Water distribution and mobility in meat during the conversion of muscle to meat and ageing and the impacts on fresh meat quality attributes — A review

Transformation of highly marbled meats under various cooking processes

Cooking induces modifications in meat structure and composition, affecting its sensory and nutritional properties. These changes depend on the cooking method and meat characteristics. In the present study, beef were cooked in three different ways-grilling, boiling, and sous-vide cooking-with two endpoint temperatures, 55 °C and 77 °C, to better understand the general impact of cooking on the structure of fatty meat. Light microscopy was used to visualize muscle, connective, and adipose tissues. After cooking, muscle fibers were more compact, which can be attributed to perimysium shrinkage and water transfer, for all cooking processes except grilling at 55 °C. The cross-sectional area of muscle fibers was not impacted by cooking, regardless of the temperature or cooking method. Connective tissue between adipocytes was affected by cooking at 77 °C, but not at 55 °C. Despite the cooking method used, cooking to well-done (77 °C) clearly affected the structure of the perimysium of beef, possibly because of collagen denaturation.

Effects of Boiling Processing on Texture of Scallop Adductor Muscle and Its Mechanism

The objective of this study was to reveal the effects of boiling processing on the texture of scallop adductor muscle (SAM) and its mechanism. Compared to the fresh sample, all the texture indicators, including the hardness, chewiness, springiness, resilience, cohesiveness, and shear force of 30-s- and 3-min-boiled SAMs increased time-dependently (p < 0.05). As the boiling time increased further to 15 min, the shear force and cohesiveness still increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the resilience and hardness were maintained (p > 0.05), but the springiness and chewiness decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The overall increase in the texture indicators of the boiled SAMs was due to the boiling-induced protein denaturation, aggregation, and increased hydrophobicity, resulting in the longitudinal contraction and lateral expansion of myofibrils, the longitudinal contraction and lateral cross-linked aggregation of muscle fibers, and the loss of free water. However, the decreasing springiness and chewiness of the 15-min-boiled SAMs was due to the significant degradation of proteins (especially collagen), resulting in the destruction of the connective tissue between the muscle fiber clusters. Both from a subjective sensory point of view and from the objective point of view of protein denaturation and degradation, 3-min-boiled SAMs are recommended. The quality improvement of thermally processed products by controlled, moderate cooking is of practical value from the perspective of food consumption.

Effect of packaging and storage conditions on some quality traits of bovine meat

Packaging is considered one of the most interesting technological aspects of food production and is a constantly evolving subject in food production. The type of packaging is important for the quality and safety of the product and for the visual appearance of the product to be immediately evaluated by consumers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of four different types of modified atmosphere packaging (ATM) and vacuum packaging (VP) currently used by a company in central Italy, on the main qualitative characteristics of beef. For these two traditional and two new solutions with reduced environmental impact and compostable were evaluated. For each type of packaging, two different products were analyzed: steaks and hamburgers. The samples, immediately after production, were transported to the laboratory in refrigerated containers. Several parameters (color, pH, water holding capacity, drip loss, and microbiological characteristics) were evaluated at time 0 and after 7 (T7), 14 (T14) and 21 days (T21) of storage in the dark and at refrigeration temperature (+4°C ± 2°C). The results showed that the two types of packaging have very similar effects on the water-retaining capacity of the steaks. More noticeable differences were recorded by the colorimetric analysis: for both steaks and hamburgers, the products packaged in the traditional packaging appeared brighter and redder than those packaged in the new alternatives. The microbiological analysis of the steaks showed higher values in the “new” packaging. The formation of abundant ropy slime was observed in one of the samples in the “new” modified atmosphere package at T21. The results of this study showed that the technological characteristics (in particular, the color) and the microbiological characteristics of the steaks and hamburgers were better in “old” packaging, with a better appearance and a longer shelf life. The results obtained show how the research for eco-sustainable products for packaging must be addressed, taking into account the effect of the materials on the qualitative and hygienic- sanitary characteristics of the meat.

Consumer Perception of Beef Quality and How to Control, Improve and Predict It? Focus on Eating Quality

Quality refers to the characteristics of products that meet the demands and expectations of the end users. Beef quality is a convergence between product characteristics on one hand and consumers’ experiences and demands on the other. This paper reviews the formation of consumer beef quality perception, the main factors determining beef sensory quality, and how to measure and predict beef eating quality at scientific and industrial levels. Beef quality is of paramount importance to consumers since consumer perception of quality determines the decision to purchase and repeat the purchase. Consumer perception of beef quality undergoes a multi-step process at the time of purchase and consumption in order to achieve an overall value assessment. Beef quality perception is determined by a set of quality attributes, including intrinsic (appearance, safety, technological, sensory and nutritional characteristics, convenience) and extrinsic (price, image, livestock farming systems, commercial strategy, etc.) quality traits. The beef eating qualities that are the most valued by consumers are highly variable and depend mainly on the composition and characteristics of the original muscle and the post-mortem processes involved in the conversion of muscle into meat, the mechanisms of which are summarized in this review. Furthermore, in order to guarantee good quality beef for consumers in advance, the prediction of beef quality by combining different traits in scenarios where the animal, carcass, and muscle cuts can be evaluated is also discussed in the current review.

Changes in nitrosohemachrome lead to the discoloration of spiced beef during storage

The discoloration of spiced beef during storage is a severe problem that limits the shelf life of products. This study explored the associations between discoloration and pH, water, lipid oxidation, and protein oxidation. Electron paramagnetic resonance and UV-Vis spectroscopy illustrated that the pigment of spiced beef was a pentacoordinate mononitrosylheme compound and its conjugated structure changed during storage. The low-field NMR and magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the mobility of water increased, and the water content decreased with the extension of storage time. Multivariate analysis showed that color attributes were negatively correlated with oxidation. The oxidation of nitrosohemachrome was the primary reason for the lightness (L*) and redness (a*) decline in spiced beef. In addition, water loss exerted a promotion function in the oxidation process. This study provides valuable information on maintaining the quality of spiced beef during storage.

Haem-mediated protein oxidation affects water-holding capacity of beef during refrigerated storage

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Both deoxymyoglobin and oxymyoglobin in muscle were converted to highly oxidised metmyoglobin.

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More free iron in muscle led to protein and lipid oxidation.

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Myoglobin, haemoglobin, protein and lipid oxidation occured simultaneously in beef during refrigeration.

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Free iron and metmyoglobin were the main oxidation catalysts in beef.

Haem is considered to be a potential producer of meat oxidation and the effect of its mediated oxidation on the water holding capacity (WHC) of beef is not yet clear. This work investigated the interrelationships between haem, protein and lipid oxidation, and WHC in beef during refrigerated storage. The increase in juice loss during storage (p < 0.05) indicates a reduction in WHC. Haem was oxidised, resulting in its structural disruption and an increase in the proportion of random coil in the protein secondary structures (p < 0.05). Extractable haem iron content was decreased and non-haem iron content was increased (p < 0.05), indicating the degradation of haem and the release of iron during storage. The levels of lipid and protein oxidation products significantly increased throughout the storage time (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Spearman analysis verified significant correlations between these changes. In conclusion, these processes are mutually reinforcing and may exacerbate muscle juice loss.

Differentiation of Penaeus vannamei from different thermal processing methods in physico-chemical, flavor and sensory characteristics

Differentiation in physico-chemical, flavor and sensory characteristics of shrimps (Penaeus vannamei) after direct roasting (DR, 200 °C), boiling (100 °C/2 min) + roasting (BR), steaming (100 °C/2 min) + roasting (SR) and microwaving (280 W/2 min) + roasting (MR) was investigated. BR, SR, and MR endowed shrimps with better texture to varying degrees and significantly (P < 0.05) increased lightness when compared to DR, which closely related to their different water status. High correlations between nuclear magnetic resonance data and quality properties were found by partial-least-squares regression (PLSR). Shrimps possessed by SR significantly (P < 0.05) increased the proportion of sweet amino acids (63.89 ± 0.92%), with superior umami and richness detected by electronic tongue. Compared with DR, both SR and MR endowed shrimps with richer ester, while BR endowed shrimps with richer hydrocarbons. Roasting combined with other thermal processing would favor improving the quality of shrimp products.

Combination of Chitosan, Tea Polyphenols, and Nisin on the Bacterial Inhibition and Quality Maintenance of Plant-Based Meat

Plant-based meat products have gained attention in the food industry and with consumers. Plant-based meat products primarily comprise plant proteins and are rich in nutrients. However, the products are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination during storage. Biological preservatives are easily degradable alternatives to chemical preservatives and can preserve different kinds of food. In order to investigate the preservation properties of chitosan (CS), tea polyphenols (TPs), and nisin treatments on plant-based meats, the sensory evaluation, color difference, pH, TBARS, and the total plate count of E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella, indicators of the biological preservative-treated plant-based meat, were determined in this study. The experiment involved blank control- and biological preservative-treated samples. We found that the total microbial count exceeded the national standard provisions in the control samples stored for 14 days. The colors, tissue structures, and flavors of plant-based meat have gradually deteriorated, with the sensory score dropping from 90 to 52. The sample had a loose tissue structure and an obvious sour taste. However, the shelf life of the plant-based meat samples treated with different combinations of the biological preservatives increased compared to the shelf life of the control samples. After 56 d of storage, 1% chitosan, 2.5% tea polyphenols, and 0.04% nisin sensory reduction to 56, the total number of colonies and S. aureus were 4.91 and 2.95 lg CFU/g, approaching the national standard threshold; E. coli was 2 lg CFU/g, reaching the national standard threshold. Thus, the samples treated with 1% chitosan, 2.5% tea polyphenols, and 0.04% nisin had the longest shelf life (56 days) among all experimental groups. Hence, this study reveals that a combination of biological preservatives may be a non-toxic alternative for the efficient preservation of plant-based meat products.

Effects of oxidative stability variation on lamb meat quality and flavor during postmortem aging

This study evaluated the effects of oxidative stability variation on meat quality and flavor in biceps femoris (BF) and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles of lambs during postmortem aging. The samples were stored at 4±1℃; the meat quality, flavor and muscle oxidative stability were measured on day 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 of postmortem aging. The results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased in both muscle types; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities decreased, as did total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC). LD muscle showed lower MDA content and antioxidative activity than BF muscle. Meat quality analyses indicated that aging increased the lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values of meat while improving its tenderness. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results showed that volatile flavor compounds were more abundant in LD muscle than in BF muscle. As the aging time extended, relative contents of aldehyde and alcohol increased in both muscles. The key flavor compounds during postmortem aging including heptanal, octanal, nonanal, and decanal were screened by relative odor activity value (ROAV), and the content of key flavor compounds showed the trend of increasing, which were usually associated with fresh green grass, nutty, and fat descriptors. In conclusion, the oxidative muscles displayed better antioxidative capacity, and postmortem aging altered the oxidative stability of lamb muscle, which affected the meat quality and flavor. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Meat aging is an important strategy to improve the quality of various meat traits (including flavor). The results of this work could be of interest to meat professionals who will be able to apply in actual production by choosing the best aging time based on flavor and meat quality for different muscle parts.

Impact of Ultrasound-assisted Saline Thawing on the Technological Properties of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the positive effect of ultrasound-assisted saline thawing (UST) on the technological properties (water mobility, water holding capacity, colour, pH, shear force, TVB-N, oxidation reaction and microstructure) of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). The results present in the study showed that different thawing methods had negative impacts on the quality of mirror carp to varying degrees. Among them, UST samples had significant lower thawing loss, centrifugal loss and cooking loss than ultrasound thawing (UT) and air thawing (AT) samples (P < 0.05). The analysis result of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance illustrated that UST inhibited the mobility and distribution of water effectively. Decrease in shear force and TVBN values were observed in all thawing samples, and the UST samples maintained the significant better texture property and freshness than UT and AT samples did (P < 0.05). In addition, the treatment of UST obtained 1% salt concentration inhibited the oxidation reactions effectively. Investigation of the microstructure of samples demonstrated that the treatment of UST kept the relatively complete structure of tissue than other thawing methods. Therefore, UST can be an alternative strategy to the traditional thawing of meat.

Effects of Replacing Alfalfa Hay With Native Grass Hay in Pelleted Total Mixed Ration on Physicochemical Parameters, Fatty Acid Profile, and Rumen Microbiota in Lamb

This study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing alfalfa with native grass on growth performance, meat quality, and rumen microbiota of lambs. Forty-five 6-month-old Ujimqin lambs with live body weight (BW) of 29.50 ± 0.26 kg were used for the experiment, and the lambs were assigned to three diet treatments (three pens per treatment and five lambs per pen) with 30 square meters per pen in semi-open housing based on similar BW. The lambs have received 30% alfalfa (HA, high alfalfa percentage group), 20% alfalfa (MA, moderate alfalfa percentage group), and 10% alfalfa (LA, low alfalfa percentage group) diets, respectively (dry matter basis). The diet treatments had a significant (P < 0.05) influence on the dry matter intake of lambs and the dry matter intake increased with the increasing percentages of native grass hay, while the significantly (P < 0.05) lower final BW and average daily gain were observed in the MA and LA groups compared with that in the HA group. The diet had a significant (P < 0.05) difference in meat pH value, water loss rate, cooked meat rate, moisture, and intramuscular fat, while no significant (P > 0.05) difference was found in protein. As native grass hay percentages increased in the diet, the contents of palmitic (C16:0) and palmitoleic (C16:1 cis-9) in the HA and MA groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that in the LA groups, and compared with the HA group, the contents of elaidic (C18:1 trans-9), oleic (C18:1 cis-9), and linoleic (C18:2 cis-9–cis-12) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the MA and LA groups. The content of α-linolenic (C18:3n3) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the LA group than that in the HA and MA groups. The principal coordinate analysis profile displayed that the composition of the bacterial community of these groups was distinctly separated from each other. No significant (P > 0.05) difference was observed in the dominant rumen bacteria at the phyla and genus levels. In conclusion, the meat quality and fatty acid profile analysis revealed that replacing alfalfa hay with native grass hay is more beneficial for Mongolian lambs, and the meat from LA diet treatment is better than the others. In addition, correlation analysis of the association of rumen microbiome with growth performance, meat quality, and fatty acid profile provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the composition and function of rumen microbiota. These findings could provide knowledge of how the diet affects the animal performance, meat quality of lambs, and microbiota of the rumen, laying a theoretical basis for replacing alfalfa with native grass.

Early postmortem degradation of actin muscle protein in Algerian Sahraoui dromedaries

The present study aimed to evaluate actin degradation during the early postmortem time in Longissimus Lumborum muscle according to Sahraoui dromedary's age. A sample of eight males, young (2 years old) and adult (8 years old) dromedaries, was used to investigate meat quality traits and actin proteolysis during the conversion of muscle to meat. Results demonstrated higher pH values in young compared to adult with a polyphasic pH drop profile. While, age did not affect drip loss (DL) and the values at 72 h postmortem varied from 5 to 9%. Western blot revealed that actin proteolysis occurred since 1 h postmortem and that it was affected by age and postmortem time. In particular, the 32 and 25 kDa actin fragments could be potential markers of ongoing meat tenderization.

Enhancing the Utility of Dietary Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal for Sustainable Jumbo quail (Coturnix sp.) Production

The effect of pre-treating Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) with different levels of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, hematology, and meat quality parameters of Jumbo quail was evaluated. Two-week-old quail chicks (n = 432; 239.6 ± 6.48 g live-weight) were randomly allocated to six diets formulated by incorporating (10% w/w) untreated MOLP (PEG0) or MOLP pre-treated with PEG at 2.5% (PEG25), 5% (PEG50), 7.5% (PEG75), and 10% (PEG100) (w/w) into a standard grower diet (CON). Overall feed intake linearly increased with PEG levels. At week 4, significant quadratic trends were recorded for weight gain and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) but, at week 5, FCE linearly declined as PEG levels increased. Hemoglobin, phosphorus, and albumin showed quadratic trends, while calcium and chroma (1 h post-mortem) linearly declined in response to PEG levels. Diet PEG50 promoted a higher shear force value (2.41) than diets PEG0 and PEG25. The PEG50 diet promoted a similar (p > 0.05) shear force as diet CON. Based on the quadratic response for weight gain, the optimal PEG pre-treatment level was calculated to be 5.9%. It was concluded that MOLP condensed tannins negatively affect growth performance and should be ameliorated to enhance the utility of this nutraceutical source for Jumbo quail.

Effects of Glucose and Corn Syrup on the Physical Characteristics and Whipping Properties of Vegetable-Fat Based Whipped Creams

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of glucose and corn syrup on the physical characteristics and whipping properties of whipped creams. The interfacial protein concentration and apparent viscosity of emulsions increased with an increasing sugar concentration. In whipped creams, a shorter optimum whipping time (top), higher fat coalescence degree, higher firmness and higher stability were detected as sugar concentration increased. The partial coalescence degree, overrun and firmness of whipped cream with 30 wt% glucose reached 76.49%, 306% and 3.82 N, respectively, significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those (67.15%, 235% and 3.19 N) with 30 wt% corn syrup. Compared with glucose at the same sugar concentration, higher interfacial protein concentration and less-shaped aggregates and coalescences were observed for the emulsions upon the addition of corn syrup, which caused a lower degree of fat coalescence and a lower firmness of whipped cream. The differences could be explained by the presence of maltodextrin (MDX) in corn syrup, which protects absorbed protein throughout freezing and retards the formation of a continuous network during whipping. As a result, the addition of sugars could well improve stability of emulsion, firmness and foam stability of whipped cream efficiently. With a 25−30 wt% sugar addition, even if there was a lower partial coalescence degree and firmness compared with glucose, whipped cream with corn syrup exhibited relatively good stability. These results suggest that MDX improves the stability of emulsion and, thus, has a potential use in low-sugar whipped cream.

The rise of thawing drip: Freezing rate effects on ice crystallization and myowater dynamics changes

To better reveal the formation of thawing drip, this study investigated the ice crystallization and myowater dynamics changes in frozen bovine Longissimus dorsi muscle. In ultra-fast freezing a narrow distribution of ice crystals size was observed together with higher solubility, lower surface hydrophobicity and stable second structure of myofibrillar protein. Accordingly, ultra-fast freezing samples exhibited significantly lower thaw loss (4.35 %) than slow freezing (8.22 %) after 48 h of freezing. Upon thawing, 2D T₁-T₂ relaxation spectra indicated a myowater redistribution, in which slow freezing led to major migration of water from immobile water to free water. Besides, T₁ and T₂ relaxation times showed an increasing trend with freezing process. The proton density images displayed major free water seep from myofibrils to the surface of muscle. Consequently, the water from the "reservoir" (free water) flowed into the "channel" (the widened spaces between muscle fibres), and formed into the thawing drip.

Sarcoplasmic and myofibril-bound calpains during storage of pork longissimus muscle: New insights on protein degradation

The subcellular distribution of calpain-1 and -2 and the proteolytical activity of myofibril-bound calpains in pork were investigated during 12 days cold storage. The content of sarcoplasmic calpain-1 decreased during storage while myofibril-bound calpain-1 content first increased (P < 0.05) to 17% of that of 12 h-sarcoplasmic calpain-1 on day 6 followed by a gradual decrease with subsequent storage, suggesting that calpain-1 gradually translocated from sarcoplasm to myofibrils during the initial 6 days of postmortem storage. Intact desmin decreased (P < 0.05) after incubation of myofibrils with 0.05 mM Ca²⁺, and this was more pronounced with 5 mM Ca²⁺ (P < 0.05). Ca²⁺ titration curves of day 6 myofibrils showed two distinct proteolytic activities becoming activated in the range 0.03 to 0.06 mM and 0.4 to 0.8 mM Ca²⁺, respectively. The results suggest that both calpain-1 and calpain-2 binds to myofibrils during storage and subsequently degrade structural proteins including desmin.

Postmortem Muscle Protein Changes as a Tool for Monitoring Sahraoui Dromedary Meat Quality Characteristics

The effects of slaughter age (2 vs. 9 years) and postmortem time (6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h) on the meat quality and protein changes of the longissimus lumborum muscles of the Algerian Sahraoui dromedary were investigated. Muscles of young dromedaries evidenced a slower acidification process and a significantly higher myofibrillar fragmentation index throughout the postmortem time. The SDS-PAGE of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins revealed that meat from young dromedaries was characterized by the lowest percentage of myoglobin (p < 0.001) and the highest percentage of desmin (p < 0.01). During postmortem time, a decrease was found for phosphoglucomutase (p < 0.01), α-actinin (p < 0.05) and desmin (p < 0.01) in meat from young dromedaries. Western blot revealed an intense degradation of troponin T in younger dromedaries, with an earlier appearance of the 28 kDa polypeptide highlighting differences in the proteolytic potential between dromedaries of different ages. Principal component analysis showed that meat from young dromedaries, starting from 24 h postmortem, was located in a zone of the plot characterized by higher levels of the myofibrillar fragmentation index, 30 kDa polypeptide and enolase, overall confirming greater proteolysis in younger animals. Data suggest that the investigation of the muscle proteome is necessary to set targeted interventions to improve the aging process of dromedary meat cuts.

Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots with antibacterial activity and their application in Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) storage

Antimicrobial materials prepared from natural products could provide new ways to preserve seafood and extend the shelf life. Herein, four kinds of fluorescent carbon dots were prepared using onion, ginger, garlic, and fish through one-step hydrothermal synthesis. The four prepared carbon dots were nearly spherical and nanosized, with amorphous structure, neutral charge and good water dispersibility. The onion and garlic carbon dots contained more sulfur elements than the ginger and fish carbon dots. Interestingly, the onion carbon dots exhibited the best antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas fragi with good stability over a wide pH range. In addition, the onion carbon dots also exhibited antimicrobial activity against representative Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of onion carbon dots against Pseudomonas fragi were 2 mg mL^-1 and 4 mg mL^-1, respectively. The integrity of the cell wall and the cell membrane were damaged for Pseudomonas fragi, and the extracellular alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and ATP activity also increased after exposure to the onion carbon dots, thus leading to a decrease in the cell viability and alteration of the cellular morphology for Pseudomonas fragi. Furthermore, the preservation effect of onion carbon dots on Atlantic mackerel evaluated by storage at 4 °C revealed that the onion carbon dots significantly reduced drip loss, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value and total viable counts (TVC) value, and extended the shelf life of Atlantic mackerel by 2 days. This finding suggests that onion carbon dots have potential to be applied as a bacteriostatic agent for aquatic products.

Effect of freezing on the quality of breast meat from broilers affected by White Striping myopathy

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in the quality of chicken breast meat containing white stripes during freezing for 12 mo. Samples of Pectoralis major muscle from male Cobb 500 broilers containing white stripes in moderate and severe degrees were used, as well as samples from a control group (normal - absence of myopathies). Part of the samples (n = 60; n = 20 for each severity degree) were analyzed on the day of collection (beginning) and the rest (n = 240) was frozen (-20°C) for up to 12 mo. At the end of each proposed freezing period (3, 6, 9, and 12 mo), color, pH, water holding capacity, cooking loss, tenderness, lipid oxidation, chemical composition, cholesterol and collagen concentrations, myofibrillary fragmentation, and sarcomere length were analyzed. Microbiological analysis of samples was performed at the beginning and after 12 mo of freezing. Myopathy linked to freezing showed results of increased meat tenderness, with reduction of crude protein and mineral matter and increase of moisture, fat, and cholesterol, without affecting the meat's collagen percentages. However, these variations with the onset of myopathy do not compromise the consumption of broiled chicken breast meat, kept frozen for up to 12 mo.

Effects of Ultrasound-Assisted Vacuum Impregnation Antifreeze Protein on the Water-Holding Capacity and Texture Properties of the Yesso Scallop Adductor Muscle during Freeze-Thaw Cycles

The effect of antifreeze protein (AFP) on the water-holding capacity (WHC) and texture properties of the Patinopecten yessoensis adductor muscles during freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) were evaluated based on three impregnation methods: general impregnation (GI), vacuum impregnation (VI), and ultrasound-assisted VI (US-VI). The WHC, texture properties, and tissue microstructure were all evaluated. Results showed that the WHC and texture properties of adductor muscle were significantly improved in the VI and US-VI groups during FTCs (p < 0.05). The WHC of the adductor muscle in the US-VI group was maximally enhanced in terms of yield (6.63%), centrifugal loss, cooking loss, and T₂₂. The US-VI group of the adductor muscle had the optimal chewiness and springiness compared to others, and the shear force and hardness were most effectively enhanced by VI. The growth and recrystallization of ice crystals in the frozen adductor muscle were significantly inhibited by VI and US-VI. The average cross-sectional area and roundness of ice crystals in the US-VI group were decreased by 61.89% and increased by 22.22% compared with those of the control, respectively. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model further confirmed that the WHC and texture properties of the adductor muscle were correlated appreciably with the degree of modification of ice crystal morphology through the AFP.

Peptidomic analysis characterising proteolysis in thaw-aging of beef short plate

Recent studies have suggested that thaw-aging can improve sensory attributes of freeze-thawed meat. Acceleration of proteolysis is expected to promote tenderisation and improve taste; however, the details of protein degradation, including substrate proteins and cleavage sites, remain unclear. Here, we report a time course overview of the peptidome of beef short plates during thaw-aging. The accelerated degradation of key proteins for meat tenderisation, such as troponin T and desmin, was confirmed. Additionally, 11 cleavage sites in troponin T related to taste-active peptide generation were identified. Terminome analysis showed that the contribution of each protease varies depending on the substrate proteins and the thaw-aging period. Based on our results; proteases, not only calpains, but also others contributed to the degradation of myofibrillar proteins. The techniques employed indicate that meat proteolysis during thaw-aging is not constant but dynamic.

Evaluation of the effect of smooth muscle cells on the quality of cultured meat in a model for cultured meat

While the research on improving the meat quality of cultured meat is in full swing, few studies have focused on the effect of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) on the meat quality of cultured meat. Therefore, this study aimed at building a cultured meat model containing smooth muscle cells, and further evaluating the effect of smooth muscle cells on the quality of cultured meat, so as to reveal the contribution of smooth muscle cells in the production of cultured meat. In this study, we isolated high purity of smooth muscle cells from vascular tissues. The addition of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to the medium significantly increased the growth rate of smooth muscle cells and the expression of extracellular matrix related genes, especially collagen and elastin. Smooth muscle cells were seeded in a collagen gel to construct a culture meat model. It was found that the pressure loss of the model meat significantly decreased from 98.5 % in control group to 54 % with the extension of culture time for 9 days, while the total collagen content of model meat increased significantly (P < 0.05). In addition, the hydrogel tissue with smooth muscle cells compacted more dramatically and were more tightly, accompanied by significantly increased hardness, springiness and chewiness compared to the control one (P < 0.05). These results indicate that smooth muscle cells can secrete extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen, which can significantly enhance the texture of cultured meat models prepared by hydrogel.

Creatine nitrate supplementation strengthens energy status and delays glycolysis of broiler muscle via inhibition of LKB1/AMPK pathway

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary creatine nitrate (CrN) on growth performance, meat quality, energy status, glycolysis, and related gene expression of liver kinase B1/AMP-activated protein kinase (LKB1/AMPK) pathway in Pectoralis major (PM) muscle of broilers. A total of 240 male Arbor Acres broilers (28-day-old) were randomly allocated to one of 5 dietary treatments: the basal diet (control group), and the basal diets supplemented with 600 mg/kg guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), 300, 600, or 900 mg/kg CrN (identified as GAA₆₀₀, CrN₃₀₀, CrN₆₀₀, or CrN₉₀₀, respectively). We found that dietary GAA and CrN supplementation for 14 d from d 28 to 42 did not affect broiler growth performance, carcass traits, and textural characteristics of breast muscle. GAA₆₀₀, CrN₆₀₀, and CrN₉₀₀ treatments increased pH_24h and decreased drip loss of PM muscle compared with the control (P < 0.05). The PM muscles of CrN₆₀₀ and CrN₉₀₀ groups showed higher glycogen concentration and lower lactic acid concentration accompanied by lower activities of phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, GAA₆₀₀ and all CrN treatments increased concentration of muscle creatine, phosphocreatine (PCr) and ATP, and decreased AMP concentration and AMP/ATP ratio (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the concentrations of muscle creatine, PCr, and ATP were increased linearly, while muscle AMP concentration and AMP/ATP ratio were decreased linearly and quadratic as the dose of CrN increased (P < 0.05). GAA₆₀₀, CrN₆₀₀, and CrN₉₀₀ treatments upregulated mRNA expression of CreaT in PM muscle, and CrN₆₀₀ and CrN₉₀₀ treatments downregulated GAMT expression in liver and PM muscle compared with the control or GAA₆₀₀ groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of muscle LKB1, AMPKα1, and AMPKα2 was downregulated linearly in response to the increasing CrN level (P < 0.05). Overall, CrN showed better efficacy on strengthening muscle energy status and improve meat quality than GAA at the some dose. These results indicate that CrN may be a potential replacement for GAA as a new creatine supplement.

Metabolomic analysis indicates that higher drip loss may be related to the production of methylglyoxal as a by-product of glycolysis

The aim of the present study was to assess applicability of metabolomics analysis of exudate from chicken breast muscle to explanation of differences in drip loss. The research was carried out on the skinless breast fillets sourced from 60 broiler carcasses (7-wk-old male Ross broilers). In the meat samples the pH value, color parameters, drip loss, chemical composition, and sensory quality were evaluated. After measuring, the samples were divided into 2 groups taking into consideration the volume of drip loss (low ≤2% and high >2% drip loss). The muscle juice samples were collected during 24 h muscle storage and metabolomic analysis was performed. The results showed that chickens with higher drip loss were characterized by heavier carcasses. The meat with higher drip loss proved to be more acid, lighter, less red, and more yellow with higher level of glucose as well as glycolytic potential. That meat was also characterized by lower cooking loss, protein content and worse overall sensory quality as well as oxidation of lipids. The metabolomics analyses have shown that in the group with higher drip loss from muscle tissue the increase of metabolism of energy transformations taking place in muscle tissue after slaughter was observed and that differences between groups are related to 11 metabolic pathways, mainly carbohydrate metabolism (glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway) adenine and adenosine salvage, adenosine nucleotides degradation, arsenate detoxification, methylglyoxal degradation. Finally, the results indicate that in the group with higher drip loss and with deeper glycolysis, more methylglyoxal (as a by-product of carbohydrate metabolism) is produced which may lead to changes of muscle proteins properties and contribute to an increase in drip loss.

Breast muscle myopathies in broiler: mechanism, status and their impact on meat quality

Almost a decade ago, the sudden rise of breast muscle defects in fast-growing commercial broiler breeds challenged the broiler production industry and meat scientists to address the issue of these novel muscle abnormalities. After that, a widespread hypothesis showing a correlation between high muscle yield and incidence of these muscle myopathies got much acceptance from the research community. Increased muscle hypertrophy and unbalanced growth of connective tissues lead to an inadequate blood supply that ultimately causes hypoxia in muscle fibers. Reduced blood vascular density in muscle fibers induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to muscle fibrosis, lipidosis and myodegeneration. Along with physical changes, the myopathic muscles exhibit poor sensory properties, abnormal texture properties and a low nutritional profile. As these myopathies alter meat’s physical appearance, they have a negative impact on customer’s behavior and preference. A better production environment with proper dietary supplementation with balanced breeding strategies can minimize the incidence of muscle myopathies in broiler chicken. This review aims to address the underlying mechanism behind these myopathies and their impact on poultry meat quality, including nutritional value and consumer behavior. It describes the link between genetic and non-genetic elements influencing myopathies, along with the strategies to minimize the occurrence of breast muscle myopathies.

Investigation of the effect of pork compositions on freezing points in different pork cuts by measuring thermal properties and water mobility and distribution

This work was to compare the difference of freezing point in the four pork cuts (chuck roll, picnic shoulder, loin, and topside) and evaluate the effect of pork compositions on the freezing points. Loin exhibited lower freezing points and accompanied by higher content of unfreezable water, lower relaxation times, and higher proportions of bound water, compared with other pork cuts. Low freezing points of pork may be attributed to high sarcoplasmic protein solubility, due to high sarcoplasmic protein solubility related to increase of bound water proportion and decrease of NMR T₂ relaxometry. In addition, correlation analysis revealed that sarcoplasmic protein solubility and ash content were negatively related to the freezing point, which was verified by a quadratic polynomial correlation between the sarcoplasmic protein solubility and the freezing point in vitro. These results could help to better understand the freezing point of pork and provide more theories for improving superchilled storage.

Materials Properties, Oral Processing, and Sensory Analysis of Eating Meat and Meat Analogs

To increase the appeal of plant protein-based meat analogs, further progress needs to be made in their sensory perception. Given the limited number of studies on meat analogs, this review focuses on structure, oral processing, and sensory perception of meat and subsequently translates the insights to meat analogs. An extensive number of publications has built the current understanding of meat mechanical and structural properties, but inconsistencies concerning terminology and methodology execution as well as the wide variety in terms of natural origin limit solid conclusions about the control parameters for oral processing and sensory perception. Consumer-relevant textural aspects such as tenderness and juiciness are not directly correlated to single structural features but depend on an interplay of multiple factors and thus require a holistic approach. We discuss the differences in mastication and disintegration of meat and meat analogs and provide an outlook toward converting skeptical consumers into returning customers. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, Volume 13 is March 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Effect of Postmortem Phases on Lamb Meat Quality: A Physicochemical, Microstructural and Water Mobility Approach

To investigate the effect of postmortem phases on lamb meat quality, the physicochemical quality, microstructure and water mobility of oyster cut, short loin, knuckle and silverside muscles from Small-Tail Han sheep were evaluated in the pre-rigor, rigor mortis and post-rigor phases. Pre-rigor lamb meat had higher pH and water holding capacity (WHC), whereas lower CIE L*, b*, hue angle values than rigor mortis and post-rigor meat (p<0.05). The Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values were higher in rigor mortis short loin and silverside than their pre-rigor and post-rigor counterparts, pre-rigor short loin had lower WBSF value than its post-rigor counterpart (p<0.05). Muscle fibers shrank laterally and longitudinally during the onset of rigor mortis. Rigor mortis and post-rigor lamb meat exhibited wide I-bands, dark A-bands, short sarcomeres and large inter-myofibrillar spaces. The shift of immobilized water to free water and repulsion from the intra-myofibrillar space to the extracellular space result in the increase of water loss in rigor mortis and post-rigor lamb meat. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that rigor mortis and post-rigor lamb meat had similar quality properties but different from pre-rigor lamb meat. In conclusion, the lamb meat in the pre-rigor phase had good tenderness, color and WHC. The results of this research could provide some theoretical references for lamb meat production and processing.