Extraction of proteins from slaughterhouse by-products: Influence of operating conditions on functional properties

This study investigated the extraction and functional properties of proteins from slaughterhouse by-products: pork lungs, beef lungs and mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM). The extraction yield was investigated as a function of pH, temperature and time. Membrane technology was used for purification of proteins from pork and beef lungs, while for MDCM a method based on PI was applied. In the three cases, yields of protein recovery were between 48 and 55% (w/w). The functional properties of the protein concentrates were compared to those of some commercial ingredients. Proteins from pork lungs and MDCM exhibited better gelling properties than egg white and beef plasma, while beef and pork lungs displayed very good emulsifying properties, similar to Na-caseinates. As the methods developed are easy to scale-up, the use of by-product proteins at industrial scale appears to be an interesting opportunity to obtain added value slaughterhouse by-products.     

Utilisation of beef lung protein powder as a functional ingredient to enhance protein and iron content of fresh pasta

Beef lungs are an underutilised co-product of the meat industry that could be used as an ingredient to supplement the protein content of cereal foods. Beef lung powder (BLP) had a protein content of 87% (dry weight basis), an amino acid score of 1, and contained 1 mg g⁻¹ iron. Fresh semolina pasta was used as a model food, and BLP was incorporated up to 20%. Incorporation of 10% BLP improved the indispensable amino acid score of the pasta from 0.48 to 0.91. At that level of incorporation, higher cooking loss and redder (increased ‘a’ value) and darker (decreased ‘L’ value) colour resulted. The fresh pasta with BLP had a lower glycaemic response compared to control samples. BLP improved the functional value of the fresh pasta and is a potential ingredient in the development of new food products.     

Temperature of frozen storage affects the nature and consequences of protein oxidation in beef patties

The effect of three frozen storage temperatures (− 8, − 18 and − 80 °C) on protein oxidation in beef patties was studied through the analysis of novel oxidation markers. Additionally, the connection between lipid and protein oxidation and the impact of the latter on particular quality traits (water holding capacity, color and texture) of subsequently processed beef patties (cooking/cold-stored) were investigated. Protein oxidation was measured as the loss of tryptophan fluorescence and formation of diverse lysine oxidation products (α-aminoadipic semialdehyde, α-aminoadipic acid and Schiff bases). Lipid oxidation was assessed by levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hexanal. A significant effect of storage temperature on protein oxidation was detected. Frozen storage increased the susceptibility of meat proteins to undergo further oxidation during processing. Timely interactions were found between lipid and protein oxidation. Plausible mechanisms by which oxidative damage to proteins may have an impact in particular quality traits are thoroughly discussed.     

Effect of diet and fat content on the functional properties of thawed beef

The effect of animal diet (pasture versus grain) and fat content (1, 15 and 25%) on the functional properties and quality of beef stored for 8 months at −20 °C was determined. After storage, pasture-finished beef had significantly (P<0.001) less malondialdehyde than grain-finished. Grain-finished beef had a more vivid red colour than pasture-finished (P<0.01). The remaining functional properties determined in this study were not affected by diet. Protein solubility, emulsion activity index, and cooked batter torsion strain decreased and hue angle increased with increasing fat content. The solubility of total and sarcoplasmic proteins and cooked batter torsion stress and strain decreased (P<0.001) and hue angle increased (P<0.001) with storage time regardless of diet and fat content. It is concluded that there is not much difference in the functional properties of beef finished on pasture or grain. However, pasture-finished beef is more stable to lipid oxidation than the grain-finished, and hence may be more amenable to further processing.     

The effects of transglutaminase on the functional properties of the myofibrillar protein concentrate obtained from beef heart

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of bacterial transglutaminase on the functional properties of the myofibrillar protein concentrate from beef heart. The degrees of hydration and aggregation and emulsifying properties were studied. The degree of polymerization of the myofibrillar proteins depended on the enzyme concentration and setting time; the best results in terms of functional properties were obtained with 0.3 g transglutaminase/100 g protein with 60 min setting at 35 °C. This investigation confirms that transglutaminase may be used for the production of myofibrillar protein aggregates with enhanced functional properties.     

Relationship between commercially available DNA analysis and phenotypic observations on beef quality and tenderness

Warner–Bratzler shear force values from 560 mixed breed heifers and steers were used to determine estimates of genetic selection. Cattle were marketed from 2008 to 2011, and included five feedlot based research projects at the North Dakota State University-Carrington Research Extension Center. Samples were collected for IGENITY® analysis providing information that included selection indices and estimated breeding values for carcass traits. DNA-based test results were compared with actual carcass measurements. Marbling accounted for over 10% of the variation in WBSF while hot carcass weight was the second most influential carcass trait accounting for 4% (P < 0.01). Regression coefficients of IGENITY® molecular breeding value on phenotype for WBSF, marbling, ribeye area, yield grade, and fat thickness were low (R² = 0.14, 0.02, 0.03, 0.03, and 0.02, respectively). Therefore selecting cattle for a higher degree of marbling and feeding a diet that meets or exceeds recommended nutrients for growth are the most important factors influencing beef tenderness and acceptability.     

Mechanical and functional properties of beef products obtained using microbial transglutaminase with treatments of pre-heating followed by cold binding

Beef proteins are considered non-setting proteins and usually gels obtained by adding of microbial transglutaminase are obtained by cooking directly the solubilized paste. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of pre-heating treatments on the mechanical properties of restructured beef gels treated with microbial transglutaminase (MTG). The effect of cooling (cold binding) the solubilized pastes after the pre-heating treatments was also studied. The restructured beef gels were obtained by adding 0.3% MTG or 0% MTG (control). Three pre-heating temperatures (40, 50 or 60 °C) for 30 or 60 min were studied, followed by heating at 90 °C for 15 min. Control samples without pre-heating were also prepared. Cold binding was studied by holding pre-heated gels at 4 °C for 12 h before heating at 90 °C for 15 min. Changes in mechanical properties (texture profile analysis and puncture test), color attributes, expressible water and cooking loss were determined. Results indicated that the better mechanical properties can be obtained by pre-heating beef pastes at 50 °C for 30 min with minimal effect on color, expressible water and cooking loss when 0.3% of MTG is added. It was concluded that there were no practical advantages by pre-heating the gels for 60 min. Cold binding did not improve the mechanical properties of beef gels.     

High pressure induced changes on sarcoplasmic protein fraction and quality indicators

The combined effect of pressure and mild temperature treatments on bovine sarcoplasmic proteins and quality parameters was assessed. M. longissimus dorsi samples were pressurised in a range of 200–600 MPa and 10–30 °C. High Pressure Processing (HPP) induced a reduction of protein solubility (p < 0.001) compared to non-treated controls (NT), more pronounced above 200 MPa. HPP at pressures higher than 200 MPa induced a strong modification (p < 0.001) of meat colour and a reduction of water holding capacity (WHC). SDS–PAGE analysis demonstrated that HPP significantly modified the composition of the sarcoplasmic protein fraction. The pressurisation temperature mainly affected protein solubility and colour; a smaller effect was observed on protein profiles. Significant correlations (p < 0.001) between sarcoplasmic protein solubility and both expressible moisture (r = −0.78) and colour parameters (r = −0.81 to −0.91) suggest that pressure induced denaturation of sarcoplasmic proteins could influence to some extent WHC and colour modifications of beef. Changes in protein band intensities were also significantly correlated with protein solubility, meat lightness and expressible moisture. These results describe the changes induced by HPP on sarcoplasmic proteins and confirm a relationship between modification of the sarcoplasmic protein fraction and alteration of meat quality characteristics.     

Whey protein concentrates and isolates: Processing and functional properties

Substantial progress has been made in understanding the basic chemical and structural properties of the principal whey proteins, that is, β‐lactoglobulin β‐Lg), α‐lactalbumin (α‐La), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and immunoglobulin (Ig). This knowledge has been acquired in terms of: (1) procedures for isolation, purification, and characterization of the individual whey proteins in buffer solutions; and (2) whey fractionation technologies for manufacturing whey protein concentrates (WPC) with improved chemical and functional properties in food systems. This article is a critical review of selected publications related to (1) whey fractionation technology for manufacturing WPC and WPI; (2) fundamental properties of whey proteins; and (3) factors that affect protein functionality, that is, composition, protein structure, and processing.     

蕨麻蛋白的提取与功能特性的研究

利用碱溶酸沉法和盐析法提取蕨麻蛋白,分析了蕨麻蛋白的氨基酸种类、含量以及保水性、吸油性、起泡性、乳化性、凝胶形成性等功能特性。结果表明,盐析法提取蕨麻蛋白得率高于碱溶酸沉法;蕨麻蛋白中精氨酸的含量显著高于其蛋白中其他种类氨基酸的含量,占氨基酸总量的21.4%;在不同pH的环境中,蕨麻蛋白的保水性差异较大;蕨麻蛋白的吸油性随着温度的降低而略有升高;随着蛋白浓度的增大,蕨麻蛋白的起泡性能和泡沫稳定性均明显升高;浓度高的蛋白质溶液具有较高的乳化能力。     

Association between animal, transportation, slaughterhouse practices, and meat pH in beef

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of factors related to animal, farm, transportation, and animal handling at the slaughterhouse, as well as their interactions, on pH of beef meat. A total of 5494 cattle (343±45d of age) from 181 different Spanish farms were surveyed during three seasons (spring, summer, and winter) and a total of 25 pre-slaughter variables were recorded. Meat pH was measured at the Longissimus dorsi 24h post-mortem (pH(24)). After a variable selection procedure, a mixed-effects logistic regression model was conducted with 5 variables (1 random and 4 fixed) to identify the main factors, and their interactions, affecting meat pH(24). Average incidences of meat pH(24) greater than 5.8 and 6.0 were 13.89% and 4.02%, respectively. The variability of meat pH(24) explained with studied factors and their interactions was only 4.9%, a value too low to allow making technical decisions to improve meat pH(24) in the Spanish market considering the variables studied.     

High pressure induced changes in beef muscle proteome: Correlation with quality parameters

The relationship between pressure induced changes on individual proteins and selected quality parameters in bovine longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle was studied. Pressures ranging from 200 to 600 MPa at 20 °C were used. High pressure processing (HPP) at pressures above 200 MPa induced strong modifications of protein solubility, meat colour and water holding capacity (WHC). The protein profiles of non-treated and pressure treated meat were observed using two dimensional electrophoresis. Proteins showing significant differences in abundance among treatments were identified by mass spectrometry. Pressure levels above 200 MPa strongly modified bovine LTL proteome with main effects being insolubilisation of sarcoplasmic proteins and solubilisation of myofibrillar proteins. Sarcoplasmic proteins were more susceptible to HPP effects than myofibrillar. Individual protein changes were significantly correlated with protein solubility, L*, b* and WHC, providing further insights into the mechanistic processes underlying HPP influence on quality and providing the basis for the future development of protein markers to assess the quality of processed meats.     

Comparison between protein functional properties of two rice cultivars

The functional properties of proteins from a high-protein–content rice cultivar (Nutriar) were analyzed and compared with those from a usual Latin-American cultivar (El Paso 144). Isolates from brown and milled flours were prepared and their emulsifying, foaming, and hydration properties studied. The four isolates displayed a very low solubility within a wide range of moderate pH, but demonstrate a significantly higher solubility at extreme pHs (either high or low). Nutriar isolates had a significantly higher solubility and greater surface properties than El Paso 144 isolates. The Nutriar isolate from brown flour was more soluble at pH 9 than the other isolates and moreover showed the highest capacity for forming and stabilizing foams and emulsions. In contrast, the Nutriar isolate from milled rice exhibited a higher solubility and greater foaming properties at an acid pH. The surface properties and solubility were significantly correlated among the four samples. All four isolates exhibited good water-imbibition and water-holding capacities.     

Preparation and functional properties of protein coprecipitate from sheep milk

The optimum conditions for the production of coprecipitate from sheep milk were studied. The best percentage of calcium chloride added to milk was 0.2%, which resulted in a recovery of 97.5% of milk proteins. At low pH (4.5–5), the recovery of protein was low, but it increased at higher pH values (5.5–6.5); recovery was greatest at pH 6.5. The optimum heating temperature to obtain coprecipitate from sheep milk was 85–95°C. The functional properties of the sheep milk coprecipitate were studied. At pH values higher than 6, there were no differences between the solubility of sheep milk coprecipitate and sheep milk sodium caseinate, but the solubility of coprecipitate at pH values lower than 5 was relatively higher than those of the caseinate. At pH ≥6, the emulsion activity index (EAI) for emulsions of sheep milk coprecipitate and caseinate increased as pH increased; at all pH values, the EAI of the coprecipitate was higher than that of the caseinate. Sheep milk coprecipitate showed higher foaming ability and stability than sheep milk sodium caseinate.     

Innovations in beef production systems that enhance the nutritional and health value of beef lipids and their relationship with meat quality

Consumers are becoming more aware of the relationships between diet and health and this has increased consumer interest in the nutritional value of foods. This is impacting on the demand for foods which contain functional components that play important roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. For beef, much attention has been given to lipids. This paper reviews strategies for increasing the content of beneficial omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and reducing saturated fatty acids (SFA) in beef. Particular attention is given to intramuscular fat (IMF) and the relationships between fatty acid composition and key meat quality parameters including colour shelf life and sensory attributes. Despite the high levels of ruminal biohydrogenation of dietary PUFA, nutrition is the major route for increasing the content of beneficial fatty acids in beef. Feeding grass or concentrates containing linseed (rich in α-linolenic acid, 18:3n-3) in the diet increases the content of 18:3n-3 and its longer chain derivative eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) in beef muscle and adipose tissue, resulting in a lower n-6:n-3 ratio. Grass feeding also increases docasahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3). Feeding PUFA rich lipids which are protected from ruminal biohydrogenation result in further enhancement of the PUFA in meat with concomitant beneficial improvements in the ratio of polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acids (P:S ratio) and n-6:n-3 ratio. The main CLA isomer in beef is CLA cis-9, trans-11 and it is mainly associated with the triacylglycerol lipid fraction and therefore is positively correlated with level of fatness. The level of CLA cis-9, trans-11 in beef is related to (1) the amount of this isomer produced in the rumen and (2) synthesis in the tissue, by delta-9 desaturase, from ruminally produced trans vaccenic acid (18:1 trans-11; TVA). Feeding PUFA-rich diets increases the content of CLA cis-9, trans-11 in beef. Trans-fatty acids in foods are of rising importance and knowledge of the differential effects of the individual trans isomers is increasing. TVA is the major trans 18:1 isomer in beef and as the precursor for tissue CLA in both animals and man should be considered as a neutral or beneficial trans-isomer. Increasing the content of n-3 PUFA in beef can influence colour shelf life and sensory attributes of the meat. As the content of n-3 PUFA increases then sensory attributes such as "greasy" and "fishy" score higher and colour shelf life may be reduced. Under these situations, high levels of vitamin E are necessary to help stabilise the effects of incorporating high levels of long chain PUFA into meat. However, grass feeding not only increases n-3 PUFA and CLA but, due to its high content of vitamin E, colour shelf life is improved. It is evident that opportunities exist to enhance the content of health promoting fatty acids in beef and beef products offering opportunities to add value and contribute to market differentiation. However, it is imperative that these approaches to deliver "functional" attributes do not compromise on the health value (lipoperoxidation) or the taste of beef products.     

Stratification of toughness in beef roasts

Most meat scientists adopt a reductionist approach to the study of meat toughness, taking a few intramuscular cores from one or more muscles to simplify the enormous complexity of toughness in all the retail cuts derived from a whole carcass. This is a valid approach to a complex problem, but we should also start to consider how consumers respond to bulk meat such as steaks and roasts. Probing whole roasts reveals a complex internal structure, detectable by both connective tissue fluorescence and resistance to penetration. The dorsal aponeurosis of the Longissimus thoracis is a major connective tissue stratum in beef rib roasts and its properties are correlated with those of adjacent intramuscular connective tissues. When the aponeurosis is cooked, its reflectance first increases with protein denaturation, then decreases with gelatinisation. Heat-induced contraction is concurrent with the increase in reflectance. Gelatinisation is reduced if the aponeurosis is mechanically restrained to resist contraction. Thus, mechanical restraint interacts with heat penetration in explaining stratification of toughness in bulk meat.     

菊芋渣蛋白的提取及功能性质研究

采用超声波辅助碱法提取菊芋渣蛋白,并测定其部分功能特性。通过正交实验确定最佳提取工艺,实验结果表明,菊芋渣蛋白最佳提取条件为:p H13.5,料液比1∶40(mg/m L),超声时间50min,超声温度60℃,在此条件下提取率可达71.2%±0.3%。菊芋渣分离蛋白的等电点在4.0左右,当p H=9.0时乳化能力可达80%,蛋白浓度4%时起泡性最好,70℃时溶解性最好。      

Comparison of functional properties of 34% and 80% whey protein and milk serum protein concentrates

This study compared the functional properties of serum protein concentrate (SPC) with whey protein concentrate (WPC) made from the same milk and with commercial WPC. The experimental SPC and WPC were produced at 34% or 80% protein from the same lot of milk. Protein contents of WPC and SPC were comparable; however, fat content was much lower in SPC compared with WPC and commercial WPC. The effect of drying methods (freeze vs. spray drying) was studied for 34% WPC and SPC. Few differences due to drying method were found in turbidity and gelation; however, drying method made a large difference in foam formation for WPC but not SPC. Between pH 3 and 7, SPC was found to have lower turbidity than WPC; however, protein solubility was similar between SPC and WPC. Foaming and gelation properties of SPC were better than those of WPC. Differences in functional properties may be explained by differences in composition and extent of denaturation or aggregation.     

Functional properties of protein concentrates and isolates produced from cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut

Protein isolates and concentrates were obtained from defatted cashew nut powder by two methods: alkaline extraction-isoelectric precipitation (IP) and alkaline extraction-methanol precipitation (MP). The functional properties of cashew nut protein isolates, concentrates and powder were significantly different (p < 0.05). Cashew nut protein isolate (CNPI) had higher water and oil absorption capacities (2.20 ml/g and 4.42 ml/g, respectively), emulsifying stability index (447%), foam capacity and stability (45% and 55%, respectively), and least gelation capacity (13.5%) than cashew nut protein concentrate (CNPC), which was also higher than that of defatted cashew nut powder (DCNP). However, emulsifying activity index (12.45%) and bulk density (0.31) of CNPI were lower than that of CNPC, which were also lower than that of DCNP. The water solubility of CNPI (95%) and CNPC (95%) was not significantly different (p > 0.05) among the samples, but was significantly different (p < 0.05) from that of DCNP (75%). The CNPI, CNPC and DCNP showed decreasing solubility with decreasing pH, with the minimum solubility being observed at a pH range of 4.0–4.5, confirming the isoelectric point of cashew proteins. However, higher water solubility, emulsifying activity, and foaming property were observed at an alkaline pH than at an acidic pH in all samples.     

Effects of succinylation and deamidation on functional properties of oat protein isolate

The effects of two different modification methods (deamidation and succinylation) on the functional properties (solubility, water- and oil-binding capacity, foaming capacity and stability, emulsion activity and stability) of oat protein isolates were evaluated. Protein isolates extracted from defatted oat flour at alkaline pH were acylated by 0.20 g/g of succinic anhydride. The protein isolate was also modified using a mild acidic treatment (HCl, 0.5 N). Succinylation and deamidation improved solubility and emulsifying activity of the native protein isolate. Foaming capacity of oat protein isolate increased after deamidation, whereas succinylation decreased it. The deamidated and succinylated proteins had lower foam and emulsion stabilities than had their native counterpart. Water- and oil-binding capacity, in both modified oat proteins, was higher than those of the native oat protein isolate.