What You Need to Know
At 4–10 °C, soy protein isolate (5–10 % w/w) is acidified to pH 4.5–5.5, allowing thiol groups to oxidize and form disulfide bonds while β‑sheet structures stack, creating a three‑dimensional network. Adding 0.5–1 % CaCl₂ screens surface charges, accelerating cross‑linking. Gel strength peaks around 24 h; prolonged incubation (>48 h) permits residual proteases to hydrolyze the matrix, leading to syneresis.
The Science
Primary Reaction
oxidative disulfide bond formation coupled with β‑sheet aggregation (protein cross‑linking)