Characterization and comparison of oleogels and emulgels prepared from Schizochytrium algal oil using monolaurin and MAG/DAG as gelators

• Published in: Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society Vol. 100; no. 12; pp. 945 - 959
• Main Authors: Hyatt, Joseph R., Zhang, Siyu, Akoh, Casimir C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.12.2023
• Subjects: algal oil; gelation; oxidative stability; ω‐3 formulation
• ISSN: 0003-021X; 1558-9331
• DOI: 10.1002/aocs.12721

Oleogels and emulgels were developed with winterized algal oil from Schizochytrium spp. rich in ω‐3 fatty acids (FAs) to overcome physical limitations of using a highly unsaturated lipid source in food applications. Both gel types were developed using monolaurin or a combination of mono‐ and diacylglycerols (MAG/DAG) as the gelator at concentrations of 8%, 10%, or 12% (w/w) in oil or emulsion. A 30‐day oxidation study was conducted using peroxide value, p‐Anisidine value, and change in FA composition to measure the level of oxidation. Oleogel and emulgel samples exhibited a higher oxidative stability than bulk algal oil and oil‐in‐water emulsion as control groups, respectively. The 12% monolaurin oleogel outperformed others in oxidative stability, preventing oxidation of approximately 11.66% and 7.86% of EPA and DHA, respectively, compared to algal oil. Physical characteristics including thermal behavior, solid fat content (SFC), rheology, morphology, and polymorphism were studied. Results indicated that MAG/DAG oleogels and monolaurin emulgels were the most physically stable. The SFC of 12% MAG/DAG oleogel at 30°C was 10.27% whereas 12% monolaurin oleogel was only 4.51%. Both gel types developed with monolaurin and MAG/DAG could be used for different applications as they exhibited desirable qualities such as oxidative stability and improved physical characteristics.