Ovalbumin/sodium alginate Pickering emulsion: Structural characteristics and its contribution to enhancing the gel properties of Hairtail (Trichiurus haumela) surimi

In this study, ovalbumin (OV) and sodium alginate (SA), two macromolecular complexes, were coagulated into the emulsifier (OV/SA), which stabilized soybean oil by electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. The structure of OV/SA and properties of OV/SA Pickering emulsion were investigated. Additionally, the effect of emulsions on the gel and protein properties of hairtail surimi was studied. The results revealed that with the increasing concentration of OV/SA, the particle size and zeta potential value (negative value) of the emulsion initially decreased and then increased, while the rheological properties gradually improved. Compared with the surimi gel directly supplemented with soybean oil, the addition of emulsion enhanced gel strength, whiteness, water holding capacity, and hydrophobic interactions, resulting in a more stable gel network structure. In summary, incorporating emulsion into surimi at the same lipid content not only maintained its gel properties but also improved its color and compensated for lipid loss.