Formation and performance of high acyl gellan hydrogel affected by the addition of physical-chemical treated insoluble soybean fiber

A novel composite hydrogel incorporated physical-chemical treated insoluble (ISF) into high acyl gellan (HAG) was fabricated and characterized. ISF-HAG hydrogel exhibited better appearance and denser network structure compared to HAG hydrogel (control sample), which was further manifested by higher gel strength and storage module G'. It was attributed to hydrogen bonds between ISF and HAG, confirmed by FT-IR analysis, as well as ISF as a supporter or filler in the network pores. Temperature sweeps showed that the gel point temperature and gelling rate of ISF-HAG hydrogel were higher than those of control sample by a maximum of 5 degrees C and 5.22 Pa/C, respectively. ISF-HAG hydrogel also presented good swelling capacity and texture properties. USAT-ISF obtained by ultrasonic assisted steam-cooking alkaline treatment exerted a great impact on the formation and performance of HAG hydrogel due to loose structure and outstanding physicochemical properties (water holding capacity, swelling capacity, etc.) This study explores the potential of ISF to promote gelation and expands the range of applications for HAG hydrogel.