Combined effect of heating temperature and content of pectin on the textural properties, rheology, and 3D printability of potato starch gel

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is one of the emerging techniques which fabricates customized foods with desired sensory characteristics. Rheological properties of 3D printing materials are vitally important in printability which govern the flowability and structural stability. Due to its unique gel-forming characteristics, potato starch has been extensively used in myriad food applications, such as 3D printing. However, little attention has been paid to the combined effect of heating temperature and pectin addition on the properties of potato starch gels. Thus, this study investigated the impact of different pectin contents (1, 1.5, and 2 %) on printability and the rheological and textural properties of potato starch gels heated at different temperatures (70, 80, and 90 °C). The gel heating temperature governs pectin-driven modifications in potato starch gels. Pectin addition increased the 3D printability, viscosity, storage modulus, hardness, gumminess, and springiness of starch gel at higher temperatures (80 °C and 90 °C). In contrast, at lower temperatures (70 °C), pectin addition decreased printability, viscosity, storage modulus, hardness, gumminess, and springiness. Therefore, the gel heating temperature influences the impact of pectin on printability, rheology, and textural properties. Accordingly, the combined effects of pectin and heating temperature should be considered in pectin-based 3D food-printing ink formulations.