Mixed hydrocolloid systems

Mixed hydrocolloid systems are frequently used for product formulations in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, etc., as they can generate incomparable properties and functionalities that individual hydrocolloids fail to do. Mixed hydrocolloid systems can generally be classified into associative and segregative types according to the nature of their interactions and synergistic and antagonistic types according to their resultant functionalities. This chapter describes the interactions, phase behavior, properties, and functionalities of mixed hydrocolloid systems. It also covers emerging mixed hydrocolloid systems that could potentially lead to novel functionalities and applications.