Abstract: This invention modifies pectin, and improves, by the use of the modified pectin, physical properties of a subject composition, such as dispersion stability, emulsifying activity/emulsion stability, water holding property (syneresis inhibiting property), texture, viscosity development property, and gelling property. Pectin is modified by heating a raw material pectin in the form of a powder at 50 to 150° C. for 1 minute to 48 hours. Preferably, as a raw material pectin to be heated, pectin whose loss upon drying is 20% (w/w) or lower is used. More preferably, the raw material pectin is heated at 50 to 150° C. for 1 minute to 48 hours at a relative humidity of 20 to 90% (w/w) and/or under a reduced pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preparing emulsion compositions particularly emulsion foods, with excellent emulsifying activity, emulsion stability, heat resistance, and texture or mouthfeel. The method can be performed by carrying out a step (1) mixing pectin obtained by heating sugar beet pectin derived from sugar beet in powder form at a temperature of 50 to 150° C. at a relative humidity of 20 to 90% for 1 to 48 hours with raw materials for emulsion compositions; and a step (2) emulsifying the mixture obtained in the step (1), or, in place of step (1), (a) homogenizing a modified pectin in alternatively water systems; (b) mixing the water dispersions of the modified pectin obtained in step (a) with raw materials for emulsion compositions; and (c) emulsifying the mixture obtained in step (b). Thus, emulsion compositions can be prepared.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified naturally occurring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin made by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical properties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.