Emulsification efficacy of Quillaja saponins at very low concentration: Model development and role of alcohols.

The present study aims at quantifying interfacial coverage of a biosurfactant (Quillaja saponins) and understanding the impact of flavor and fragrance alcohols on emulsification efficacy of the biosurfactant in a surfactant-oil-matrix system. Emulsions were prepared using limonene, alkanes (C8, C12, and C16) or limonene ̶ alcohol (linalool and C6C10 alcohols) mixtures at different ratios as oil phase stabilized by Quillaja saponins at very low concentrations (0.005-0.05% w/w). Droplet size was measured and size distributions were numerized to determine surface and volume average droplet diameters of bimodal emulsions. Using a model developed in the present study, Quillaja saponins showed an interfacial coverage of 5.0×106cm2/g and a head surface of 1.37nm2 with a lay-on configuration at interface. The model proved to discriminate between surface active (alcohols) and non-active (alkanes) compounds. The apparent interfacial coverage of saponins increased linearly with increasing alcohol concentration. The type of alcohol (terpene alcohol vs. medium chain alcohols) and alcohol chain length (C6C10) showed little impact on emulsification efficacy of Quillaja saponins. The molar ratio of heptanol to saponin at interface increased from 0 to 8.6 corresponding to 0-30% w/w heptanol in limonene. This study revealed that the distribution of alcohol at interface was mainly driven by partitioning in the surfactant-oil-matrix system. The practical implication of the present study is to enhance emulsification efficacy of Quillaja Saponins at very low concentration by incorporating surface active compounds, i.e. flavor or fragrance alcohols.

Flavor release and perception in hard candy: influence of flavor compound-compound interactions.

The influence of flavor compound-compound interactions on flavor release properties and flavor perception in hard candy was investigated. Hard candies made with two different modes of binary flavor delivery, (1) L-menthol and 1,8-cineole added as a mixture and (2) L-menthol and 1,8-cineole added separate from one another, were analyzed via breath analysis and sensory time-intensity testing. Single-flavor candy containing only L-menthol or 1,8-cineole was also investigated via breath analysis for comparison. The release rates of both L-menthol and 1,8-cineole in the breath were more rapid and at a higher concentration when the compounds were added to hard candy separate from one another in comparison to their addition as a mixture (conventional protocol). Additionally, the time-intensity study indicated a significantly increased flavor intensity (measured as overall cooling) for hard candy made with separate addition of these flavor compounds. In conclusion, the flavor properties of hard candy can be controlled, at least in part, by flavor compound-compound interactions and may be altered by the method of flavor delivery.

Flavor release and perception in hard candy: influence of flavor compound-flavor solvent interactions.

The release kinetics of l-menthol dissolved in propylene glycol (PG), Miglyol, or 1,8-cineole (two common odorless flavor solvents differing in polarity and a hydrophobic flavor compound) were monitored from a model aqueous system via atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS). Breath analysis was also conducted via APCI-MS to monitor release of l-menthol from hard candy that used PG and Miglyol for l-menthol incorporation. The quantities of l-menthol released when dissolved in PG or Miglyol from the model aqueous system were found to be similar and overall significantly greater in comparison to when dissolved in 1,8-cineole. Analogous results were reported by the breath analysis of hard candy. The release kinetics of l-menthol from PG or Miglyol versus from 1,8-cineole were notably more rapid and higher in quantity. Results from the sensory time-intensity study also indicated that there was no perceived difference in the overall cooling intensity between the two flavor solvent delivery systems (PG and Miglyol).

Orange oil stability in spray dry delivery systems.

The oxidation stability of orange oil flavours encapsulated in carbohydrate based spray dry delivery systems is assessed through accelerated shelf life testing, compatible with the physical state of the delivery system. It is demonstrated here that the oxidative shelf life stability is limited by the diffusion of oxygen through the carbohydrate matrix. Determination of the evolution of orange oil oxidation products with time and correlations with simple but accurate sensory data allows for prediction of absolute shelf life. The oxidative shelf life appears to be dependent only on the number average molecular weight of carbohydrates in the matrix and is not affected by the substitution of small sugars (e.g., maltose for sucrose). A maximum of 2 years shelf life at 25 °C is predicted if sugar dimers are the predominant species in the matrix. The drawback to extended oxidative stability is a low physical stability under humid conditions promoting local softening in the sample. Maltose, having low hygroscopicity, improves the physical stability compared to sucrose. The best compromise between physical (caking) and chemical (oxidation) stability is obtained for carbohydrate compositions with number average molecular weight of 560 g mol(-1) that do not contain sucrose (stability against oxidation: 20 months at 25 °C and stability against humidity: 50% RH at 25 °C).