a gel from a suspension. The research work is devoted to the research on the development of the composition of a cosmetic product in the form of a gel, which was obtained on the basis of the component composition of an extemporaneously manufactured medicinal product in the form of a shake-up solution, which is used topically for the treatment of acne. The composition was developed using triethanol amine as a neutralizer and two brands of gelling agents – carbomers Carbopol 974 P and Carbopol 980, which are most often used as gelling agents in the production of gels. In the research work, when obtaining a cosmetic product in the form of a gel using two brands of carbomer, the optimal amount of triethanolamine was determined, on which the pH value of the gel and its structural and rheological properties depended. Also, during the experiment, 6 series of studied samples of the cosmetic product were obtained, which contained gelling agents in three different concentrations (1%, 1.5% and 2%) in order to select the most optimal one, which would ensure sedimentation resistance and uniformity of the gel dosage during its application. We investigated such indicators of the obtained samples of the cosmetic product as homogeneity and dispersion using the microscopy method, pH value potentiometrically, colloidal stability by centrifugation and viscosity using a rotational viscometer. Their consumer characteristics were also studied, which concerned the quality of application, distribution and sensation on the skin that remained after applying the studied samples to its surface, namely: tightness, moisturization, stickiness or cooling. Series 2 of the studied cosmetic product, which includes 1.5% of carbomer of the Carbopol 974 P brand, had the best pharmaco-technological properties and consumer characteristics. It had the appearance of a homogeneous mass of mousse consistency, which was easily applied and evenly distributed on the surface of the skin, while not tightening it or drying it, leaving a feeling of moisture and cooling on it. It had a pH value of 7.0 and a viscosity of 13782 mPas.

ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧЕСКАЯ РАЗРАБОТКА МЯГКОЙ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ ФОРМЫ – ГЕЛЯ С СЕРОТОНИНА АДИПИНАТОМ

Currently, the field of research on the expansion of the spectrum of pharmacological action and medical use of serotonin adipinate continues to arouse interest in the scientific and industrial field of various profiles. The domestic pharmaceutical industry produces serotonin adipinate in only one dosage form – an injectable solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration, registered as a homeostatic and serotonergic drug. However, in the available scientific literature, there is information about the positive experience of using serotonin adipinate as a wound-healing and improving microcirculatory disorders agent for external use. Therefore, the issue of conducting research in the direction of expanding the range of dosage forms of serotonin adipinate, in particular, for external use, is becoming relevant today. The purpose of this work was to develop a mild dosage form for external use, a gel with serotonin adipinate. With the help of experimentally conducted comprehensive (biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical-technological, physico-chemical and microbiological) studies, the optimal gel composition was selected: serotonin adipinate and sodium hyaluronate (active ingredients), sodium alginate (gelling agent), glycerin (plasticizer), nipagin (preservative), purified water (solvent). The gel with serotonin adipinate is homogeneous; it is stable from a thermodynamic and microbiological point of view. Due to its structural and mechanical properties, it has all the necessary thixotropic parameters in various temperature measurement modes (production, application, storage). The proposed technological scheme for gel production is easily reproducible in production conditions. The main quality indicators are proposed for the resulting drug: description, authenticity, quantification, microbiological purity and a preliminary shelf life.

The role of biological antiseptic in the treatment of purulent-necrotic complications of soft tissues after abdominal surgery in obese patients

Annotation. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical significance of the use of a gel product with collagenase as a biological antiseptic in the treatment of patients with purulent necrotic processes of soft tissues. The relevance of the issue is due to the fact that the treatment of purulent necrotic processes of soft tissues requires significant improvement and the introduction of new technologies, especially from the side of biological antiseptics. Based on observations from 2022 to 2025 of 78 patients with purulent necrotic processes of soft tissues (37 patients in the main group used a drug with collagenase and 41 patients in the comparison group used Levomekol ointment), we noted the positive effect of using a complex drug with collagenase, which allowed the main group to clean the wound in 4.1±1.7 days, while in the comparison group this figure was 5.9±1.9 days (p=0. 00012). Accordingly, this subsequently contributed to earlier wound epithelialization in patients of the main group (7.8±2.1 days) compared with patients of the comparison group (8.4±1.3 days) (p=0.0187). In addition, a positive clinical effect was noted when using a gel with collagenase in the treatment of obese patients with purulent-necrotic complications of soft tissues after abdominal surgery.

Production of thermostable mayonnaise-like emulsion gels stabilized by quince seed gum and soy protein isolate

In the present study, quince seed gum (QSG) and soy protein isolate (SPI) were used to produce egg yolk-free low-fat mayonnaise-like emulsion gels (MEGs) with a low fat contented and high thermal stability. Thermal stability, microstructure, rheological behavior, textural characteristics, and sensory attributes across different pH levels (3, 4.5, and 6) and QSG concentrations (0 to 0.9%) were studied. In the absence of QSG, SPI was not capable of producing MEGs with a desired structure. MEGs had a shear thinning behavior, and increasing the QSG concentration for all studied pH levels significantly increased the apparent viscosity of the samples. The pH reduction and the gum incorporation resulted in the darkening of samples due to the Maillard reaction. For all MEGs, raising the QSG concentration from 0.3 to 0.9% led to increase of firmness, consistency, storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), and thermal stability of the MEGs. Besides, adding QSG enhanced MEGs stability against phase transition. The sample containing 0.6% gum treated at pH 4.5 had the highest similarity to the commercial full-fat (FF) mayonnaise from both physical and sensorial point of view. Our results revealed that QSG and SPI are potential natural ingredients for developing low-fat emulsion gels with high thermal stability and can be recommended for development of pasteurizable emulsions.

Effects of polysaccharides and soy protein isolate on the gel properties and molecular structure of squid (Dosidicus gigas) surimi.

Squid has characterized by high protein, low fat and no intermuscular bones, which makes it an ideal raw material for making surimi. However, the gel quality of squid surimi is inferior because of its high endogenous enzyme activity and low content of myosin and transglutaminase, which makes myofibrillar protein easy to be degraded and the degree of cross-linking of myosin heavy chain low. Although the cost of starch is low, its addition may lead to the reduction of protein content and the increase of heat of the gel product, and excessive addition may even reduce the quality of the product. Therefore, it is necessary to find additives with clean labels. The present study determined the optimal formulation for squid surimi gel as 6 g kg-1 inulin (IN), 8 g kg-1 sodium alginate (SA), and 60 g kg-1 soy protein isolate (SPI) through orthogonal testing. The combination achieved a water-holding capacity of 90.28% and gel strength of 1592.78 g·mm, which is significantly higher than that of the traditional starch modification system. The transition from α-helix to β-sheet conformation enhanced hydrophobic interactions, whereas SPI acted as a molecular scaffold synergizing with IN-SA complexes to stabilize the gel network through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic bridging, yielding a dense microstructure. In conclusion, this starch-free strategy, with its superior functionality and clean label benefits, provides an innovative approach for the development of sustainable aquatic gel products and an important opportunity to further understand the mechanism by which polysaccharides and SPI influence the gel properties of squid surimi. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

The synergistic effects of NaOH and NaCl on the gel properties, digestive characteristics, and product quality of salted preserved egg white.

The synergistic effects of NaOH and NaCl on the gel properties, digestive characteristics, and product quality of salted preserved egg white.

Improving the gel properties of Nemipterus virgatus myosin gel using soy protein isolate-stabilized Pickering emulsion.

Improving the gel properties of Nemipterus virgatus myosin gel using soy protein isolate-stabilized Pickering emulsion.

Study on the mechanical properties of cementitious materials affected by the interactions between crystal and gel products driven by crystallization pressure

Study on the mechanical properties of cementitious materials affected by the interactions between crystal and gel products driven by crystallization pressure

Nondestructive prediction and classification of gel strength in ethanol-treated kudzu starch gels using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Nondestructive prediction and classification of gel strength in ethanol-treated kudzu starch gels using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Formulasi Sediaan Gel Variasi Konsentrasi Ekstrak dan Limbah Bunga Mawar Merah (Rosa damascena Mill.)

Red roses (Rosa damascena Mill.) are known to contain active compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and vitamin C, which have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the utilization of rose flower waste after extraction remains limited. This study aims to formulate and evaluate gel preparations based on red rose extract and post-extraction rose flower waste as an innovation in natural-based topical formulations. This research is an experimental laboratory study using a post-test only design. Three concentration variations were formulated for both the extract (F1, F2, F3) and rose flower waste (F4, F5, F6) using HPMC as the gel base. Physical evaluations included organoleptic testing, homogeneity, pH, adhesion, spreadability, and viscosity. Data were analyzed descriptively and statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis test to determine the effect of concentration variation on physical parameters. All formulations showed good organoleptic and homogeneity results. The pH values were within the safe range for skin (4.75–5.92). Adhesion times met the criteria of &gt;1 second, with a tendency to increase alongside higher concentrations of active ingredients. Spreadability fell within the acceptable range (3–5 cm), decreasing as viscosity increased. The viscosity values ranged from 20,150 to 20,182 cps. There was a significant effect of concentration variation on pH (p &lt; 0.05), adhesion in extract-based gels (p = 0.021), and spreadability in waste-based gels (p = 0.024). In conclusion, gel preparations made from red rose extract and its waste can be successfully formulated with good physical stability and meet standard criteria for topical formulations. Rose flower waste has potential as an alternative active ingredient in the development of natural-based gel products.

Scalable Production of Hygroscopic Gel Spheres to Enhance Seedling Growth via Atmospheric Water Harvesting and Controlled Fertilizer Release.

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) technologies offer potential solutions for alleviating agricultural water scarcity. However, it faces significant challenges, including environmental compatibility, scalability, and multifunctional integration. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel strategies to improve agricultural water use efficiency. Herein, natural polysaccharides sodium alginate (SA) and thermoresponsive hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) are selected as the matrix, with SA cross-linking with Ca2+ to enable rapid gelation and continuous production of shape-controllable spheres. Additionally, carbon black (CB) and urea are incorporated through physical doping and chemical interactions to enable solar energy collection and slow-release fertilization. The synergistic effect of the hygroscopic salt and porous matrix resulted in water uptake of 0.64-3.38 g g-1 at 30-90% relative humidity. The photothermal of CB, combined with the low-temperature phase transition of HPC, facilitated low-temperature desorption and rapid solar-driven water release, achieving maximum desorption rate of 4.07 g g-1 h-1. Notably, as water was released from the material and the matrix degraded, urea was gradually discharged, with release of 224.6 ± 5.2 mg kg-1 over 30 days, providing sustained support for crop growth. This innovative approach provides sustainable and geographically unconstrained solution for agricultural water management in arid regions.

Effects of Transglutaminase and Heat Treatment on the Structure and Gelation Properties of Camel Casein Protein.

This study investigated the effects of transglutaminase (TGase) content (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%) and heat treatment (25 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C) on the structure and gel properties of camel casein protein. The results indicate that a TGase concentration of 0.5% combined with a heat treatment of 90 °C in SDS-PAGE facilitates the aggregation and crosslinking of protein molecules to form polymers, with the degree of crosslinking increasing alongside the TGase concentration. In FTIR, the treatment with TGase and heat resulted in a shift of the absorption peak of the amide I band, indicating a transition of the secondary structure from a loose to an ordered configuration. Additionally, surface hydrophobicity and heat enthalpy values were significantly increased, while the thermal transition temperature of casein gradually decreased. Following TGase binding and heat treatment, casein protein molecules formed a network structure characterized by small pore sizes and close crosslinking. Rheological analysis revealed that 0.5% TGase treatment significantly lowered the gel formation point of casein, promoted gelation, and effectively enhanced the mechanical properties and water-holding capacity of the casein gels. These findings provide theoretical reference for the development of camel protein modification and gel products.

Underlying the effect of soybean oil concentration on the gelling properties of myofibrillar protein-based emulsion gels: Perspective on interfacial adsorption, rheological properties and protein conformation

Underlying the effect of soybean oil concentration on the gelling properties of myofibrillar protein-based emulsion gels: Perspective on interfacial adsorption, rheological properties and protein conformation

Effect of β-glucan on the gelling properties of unwashed silver carp surimi gel: Insights into molecular interactions between different sources of β-glucan and myofibrillar protein.

Effect of β-glucan on the gelling properties of unwashed silver carp surimi gel: Insights into molecular interactions between different sources of β-glucan and myofibrillar protein.

Cyclodextrin induces synergistic cryoprotection with carrageenan oligosaccharide against myofibrillar protein denaturation during fluctuated frozen storage.

Cyclodextrin induces synergistic cryoprotection with carrageenan oligosaccharide against myofibrillar protein denaturation during fluctuated frozen storage.

Enhancing the gelation properties by synergistic interplay between eel myofibrillar protein and egg white protein.

Enhancing the gelation properties by synergistic interplay between eel myofibrillar protein and egg white protein.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal gel (Clerodendrum Serratum Linn) blue glory

Clerodendrum serratum Linn. (Family: Verbenaceae) is very widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Ethno-medicinal importance of the plant has been reported in various indigenous systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani for the treatment of various life-threatening diseases. The roots of C. serratum are also used as anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. Besides these the antimicrobial value of this herbal plant have also been reported in its stems and leaves. These reports are very encouraging and indicate that herb should be studied more expensively for its therapeutic benefits. Various minerals like Na, Mg, Al, Ca etc. saponins, terpenoids, D-mannitol are the phytoconstituents present in the plant. The present research reflected towards exploring the plausible role(s) of the active extracts of Clerodendrum Serratum (leaves), Aloe vera gel , Honey formulated as Herbal Gel product. The formulation were characterized by determining the pharmaceutical characteristics like skin irritancy test, pH, appearance, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, and washability. Further, wound healing activity was studied . The phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, carbohydrates, sterols, saponins, proteins, and other miscellaneous phenolic components are believed to play a pivotal role in the healing of the wound by significantly increasing the rate of wound closure and rate of epithelization. This finding provided an insight into the applications of the herbal formulations in the traditional treatment of serious wound conditions and also rejuvenating the ethnopharmacological principles in context to modern medicine. Thus, this paper highlights the various pharmacological activities of Clerodendrum serratum and formulation of herbal gel and its further scope for clinical utility.