Plasma powder as cold-set binding agent for meat system: Rheological and Raman spectroscopy study

The effect of plasma powder addition, with or without NaCl, to meat emulsion has been studied. The Raman spectroscopy and rheological characteristics of four model systems [plasma powder (PP), rehydrated plasma powder (PPW), meat emulsion (ME) and meat emulsion with addition of rehydrated plasma powder (MEPPW)] were evaluated. The MEPPW system showed the highest (p < 0.05) hardness, springiness and breaking force. A decrease (p < 0.05) in hardness and an increase (p < 0.05) in adhesiveness with the addition of NaCl were observed in the ME and MEPPW systems. The addition of PPW to meat emulsion (MEPPW system) produced a decrease of α-helix and an increase of turns and unordered structure (p < 0.05). A decrease in the 1450 cm⁻¹ and 2935 cm⁻¹ band intensities (related with hydrophobic interactions) associated to PPW addition to ME was observed. Correlations (p < 0.05) between meat protein structural changes and rheological properties of meat systems were found.     

Lipid and protein structure analysis of frankfurters formulated with olive oil-in-water emulsion as animal fat replacer

Lipid and protein structural characteristics of frankfurter formulated with olive oil-in-water emulsion stabilized with soy protein isolate (SPI) as pork backfat replacer were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Proximate composition and textural properties were also evaluated. Different frankfurters were reformulated: F/PF with pork backfat, F/SPI with oil-in-water emulsion stabilized with SPI and F/SPI + SC + MTG with emulsion stabilized with a combination of SPI, sodium caseinate (SC) and microbial transglutaminase (MTG). Replacement of pork backfat with these emulsions produced an increase (P < 0.05) of hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness but a reduction (P < 0.05) of adhesiveness. F/SPI and F/SPI + SC + MTG frankfurters showed the lowest (P < 0.05) half-bandwidth in the 2922 cm⁻¹ band, which could be related to lipid chains were more ordered than in F/PF. Modifications in the amide I band profile revealed a higher concentration of aggregated intermolecular β-sheets in F/SPI + SC + MTG samples. Lipid and protein structural characteristics could be associated with specific textural properties of healthier frankfurters.     

Effects of ohmic thawing on histological and textural properties of beef cuts

The changes in the histology and the texture of beef cuts during ohmic thawing were compared with those during conventional thawing method. The beef cut samples were thawed from −18 to 10 °C by applying different voltage gradients (10, 20 and 30 V/cm) during ohmic treatment whereas conventional thawing was applied at constant temperature (25 °C, 95% RH) in the controlled incubator. There were significant differences between the effects of thawing methods in terms of hardness, chewiness, gumminess of beef cut samples (p < 0.05). The sample treated ohmically at 30 V/cm voltage gradient was significantly different from the other thawed samples in terms of springiness, cohesiveness and resilience (p < 0.05). The change in the textural properties was explained by investigating the histological changes of beef cuts for both thawing method. Ohmic thawing provided the thawed meat sample having lower textural and histological changes rather than conventionally thawed ones.     

Raman spectroscopic analysis and rheological measurements on natural actomyosin from haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) during refrigerated (4 °C) and frozen (−10 °C) storage in the presence of trimethylamine-N-oxide demethylase from kidney of lizardfish (Saurida tumbil)

Changes in viscoelasticity and structure of haddock natural actomyosin (NAM) treated with partially purified trimethylamine-N-oxide demethylase (TMAOase) in the presence of cofactors (FeCl₂, ascorbate and cysteine), after refrigerated storage (4 °C) for 15 days or after frozen storage (−10 °C) for eight weeks, were elucidated using FT-Raman spectroscopy and dynamic viscoelastic measurement. Greater increases in the final storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″), reflecting protein aggregation, were observed in the simulated NAM systems, containing NAM, trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) and cofactors, stored at −10 °C, compared to those stored at 4 °C, particularly in the system with a higher concentration of TMAOase (p < 0.05). Raman spectroscopy revealed that amide I and amide III bands of NAM were affected by TMAOase added as well as by storage temperature. The decrease in the CH₂ bending region near 1450 cm⁻¹, in the presence of TMAOase upon storage, suggested an increase in hydrophobic interactions of aliphatic residues. Changes in a doublet near 830 and 850 cm⁻¹ indicated an involvement of tyrosine residues as hydrogen bond donors in the system containing TMAOase after storage at both temperatures. The systems stored at −10 °C generally showed greater structural alteration than those kept at 4 °C, especially in the presence of 15 units of TMAOase/g. Therefore, TMAOase played an important role in the structural alteration and aggregation of haddock muscle proteins, mainly by the induction of formaldehyde formation.     

Raman spectroscopic study of the effects of microbial transglutaminase on heat-induced gelation of pork myofibrillar proteins and its relationship with textural characteristics

The effects of microbial transglutaminase (MTG) on heat-induced gelation of pork myofibrillar proteins (PMP) structural changes, textural properties were studied by Raman spectroscopy and texture profile analysis (TPA), respectively. And the relationships between the structural changes and textural characteristics were estimated by principal component analysis (PCA). Changes in the Raman spectra were interpreted as the occurrence of secondary structural changes in myofibrillar proteins with MTG added. Modifications in the amide I (1600-1700 cm^− 1) regions indicated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in ??-helix content, accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in ??-sheets, ??-turns and random coil content due to the addition of the enzyme. Obvious texture property changes were also determined by TPA. All these changes showed a strong, irreversible heat-induced gel formed due to the addition of MTG. The application of a dimensionality reducing technique such as PCA proved to be useful to determine the most influential properties of heat-induced gel. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were found between these structural changes and the textural characteristics (hardness) in PMP system with the addition of MTG by PCA. The hardness was related positively to fraction of ??-sheet, ??-turns and random coil, and negatively to normalized intensity of 760 cm^− 1 and fraction of ??-helix. The samples are closely grouped in a cluster defined by level of MTG.     

Oil bulking agents based on polysaccharide gels in meat batters: A Raman spectroscopic study

A Raman spectroscopic study was performed to determine protein and lipid structural properties in meat batter containing oil bulking agents as pork backfat replacers. Meat batters were prepared with pork backfat (MB-PF) or with a combination of olive oil, sodium alginate, CaSO₄, sodium pyrophosphate and dextrin (MB-A/D) or inulin (MB-A/I) as a fat replacer. Proximate composition, pH, cooking loss (CL), colour and texture were evaluated. MB-A/D and MB-A/I both showed lower (P < 0.05) CL and a^∗ values, higher (P < 0.05) L^∗ and b^∗ values, and higher (P < 0.05) hardness and chewiness. MB-A/I showed the highest hardness and chewiness. Enhancement of the β-sheet structure was observed in MB-A/D and MB-A/I, more so in MB-A/I. There was increased disorder in the oil acyl chains, which involve lipid–protein interactions, in both MB-A/D and MB-A/I. Structural characteristics in proteins and lipids may be associated with specific water and fat binding properties and textural characteristics of meat batters.     

Influence of size distribution of proteins,thiol and disulfide content in whole wheat flour on rheological and chapati texture of Indian wheat varieties

The influence of protein composition, as measured by size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC), on rheological properties and chapati texture was investigated in the whole wheat flours of eight Indian wheat cultivars grown at a single location. Proteins were extracted using two-step procedure: extraction with buffer containing 0.5% SDS (SDS buffer), followed by sonication. The results showed that SDS buffer extracted 72–90% of the total flour protein in different varieties and 7–11% protein was extracted from the remaining residues by sonication. The proteins extracted were fractionated by SE-HPLC into large polymeric proteins (>130 kDa), small polymeric proteins (80–130 kDa) and monomeric proteins (10–80 kDa). Total polymeric protein content in the flour protein showed a significant positive correlation with dough hardness (r = 0.71, p < 0.05) and positive correlation with chapati texture (r = 0.58, p < 0.05). Of the SDS extractable polymeric proteins, large polymeric protein in flour protein had significant positive correlation to dough hardness (r = 0.89, p < 0.05) and chapati cutting force, which reflects the chapati texture (r = 0.70, p < 0.05). Protein disulfide content showed positive correlation to dough hardness (r = 0.66, p < 0.05) and texture of chapati (r = 0.58, p < 0.05) while protein thiol content showed significant negative correlation to chapati texture (r = −0.77, p < 0.05). Thus, the results indicate that high proportion of SDS extractable large polymeric protein in flour protein increases the toughness of chapati texture while flours having high thiol content decrease the toughness of chapati.     

Impact of microbial transglutaminase on gelling properties of Indian mackerel fish protein isolates

Impacts of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) (0–0.6 units/g sample) on gel properties of Indian mackerel unwashed mince, surimi and protein isolates with and without prewashing were studied. Generally, lower myoglobin and lipid contents were found in protein isolate with and without prewashing, compared to those of unwashed mince and surimi (P < 0.05). Protein isolate had the decreased Ca²⁺-ATPase and protein solubility, indicating protein denaturation. When MTGase was incorporated, breaking force and deformation of all gels markedly increased, especially as MTGase levels increased (P < 0.05). At the same MTGase level, gel from protein isolate with prewashing exhibited the highest breaking force and deformation (P < 0.05). The addition of MTGase could lower the expressible moisture content of most gels. No change in whiteness of gel was observed with the addition of MTGase (P > 0.05), but gel from protein isolate gels had decreased whiteness as MTGase at high level was added. The microstructure of protein isolate gels without prewashing showed a similar network to unwashed mince gels, whilst a similar network was observed between surimi gel and gel from protein isolate with prewashing. Nevertheless, a larger void was noticeable in gels from protein isolates. All gels incorporated with MTGase (0.6 units/g) showed a slightly denser network than those without MTGase. Thus, gel with improved properties could be obtained from protein isolate from Indian mackerel with added MTGase.     

Colour and sarcoplasmic protein evaluation of pork following water bath and ohmic cooking

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ohmic (OH) and waterbath (WB) cooking on colour attributes and sarcoplasmic changes of porcine longissimus dorsi muscle at the same endpoint temperatures (EPTs; range 10 °C–80 °C). The OH treatment was carried out at 10 V cm^− 1, and the WB temperature at 85 °C. The colour parameters, deoxymyoglobin% (DeoMb) and metmyoglobin% (MetMb) of the OH-cooked meat were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those obtained by WB-cooking at the same EPTs (range 60 °C–80 °C). SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the meat treated with WB-cooking had a lower sarcoplasmic protein solubility (5.97 mg/g vs.14.89 mg/g, P < 0.05) and fainter protein bands than that of OH-cooking thus, indicating paler colour, and lower water-holding capacity especially in WB-cooked meat at EPTs above 40 °C. Strong correlations among lightness, browness, metmyoglobin% and soluble proteins were observed in meat following OH-cooking.     

Decreased gelling and emulsifying properties of myofibrillar protein from repeatedly frozen-thawed porcine longissimus muscle are due to protein denaturation and susceptibility to aggregation

The effects of freeze–thaw cycles (FT, 0, 1, 3 and 5 times) on protein functional properties of porcine longissimus muscle were investigated. FT increased gapping between muscle fibres and tore muscle fiber bundles. Myofibrillar protein (MP) isolated from FT muscle showed an increased hydrophobicity (P < 0.05), reduced thermal transition temperatures (T_max) and enthalpy of denaturation (ΔH) (P < 0.05), and enhanced susceptibility to thermal aggregation. These structural changes resulted in major losses in protein functionalities, e.g., 41–43% reductions (P < 0.05) in MP emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability after five FT cycles. The ability of MP to form a viscoelastic gel network, as analyzed by small-strain oscillatory rheological testing, also attenuated with FT cycles. The FT process lowered (P < 0.05) water-holding capacity (WHC), whiteness, and texture (hardness, springiness, chewiness and cohesiveness) of MP gels. Overall, repeated FT had a detrimental effect on the general functionality of porcine MP, and protein denaturation and aggregation were implicated in the functionality losses.     

Effect of irradiation on properties and storage stability of Som-fug produced from bigeye snapper

Effects of irradiation at different doses (0, 2 and 6 kilogray (kGy)) on the microbiological, chemical and physical properties of Som-fug, a Thai fermented fish mince, were investigated. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast and mould counts in samples irradiated at 6 kGy were not detectable throughout the storage of 30 days at 4 °C, whereas no growth was found in the sample irradiated at 2 kGy within the first 10 days. Generally, greater carbonyl contents of lipid and protein, as well as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), were noticeable in the irradiated samples, than in the non-irradiated sample (p < 0.05). The carbonyl contents and TBARS increased with increasing storage time and the rate of increase was more pronounced in samples irradiated at higher dose (p < 0.05). With increasing storage time, Som-fug irradiated at 6 kGy showed greater decreases in hardness, adhesiveness, springiness and cohesiveness, than did non-irradiated samples and those irradiated at 2 kGy (p < 0.05). L^∗ value of all samples decreased, whereas a^∗ and b^∗ values increased throughout storage (p < 0.05). Lower acceptance in all attributes was observed in the samples irradiated at 6 kGy, than in other samples, particularly when storage time increased (p < 0.05). However, samples irradiated at 2 kGy showed no changes in acceptability within 20 days. The results revealed that irradiation at high dose (6 kGy) might induce lipid and protein oxidation, though the growth of microorganisms was inhibited. Therefore, the irradiation at low dose (2 kGy) could be used to control the overfermentation of Som-fug up to 20 days at 4 °C without adverse effects on quality and acceptability.     

Mid infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy as a rapid tool to assess the quality of Sicilo-Sarde ewe’s milk during the lactation period after replacing soybean meal with scotch bean in the feed ration

This study investigates the potential of attenuated total reflection spectroscopy in the mid infrared (MIR) for monitoring changes in the quality of ewe’s milk as a function of lactation period and feeding systems. Twelve 5-year-old lactating Sicilo-Sarde ewes (third lambing) were kept in environmentally controlled sheepfolds and were divided into two homogenous weight matched groups (n = 6). Ewes were fed ad libitum with two iso-energetic diets (20% barley, 3% vitamin and mineral premix, and 77% soybean meal or scotch bean). Physico–chemical analyses and MIR (3000–900 cm⁻¹) were performed on milk samples after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 weeks of lactation period. The inclusion of scotch bean in the diet resulted in a significant decrease (P ? 0.05) of fat content (7.85 g 100 g⁻¹ vs. 6.75 g 100 g⁻¹) and a significant increase (P ? 0.05) of lactose level (3.49 g 100 g⁻¹ vs. 3.61 g 100 g⁻¹). The principal component analysis (PCA) applied to the 1700–1500 cm⁻¹ spectral region showed only some discrimination between milk samples according to diet compositions. The best results were obtained in the 3000–2800 cm⁻¹ and 1500–900 cm⁻¹ spectral regions since a good discrimination between milk from ewes fed soybean meal from those fed scotch bean meal was observed. It can be concluded that these spectral regions could be considered as fingerprint, regions allowing a good identification of milk according to diet composition. However, the MIR failed to discriminate milk samples according to the lactation period for the two feeding systems.     

Physico-chemical properties,morphology and antioxidant activity of film from fish skin gelatin incorporated with root essential oils

The influences of three root essential oils (ginger, turmeric and plai) at different levels (25%, 50% and 100%, based on protein content) on properties and antioxidative activity of fish skin gelatin-based film were investigated. Films incorporated with all essential oils showed the lower tensile strength (TS) but higher elongation at break (EAB) with increasing amount of essential oils, compared with the control film (without oil incorporated), regardless of types of essential oil (p < 0.05). Water vapor permeability (WVP) of films containing essential oils decreased as the amount of essential oils increased (p < 0.05). Decreases in L^*-value and increases in b^*-, ΔE^*- and transparency value were observed with increasing amount of essential oils incorporated (p < 0.05). FTIR spectra indicated that films added with essential oils, especially from plai root, exhibited higher hydrophobicity than the control film, as evidenced by higher amplitude at wavenunber of 2877–2922 cm⁻¹ and 1732 cm⁻¹. Lower degradation temperature was obtained in films containing essential oils. Microstructural study revealed that bilayer films could be formed when essential oils at level above 50% were incorporated. Film incorporated with plai and turmeric essential oils showed the higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, respectively, (p < 0.05), compared with the control film and ginger essential oil added film. Thus, the incorporation of root essential oils directly affected properties of fish skin gelatin-based film, depending on types and levels incorporated.     

Characteristics and application of octenyl succinic anhydride modified waxy corn starch in sausage

Native and acid‐hydrolyzed wx corn starches were modified by octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) in aqueous slurry systems. The characteristics of the modified wx corn starches and their effects on chicken meat sausages were evaluated by means of FT‐IR, rapid visco analyser, SEM, and texture profile analysis. FT‐IR spectroscopy indicated that the ester carbonyl groups in the OSA modified native and acid‐hydrolyzed starches were characterized at 1725 cm⁻¹. The process of OSA modification could achieve starch derivatives, which had higher viscosities, better paste clarity and freeze–thaw stability than the native counterparts. Texture results showed that the hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of the sausage increased as OSA‐H0 was added (p < 0.05). SEM revealed that the sausages with native wx corn starch had larger and uneven pores, while it was comparatively compact for the sausages with OSA starches. The OSA modified wx corn starch offered a great potential to be used in meat products to enhance textural quality.     

Relationship between the solubility,dosage and antioxidant capacity of carnosic acid in raw and cooked ground buffalo meat patties and chicken patties

Antioxidant capacity of oil soluble and water dispersible carnosic acid (CA) extracted from dried rosemary leaves using HPLC was evaluated at two different dosages (22.5 ppm vs 130 ppm) in raw and cooked ground buffalo meat patties and chicken patties. Irrespective of total phenolic content, CA extracts reduced (p < 0.05) the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) by 39%–47% and 37%–40% in cooked buffalo meat and chicken patties at lower dosage (22.5 ppm) relative to control samples. However, at higher dosage (130 ppm) the TBARS values were reduced (p < 0.05) by 86%–96% and 78%–87% in cooked buffalo meat and chicken patties compared to controls. The CA extracts were also effective in inhibiting (p < 0.05) peroxide value and free fatty acids in cooked buffalo meat and chicken patties. The CA extracts when used at higher dosage, were also effective in stabilizing raw buffalo meat color.     

A note on the relationships between cured-cooked and dry-cured ham processing yields

Right and left hams from 353 pigs slaughtered at around 100 kg body weight were processed into cured-cooked hams and dry-cured hams, respectively. Weights and yields at various stages of each process, carcass lean content and fresh meat quality traits were registered. Technological yield of cured-cooked processing (saleable cooked ham weight/defatted–deboned fresh ham weight) was more closely correlated to ultimate pH (r = 0.51, p < 0.001) than to carcass leanness (r = −0.13, p < 0.05) whereas the reverse situation – r = 0.15 (p < 0.01) and r = −0.62 (p < 0.001), respectively – was found for technological yield of dry-cured processing (saleable dry ham weight/trimmed fresh ham weight). The correlation between the two technological yields was significantly positive but of fairly moderate magnitude (r = 0.36). The correlation between the overall yields (saleable processed ham weight/entire fresh ham weight) of the two processes revealed to be very close to zero (r = −0.01).     

Lipids from cephalothorax and hepatopancreas of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): Compositions and deterioration as affected by iced storage

Lipids from cephalothorax and hepatopancreas of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) stored in ice for up to 6 days were extracted and characterised. The extraction yields of lipids from hepatopancreas (10.65–12.64%) were higher than those from cephalothorax (2.59–2.88%). However, no changes in the extraction yield were observed during the storage (p > 0.05). The carotenoid contents of lipids from cephalothorax and hepatopancreas slightly increased within the first 2 and 4 days of iced storage (p < 0.05), respectively, but decreased thereafter (p < 0.05). With increasing storage time, a progressive formation of hydroperoxide was found as evidenced by the increase in the absorbance band at 3600–3200 cm⁻¹ in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and increased peroxide values (PVs) (p < 0.05). The increases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), p-anisidine value (AnV) and free fatty acid (FFA) content of lipids were noticeable when iced storage time increased (p < 0.05). Those changes indicated that lipid oxidation and hydrolysis occurred in both samples. Phospholipids (PL) were the major components in lipids from cephalothorax (82.51% of total lipids). Nevertheless, lipids from hepatopancreas contained triglyceride (TG) and PL as the dominant components (45.35% and 38.03% of total lipids, respectively). A decrease in the TG content with a concomitant increase in free fatty acid was observed at the end of storage (day 6) (p < 0.05). Decreases in unsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5(n-3)) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6(n-3)) were noticeable at day 6 of storage (p < 0.05). Thus, the extended storage time resulted in the enhanced deterioration of extracted lipids.     

Particle size-starch–protein digestibility relationships in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

The kinetics of starch and protein digestion in hammer- and cryo-milled cowpea (70–370 μm) were investigated. The pH during the protein digestion reduced with time, and both the starch and protein digestion exhibited monophasic digestograms, which were suitably (r² > 0.97, p < 0.001) described by a modified first-order kinetic model. The in vitro protein digestibility of the cowpea (>80%) was independent of the milling conditions. The hammer-milled cowpea digested more, but the reciprocal of its rate of protein digestion was independent of the square of the particle size. The rate of protein digestion in the cryo-milled cowpea inversely depended (p < 0.05) on the square of the particle size, with 67 × 10⁻⁷ cm² s⁻¹ as the diffusion coefficient. For the starch digestion, diffusion coefficients (cm² s⁻¹) were 0.6 × 10⁻⁷ (hammer-milled) and 0.3 × 10⁻⁷ (cryo-milled). The protein digestion proceeded at a much faster (100×) rate than the starch digestion.     

Effect of green tea marinades on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines and sensory quality of pan-fried beef

The effect of a green tea marinade on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAs) was examined in pan-fried beef cooked at 180–200 °C for 4 min each side. Different marinating times were assayed and unmarinated samples cooked in similar conditions provided reference HAs levels. A green tea marinade catechin rich was prepared taking 1 g of green tea and infusing with 125 ml of boiling tap water during 10 min. Four HAs were quantified in unmarinated and marinated meat samples during 1, 2, 4 and 6 h at 5 °C. Compared with the unmarinated samples, marinating in green tea resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of levels of PhIP and AαC. Person correlation indicated that the reduction of the levels of these HAs in meat marinated with the increase of marinating time was significant (respectively, r = −0.799, p < 0.0001; r = −0.631, p < 0.05). No reduction was observed for 4,8-DiMeIQx and MeIQx.