Proteolytic processing of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and biochemical characterisation of hydrolysates

Research on fish composition has demonstrated that they constitute a promising source of molecules with health benefits. In the present study, Atlantic mackerel ( Scomber scombrus ) was processed using Protamex® and the distribution of nutrients in various fractions obtained following membrane filtration was analysed. The fish starting material was approximately 84% water and the dry matter contained 42.7% proteins, 45.2% lipids and 5.6% minerals. The recovery of fish dry matter in the liquid hydrolysate was 77.8%. Most of the fractions were protein-enriched and characterised by a well-balanced amino acid composition, notably in terms of the most essential amino acids and by molecules of relatively low molecular weight (≤42 kDa). Even before process optimising, the biochemical and nutritional analyses indicate that the Atlantic mackerel may provide high-value products for future applications in the health and food sectors.     

Influence of feeding state and frozen storage temperature on the lipid stability of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Lipid deterioration of mackerel caught in Icelandic waters was studied, as affected by different frozen storage temperatures (?18 °C vs. ?25 °C) and seasonal variation (August vs. September). The lipid stability was investigated by analyses of hydroperoxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), free fatty acids, as well as changes in fatty acid composition. Results showed significant lipid deterioration with extended storage time, where the lower storage temperature showed significantly more protective effects. Furthermore, a higher lipid oxidation level was recorded for fish caught in September than in August, although lipid hydrolysis occurred to be greater for fish in August than in September. Moreover, results indicated a rather stable level of omega‐3 fatty acid during the whole frozen storage period. The analysis indicated that both lipid oxidation and hydrolysis were affected by the frozen storage temperature and the stability differed with regard to season of catch.     

Evolution of the indigenous microbiota in modified atmosphere packaged Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) identified by conventional and molecular methods

A combination of conventional methods and genetic identification (PCR sequencing) was used to study the dynamics of the bacterial population during the spoilage of modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) fillets. The cultivable microflora in Atlantic horse mackerel samples packaged in a modified atmosphere (48% CO₂, 50% N₂ and 2% O₂) at refrigeration temperature (6 °C) was measured on days 1, 5 and 7 using non-selective (Long and Hammer agar) and selective media (Kligler's iron agar, STAA and MRS). The microflora was genetically characterised using partial amplification of 16S rRNA gene sequences from 309 bacterial isolates obtained from Long and Hammer agar. At the end of the shelf life (5 days), the total viable counts (TVC) on Long and Hammer agar were not significantly different to the LAB counts on MRS agar (p > 0.05). The molecular approach showed that Photobacterium, Arthrobacter, Chryseobacterium and Pseudoclavibacter (44.5% of total) dominated the microbial composition of the fish at the beginning of storage. However, Serratia, Shewanella and Yersinia dominated at the late spoilage stages (over 57.2% of the total). Carnobacterium was the most important species of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and was identified at the beginning and end of the storage period. Vibrio spp. was only found at the end of the shelf life. This research demonstrates that the microbial biodiversity in MAP Atlantic horse mackerel is enormous and the dominant species change over the storage time. The results presented here on the dominant communities in fish products will make it possible to accurately select the best preservation practices.     

Non-dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls in mackerel (Scomber scombrus) available on the Serbian market

Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but this fish may be contaminated with environmental pollutants. The aim of this study was to evaluate concentrations of non-dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl-PCBs) in 160 samples of mackerel available on the Serbian market. Average and maximum ndl-PCB concentrations were 7.9 ng/g and 74 ng/g, respectively. A higher average level of ndl-PCBs was found in mackerel from Spain, but this was still three times lower than the permitted level. We conclude that levels of ndl-PCBs in mackerel available on the Serbian market are acceptable.     

Thermostable Water Dispersions of Myofibrillar Proteins from Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

A process for preparation of a thermostable, low viscosity water dispersion of myofibrillar proteins from Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) was developed. The comminuted meat was washed sequentially with cold water, a bicarbonate solution, and cold water. It was then homogenized in ice-cold water. Apparent viscosity of the dispersion depended on protein concentration and temperature. Lowering pH to 3.7 by acetic acid reduced viscosity of the dispersion which remained unchanged irrespective of temperature. The proteins did not precipitate upon heating to 100° followed by centrifugation at 5000 xg for 15 min, even in the presence of 50 mM NaCl solution. However, increasing pH of the acidified solution resulted in precipitation of proteins. Acetic acid also prevented separation of water upon centrifugation of heated dispersion.     

The effect of frozen storage of mackerel (Scomber scombrus) on its quality when hot-smoked

Whole mackerel (Scomber scombrus) were frozen using a horizontal plate freezer, wrapped in plastic bags and frozen stored at - 20°C. At suitable intervals (11, 22 and 33 weeks) the fish were removed from the cold store and subsequently hot smoked (in gutted from) using an AFOS-Torry Mini Kiln. All smoked mackerel samples, despite their different previous histories, were assessed by the panellists as moderately acceptable products in- terms of their texture and flavour, even after 33 weeks frozen storage prior to smoking. Protein denaturation, as related to salt-soluble protein, was influenced by the frozen storage history (24% drop after 33 weeks frozen storage) and seemed to be affected by the free amino acids formed during frozen storage. After smoking the denaturation was extensive (above 80%) in all mackerel samples. Lipid oxidation was quite extensive (PV 108 meq kg^?1) in the 22 and 33 weeks frozen stored mackerel samples. However, no rancid flavour in the latter smoked mackerel samples was detected by taste panellists. A 58% increase in free amino acids during frozen storage was observed. Extensive losses of 74% in available lysine were observed in the 22 and 33 weeks frozen stored mackerel samples after smoking which could be due to aminocarbonyl reactions with the products of lipid oxidation. A 40% loss of thiamine was observed in the 33 weeks frozen stored samples after smoking. The histamine contents did not exceed 94 mg kg^?1 and would not be expected to cause symptoms of scombrotoxin poisoning.     

Quality of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) Fillets during Modified Atmosphere Storage

Sensory, physical, biochemical and microbial quality were investigated in mackerel fillets stored under CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at -2°C for 21 days. Packaging gas composition remained constant during storage. An experienced sensory panel found seaweedy and cucumber-like odors (raw) decreased whereas sourness corresponded with lactic acid bacteria increase. Both sensory (raw) fillet ‘yellowness’ and Hunter ‘b’ values increased. Visual (cooked) moistness and expressible fluid decreased but no difference was found in cooking losses. Small increases in total volatile base-nitrogen and trimethylamine-nitrogen paralleled aerobic plate counts; ethanol increased linearly. Coliforms, yeasts and molds were detected at < 10 CFU/g. CO₂ MAP storage at – 2°C can maintain Grade 1 shelf-life extension for ≥ 21 days     

The effects of freeze-drying and storage on the FT-Raman spectra of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)

FT-Raman spectroscopy was undertaken for quantitative characterization of lipids in horse mackerel (Trachurus Trachurus) and Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Peroxide value of fish lipids and protein extractability of the fish lipids and muscles were also measured by titration and Bradford assay, respectively.     

Effect of lipid oxidation and frozen storage on muscle proteins of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

The effect of storage on the lipids and proteins in Atlantic mackerel stored for up to 24 months at ?20 and ?30 °C was studied. Traditional methods including the peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) and a reverse phase HPLC method were used to determine the primary and secondary lipid oxidation products. All tests showed an increase in lipid oxidation products with storage time and at a higher storage temperature of ?20 °C compared with samples stored at ?30 °C. Antioxidants had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on the inhibition of lipid oxidation, as shown by the reduction in peroxide value and hydroxides, and malondialdehyde formation. Similarly, deterioration of protein structure and functionality in mackerel stored for 3, 6, 12 and 24 months was greater at ?20 than ?30 °C. ATPase activity in the myosin extract of Atlantic mackerel showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) with progressive frozen storage. Protein solubility in high salt concentration (0.6 M NaCl) decreased (P < 0.01) during storage at both ?20 and ?30 °C but was greater at ?20 °C. Interestingly, antioxidants BHT, vitamin C and vitamin E protected the proteins against complete loss of ATPase activity and protein solubility to a significant level (P < 0.01) for up to 1 year at ?20 °C compared with samples stored without antioxidants. This study confirms the deleterious effect of lipid oxidation products on protein structure and function in frozen fatty fish. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

PCR-based methodology for the authentication of the Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus in commercial canned products

A multiplex-PCR assay for the authentication of the Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus in commercial canned products has been developed. This novel method consists of a S. scombrus-specific fragment (123 bp) corresponding to the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5, and a positive amplification control corresponding to the small rRNA 12S subunit (188 bp). The system was assayed using six different canned products labeled as S. scombrus. We observed a positive identification in all samples, revealing this methodology as a potential molecular tool for direct application in the authentication of S. scombrus canned products.     

Inhibition of mackerel (Scomber scombrus) muscle lipoxygenase by green tea polyphenols

The high polyunsaturated fatty acid content of oily fish such as mackerel (Scomber scombrus) makes it particularly susceptible to oxidative degradation. We have shown previously the presence of lipoxygenase (LOX), a lipid oxygenase, in mackerel muscle. In the current study, commercially available green tea polyphenols were shown to effectively inhibit the LOX activity of mackerel muscle. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) was the strongest inhibitor tested with an IC₅₀ (concentration for half maximal inhibition) value of 0.13 nM. All the tea catechins showed a mixed non-competitive type inhibition. In addition, antioxidants such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), esculetin, caffeic acid, ascorbic acid, and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) were effective to varying degrees (IC₅₀ values between 0.02 and >50 μM) in the inhibition of mackerel muscle LOX. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a classical LOX inhibitor and potassium cyanide (KCN), a heme protein inhibitor were assayed for their inhibitory activities for comparison.Post harvest spoilage of fish account for loss of as much as 10% of the world’s catches of cultured fish. This data indicates that the green tea polyphenols, nature’s very potent antioxidants, may be used as an effective and natural means of reducing post harvest spoilage in fish.     

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Oil from Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and Protein Functionality

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extraction temperature and pressure for oil removal from freeze-dried, fall Atlantic mackerel muscle were optimized. The effect of extraction conditions on pH and water-binding potential (WBP) of the protein residue was evaluated. For the temperature range (35–55°C) and pressure interval (20.7–34.5 MPa), 34.5 MPa/35°C gave highest oil yield and concentration of ω-3 fatty acids. SC-CO₂ extraction at higher pressure levels caused slight decreases in protein residue pH. WBP of residual proteins was maximal at 1.49g H₂O/g protein for 34.5 MPa/45°C. The high lipid removal and retention of protein functionality in the residue after oil extraction may make such processes useful for future food applications.     

Effect of Smoking on the Proximate Composition of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Fall (fat) and spring (lean) Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) were both used in a study of the effects of “hot” smoking on proximate composition. The AFOS-Torry Mini Kiln and the method described in Advisory Note No. 82, Torry Research Station, Aberdeen, Scotland were employed. For particular comparisons both nonsmoked and smoked fish were taken from the same identical catch. The overall process resulted in an approximately 10% loss of protein. This was offset by the moisture loss, twice as much in the lean fish as in the fatter fish. The much higher fat content in and under the skin of fall fish acted as a protective barrier during smoking and helped diminish the moisture loss. The overall process, which included brining, led to an elevation of salt content.     

12‐Lipoxygenase activity in the muscle tissue of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and its prevention by antioxidants

Lipoxygenase was prepared from Atlantic mackerel muscle using differential centrifugation, ammonium sulphate precipitation and gel permeation (phenyl Sephadex G‐50) column chromatography. The crude lipoxygenase enzyme preparation was characterised by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), which showed two prominent bands with molecular weights of 119 and 125 kDa. Fractions collected from the chromatography column were tested for enzyme activity by reacting with arachidonic acid and determining the production of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12‐HETE) using reverse phase HPLC and GC–MS. The 12‐HETE peak was absent from the fresh arachidonic acid control sample and from arachidonic acid treated with heat‐inactivated lipoxygenase. Esculetin, a known inhibitor of lipoxygenase, inhibited the production of 12‐HETE from the reaction of lipoxygenase with arachidonic acid, thus confirming that the enzyme was lipoxygenase. The HETE peak was partially reduced in the presence of antioxidants, namely synthetic butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and natural antioxidants vitamins C and E. The presence of lipoxygenase in Atlantic mackerel muscle indicates the possibility that the lipid oxidation mechanism is initiated enzymatically in chilled and frozen stored fillets of mackerel and that this oxidative deterioration could be inhibited by antioxidants (BHT, vitamins C and E) which are used widely in the food industry. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Oil and Residual Proteins from Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) as Affected by Moisture Content

Lipid composition of supercritical CO₂ (SC-CO₂) extracts, residual oil in muscle and changes in sarcoplasmic proteins after extraction of Atlantic mackerel were characterized. Dehydration of the muscle to 10.2% (w/w) resulted in high oil yield with minimum changes in protein content and composition. Sarcoplasmic protein content of fish muscle following SC-CO₂ treatment was lower than that of original muscles at all moisture levels (3.8–64%, w/w). Analysis of sarcoplasmic proteins by capillary electrophoresis indicated aggregation of low molecular weight proteins during SC-CO₂ extraction. SC-CO₂-extracted muscle also had lighter color than original samples. The SC-CO₂ extraction showed potential to provide high quality oil and protein meal.     

The effects of rosemary extract combination with vacuum packing on the quality changes of Atlantic mackerel fish burgers

The effects of the use of antioxidant technology on the quality of mackerel burgers stored at 4 °C were investigated in terms of sensory, biochemical [thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acids (FFA)] and microbiological analyses [total viable count (TVC)]. Fish meat was divided into three groups; the control (C) without rosemary extract, the second group with 0.4% rosemary extracts (Group A) and the third with 0.8% rosemary extracts (Group B). Results showed that the TVB‐N level did not exceed acceptability limit (30–35 mg 100 g^?1) for all groups. TBA value for the control significantly increased from 1.47 to 4.80 MA kg^?1 whereas it slightly increased in treatment groups as the storage time increased. Significantly higher PV and FFA (P < 0.05) were obtained from the control group. Rosemary extract, in combination with vacuum pack was effective in controlling the growth of bacteria and biochemical indices.     

Effect of low-dose irradiation and refrigeration on the microflora, sensory characteristics and biogenic amines of Atlantic horse mackerel (trachurus trachurus)

Fresh Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) were gamma irradiated at 1 and 3 kGy, and stored in ice for 23 days. Quality changes during ice storage at 0±1 °C were followed by sensory analysis and the determination of total viable count, histamine, cadaverine, putrescine, tyramine, agmatine, spermidine, trimethylamine and volatile basic nitrogen contents. The control lot had a sensory shelf life of 8 days, whereas those of the irradiated lots were extended by 4 days. TVCs and levels of amines increased in all lots with storage time, their contents being significantly reduced by irradiation, even when the lower level (1 kGy) was used. Histamine in the irradiated lots was undetectable when the fish was spoiled at the end of 23 days, whereas in the control lot, the concentration did not exceeded the maximum allowed in fresh fish (100 mg/kg). Presumptive identification of microorganisms gave a majority aerobic or facultative Gram-negative anaerobic rods being Gram-positive bacteria circa 10–18% in irradiated samples. Chemical indices were shown to be unsuitable for the determination of the quality changes in irradiated fish.     

Damage inhibition during refrigerated storage of mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets by a presoaking in quince (Cydonia oblonga) polyphenolic extract

The effect of quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) polyphenolic extract on preserving mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets during refrigerated (4 °C) storage for 11 days was investigated. The quince extract, mainly consisted of procyanidin B dimer (50.8%) and hydroxycinnamic acids (36.62%), was found to quench 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radicals by nearly 59.3%. As deduced from the lower peroxide value of the fillet fat fraction and the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation, the quince extract (8.9 ± 0.4 mg phenolics mL^?1) was found to prevent fish oil from oxidative deterioration compared to control samples. Moreover, the extract was found to be active for in vitro inhibiting the growth of a range of food‐borne bacteria, including Vibrio fluvialis, a halophilic bacterium responsible for a relevant number of sporadic gastroenteritis attributed to contaminated seafood. The minimal inhibition and bactericide concentration (MIC, MBC) values were about 0.37–1.2 mg of polyphenols mL^?1. In a second experiment, following cold smoking of fillets, sensory attributes firmness, astringency, acidity, colour and odour were analysed. The use of multivariate statistical methods (cluster analysis and principal component analysis) revealed no significant differences between samples pre‐treated and non‐pre‐treated (control) with the quince‐phenolic extract.     

Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment (HHPT) on Quality and Shelf Life of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

The ability of high hydrostatic pressure treatment (HHPT) to extend the shelf life of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) was assessed in this study. For that purpose, fillets were subjected to pressure treatments at 200, 300, 400 MPa at 5, 10, 15 °C for 5 and 15 min. The influence of pressure treatments on the levels of trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) as well as color changes was investigated. The suitable combinations were determined as 200 MPa, 15 °C for 5 min. and 400 MPa, 5 °C for 5 min. In the second stage, the shelf life of samples, which were treated at these conditions, stored at 4?±?0.5 °C were studied by monitoring pH, color, sensorial features (appearance and odor), TMA-N, TBA, total volatile basic nitrogen, histamine, and total mesophilic aerobic count. The unpressurized mackerel samples were acceptable up to only 7 days compared to 17 and 19 days after 200 and 400 MPa treatments; respectively. The results obtained in this study showed that HHPT in combination with chilled storage can improve the shelf life and quality of fish.     

Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus, L): Seasonal Variation in Proximate Composition and Distribution of Chemical Nutrients

The chemical components of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) were investigated. An average of 53.5% of the fish consisted of edible portions, with more than 16% protein. PER values for raw and cooked muscles were 3.7 and 3.1, respectively, with casein being 2.5. The amino acid profile indicated equal or above average values for the essential amino acids when compared to casein. Lipid levels varied seasonally with the moisture content in various edible portions. A 1:3 ratio of saturated to polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed in this species. Sodium levels were 0.07% on a wet basis which suggests inclusion of this species in low sodium diets.