Structural and Physical Characteristics of Mixed-Component Oleogels: Natural Wax and Monoglyceride Interactions in Different Edible Oils

Waxes and monoglycerides (MGs) added in edible oils form oleogels that can be used as an alternative structured fat, providing healthier substitutes to saturated and trans fats in foods. This study aimed to investigate the properties of oleogels formed by the interaction between monoglycerides and different waxes in various edible oils. For this purpose, waxes, namely rice bran (RBW), candelilla (CDW), sunflower (SW), and beeswax (BW), together with MGs in a total concentration level of 15% (w/w) were dissolved in several edible oils (olive, sunflower, sesame, and soybean). The structure and physical properties of oleogels were investigated using texture analysis, polarized light microscopy, melting point measurements, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The hardest structure was produced by SW/MG (5.18 N), followed by CDW (2.87 N), RBW (2.34 N), BW (2.24 N) and plain MG (1.92 N). Furthermore, RBW and SW led to a higher melting point (69.2 and 67.3 °C) than the plain MG oleogels (64.5 °C). Different crystallization structures, i.e., needle-like crystals and spherulites, were observed depending on the type of wax, its concentration, and the oil used. These results can be used to control the properties of oleogels by adjusting the gelator composition for a variety of potential food applications.