Abstract Proteins are frequently used as emulsifiers and stabilizers. In this work, two proteins with different isoelectric points were used: lactoferrin and ovalbumin. Solutions containing different proteins ratios, with different pH values, were stored for 7 days at 25 °C to analyze the system stability. Systems containing 3% w/v lactoferrin remained stable at all pH values studied, while systems containing 1% w/v ovalbumin remained stable only at a high pH value (8.0). Emulsions containing a mixture of proteins remained stable at a pH between the isoelectric points of the two proteins, which was attributed to an electrostatic bond because of the opposite charges of proteins at this pH. During the analysis of rheological properties, it was possible to observe a non-Newtonian behavior of the emulsions, using the models of Carreau and Cross to describe the pseudoplastic behavior of suspensions. This study provides important information for the use of functional ingredients.

Neste trabalho, caracterizam-se as propriedades emulsificantes de sistemas contendo gema de ovo (0,1; 1,0 e 2,5% m/v), polissacarídeos (goma xantana, carragena, pectina e carboximetilcelulose) e três diferentes óleos vegetais (óleos de palma, canola e girassol). Atividade emulsificante e estabilidade da emulsão foram medidas para cada combinação e verificou-se o efeito do óleo sobre a estabilidade da emulsão correlacionada com a quantidade de ácido graxo monoinsaturado. Além disso, a concentração de gema de ovo aumentou a atividade emulsificante, reduzindo a coalescência das gotículas de óleo. Por último, 2,5 % de gema de ovo e 0,2% de polissacarídeo formaram emulsões com alta atividade emulsificante, excelente estabilidade e tamanho de gota de 4,32 µm.

This work characterizes the emulsifying properties of systems containing egg yolk (0.1; 1.0 and 2.5 % w/v) and polysaccharides (xanthan gum, carrageen, pectin and carboxymethylcellulose) and three different vegetable oils (sunflower, canola, and palm oils). Emulsifying activity and emulsion stability were measured of each combination and it was found the effect of the oil on emulsion stability correlated to the amount of monounsaturated fatty acid. Additionally, increased egg yolk concentration increased emulsifying activity by reducing coalescence of oil droplets. Lastly, 2.5% egg yolk and 0.2% polysaccharide generated emulsions with high emulsifying activity, excellent stability, and droplet size of 4.32 µm.