Quality characteristics of low-salt restructured poultry with microbial transglutaminase and seaweed

Characteristics of restructured poultry steaks as affected by addition of Sea Spaghetti seaweed (3% dry matter) combined with NaCl reduction and a microbial transgutaminase/caseinate (MTGase/caseinate) system as a cold binding agent were studied during chill storage. The incorporation of Sea Spaghetti caused a slight (P<0.05) increase in purge loss but reduced cooking loss in the products. Addition of MTGase/caseinate did not affect water binding properties. The added seaweed and the MTGase/caseinate system both increased (P<0.05), the Kramer shear force (KSF) of raw products, making them easier to handle. No such effect was observed in cooked products. Products with Sea Spaghetti had higher levels (P<0.05) of total viable counts and lactic acid bacteria, and also higher levels of tyramine and spermidine. All products were judged acceptable by a sensory panel. During chill storage no important changes were found in the target properties due to composition.     

Evaluation of mungbean protein isolates at various levels as a substrate for microbial transglutaminase and water binding agent in pork myofibrillar protein gels

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mungbean protein isolate (MPI) on the potential possibility of water binding agent and as a substrate for the microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) in myofibrillar protein. Cooking loss (CL,%), gel strength (GS, gf), sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were measured. The addition of MPI reduced CL, indicating that it has a water binding capacity during cooking. The major protein band (53 kDa) of MPI appeared when MPI was mixed with MP, but it disappeared when MTGase was incorporated. MPI treatment changed the endothermic peaks as compared with those of CTL. MTGase (1%) mediated pork MP increased CL and GS (P < 0.05), and reduced peak temperatures with vanishing of endothermic intensity at 1st and 3rd peaks, suggesting the structural changes of protein gelation. In microstructures, MTGase treatment showed a finely stranded structure in MP gels, while MPI showed a conglomerated surface in MTGase‐mediated MP gels. These results indicated that MPI appears to be a water binding agent during cooking and function as a substrate for MTGase in MP gelation.     

Effect of the combination of various NaCl levels and soy protein isolate on the quality characteristics of smoked pork loins

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of smoked pork loins (PL) containing various levels of NaCl (0.0–2.0%) alone or in combination with soy protein isolates (SPI; 1.0%). The pH values, moisture, fat, and protein contents (%) of smoked PL were 5.97–6.17, 63.3–69.1%, 2.64–4.26%, and 20.2–26.6%, respectively. Increased NaCl levels increased moisture contents (%) and sensory scores, as well as reduced Hunter redness and yellowness and cooking loss (CL, %) (P < 0.05). A NaCl level of 1.0% had resulted in a CL (%) level similar to those at regular‐salt levels (1.5% and 2.0% NaCl). When 1.0% SPI was incorporated with smoked PL, the NaCl level of 0.5% was also similar to the CL (%) at higher NaCl levels and improved sensory scores. Thus, a NaCl level of at least 1.0% was required for the manufacture of smoked PL; however, smoked PL could be manufactured with 0.5% salt when 1.0% SPI was included as part of the manufacture of smoked PL to effect quality characteristics similar to those achieved with regular‐salt (1.5% and 2.0% NaCl) smoked PL.     

Study of two different cold restructuring processes using two different qualities of hake (Merluccius capensis) muscle,with addition of microbial transglutaminase

BACKGROUND: Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) can improve the mechanical and functional properties of restructured fish products without the need of thermal gelation. The present study seeks to determine whether, for different setting times, MTGase activity in restructured hake muscle made with pieces or with homogenised muscle can be affected by the quality of the protein in the raw materials. RESULTS: As regards mechanical properties, samples of both qualities subjected to the two different processes attained a suitable consistency after setting for 24 h at 5 °C. The quality of the protein in the sample is important when pieces are used for restructuring, but not when sample is homogenised. Also, there were strong correlations between residual MTGase activity up to 12 h and mechanical properties and electrophoretic band density. Water binding capacity (WBC) was not significantly altered by MTGase addition. CONCLUSION: The experimental combination of 10 g kg^?1 of MTGase, 15 g kg^?1 of sodium chloride and 7.5 g kg^?1 of sodium caseinate was suitable for the production of minimally processed raw restructured fish products made with two different qualities of fish protein and two different restructuring processes. In the restructured products made with pieces, the protein quality significantly affected final properties, but in finely homogenised product the protein quality was less important. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of various salt contents on quality characteristics with or without curdlan of pork myofibrillar protein gels and the development of low-salt pork sausages

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gelling properties of pork myofibrillar protein (MP) gels at various salt concentrations with or without curdlan, and its application to model sausages with reduced salt levels. When curdlan was incorporated into MP mixtures, cooking yield (CY) at 0.15 m salt was similar to that of 0.45 m salt (P > 0.05). Gel strength of MPs at 0.45 m salt was highest among other salt concentrations. Increased salt concentration tended to be high shear stress values, regardless of the presence of curdlan (P < 0.05). MP gels with increasing salt concentration showed fewer pores and swollen structures. Addition of curdlan improved CY and expressible moisture of low-fat model sausage with increased salt levels. The addition of curdlan at 1.0% salt reduced the hardness and gumminess, and similar to those at 1.5% without curdlan. These results indicated that curdlan improved the water-holding capacity and textural properties of low-fat and low-salt sausage.     

Influence of alginate and microbial transglutaminase as binding ingredients on restructured fish muscle processed at low temperature

BACKGROUND: In view of the increasing demand for fresh products in Western countries recently, there is considerable interest in commercialising restructured fish products having the appearance of fresh fish. A number of methods have been studied for the purpose of inducing cold gelification. Two of the most common methods, namely addition of alginates and addition of transglutaminases, have been studied mainly in connection with meat products. The present study deals with the use of alginate and transglutaminase as additives in cold gelification of minced hake (Merluccius capensis) muscle. The experiments were targeted on the effects of concentration and combined effects of additional additives on physicochemical characteristics and mechanical properties. RESULTS: As regards mechanical properties, the effectiveness of sodium alginate was improved by addition of a low concentration (1 g kg^?1) of calcium chloride (CaCl₂), whereas a higher concentration (10 g kg^?1) reduced the binding ability of the alginate. The presence of sodium caseinate (15 g kg^?1) in combination with microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) was important in helping to increase the work of penetration in fish gels induced at low temperature. Examination of the chemical properties of the muscle gels showed that sodium alginate did not establish covalent protein–protein bonds, while MTGase dramatically increased the number of covalent bonds formed between adjacent muscle proteins. CONCLUSION: With both ingredients, thermostable fish gels of good quality were produced at temperatures below 10 °C. Gels induced by sodium alginate were considerably improved by addition of 1 g kg^?1 CaCl₂. However, gels induced by MTGase were better suited for the preparation of restructured products. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

High pressure effect on the color of minced cured restructured ham at different levels of drying, pH, and NaCl

Color changes of minced cured restructured ham was studied considering the effects of high pressure (HP) treatment (600 MPa, 13 °C, 5 min), raw meat pH₂₄ (low, normal, high), salt content (15, 30 g/kg), and drying (20%, 50% weight loss). Raw hams were selected based on pH₂₄ in Semimembranosus, mixed with additives, frozen, sliced, and dried using the Quick-Dry-Slice® process. Meat color (CIE 1976 L*a*b*) and reflectance spectra were measured before and after HP treatment. HP significantly increased L*, decreased a*, and decreased b* for restructured ham dried to 20% weight loss, regardless of salt content and pH₂₄. L* and a* were best preserved in high pH/high salt restructured ham. HP had no effect on the color of restructured ham dried to 50% weight loss. HP had no effect on the shape of reflectance curves, indicating that the pigment responsible for minced cured restructured ham color did not change due to HP.     

Effect of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] protein isolates on the microbial transglutaminase‐mediated porcine myofibrillar protein gels at various salt concentrations

This study was performed to investigate the effects of mungbean protein isolates (MPI) as a meat/water binder on the MTGase‐mediated porcine myofibrillar protein (MP) gels at 0.15, 0.3, and 0.45 m salt concentrations. The general property of MP gel was evaluated by pH, cooking loss (CL) (%) and gel strength (gf). Protein–protein interactions among MPI, MTGase, and MP during cooking were also assessed using gel electrophoresis, thermal analysis and microstructure. When salt content was reduced, gel CL (%; P < 0.05) was increased while pH and gel strength (gf) values were decreased (P < 0.05). Addition of MTGase to MP increased pH, CL (%), and gel strength (gf) values, while co‐addition of MTGase and MPI induced synergistic effects on the MP gel strength (gf; ≥0.3 m salt concentration; P < 0.05). In scanning electron micrograph images, increase of salt concentrations made MP gels more swollen and interwoven or conglomerated, regardless of treatment. In conclusion, addition of MPI and MTGase strengthened gel‐forming ability and improved cooking yield of MP gel at salt concentration (≥0.3 m ).     

Effect of salt and transglutaminase (TG) level and processing conditions on quality characteristics of phosphate-free, cooked, restructured pork shoulder

Six treatments of phosphate-free restructured cooked pork shoulder were produced with two salt levels (2% and 1%) and three transglutaminase levels (0%, 0.075% and 0.15%) under two processing conditions (72 °C/65 min and 78 °C/65 min). Salt level significantly affected (p < 0.05) the chemical composition, the cooking losses, the colour, the sensory attributes and the overall acceptability of the product. Transglutaminase level affected (p < 0.05) only the consistency and the overall acceptability. The processing conditions on the contrary, affected the moisture and the protein content, the cooking losses, the consistency and the juiciness of restructured cooked pork shoulder. Transglutaminase can be used at a level of 0.15% with reduced salt level (1%) and processing at 72 °C/65 min to produce phosphate-free restructured cooked pork shoulder with acceptable sensory attributes.     

魔芋粉与黄原胶复配物对重组牛肉品质特性的影响

将转谷氨酰胺酶和酪蛋白酸钠作为重组牛肉使用的黏合剂,添加量为原料牛肉质量的1.2%(m/m)。为了改善重组牛肉的品质特性,在此基础上添加魔芋粉与黄原胶复合物,通过测定重组牛肉的粘结强度、剪切力、解冻损失、蒸煮损失、色差和质构来说明食用胶对重组牛肉加工特性的影响。研究结果表明,魔芋粉与黄原胶的比例为6:4,复合食品胶添加量为0.4%(m/m)时,重组牛肉的粘结强度最好(p<0.05),生肉和熟肉的剪切力均最低,改善了肉的嫩度,使得重组肉具有最好的粘结效果。      

Comparative study on protein cross-linking and gel enhancing effect of microbial transglutaminase on surimi from different fish

BACKGROUND: Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) has been used to increase the gel strength of surimi. Nevertheless, its effectiveness varies with fish species. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of MTGase at different levels on protein cross‐linking and gel property of surimi from threadfin bream, Indian mackerel and sardine in the presence and absence of endogenous transglutaminase. RESULT: Breaking force of all surimi gels increased as MTGase levels (0–0.6 U g^?1) increased except for threadfin bream surimi gel, where the breaking force decreased at 0.6 U g^?1 (P < 0.05). In the presence of EDTA, the gel strengthening effect was lower, suggesting the combined effect of endogenous transglutaminase with MTGase. With the addition of MTGase, the gel with the highest increase in breaking force showed highest decrease in myosin heavy chain. When cross‐linking activity of MTGase on natural actomyosin (NAM) was determined, the highest decreasing rate in ε‐amino group content with the concomitant increased formation of cross‐linked proteins was found in NAM from threadfin bream. The reactivity of muscle proteins toward MTGase‐induced cross‐linking was in agreement with surimi gel strengthening. CONCLUSION: The composition and properties of muscle proteins of varying fish species more likely determined protein cross‐linking induced by MTGase, thereby affecting their gel properties. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

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     

鹰嘴豆分离蛋白对减盐猪肉糜凝胶品质的影响

为探究鹰嘴豆分离蛋白(chickpea protein isolate, CPI)不同添加量对2种盐含量(质量分数1.4%和2%)猪肉糜凝胶品质的影响,将猪瘦肉与猪背膘斩拌成肉糜,分别设置不同盐含量和鹰嘴豆分离蛋白的处理组并加热制成凝胶。测定猪肉糜凝胶的色泽、乳化稳定性、质构、水分分布和流变特性。结果表明,在不添加鹰嘴豆分离蛋白的条件下,1.4%食盐质量分数的猪肉糜凝胶的汁液流失和硬度值显著高于2%食盐浓度的猪肉糜凝胶;相同食盐浓度条件下,随着CPI添加量的增加,猪肉糜凝胶的a^*值、b^*值、硬度、弹性、咀嚼性以及不易流动水比例均显著增加(P<0.05),动态流变储能模量G′值升高,汁液流失率显著降低(P<0.05),并在CPI添加量为1.2%时达到最大值或最小值;在相同CPI添加量条件下,1.4%食盐1.2%CPI的猪肉糜凝胶的储能模量G′值高于2%食盐1.2%CPI的猪肉糜凝胶,且2组凝胶的不易流动水比例、乳化稳定性、质构特性无显著差异(P>0.05)。综上,鹰嘴豆分离蛋白的添加能够在降低食盐用量的同时提升猪肉糜的凝胶品质...     

The effect of high pressure and residual oxygen on the color stability of minced cured restructured ham at different levels of drying,pH, and NaCl

Color stability of minced cured restructured ham was studied by considering the effects of high pressure (HP) (600 MPa, 13 °C, 5 min), raw meat pH₂₄ (low, normal, high), salt content (15, 30 g/kg), drying (20%, 50% weight loss), and residual oxygen level (0.02%–0.30%). Raw hams were selected by pH₂₄ in Semimembranosus, mixed with additives, frozen, sliced, and dried by the Quick-Dry-Slice® (QDS) process followed by HP treatment or not (control). Packaging and storage simulated industrial packaging: modified atmosphere containing 80% N₂, 20% CO₂, and residual O₂ in one of three intervals: < 0.1%, 0.1%–0.2%, or 0.2%–0.3%, and retail storage conditions: chill storage, 12 h light, 12 h darkness. HP improved the stability of the redness of 20% QDS hams, while the stabilizing effect on 50% QDS hams was smaller, concluding that water has the dominating role. Raw meat pH₂₄, salt content, and residual oxygen level had varying effects on the stability of the red color.     

Carcass and ham quality characteristics of heavy pigs from different genetic groups intended for the production of dry-cured hams

Carcass and ham quality characteristics of pig populations divided by harvest weights — HW (130 and 160 kg) were evaluated to determine the effects of gender (barrows and gilts) and distinct genetic groups — purebred (DUDU) and crossbred Duroc (DULA, DUWI and DULL) as well as purebred Large White (WIWI) on the suitability for use in dry-cured ham production. At 130 kg, DUDU pigs yielded the highest fat thickness of the ham (P < 0.01) and an intramuscular fat content (IMF) of 3.15% in Semimembranosus muscle (SM). DUDU pigs also had a SM pH_u of 5.7. This genetic group met the specifications for dry-cured ham production. No differences could be found in meat quality characteristics between genetic groups harvested at 160 kg. However at this HW, gilts produced significantly (P < 0.05) heavier and leaner hams compared to barrows.     

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.     

蒸汽—微波同步加热对排骨品质的影响

目的:探明排骨在蒸汽—微波同步加热过程中的变化规律。方法:采用蒸汽和微波组合同步加热,对处理后排骨的理化、质构、脂肪酸、氨基酸、蛋白总巯基和羰基含量进行研究。结果:与单独蒸制相比,蒸汽—微波同步加热可明显缩短烹饪时间,微波中低火(500 W)结合蒸汽(1300 W)加热(MS-13)缩短了48%的烹饪时间;与其他蒸汽—微波同步加热处理组相比,MS-13组排骨肉具有最高的水分含量、蛋白质含量和巯基含量,分别比单独蒸制组高5.91%,5.85%,101.60%,比微波组高14.55%,4.90%,19.78%;MS-13组排骨肉具有最低的脂肪含量和羰基含量,分别为单独蒸制组的91.87%和45.02%以及单独微波组的95.48%和67.18%;相对于新鲜样品,MS-13组样品不饱和脂肪酸相对含量明显增加。结论:微波中低火结合蒸汽加热13 min后的排骨肉具有较好的感官和营养品质。     

The influence of pork quality traits and muscle fiber characteristics on the eating quality of pork from various breeds

The purpose of this study was to compare parameters associated with pork quality, muscle fiber, and eating quality among various breeds, and to examine if differences in eating quality were associated to pork quality and muscle fiber characteristics. For carcass and pork quality, although there were significant differences among breeds, the values of parameters in all pigs were assigned a normal quality class, a likely outcome of the similarity in the area percentage of type I and IIB fibers. For eating quality, pork loins from Berkshire pigs were more tender and full of pork flavor than Landrace and Yorkshire pigs. Except juiciness and mouth coating, over 20% of the variability in the eating quality parameters can be explained by pork quality traits and muscle fiber characteristics using multiple regression analysis. Furthermore, differences in muscle pH_24 h, cooking loss, shear force, and NPPC marbling score could explain a large proportion of variation in eating quality parameters associated with the texture of pork.     

Effect of non-meat proteins on hydration and textural properties of pork meat gels enhanced with microbial transglutaminase

The combined effect of incorporation of four non-muscle proteins, NMP (blood plasma, BP; sodium caseinate, SC; soy protein isolate, SPI; gelatin, G) at 2 g/100 g levels on hydration and textural characteristics of pork gels processed without or with 0.6 g/100 g microbial transglutaminase preparation (MTG) was investigated. Addition of SC and BP most favourably affected hydration properties and thermal stability, yielding lower cooking loss and expressible moisture for pork gels. Interactions between NMP and MTG were observed. Improvement of gel strength by addition of transglutaminase was observed for treatments containing SC and BP but not G nor soy isolate. Of the four proteins tested SC was found to be a superior substrate for MTG in enhancing textural properties of a gelled meat system. None of the tested ingredients was able to yield gel cohesiveness equivalent to the control containing 8% muscle proteins. Results of this study indicate a potential for using MTG to improve or modify the functional and textural properties of investigated food proteins (SC and BP in particular) in comminuted meat products.