Microcentrifuge-Based Method for Measuring Water-Holding of Protein Gels

A method developed to measure water-holding properties of protein gels provides high precision and expanded analysis. A cylindrical gel sample was placed in an inner cell (which at its base contained a filter membrane) of a commercial microfiltration unit. The unit was then spun in a horizontal rotor microcentrifuge. Rates of water loss and degree of compression were determined. The rate of water loss could be modeled as the summation of two exponential decay functions. Degree of compression correlated with held-water. Gel rehydration ability and microstructure were used to study effects of centrifugal compression on gel structure.     

Capillary Pressure as Related to Water Holding in Polyacrylamide and Chicken Protein Gels

The ability of food gels to hold water affects product yield and organoleptic quality. Most researchers believe that water is held by capillarity such that gels having smaller mean pore diameter and a more hydrophilic surface hold water more tightly. To date, however, only qualitative evidence relating pore size to water holding (WH) properties has been provided. The present study sought to provide quantitative confirmation of this hypothesis. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with image analysis was used to measure pore size, and water contact angle with the gel surface was measured by the captive bubble method, in both model polyacrylamide gels and heat‐induced protein (minced chicken breast) gels. These were related to water lost during cooking of meat pastes to form gels (cooking loss (CL)), as well as water lost upon centrifugation (expressible water (EW)) or by capillary suction (CSL) of all prepared gels, as inverse measures of WH. As predicted by the Young–Laplace equation for calculating capillary pressure, the presumed mechanism of WH, gels with lower water losses exhibited a more hydrophilic surface (smaller contact angle). Yet, both lower CL and CSL correlated with larger mean pore diameter of gels, not smaller as had been expected. Polyacrylamide gels varied more in WH than did prepared meat gels, yet only the capillary suction method was sensitive enough to detect these differences. Practical Application: The ability of gels to hold water is important for economics of processing, food quality, and food safety. This study investigated the prevailing theory for how gels hold water, capillarity. Both the pore sizes of gel microstructures and the degree of hydrophilicity of the polymers comprising each gel were quantitatively assessed and related to water holding (WH) properties, and this was the first report using such methodologies. It appeared that the degree of hydrophilicity was much more important explaining WH properties than pore size, and that future research of this kind should be carried out.     

屠宰因素对肌肉保水性影响的研究进展

肉的保水性是肉的重要品质指标之一,与肌肉的其它品质指标如颜色、风味、嫩度等有着密切联系。研究肌肉保水性的影响因素对于改善肉的整体品质和减少因滴水损失造成的经济损失具有重要价值。影响肌肉保水性的因素很多,而目前国内相关研究很少,本文综述了近年来屠宰因素对肌肉保水性影响方面的国内外最新研究进展。     

不同解冻方式对秘鲁鱿鱼肌肉保水性和蛋白质氧化程度的影响

比较静水解冻、流水解冻、盐水解冻、空气解冻及冷藏解冻5种不同解冻方式及对秘鲁鱿鱼品质的影响。结果表明:流水解冻方式用时最短,其次是盐水解冻。5种不同解冻方式秘鲁鱿鱼的解冻损失率和蒸煮损失率差异极显著(P0.01),经冷藏解冻和盐水解冻后秘鲁鱿鱼的持水能力较高,而静水解冻和空气解冻对鱿鱼的保水性影响较大。低场核磁共振实验结果也证实,经冷藏解冻和盐水解冻后秘鲁鱿鱼的持水能力较高。样品解冻过程中,5种不同解冻方式鱿鱼在不同温度条件下其羰基含量、巯基含量和二聚酪氨酸含量差异极显著(P0.01)。综合蛋白质氧化指标,盐水解冻和冷藏解冻是最适宜的解冻方式。研究结果说明,解冻过程中肌肉保水性的下降和蛋白质氧化存在一定的关系。     

Protein‐Based Delivery Systems for the Nanoencapsulation of Food Ingredients

Many proteins possess functional attributes that make them suitable for the encapsulation of bioactive agents, such as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This article reviews the state of the art of protein‐based nanoencapsulation approaches. The physicochemical principles underlying the major techniques for the fabrication of nanoparticles, nanogels, and nanofibers from animal, botanical, and recombinant proteins are described. Protein modification approaches that can be used to extend their functionality in these nanocarrier systems are also described, including chemical, physical, and enzymatic treatments. The encapsulation, retention, protection, and release of bioactive agents in different protein‐based nanocarriers are discussed. Finally, some of the major challenges in the design and fabrication of protein‐based delivery systems are highlighted.     

Microencapsulation of Bifidobacterium bifidum F‐35 in Whey Protein‐Based Microcapsules by Transglutaminase‐Induced Gelation

Abstract: Bifidobacterium bifidum F‐35 was microencapsulated into whey protein microcapsules (WPMs) by a transglutaminase (TGase)‐induced method after optimization of gelation conditions. The performance of these WPMs was compared with that produced by a spray drying method (WPMs‐A). WPMs produced by the TGase‐induced gelation method (WPMs‐B) had larger and denser structures in morphological examinations. Native gel and SDS‐PAGE analyses showed that most of the polymerization observed in WPMs‐B was due to stable covalent crosslinks catalyzed by TGase. The degradation properties of these WPMs were investigated in simulated gastric juice (SGJ) with or without pepsin. In the presence of pepsin, WPMs‐A degraded more quickly than did WPMs‐B. Finally, survival rates of the microencapsulated cells in both WPMs were significantly better than that of free cells and varied with the microencapsulation method. However, WPMs‐B produced by TGase‐induced gelation could provide better protection for microencapsulated cells in low pH conditions and during 1 mo of storage at 4 °C or at ambient temperature.     

Effect of Actinidin on the Protein Solubility, Water Holding Capacity, Texture, Electrophoretic Pattern of Beef, and on the Quality Attributes of a Sausage Product

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to study the effect of actinidin, a sulfhydryl protease from kiwi fruit, on the protein solubility (nitrogen solubility index [NSI]), water holding capacity (WHC), texture, and SDS–PAGE pattern of beef and to evaluate the effect of pretreatment of beef with actinidin on the quality attributes of a sausage product. Actinidin was partially purified by precipitation with ammonium sulfate, followed by DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography. Actinidin significantly ( P < 0.05) increased NSI and WHC of beef; the highest NSI and WHC (approximately 20% and 8% increase, respectively) was observed when beef was incubated with 0.9 unit enzyme/g beef. Texture analysis indicated increased tenderization (10% decrease in shear force) when slices of cattle beef were treated with actinidin at 37 °C for 2 h. SDS–PAGE results indicated appearance of several low molecular weight bands (<10 kDa) after treating beef with different levels of actinidin for 30 or 60 min. Slight changes in protein band in the range of 100 to 120 kDa and 13 to 25 kDa were also observed. Use of actinidin-tenderized beef significantly improved emulsion stability, texture, and organoleptic properties of the sausage product.     

食品发酵工业的废水处理与节水节能

本文介绍了日本食品发酵工业废水处理的现状和采用的各种节水节能方法。     

Extrusion modifies some physicochemical properties of milk protein concentrate for improved performance in high‐protein nutrition bars

BACKGROUND

Extruded and ground milk protein concentrate powders, specifically those with 800 g kg^–1 protein (i.e. MPC80), imparted softness, cohesion and textural stability to high‐protein nutrition (HPN) bars. The present study evaluated some physicochemical properties of extruded and conventionally produced (i.e. spray‐dried) MPC80 to explain these improvements. Protein chemical changes and aggregations within MPC80‐formulated HPN bars during storage were characterized.

RESULTS

Extruded MPC80 powders had broader particle size distribution (P < 0.05) and smaller volume‐weighted mean diameter (P < 0.05) than the spray‐dried control. Loose, tapped and particle densities increased (P < 0.05) and correspondingly occluded and interstitial air volumes decreased (P < 0.05) after extruding and milling MPC80. Extrusion decreased water holding capacity (P < 0.05) and solubility (P < 0.05), yet improved the wettability (P < 0.05) of MPC80. MPC80 free sulfhydryl (P < 0.05) and free amine (P < 0.05) concentrations decreased after extrusion. Sulfhydryl and amine concentrations changed (P < 0.05) and disulfide‐linked and, more prominently, Maillard‐induced aggregates developed during HPN bar storage.

CONCLUSION

Extrusion and milling together changed the physicochemical properties of MPC80. Chemical changes and protein aggregations occurred in HPN bars prepared with either type of MPC80. Thus, the physicochemical properties of the formulating powder require consideration for desired HPN bar texture and stability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Interaction of Guar and Xanthan Gums with Starch in the Gels Obtained from Normal,Waxy and High‐amylose Corn Starches

The objectives of the present study were to analyze the chemical interactions between guar and xanthan gums and starches. Gels were obtained from normal (NCS), waxy (WCS) and high‐amylose (HACS) corn starches containing gums. The gels were evaluated according to their pasting properties and infra‐red absorption. The guar (GG) and xanthan (XG) gums affected the properties of the NCS paste more significantly than those of the WCS paste. In the infra‐red absorption spectra, no covalent bonds between the starches and gums were observed under the conditions studied, so probably the only interactions occurring between them were hydrogen bonds.     

Solid‐State Protein–Carbohydrate Interactions and Their Application in the Food Industry

The growing interest in food component interactions, especially the solid‐state protein–carbohydrate ones, has led to a growing body of knowledge on the effects of these interactions on the physical, chemical, and structural properties of compositionally complex food systems. The goal of the present review is to survey the critical mechanisms involved in protein–carbohydrate interactions as a key step toward the rational formulation and processing of protein‐ and carbohydrate‐rich foods to produce products with desirable properties without adverse reactions. The hypotheses proposed on the stabilizing effects of carbohydrates on proteins and the role of different types of sugars in the extent of these interactions are reviewed in this article. Another aspect of this review involves the successful drying of proteins by spray‐drying, freeze‐drying, and supercritical‐fluid‐drying using carbohydrates. Finally, applications of these interesting phenomena to produce important food products including milk powder, infant formulas, bakery products, and fruit and vegetable juice powders are investigated.     

Effects of β‐glucans on properties of soya bean protein isolate thermal gels

The effects of concentration and molecular weight of oat β‐glucans on properties of soya bean protein isolate (SPI) thermal gels prepared by heating at 90℃for 30 min were investigated. Compared with control (free of β‐glucan) formulations, the presence of β‐glucans (0.5–1.5%, w/v) largely enhanced storage modulus (G′) and texture properties of SPI (12%, w/v) thermal gels measured by dynamic oscillatory rheometry and texture profile analysis, which were developed as increasing β‐glucan concentration and molecular weight. It is possible that β‐glucans could cause the formation of protein aggregates to produce gels through hydrophobic interactions. Mixed gel systems at low ionic strength showed higher G′ resulting from the lower denaturation temperature of SPI, which was beneficial to the formation of gel structure. In addition, although adding a certain amount of β‐glucan into SPI reduced water‐holding capacity of mixed gels, high molecular weight of β‐glucan improved their water‐holding capacity compared to control formulations attributed to the improvement of the structural integrity of the mixed gel network.     

板栗冷藏和沙藏处理中蛋白质、水分、糖和淀粉含量的变化

测定冷藏和沙藏两种贮藏方式不同贮藏期板栗的蛋白质、还原糖、淀粉和水分的含量,结果表明：两种贮藏方式对板栗的蛋白质含量的变化有显著性影响,对还原糖、淀粉和水分的变化影响不显著;各个贮藏期中蛋白质和水分的变化不显著,淀粉和还原糖的变化显著.     

Influence of rapid chilling on biochemical parameters governing the water‐holding capacity of pork longissimus dorsi

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rapid chilling (RC) of carcasses on the quality of pork longissimus dorsi (LD) compared to conventional chilling (CC). Carcasses subjected to RC were chilled at ?20 °C for 1.5 h and then moved to 4 °C until 24 h post‐mortem, while carcasses that were CC were placed directly in a chill at 4 °C for 24 h post‐mortem. RC accelerated the rates of temperature decline post‐mortem (P < 0.01) and increased pH values at 1.5 and 8 h post‐mortem (P < 0.05). RC could significantly decrease the denaturation of myosin and sarcoplasmic proteins during post‐mortem ageing. Samples of RC had a significant lower purge loss compared to CC group during post‐mortem ageing (P < 0.05). Our study implies that RC could influence the biochemical changes of pork LD which may further regulate water‐holding capacity during post‐mortem ageing.     

Effects of Phosphates and Salt in Ground Raw and Cooked Farmed Cod (Gadus morhua) Muscle Studied by the Water Holding Capacity (WHC), and Supported by 31P-NMR Measurements

ABSTRACT:  A model system consisting of ground farmed cod muscle (80%, w/w) and added brine (20%, w/w) with different content and combinations of salt (0% and 3% in brine) and phosphorus compounds (mono-, di-, tri- and hexametaphosphates; 0% and 3% in brine) was used to simulate industrial brining of muscle foods. Individual phosphorus component concentrations and breakdown as function of time (0, 23 h) were analyzed using ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy. The effects of salt and phosphate on water holding capacity (WHC) were measured at similar sampling times, and interrelations between phosphorous components determined by NMR and WHC were established. Addition of salt led to a significant increase (+18%) in WHC, and the combined effect of salt and phosphates was even more pronounced (+29%). The positive effect of triphosphate and salt on WHC was also seen after cooking (+36% in raw and +41% in cooked cod muscle, relative to control), although NMR analysis showed a rapid breakdown of di- and triphosphates.     

Energy and protein requirements of growing Nili‐Ravi buffalo heifers in tropical environment

Thirty Nili‐Ravi buffalo heifers (average initial weight 119 kg) were used to assess energy and protein requirements for maintenance and growth. The calves were randomly divided into six equal groups and were fed six diets consisting of three levels of energy (55%, 60% and 65% total digestible nutrient—TDN) in ration and two levels of protein (10% and 12% crude protein—CP) in ration in factorial arrangement ad libitum until they attained 400 kg body weight. Energy and protein requirements at different stages of growth were estimated by partitioning of the metabolizable energy (ME), CP and metabolizable protein (MP) intake for maintenance and body weight gain by regression analysis. All of the multiple regression equations derived for different body weight ranges were highly significant (P < 0.01) and had high R² values. The ME (kJ), CP (g) and MP (g) requirements for maintenance at different body weights were 443–542, 5.89–9.38 and 4.03–6.30 kg^?0.75 d^?1. The respective values for average daily gain in body weight (ADG) were 26–53, 0.24–0.48 and 0.18–0.31 g^?1 ADG d^?1. The predicted requirements matched well with their corresponding actual intake values across the data range. Regressed values were used to develop new feeding standards for buffalo heifers. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

高剪切分散乳化技术对大豆分离蛋白凝胶中水分状态的影响

为了探讨高剪切分散乳化技术(High shear dispersing emulsification technology,HSDE)对TG酶诱导的大豆分离蛋白(Soy protein isolate,SPI)凝胶中水分状态的影响,本文采用低场核磁共振技术从水分分布、水分迁移、持水能力三个方面研究高剪切分散乳化技术对大豆分离蛋白凝胶体系中水分状态影响机制。结果表明:HSDE技术处理后制成的凝胶,其结合水的流动性增加了,但是自由水的流动性是降低的,剪切后凝胶中的自由水和结合水会发生向不易流动水迁移的现象。从成像图中可以看出剪切处理能使凝胶中水分分布均匀。从相关性角度分析,剪切与T21、T22、T23表现为极显著负相关,与凝胶的持水性呈正相关。在持水性探索过程中发现,HSDE技术能够提高TG酶诱导的大豆蛋白凝胶持水能力,在贮存过程中,HSDE技术能显著提高凝胶持水性。     

Nitrite-cured color and phosphate-mediated water binding of pork muscle proteins as affected by calcium in the curing solution

Calcium is a mineral naturally present in water and may be included into meat products during processing thereby influencing meat quality. Phosphates improve myofibril swelling and meat water-holding capacity (WHC) but can be sensitive to calcium precipitation. In this study, pork shoulder meat was used to investigate the impact of calcium at 0, 250, and 500 ppm and phosphate type [sodium pyrophosphate (PP), tripolyphosphate (TPP), and hexametaphopshate (HMP)] at 10 mM on nitrite-cured protein extract color at various pH levels (5.5, 6.0, and 6.5) and crude myofibril WHC at pH 6.0. Neither calcium nor phosphates present in the curing brines significantly affected the cured color. Increasing the pH tended to promote the formation of metmyoglobin instead of nitrosylmyoglobin. The ability of PP to enhance myofibril WHC was hampered (P < 0.05) by increasing the calcium concentration due to PP precipitation. Calcium also decreased the solubility of TPP but did not influence its enhancement of WHC. On the other hand, HMP was more tolerant of calcium but the soluble Ca-HMP complex was less effective than free HMP to promote water binding by myofibrils. The depressed muscle fiber swelling responding to added calcium as evidenced by phase contrast microscopy substantiated, to a certain extent, the deleterious effect of calcium, suggesting that hardness of curing water can significantly affect the quality of cured meat products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Although not affecting nitrite-cured color, calcium hampers the efficacy of phosphates to promote water binding by muscle proteins, underscoring the importance of water quality for brine-enhanced meat products.     

Water‐holding capacity of insoluble fibre decreases free water and elevates digesta viscosity in the rat

BACKGROUND: The relationships between possible physiological properties of insoluble fibre and the viscosity of digesta are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of insoluble fibres with different water‐holding capacity, swelling, oil‐holding capacity and cation exchange capacity on gastric, small intestinal and caecal contents in rats fed a semi‐purified diet containing either no fibre (control), 50 g kg^?1 tossa jute fibre or 50 g kg^?1 shiitake fibre. RESULTS: The water‐holding capacity, swelling, oil‐holding capacity and cation exchange capacity of insoluble fibres of tossa jute were higher than those of shiitake (P < 0.001). The order of the viscosities of digesta was control group < shiitake fibre group < tossa jute fibre group in gastric, small intestinal and caecal contents (P < 0.05). The digesta viscosity at a shear rate of 40 s^?1 was strongly correlated with the free water content of digesta (r = ? 0.89; P < 0.01). The free water content of digesta depended on the water‐holding capacity of insoluble fibres represented as a linear function with negative slope (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The viscosity of digesta depends on the free water content, and this is reduced by fibre that holds water and can swell. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry