The CPDG treatment and dose-dependent effects of zein-stevioside conjugates on formation, drainage behavior, and interfacial structure of Pickering foam

In order to develop low-calorie zein-based desserts with improved stability of the foam interfacial membrane and delayed drainage behavior in food systems, a cold plasma-assisted deamidation and glycosylation (CPDG) technique was used to fabricate zein-stevioside conjugates in this study, and their dose-dependent effects on foam formation, drainage behavior, and interfacial structure were investigated. The results revealed that the CPDG treatment enhanced the viscosity (59.33 mPa·S), foamability (210.67 %), and foam stability (112.66 %) of conjugate dispersions. These conjugates at high concentrations (3 %, w/w) provided the plasticity of foam with a delayed drainage behavior for 90 min. SEM, CLSM, and dilatational rheology showed that the development of a complete and even interfacial structure, the protection of hydrophobic aggregation of CPDG-modified conjugates, and increased viscosity and strain-hardening at the air-water interface were all correlated to the enhanced stability. These results provide practical zein-based ingredients and processing guidelines for the plant-based foamy dessert industry.