A novel κ-carrageenan/konjac gum thermo-irreversible gel improved by gellan gum and Ca2+

Abstract The thermal stability of the κ-carrageenan/konjac gum (KC/KGM) mixed gel during heating treatment (at 85 °C for 30 min) does not satisfy the demand of the practical application. To solve this problem, gellan gum (GG) or/and Ca2+ were introduced in the κ-carrageenan/konjac gum (KC/KGM) mixed system to enhance mechanical and thermal properties. The effect of GG and Ca2+ on the gel matrix properties was studied by two deformation test (TDT), rheological measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), combined with visual observation. The results showed that neither GG nor Ca2+ alone could reduce the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the KC/KGM gel after heat treatment (at 85 °C for 30 min). Only the participation of GG and Ca2+ could ensure the consistent mechanical properties of the mixed gel before and after heating. The rheological and micro-rheological analysis confirmed that the KC/KGM gel with GG and Ca2+ could always remain solid-state without gel-sol transition under heat treatment. In addition, the thermo-irreversible gels with different texture properties were prepared by adjusting the mass ratio of KC and KGM. Hence, this study may enrich the design of novel gel-based food ingredients.