Hyaluronic acid promotes heat-induced gelation of ginkgo seed proteins

This study aimed to investigate how varying concentrations (0.01-0.5 %, w/v) and molecular weights (50, 500, 1500 kDa) of hyaluronic acid (HA) affect the physicochemical properties of heat-induced ginkgo seed protein isolate (GSPI)-HA composite gel. Incorporating HA increased viscosity (up to 14 times) and charge (up to 23 %) of GSPI-HA aggregates, while reducing particle size (up to 31 %) and improving gel texture, particularly with high molecular weight HA. However, high concentrations (0.5 %, w/v) of HA weakened gel texture. Noncovalent bonds primarily drive the formation of a continuous gel network between HA and GSPI, resulting in small pores and enhanced hydration properties. With increasing HA molecular weight, non-covalent interactions between GSPI and HA increased, leading to improved gel thermal stability. Overall, the study suggests that manipulating the molecular weight and concentration of HA can enhance the gelling properties of GSPI, leading to the development of a diverse array of GSPI-HA composite gels with varied properties.