Crystallization, microstructure and polymorphic properties of soybean oil organogels in a hybrid structuring system.

Organogels are semi-solid systems where the liquid phase is immobilized for three-dimensional network self-sustained formed by structuring agents capable to hold a larger quantity of liquid oil. The use of these structuring agents or crystallization modifiers, as specific triacylglycerols, emulsifiers and high molecular weight - high melting point lipids, have been recognized as the main alternative for obtaining low saturated fats for food formulation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the crystallization, microstructure and polymorphism properties of hybrid soybean oil (SO) organogels, formulated with 6% (w:w) of structuring agents through a centroid simplex system added singly, in binary or ternary association of candelilla wax (CW), sorbitan monostearate (SMS) and fully hydrogenated palm oil (FHPO). The thermal behavior, crystallization kinetics, physical stability by temperature cyclization, microstructure and polymorphism were evaluated. FHPO and CW increased the stability and ability to form crystalline networks in organogels, while SMS accelerated the crystallization process. The structuring agents increased the initial and final crystallization temperatures, even as the melting temperatures and the enthalpy values of organogels. Time-temperature cyclization (cyclization 1: 5 °C/48 h + 35 °C/24 h + 5 °C/24 h; cyclization 2: 35 °C/48 h + 5 °C/72 h) showed that all the systems resulted in firm and stable organogels, except when SMS or FHPO were used singly. CW promoted formation of denser crystalline networks with higher solids content, quick crystallization onset and higher melting points that indicates adequate thermal resistance; while FHPO increased the solid content although it was effective to obtain organogels only at the cooling temperature (5 °C). The binary interaction of FHPO + CW increased the thermal resistance of organogels; and the interactions among SMS + CW and SMS + CW + FHPO although it was effective to obtain organogels. Regardless of the presence and proportions of structuring agents, organogels were characterized by beta polymorphism.