Effect of hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate on the physicochemical characteristics and structure of shrimp myofibrillar protein

Cryoprotective effects and mechanisms of soybean oligosaccharides on the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) surimi during frozen storage

BACKGROUND

Conventional cryoprotectant mixtures (sucrose and sorbitol) impart excessive sweetness and calories to surimi. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative cryoprotectants with low sweetness and low-calorie content. The cryoprotective effects and possible mechanisms of soybean oligosaccharides (SBOS) on the frozen stability of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) surimi were investigated during 120 days of frozen storage in a comparison with commercial cryoprotectants (4% sucrose and 4% sorbitol, w/w).

RESULTS

SBOS at 6-8% (w/w) and commercial cryoprotectants could restrain water mobility and reduce thawing loss of frozen surimi by increasing non-freezable water content. SBOS could maintain the structural stability of proteins by preventing sulfhydryl groups from being rapidly oxidized to disulfide bonds, retarding the reduction of the solubility, Ca2+-ATPase activity and α-helix content of myofibrillar proteins (MP), as well as hindering the increasing surface hydrophobicity of MP of surimi during 120 days of frozen storage. The introduction of SBOS increased the gel strength and water-holding capacity of frozen-stored surimi. Compared with commercial cryoprotectants, 8% SBOS was more effective in stabilizing protein structure, whereas it was slightly less effective with respect to ice-forming inhibition.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study suggest that 8% SBOS could be potentially developed as a new cryoprotectant for surimi as a result of its ice-forming inhibition abilities and protein structure stability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pregelatinized hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate-reinforced calcium sulfate bone cement for bleeding bone treatment

Considering the shortcomings of known medical hemostatic materials such as bone wax for bleeding bone management, it is essential to develop alternative bone materials capable of efficient hemostasis and bone regeneration and adaptable to clinical surgical needs. Thus, in the current work, a calcium sulfate hemihydrate and starch-based composite paste was developed and optimized. Firstly, it was found that the use of hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HDP) coupled with pregelatinization could generate an injectable, malleable and self-hardening paste with impressive anti-collapse ability in a dynamic aqueous environment, suggesting its potential applicability in both open and minimally invasive clinical practice. The as-hardened matrix exhibited a compressive strength of up to 61.68 ± 5.13 MPa compared to calcium sulfate cement with a compressive strength of 15.16 ± 2.42 MPa, making it a promising candidate for the temporary mechanical stabilization of bone defects. Secondly, the as-prepared paste revealed superior hemostasis and bone regenerative capabilities compared to calcium sulfate cement and bone wax, with greatly enhanced bleeding management and bone healing outcomes when subjected to testing in in vitro and in vivo models. In summary, our results confirmed that calcium sulfate bone cement reinforced with the selected starch can act as a reliable platform for bleeding bone treatment, overcoming the limitations of traditional bone hemostatic agents.

Gelling properties of acid-induced tofu (soybean curd): Effects of acid type and nano-fish bone

The effects of different types of acid coagulants and nano fish bone (NFB) additives on the characteristics of tofu were investigated using texture analyzers, SEM, FT-IR, and other techniques. The breaking force and penetration distance, in descending order, were found in the tofu induced by glucono-d-lactone (GDL) (180.27 g and 0.75 cm), citric acid (152.90 g and 0.74 cm), lactic acid (123.33 g and 0.73 cm), and acetic acid (69.84 g and 0.58 cm), respectively. The syneresis of these tofu samples was in the reverse order (35.00, 35.66, 39.66, and 44.50%). Lightness and whiteness were not significantly different among the different samples. Regardless of the acid type, the soluble calcium content in the soybean milk was significantly increased after adding NFB. As a result, the breaking force and penetration distance of all tofu samples increased significantly, but the syneresis decreased. Compared with tofu coagulated by other acids, GDL tofu formed a more uniform and dense gel network maintained by the highest intermolecular forces (especially hydrophobic interactions). Regarding the secondary structure, the lowest percentage of α-helix (22.72%) and, correspondingly, the highest β-sheet (48.32%) and random coil (18.81%) were noticed in the GDL tofu. The effects of NFB on the tofu characteristics can be explained by the changes in the gel network, intermolecular forces, and secondary structure, which were in line with the acid type. The characteristics of acid-induced tofu can be most synergistically improved by coagulation with GDL and NFB.

Evaluating the effect of thermo-reversible and thermo-irreversible curdlan gels on the gelling properties and in vitro digestibility of myofibrillar protein gels under low-salt condition

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the gelling properties and in vitro digestibility of myofibrillar protein (MP) gels under low-salt condition as mediated by different concentrations of thermo-reversible curdlan gels (TRC) or thermo-irreversible curdlan gels (TIRC). The results showed that the incorporation of TRC or TIRC obviously improved the gel strength and water holding capacity of MP gels (P < 0.05). Those properties were most improved by adding 0.3 % TRC or TIRC with gel strength of 0.18 N or 0.17 N and WHC of 54.85 % or 49.05 %. Meanwhile, both TRC and TIRC promoted the transformation of α-helix into β-sheet, as well as hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds, which are the main forces for the maintenance of the MP gels. The microstructure revealed that the formation of dense and uniform protein network structures can be promoted by the addition of TRC or TIRC. The different modes of interaction between TRC or TIRC and MP resulted in different microstructures of the MP gels. Furthermore, incorporation of TRC or TIRC significantly reduced in vitro protein digestibility, especially for the 0.3 % (w/w) form (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, MP gels had the lowest in vitro protein digestibility after the addition of TRC (66.67 %) compared to the form of TIRC (70.93 %). Therefore, our present study indicated that incorporation form of TRC or TIRC have distinct implications on regulating the gelling properties and in vitro digestibility of MP gels under low-salt condition.

Phase behavior of the gelation process of myofibrillar protein-curdlan blended system: Discussion based on rheology and gel properties

The phase behavior in protein-polysaccharide blended systems is the main factor affecting the physical properties of composite gels; however, the phase behavior at room temperature and during heated gelation is lacking discussion. In this research, extracted grouper myofibrillar protein (MP) and curdlan (CUR) were used as models for the MP-CUR blended system. The phase behavior of the MP-CUR blended system was analyzed using rheology and microstructure analysis, and the accuracy of the phase behavior analysis was verified by measuring the physical indices such as gel properties of the MP-CUR composite gels. At room temperature, MP and CUR showed good co-solubility, so the blended system with 0.8% CUR content obtained the best apparent viscosity, structural recoverability, and other rheological properties. After heating gelation, MP and CUR had strong thermodynamic unaffinity leading to phase separation, and the best storage modulus was obtained for the MP-CUR blended system with 0.6% CUR content. Therefore, it is concluded that 0.6% CUR content is the critical concentration for the MP-CUR blended system. The results were also confirmed by the best gel properties of 0.6% CUR composite gel when the physical properties of the composite gel were determined. The phase behavior evaluation was used to determine the appropriate polysaccharide concentrations as a means to improve the physicochemical properties of the composite gels and to exploit the value of polysaccharides in protein-based food applications.

Improvement of gelation properties of Penaeus vannamei surimi by magnetic field-assisted freezing in combination with curdlan

Traditional methods of freezing and thawing may harm the quality of meat products. In order to reduce the negative impact of freezing on surimi products, the magnetic field-assisted freezing method is combined with various curdlan ratios to enhance the gelation characteristics of Penaeus vannamei surimi in this study. The results showed that the magnetic field-assisted freezing technique significantly improved the quality of thawed surimi compared with soaking freezing (SF), whereas the addition of curdlan further improved the gelation properties, and the gel strength, water-holding capacity, textural properties, whiteness, and G' value were significantly improved when its content was increased to 0.6 %. However, excessive amounts of curdlan interfered with protein covalent cross-linking, leading to a decrease in gel quality. Additionally, the addition of magnetic field and curdlan encouraged the shift of the α-helix to the random coil and β-sheet transition, which stimulated the growth of myofibril molecules, exposed the hydrophobic groups and thiols, improved protein-molecule interactions, and promoted systematic gathering of proteins, leading to the formation of the microstructure of dense and small pores. It also resulted in a drop in water release, an increase in the proton density and a shift in the water condition from free water to more immobile water, which had higher sensory qualities. These effects together resulted in a reduction in thawing and cooking loss to 11.41 % and 13.83 %, respectively. These results also help to clarify the gelation process of shrimp surimi and help to regulate the gelation characteristics of shrimp surimi products.

A mini review on manipulation of carbohydrate for better use in surimi and surimi products: modification and compounding

Carbohydrate is widely used in the production of surimi and surimi products to improve their qualities, such as anti-freezing capability, gelling ability, nutrition, flavor and 3D printability. More and more native carbohydrates have been modified through physical methods (e.g., ball milling, irradiation and differential sedimentation), chemical method (e.g., deacetylation, hydroxypropylation and acetic acid esterification) or enzymatic method (e.g., chitosanase) before being used in the processing of surimi and surimi products in recent years. At the same time, different carbohydrates are compounded and applied to surimi and surimi products. The modified and compounded carbohydrates in surimi have been proved to improve quality of surimi and surimi products more pronouncedly than native carbohydrates. Therefore, this review summarizes the manipulation of carbohydrate by modification and compounding to improve the qualities of surimi and surimi products. Moreover, the prospects for carbohydrate modification and compounding for use in surimi and surimi products are discussed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tapioca Starch Improves the Quality of Virgatus nemipterus Surimi Gel by Enhancing Molecular Interaction in the Gel System

The gel prepared using Nemipterus virgatus (N. virgatus) surimi alone still has some defects in texture and taste. Complexing with polysaccharides is an efficient strategy to enhance its gel properties. The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between the gel quality and molecular interaction of N. virgatus surimi gel after complexing with tapioca starch. The results make clear that the gel strength, hardness, and chewiness of surimi gel were increased by molecular interaction with tapioca starch. At the appropriate addition amount (12%, w/w), the surimi gel had an excellent gel strength (17.48 N), water-holding capacity (WHC) (89.01%), lower cooking loss rate (CLR) (0.95%), and shortened T2 relaxation time. Microstructure analysis indicated that the addition of tapioca starch facilitated even distribution in the gel network structure, resulting in a significant reduction in cavity diameter, with the minimum diameter reduced to 20.33 μm. In addition, tapioca starch enhanced the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction in the gel system and promoted the transformation of α-helix to β-sheet (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the increased physicochemical properties of surimi gel were closely related to the enhanced noncovalent interactions. In conclusion, noncovalent complexation with tapioca starch is an efficient strategy to enhance the quality of surimi gel.

Comparison of freezing and heating treatment sequence on biochemical properties and flavor of swimming crabs (Portunus Trituberculatus) meat during freeze-thaw cycles

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of freezing and heating treatment sequences on the biochemical properties and flavor of crab (Portunus trituberculatus) meat during freeze-thaw cycles. The results showed that pH, color, K and microstructure changes in the H-F group were not significant with increasing number of freeze-thaw cycles, but TVB-N values increased and WHC values decreased. However, with the increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles, pH and WHC significantly decreased and TVB-N, L* and K values significantly increased in the C and F-H groups. Proteins were degraded in all groups, but the lower degree of degradation occurred in the H-F group. Although the total free amino acid content decreased with increasing number of freeze-thaw cycles in each group, the high content of AMP and IMP in the H-F group suggested that it still had a better flavor.

Using nanocellulose to improve heat-induced cull cow meat myofibrillar protein gels: effects of particle morphology and content

BACKGROUND

Enhancing protein gel properties is essential to improve the texture of meat products. In this study, the improvement effects of three types of nanocellulose, i.e. rod-like cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), long-chain cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and spherical cellulose nanospheres (CNS) with different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g kg-1 ), on cull cow meat myofibrillar protein (MP) gel were investigated.

RESULTS

Compared with needle-shaped CNC and spherical CNS, the addition of 10 and 20 g kg-1 long-chain CNF had the most significant improvement effect on gel hardness and water-holding capacity, respectively (P < 0.05), increasing to 160.1 g and 97.8%, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of long-chain CNF shortened the T2 relaxation time and induced the formation of the densest network structure and promoted the phase transition of the gel. However, excessive filling of nanocellulose would destroy the structure of the gel, which was not conducive to the improvement of gel properties. Fourier transform infrared results showed that there was no chemical reaction between the three nanocellulose types and MP, but the addition of nanocellulose was conducive to gel formation.

CONCLUSION

The improvement of MP gel properties by adding nanocellulose mainly depends on its morphology and concentration. Nanocellulose with higher aspect ratio is more beneficial to the improvement of gel properties. For each nanocellulose type, there is an optimal addition amount for MP gel improvement. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing gel behavior of yellow croaker surimi by fruit extracts: Physicochemical properties and molecular mechanism

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE), acerola cherry extract (ACE), and blueberry extract (BBE) on the physicochemical properties and structure of the yellow croaker surimi gel. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were utilized to study the binding mechanism of yellow croaker's fibrillin and fruit extracts. Surimi gel with 1.5% GSE, ACE, and BBE had the highest water holding capacity, hardness, chewability, cohesion, breaking force, breaking distance, gel strength, and densest 3D network structure, according to the experiment's findings. Nevertheless, the cross-linking of proteins in surimi was blocked with the further increase of fruit extract (1.5%-2.0%), and the existing network of surimi was weakened or even destroyed. Three fruit extracts had little effect on the secondary structure of the surimi gel. Besides, hydrophobic and disulfide bonds are the main chemical bonds of croaker surimi. Molecular docking showed that B-type procyanidine (BP) interacted with ASN-183, SER-571, ASP-525, ARG-350, LYS-188, GLU-349, CYS-353, and other active amino acids in croaker protein. Moreover, it can form strong hydrogen bond interaction with ASN-183, SER-571, ASP-525, and ARG-350 at the active sites of protein. The BP-Larimichthys crocea protein system's MD simulation was carried out, and calculations for the simulation's root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, radius of gyration, solvent accessible surface area, and hydrogen bonds were made. It was found that these indices can demonstrate that the BP binding contributes to the stability of the yellow croaker structure.

High-intensity ultrasound combined with glycation enhances the thermal stability and in vitro digestion behaviors of myofibrillar protein aqueous solution

The low thermal stability of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) is a technological barrier to them being applied in beverage formulas. In this study, we investigated the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) pretreatment combined with glycation on the thermal stability, structural characteristics, and in vitro digestion behavior of MPs in water. The results indicated that HIU pretreatment combined with glycation significantly inhibited thermal aggregation and reduced the particle size of MPs compared to using either HIU or glycation treatments individually. The grafting of dextran (DX) shielded the sulfhydryl (-SH) and hydrophobic groups and inhibited disulfide bond cross-linking and hydrophobic association. Moreover, HIU pretreatment facilitated the shielding effect of glycation by destroying the filamentous myosin structure and exposing the internal -SH and hydrophobic groups as well as the grafting sites, maximally inhibiting thermal aggregation. In addition, the smaller protein particles and more flexible structure caused by HIU pretreatment combined with glycation increased their binding affinity toward protease. Overall, these findings can promote the technological development of modulating the MP structure-digestion for formulating novel meat protein-based products.

Biomacromolecule assembly of soy glycinin-potato starch complexes: Focus on structure, function, and applications

The effect of the cross-linking mechanism and functional properties of soy glycinin (11S)-potato starch (PS) complexes was investigated in this study. The results showed that the binding effecting and spatial network structure of 11S-PS complexes via heated-induced cross-linking were adjusted by biopolymer ratios. In particular, 11S-PS complexes with the biopolymer ratios of 2:15, had a strongest intermolecular interaction through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic force. Moreover, 11S-PS complexes at the biopolymer ratios of 2:15 exhibited a finer three-dimensional network structure, which was used as film-forming solution to enhance the barrier performance and mitigate the exposure to the environment. In addition, the 11S-PS complexes coating was effective in moderating the loss of nutrients, thereby extending their storage life in truss tomato preservation experiments. This study provides helpful to insights into the cross-linking mechanism of the 11S-PS complexes and the potential application of food-grade biopolymer composite coatings in food preservation.

Effect of hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate on the retrogradation properties of sterilized pea starch jelly and its possible mechanism

Due to the high content of amylose in pea starch (PS), PS jelly is prone to retrogradation during storage and its quality reduces subsequently. Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HPDSP) shows a potential inhibitory effect on the retrogradation of starch gel. Based on this, five retrograded PS-HPDSP blends containing 1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 % and 5 % (w/w, based on the weight of PS) of HPDSP were prepared, and their long-range, short-range ordered structure and retrogradation properties, and the possible interaction between PS and HPDSP were investigated. The addition of HPDSP significantly reduced the hardness of PS jelly and maintained its springiness during cold storage, and this effect was enhanced with HPDSP dosage being from 1 % to 4 %. The presence of HPDSP destroyed both short-range ordered structure and long-range ordered structure. Rheological results indicated that all the gelatinized samples were typical non-Newtonian fluids with shear-thinning characteristics and HPDSP increased their viscoelasticity in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, HPDSP delays the retrogradation of PS jelly mainly by combining with amylose in PS through hydrogen bonds and steric hindrance.

Degradation and evaluation of myofibril proteins induced by endogenous protease in aquatic products during storage: a review

Myofibril proteins degradation constitutes an important factor in quality deterioration, procedural activation or inhibition of endogenous protease potential regulates autolytic proteolysis-induced softening of post mortem fish muscle. Based on the brief introduction of myofibril proteins degradation in fish skeletal muscle, a detailed description of the main myofibril degradation properties and the distinct role played by endogenous proteases were proposed, which reflects the limitations and challenges of the current research on myofibril hydrolysis mechanisms based on the varied surrounding conditions. In addition, the latest researches on the evaluation method of myofibril proteins degradation were comprehensively reviewed. The potential use of label-free proteomics combined with bioinformatics was also emphasized and has become an important means to in-depth understand protein degradation mechanism.

Interpretation of the effects of hydroxypropyl starch and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate on frozen raw noodles quality during frozen storage: Studies on water state and starch-gluten network properties

The impacts of both structural variations induced by low temperature and physiochemical changes induced by modified starch on the qualities of frozen raw noodles (FRNs) were investigated during long-term freezing storage. The addition of modified starch was a potentially effective method to delay the loss of FRNs qualities during storage. In this study, hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HPDSP) were added to improve the cooking and textural characteristics of FRNs. The cooking loss rate of FRNs with the addition of 12%HPS was consistent with that of the control (4.39 % and 4.37 %, respectively), while after 8 weeks of storage showed the significant decrease effect (5.01 % and 5.78 %, respectively). In addition, adding HPS or HPDSP could change the colour and lustre of FRNs to that preferred by consumers. When 6 % HPS or HPDSP were added, the FRNs showed the lowest of freezable water content during storage. The test results of FTIR showed the secondary structure of FRNs was maintained with the introduction of HPS or HPDSP during refrigeration, and the microstructure was improved during the frozen storage period. Consequently, the results provided a theoretical basis and new insight for the production and transportation of FRNs.

Construction of whey protein gels prepared by three methods to stabilize high internal phase Pickering emulsions loaded with CoQ10 under different pH

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of whey protein gel particles (WPGPs) prepared by heat-induced method, enzyme cross-linking method and calcium ion cross-linking method on the structural properties and intrinsic linkage of their stable high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) under different pH conditions. The effects of different pH and preparation methods on the internal interaction forces, particle size, ζ-potential, wettability and secondary structure of gels was investigated. The results indicated that the construction of HIPPEs system was successfully constructed at pH 3, 5 or 7. The WPGPs stabilized HIPPEs can maintain stable state at 4 °C for 28 days. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) loaded with HIPPEs increased the bioavailability from 13.2% to 79.4%, which was demonstrated in in vitro digestion experiments.

Static stability of partially crystalline emulsions: Impacts of carrageenan and its blends with xanthan gum and/or guar gum

In the present study, four different combinations of gums, including carrageenan (CG), its binary blends with xanthan gum (XG) or guar gum (GG) in equal ratios, and its ternary blends with XG and GG in three equal ratios, were involved into making partially crystalline emulsions (PCEs), respectively. The freshly prepared emulsions were systematically characterized by rheological property, particle size distribution, microscopic morphology, interfacial property, and intermolecular interactions, and their emulsion stabilities were further evaluated using multiple light scattering technique and storage test. All PCEs stabilized by gum blends (CG + XG, CG + GG, and CG + XG + GG) obtained decreased apparent viscosities at 0.01 s^-1 (10.12-25.32 Pa·s), particle sizes (3.12-4.06 μm), as well as interfacial protein concentrations (22.60-27.01 mg/m²), which were much lower than those with single CG (35.98 Pa·s, 6.72 μm, and 47.74 mg/m², respectively). The microscopic morphology showed that blending CG with XG and/or GG contributed to formation of firmer three-dimensional matrix, thereby preventing the aggregation of fat droplets. Inclusion of XG and/or GG also significantly reduced contribution of hydrophobic interactions from 0.72 to 0.24-0.44 mg/mL. Both multiple light scattering and storage test revealed that emulsion instabilities were mainly manifested as a clarification at the bottom and an agglomeration at the top. PCE-CG + XG + GG exhibited superior stability with low creaming index (6.20 %) and viscosity (1180.0 mPa·s) after three months of storage. The research aims to evaluate the effects of CG and its blends with XG and GG on stability of PCEs, and the results potentially provide valuable information for manufacture of stable PCE foods.

Stability of oil-in-water emulsions improved by ovalbumin-procyanidins mixture: A promising substrate with emulsifying and antioxidant activity

The aim of this study is to develop a dual-functional ingredient with antioxidant activity and emulsification. The emulsion stability of ovalbumin (OVA) was improved by procyanidins (PC). The interactions between OVA and PC were investigated using multi-spectroscopy and molecular docking. Furthermore, the effect of the addition of the OVA-PC mixture on emulsion stability was evaluated as well. The fluorescence results showed that the quenching mechanism of PC to OVA's endogenous fluorescence was static quenching, and the binding ratio of OVA and PC was 1:1. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR) showed that the addition of PC promoted the unfolding of OVA, and transformed the secondary structure of OVA from α-helix to β-sheet. The main driving force of OVA and PC was hydrogen bonding, according to molecular docking analysis. Among all the samples, the stability of the emulsion of OVA-PC at a ratio of 1:30 exhibited extremely high stability and the smallest particle size. In comparison with individual OVA emulsions, the OVA-PC emulsions had excellent physical stabilities. Meanwhile, the oxidation degree of protein and oil for the OVA-PC emulsions was lower than that of the native OVA emulsion after 8-day storage. Our work provides important insights for understanding the interaction between OVA and expanding the application of OVA-PC.