2.3.4. Texture Analysis
Prepared bigel samples were cut into cylinders that were 20-mm in diameter and 10-mm in length. Before the test, the samples were allowed to sit at room temperature for 20 min in a capped container to prevent moisture loss. A texture profile analysis (TPA) was performed using a TA.XT plus texture analyzer (Stable Micro Systems, United Kingdom) equipped with a TA-25 attachment. The parameters of the TPA consisted of a 1 mm/s test speed, 1 mm/s post-test speed and a 3-s holding period between the first and second cycle. The probe compressed the sample 5-mm in the longitudinal direction in each cycle. Samples were run in triplicate. The average hardness, springiness and cohesiveness were reported for each bigel formulation.