Effect of high-temperature setting on gelling characteristic of surimi from some tropical fish

The effect of setting at 40 °C on the textural properties and the changes in myofibrillar proteins in surimi produced from threadfin bream (Nemipterus bleekeri), bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus), barracuda (Sphyraena jello) and bigeye croaker (Pennahai macrophthalmus) was investigated. An increase in the time of setting generally resulted in higher breaking force and also the deformation of both suwari and kamaboko gels. Maximum increases in gel‐breaking force were obtained in 1 h for threadfin bream, 2 h for bigeye snapper, 1.5 h for barracuda and 3 h for bigeye croaker. Extended setting time caused decreases in breaking force and deformation in all surimi, except that produced from bigeye croaker. Gel strengthening was associated with an increase in non‐disulphide covalent bond formation. Degradation of proteins occurred with prolonged setting. Therefore, setting at 40 °C for an appropriate time is a promising means to improve the gelling property of surimi produced from tropical fish.     

Transglutaminase-mediated setting in bigeye snapper Surimi

Effect of setting induced by endogenous transglutaminase (TGase) in two species of bigeye snapper, Priacanthus tayenus and Priacanthus macracanthus, on gel properties and protein cross-linking was investigated. Setting at either 25 or 40 °C, prior to heating at 90 °C resulted in the increase in both breaking force and deformation of surimi from both species, particularly when setting time increased (P<0.05). A decrease in solubility of surimi gels in a mixture of sodium dodecyl-sulfate, urea and β-mercaptoethanol suggested increased formation of non-disulfide covalent bonding which coincided with increased gel strength and the decrease in myosin heavy chain (MHC) polypeptide. The optimum conditions for setting of surimi sol was found to be 40 °C for 2 h for P. tayenus and 25 °C for 3 h for P. macracanthus. Assayed by monodancylcadaverine (MDC)-incorporation method, TGase from P. tayenus and P. macracanthus exhibited an optimum temperature at 40 and 25 °C, respectively. In addition, the breaking force and deformation of surimi from both species increased markedly with the addition of calcium chloride, while they decreased considerably in the presence of EDTA, N-methylmaleimide and ammonium chloride. The results confirmed that endogenous transglutaminase played an important role in gel enhancement of surimi from both species of bigeye snapper.     

Original article: Gel properties of red tilapia surimi: effects of setting condition,fish freshness and frozen storage

This study aimed to determine effects of setting condition, fish freshness and storage time of frozen surimi on properties of red tilapia surimi gel. To investigate the effect of setting condition, a combination of eight setting temperatures (35–70 °C) and four setting times (30–120 min) was used. Maximum breaking force, deformation and gel strength were obtained after the gel had been set at 40 °C for 90 or 120 min. Setting at 65 °C resulted in the lowest obtained gel strength, because of proteolytic degradation of myosin heavy chain. Increasing storage time of raw fish material in ice caused a significant decrease in gel strength of the resultant surimi gel (P < 0.05). Gels produced from surimi kept in frozen storage for up to 9 months also exhibited reduced gel strength, with a concomitant increase in the expressible drip, with increasing storage time (P < 0.05).     

Effect of porcine plasma protein and setting on gel properties of surimi produced from fish caught in Thailand

Effects of porcine plasma protein (PPP) and high temperature setting on gel properties of surimi from bigeye snapper, bigeye croaker, threadfin bream and barracuda were investigated. PPP was effective in increasing breaking force and deformation of kamaboko gels set at 40°C for 30 min and heated at 90°C for 20 min. The optimum levels of PPP were 0.5, 0.5, 1.5 and 1.5 g/100 g and the optimum setting times were 2, 1.5, 1.5 and 2 h for bigeye snapper, bigeye croaker, threadfin bream and barracuda surimi, respectively. However, the addition of PPP significantly decreased whiteness (P<0.05). An increase in gel-forming ability of surimi with PPP coincided with a decrease in solubility in mixture of SDS, urea and β-mercaptoethanol, indicating the formation of nondisulfide covalent bond induced by both endogenous and plasma transglutaminase. The results supported that PPP improve the gelation of surimi in combination with setting.     

Whey protein concentrate: Autolysis inhibition and effects on the gel properties of surimi prepared from tropical fish

Effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) on autolysis inhibition and gel properties of surimi produced from bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus), goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis), threadfin bream (Nemipterus bleekeri) and lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) were investigated. WPC (0–3%) showed inhibitory activity against autolysis in all surimi at both 60 and 65 °C in a concentration-dependent manner. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) of surimi was more retained in the presence of WPC. Breaking force and deformation of kamaboko gels of all surimi increased as added levels of WPC increased (P < 0.05). This was associated with lower levels of protein degradation, as evidenced by the decrease in trichloroacetic acid-soluble peptide content (P < 0.05). WPC at 3% (w/w) significantly decreased the whiteness of gels. However, water-holding capacity of kamaboko gels was improved with increasing concentration of WPC. The microstructure of surimi gels generally became denser with the addition of WPC.     

Thermal Gel Degradation (Modori) in Sturgeon (Acipenseridae) Surimi Gels

Sturgeon meat has been found to be suitable as surimi raw materials. The present study determined the modori phenomenon in sturgeon surimi gels and identified its relationship with cathepsins. In all heat‐treated gels (25 to 90 °C, at 5 °C intervals), the 40 °C‐incubated sturgeon surimi gel showed the weakest gel properties and water‐holding capacity (P < 0.05), a rough protein gel network under SEM, and the highest protein solubility and trichloroacetic acid‐soluble peptides content (P < 0.05). SDS‐PAGE indicated that the myosin heavy chain band of sturgeon surimi gels was almost completely degraded at 40 °C. Moreover, the highest cathepsin L activity was observed in 40 °C‐treated sturgeon surimi gels (P < 0.05). Our results suggested that the modori phenomenon in sturgeon surimi gels occurred at 40 °C, which was partially attributed to cathepsin L, thereby allowing for the better exploitation and utilization of sturgeon surimi.     

Gel‐forming ability of surimi from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus): influence of heat treatment and soy protein isolate

The effects of setting conditions and soy protein isolate (SPI) on textural properties of surimi produced from grass carp were investigated. Effects of setting temperature, setting time and protein concentration on the breaking force and distance were evaluated and compared utilizing response surface methodology. Models for breaking force and breaking distance of grass carp surimi were established. Protein concentration was the major factor affecting the gel strength of grass carp surimi. Breaking force and distance of grass carp surimi gels decreased with increase of protein ratio from SPI at 30 °C and 40 °C for 60 min setting and heating at 85 °C for 30 min, but the breaking force obtained for addition of 100 g kg^?1 SPI protein to grass carp surimi was higher than that for surimi alone at 60 °C for 60 min incubation and heating at 85 °C for 30 min. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison of the Thermostability of Red Hake and Alaska Pollock Surimi during Processing

Thermostability of red hake (Vrophycis chuss) mince and its temperature-dependent gel-forming properties were determined while using Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogrumma) for comparison. Fish mince and surimi were subjected to various washwater, chopping and setting/ cooking temperatures, cooking times at varying salt concentrations and moisture levels. The optimal temperatures for washing and chopping were 15°C and 12°C for red hake and 10°C and 4°C for pollock, respectively. All treatments significantly affected gel properties. For red hake gels, 77% moisture, 2.0% salt, and a 40°C preheat-setting temperature produced the most cohesive gel. Gels of both red hake and pollock gradually became less cohesive with extended cooking time. The results suggest that red hake is more thermally stable than pollock.     

Effect of phosphate compounds on gel-forming ability of surimi from bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus)

The properties of surimi gel from bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) added with various phosphate compounds (sodium pyrophosphate, PP; sodium tripolyphosphate, TPP; and sodium hexametaphosphate, HMP) at different levels (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5% w/w) and heated under various conditions were studied. Kamaboko and directly heated gels from bigeye snapper surimi added with 0.05% PP had the increase in breaking force and deformation by 17.35% and 11.52%, and 13.54% and 3.53%, respectively, compared with the control gel (without PP addition). At the same level used (0.05%), TPP had no influence, but HMP exhibited a detrimental effect on kamaboko gel. The addition of PP (0.025%) in combination with 50 mmol CaCl₂/kg increased the breaking force by 38.68% as compared with the control gel (without additives), suggesting that the sufficient amount of CaCl₂ could enhance the setting of the gel. Generally, the marked decrease in breaking force with the coincidental increased expressible moisture was observed when the excessive amount of phosphate compounds was used (p<0.05). Microstructure study revealed that a gel with a fine network was formed with addition of PP. Therefore, the addition of PP in combination with CaCl₂ could increase the gel strength as well as water holding capacity of surimi gel.     

Effect of chitooligosaccharide from squid pen on gel properties of sardine surimi gel and its stability during refrigerated storage

Effect of chitooligosaccharide from squid pen prepared using lipase (COS-L) at various concentrations (0–30 g kg⁻¹) on gel properties of sardine surimi gel was investigated. Breaking force (BF) and deformation (DF) of gel were increased, when COS-L level was increased up to 10 g kg⁻¹ (P < 0.05). Water holding capacity and whiteness of gel were improved with the addition of COS-L than those of control. Gel added with 10 g kg⁻¹ COS-L had denser network with higher likeness score for all sensory attributes, compared to control. When gel incorporated with 10 g kg⁻¹ COS-L was stored at 4 °C, BF, DF and whiteness were maintained during 10 days of storage. Textural properties of surimi gel added with COS-L were higher than those of control throughout storage. Thus, incorporation of 10 g kg⁻¹ COS-L could improve gel properties of sardine surimi gel and retarded the deterioration of gel properties during refrigerated storage.     

Effect of microbial transglutaminase on autolysis and gelation of lizardfish surimi

In the absence of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), the textural properties of lizardfish surimi (Saurida spp) improved when pre‐incubated at 4 and 25 °C for 24 and 4 h, respectively. MTGase optimally catalyzed incorporation of monodansylcadaverine (MDC) into surimi at 40 °C. Addition of MTGase appeared to reduce autolytic activity at 25 and 40 °C, but had no effect on autolytic activity at 65 °C. Breaking force and deformation of lizardfish surimi significantly improved when 0.1 unit MTGase g^?1 surimi (1.8 g kg^?1) was added and pre‐incubated at either 25 or 40 °C. Textural properties improved concomitant with cross‐linked polymers of myosin heavy chain and tropomyosin, but not actin. Addition of MTGase also improved the storage modulus (G′). The gel network of surimi mixed with MTGase and pre‐incubated at 40 °C readily formed during the pre‐incubation period, while formation of the gel network began at 48.1 °C in the absence of MTGase. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of microbial transglutaminase and setting condition on gel properties of blend fish protein isolate recovered by alkaline solubilisation/isoelectric precipitation

The effect of microbial transglutaminase (M-TGase) (0–0.6 units g⁻¹ sample) and setting condition (25 °C/180 min, 30 °C/120 min, 35 °C/60 min and 40 °C/30 min) on gel properties of blend protein isolate of gutted kilka and silver carp was studied. The protein isolate provided a good substrate for M-TGase activity so that a low amount of M-TGase (0.2 unit g⁻¹ sample) substantially improved textural properties and water holding capacity (WHC) of the gels. Breaking force of the gels was positively affected by M-TGase up to 0.6 unit g⁻¹ sample, but it negatively affected their WHC. Prior setting at 25–35 °C increased the breaking force of proteins compared to directly heated gel, resulting in maximum breaking force at 35 °C/60 min. However, the setting at 40 °C/30 min caused proteolysis, which was reflected in higher amounts of TCA-soluble peptides and gel weakening. Denser microstructure and higher myosin heavy chain polymerisation observed in the gels which experienced the setting was well correlated with improvement in textural properties.     

Surimi of fish species from the Gulf of Mexico: evaluation of the setting phenomenon

Atlantic croaker (Micropogon undulatus), Mexican flounder (Cyclopsetta chittendeni) and Northern kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis) are warm water species abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, usually obtained as shrimp by-catch. Gels from these species were obtained by several treatments: (1) setting at 25°C/3 h followed by cooking at 90°C/15 min; (2) setting at 40°C/30 min and 90°C/15 min; (3) 90°C/15 min (control). Three different additives were studied: 0.66% ammonium chloride, 0.2% EDTA and 0.2% calcium chloride. The setting phenomenon was induced at 40°C in the three species. 0.2% calcium chloride improved shear stress and shear strain in surimi gels from Atlantic croaker and Northern kingfish. 87.98 and 98.49 kPa for shear stress, and 2.23 and 2.15 for shear strain were achieved, respectively.     

Rheological characteristics of suwari and kamaboko gels made of surimi from Indian major carps

The gel strength, compressibility and folding characteristic of suwari (set) and kamaboko (set and cooked) gels prepared from rohu ( Labeo rohita ), catla ( Catla catla ) and mrigal ( Cirrhinus mrigala ) surimi were examined to understand the occurrence of suwari and modori phenomena in surimi from major freshwater carps. Suwari setting of gels did not take place at lower temperatures. Suwari gels showed good gel strength at 50 °C for rohu and at 60 °C for catla and mrigal after 30 min setting time. Incubation for 60 min decreased the gel strength at 60 °C for rohu and catla. Setting at 25 °C followed by cooking at 90 °C increased the gel strength. Increased setting temperature, however, decreased the gel strength of cooked gels. Gel strength and compressibility data were supported by folding characteristics. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Setting Response of Alaska Pollock Surimi Compared with Beef Myofibrils

Physicochemical properties of surimi after preincubation at 25–50°C and beef myofibrils at 25–60°C for up to 8 hr prior to cooking at 80°C for 20 min were evaluated by a torsion test and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Shear stress and true shear strain of surimi were more sensitive to pH changes than beef myofibrils. Maximum gel strength was found at = pH 7 for surimi and pH 6 for beef myofibrils. The myofibrils showed no setting effect at any preincubation temperatures examined, while surimi showed an optimum setting effect at 25°C. Incorporation of beef myofibrils into surimi resulted in decrease of shear stress and true shear strain values.     

Impact of lecithin incorporation on gel properties of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) surimi

Gelling characteristics of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) surimi functionalised by lecithin at different concentrations were investigated. Lecithin at ≤1 g 100 g⁻¹ had no impact on breaking force and deformation (P > 0.05). Expressible drip tended to decrease with increasing lecithin level up to 1 g 100 g⁻¹. Lecithin at 1–3 g 100 g⁻¹ improved the whiteness (P < 0.05). Jointed clusters were formed in the gel microstructure with 1 g 100 g⁻¹ lecithin. Gel without and with 1 g 100 g⁻¹ lecithin had the same texture profile and likeness scores (texture, odour and flavour) (P > 0.05). Peroxide value, TBARS content and rancid odour score of gels were changed considerably during refrigerated storage (4 °C/polyethylene bag) for 15 days but lower values of all indices were noticeable in gel with lecithin. Therefore, lecithin at 1 g 100 g⁻¹ was the optimum concentration for stabilising the texture, improving the water holding capacity, whitening the colour and retarding the lipid oxidation of bigeye snapper surimi gel.     

Gel properties of surimi from silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) as affected by heat treatment and soy protein isolate

The effects of setting conditions and soy protein isolate (SPI) on textural properties of surimi produced from silver carp were investigated. Effects of setting temperature, setting time and protein concentration on the gel strength were evaluated and compared utilizing response surface methodology. Models for breaking force and breaking distance of silver carp surimi were established. The total protein content was 13.4% in all experimental samples. Setting temperature and protein concentration were the major factors affecting the gel strength. In the range of the additive SPI protein (10–40%), breaking force and distance of silver carp surimi gels decreased when the protein ratio of SPI was increased in the total protein at 30 and 40 °C for 60 min setting and heating at 85 °C for 30 min, but the breaking force obtained for 90% surimi protein plus 10% SPI protein was higher than surimi alone at 50 °C for 60 min incubation and heating at 85 °C for 30 min.     

Rheological Behavior and Potential Cross-Linking of Pacific Whiting (Merluccius productus) Surimi Gel

Gelation behavior and potential cross-linking of Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus) surimi were affected by setting temperatures and an enzyme inhibitor. Gels of Pacific whiting surimi with salt and beef plasma protein were compared with those containing guanidine hydrochloride, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and β-mercaptoethanol. The strongest gels were formed at 25°C setting followed by 90°C heating. Hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds appeared to strongly influence gel formation, while the influence of disulfide bonds was moderate. Viscosity scanning during setting at different temperatures was also useful to estimate effects of enzymes and inhibitors.     

Effect of soy protein isolate on gel properties of Alaska pollock and common carp surimi at different setting conditions

The effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) on the gel properties of different grade Alaska pollock and common carp surimi at different setting conditions were evaluated and compared. Breaking force and distance of gels decreased with increasing SPI concentrations in direct cook (85 °C for 30 min) and in cook after setting at 30 °C for 60 min conditions. The effect of SPI on gel strength of common carp surimi was less than in Alaska pollock surimi. The breaking force obtained for addition of 10% SPI to Alaska pollock surimi was higher than for surimi alone when cooked after incubation at 50 °C for 60 min. Addition of SPI decreased the whiteness and increased the yellowness of the gel. The gel structure showed that the addition of SPI modified the microstructure of the fish protein gel, thus resulting in surimi with different gelling properties. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

GEL PROPERTIES OF BIGEYE SNAPPER (PRIACANTHUS TAYENUS) SURIMI AS AFFECTED BY SETTING AND PORCINE PLASMA PROTEINS

Effects of setting temperature, time, and addition of porcine plasma protein (PPP) on gel properties of surimi from bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) were investigated. Breaking force and deformation of the surimi gels increased as the setting time and temperature increased. The gel preincubated at 35C for 90 min in the presence of 0.5% PPP, followed by cooking at 90C for 20 min showed the maximum force and deformation. The decrease in solubility of the resultant suwari and kamaboko gels in solution containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, urea and β‐mercaptoethanol suggested that gel enhancement was mainly mediated through the formation of nondisulfide covalent bonds catalyzed by both transglutaminase (TGase) in fish muscle and porcine plasma. Addition of PPP slightly decreased the whiteness of the kamaboko gels.