Beeswax Fractions Used as Potential Oil Gelling Agents

Abstract

The objective of this work was the fractionation of beeswax to investigate the phase behavior of binary blends of the fractions and their potential use as gelling agents in edible oleogels. We have extracted seven distinctive fractions, using preparative flash chromatography with eluents permitted to be used in the processing of food raw materials. The odor profile of the fractions was characterized. The high purity of collected fractions was shown through thin‐layer chromatography, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and high‐performance liquid chromatography with an evaporative light scattering detector methods for hydrocarbons (94.8%), monoesters (97.6%), and mixed mono‐, di‐, and triesters fraction (98.7%). Free fatty acids and fatty alcohol fractions had lower purity which equals 82.6% and 39%, respectively. The analysis of the binary pseudo phase diagram revealed that all fractions combined with hydrocarbons express eutectic behavior. Combinations of all other fractions resulted in the formation of solid solutions. This study shows that the texture of oleogels can be improved by using a combination of various fractions of beeswax instead of native wax.

Influence of oil combinations on the structural properties of oleogels

“…According to the literature [10], the melting peak of beeswax in the range 40-60 °C corresponds to heat absorption by hydrocarbons and free fatty acids. The second peak is formed due to the absorption of heat by fatty acid esters, which are present in beeswax in large quantities [4]. It is important to note that the data obtained on the thermal properties of the oleogels are largely consistent with the results obtained in the study [11], describing the fact that all the endothermic melting peaks of the oleogels out to be wider than those of the initial structure-forming agent, but had lower values.…”

“…For research, oleogels were obtained by the method [4] based on pure sunflower and linseed oils, as well as based on their combinations (table 1). The amount of structureforming agent, beeswax, was 6 wt%.…”

The Influence of Edible Oils’ Composition on the Properties of Beeswax-Based Oleogels

“…Beeswax (BW) was purchased from a local apiary (Dom voska, Russia) and had the following composition (% from identified substances): hydrocarbons (13.1%), esters (62%), free fatty acids (20.5%), alcohols (4.4%) [ 12 ]. Edible oils (sunflower oil—SO, olive oil—OO, linseed oil—LO, fish oil—FO) were purchased at a local supermarket (Moscow, Russia).…”

“…Oleogels were prepared according to the method described in [ 12 ]. The concentration of beeswax in all oleogels was 6% w/w .…”

“…Beeswax is a complex mixture that includes various components. Among them are four major classes: hydrocarbons, esters, free fatty acids, and alcohols [ 12 ]. The ability of waxes to structurize oils depends significantly on the wax composition and the rate of cooling [ 13 ].…”