Abstract: The indirect preparation of oleogels by the aerogel template method has received widespread attention due to its advantages such as simple operation and excellent performance. In this study, composite aerogels of carboxy methyl cellulose-Na (CMC-Na) and soybean protein isolate (SPI) were prepared by the electrostatic interaction between them. The effects of different protein contents on the average particle size, microstructure, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, oil absorption kinetics, oil absorption capacity and oil holding capacity of aerogels were investigated. The oleogels prepared based on aerogel templates were characterized for their textural properties, antibacterial properties, and storage stability. The results showed that SPI and CMC-Na formed stable complexes through electrostatic interactions, and the average particle size of the complexes increased with protein content. The composite aerogel displayed a denser porous network structure along with improved oil-holding capacity, but had unfavorable effects on oil absorption performance. Moreover, the addition of protein improved the strength and Young’s modulus, and enhanced the antibacterial effect and storage stability of the oleogel. Therefore, the aerogel template method is good for preparing oleogels and a stable oleogel system can be prepared by electrostatic adsorption between polysaccharides and proteins.

Key words: sodium carboxymethylcellulose; soybean protein isolate; electrostatic adsorption; aerogel template; oleogels