Physicochemical and structural characterization of whey protein concentrate–tomato pectin conjugates

Abstract BACKGROUND Protein–pectin conjugates, obtained through a controlled Maillard reaction in blends of precursors, are studied for their contribution to improving the emulsifying and thermal properties of proteins. The objective was to obtain a conjugate between whey protein concentrate (WPC) and non‐conventional pectins extracted in acid (acid tomato pectin, ATP) and aqueous medium (water tomato pectin, WTP) from industrialized tomato residues (tomato waste, TW), characterize the conjugates and study their emulsion properties. The Maillard reaction was carried out at 60 °C and 75% relative humidity in blends with 2:1 proportions; 1:1 and 1:2 ( m protein : m pectin ) for 3, 6 and 12 days. Conjugates were compared concerning treated and untreated WPC. RESULTS The WPC–ATP conjugate showed significant increases in color difference (Δ E ). The electrophoresis profile of the conjugates showed diffuse bands of molecular weight between 37 and 250 kDa and a reduction in the intensity of bands characteristic of WPC (α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin). Thermal analysis showed an increase in the peak temperature and a reduction in the enthalpy change in protein denaturation, associated with the formation of conjugates. The infrared spectroscopy of the conjugates, in the amide III zone (1300–1100 cm −1 ), indicated an increase in the relative peak area associated with the unfolding and exhibition of the hydrophobic zones of the WPC fraction. The emulsions formulated with the conjugates showed a significant increase in the emulsifying stability index (ESI) ( P < 0.05) concerning the treated and untreated WPC emulsions. CONCLUSION The formation of conjugates increased the emulsifying properties and improved the thermal stability of WPC, showing an innovative and alternative food ingredient too. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.