Porcine plasma as polyphosphate and caseinate replacer in frankfurters

Optimizing the formation of myosin/high-density lipoprotein composite gels: PH-dependent effects on heat-induced aggregation

This study investigated impact of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) on thermal aggregation and gelling behavior of myosin in relation to varied pHs. Results revealed that HDL modified myosin structure before and after heating, with distinct effects observed at varied pH. Under pH 5.0, both myosin and HDL-MS exhibited larger aggregates and altered microstructure; at pH 7.0 and 9.0, HDL inhibited myosin aggregation, resulting in enhanced solubility, reduced turbidity and particle size. Comparative analysis of surface hydrophobicity, free sulfhydryl groups and secondary structure highlighted distinct thermal aggregation behavior between MS and HDL-MS, with the latter showing inhibitory effects under neutral or alkaline conditions. Gelation behavior was enhanced at pH 7.0 with maximum strength, hardness, water-holding capacity and rheological properties. Under acidic pH, excessive protein aggregation resulted in increased whiteness and rough microstructure with granular aggregates. Under alkaline pH, gel network structure was weaker, possibly due to higher thermal stability of protein molecules. Scanning electron microscopy revealed expanded HDL protein particles at pH 7.0, accounting for decreased gel strength and altered rheological properties compared with myosin gel. Overall, the results indicated a positive role of HDL at varied pH in regulating thermal aggregation of myosin and further impacting heat-induced gel characteristics.

Effect of Citrus Fiber Addition on Quality Attributes of Fully Cooked Deli-Style Turkey Breast

The effects of citrus fiber on the color, texture, lipid oxidation, and sensory characteristics of fully cooked deli-style turkey breast during storage (3°C) were studied. Four treatments were evaluated: control, 0.25% citrus fiber, 0.50% citrus fiber, and 0.105% sodium tripolyphosphate. The study was independently replicated 3 times. Proximate analysis and pH were measured once, and color (Hunter L, a, b), lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), texture (Texture Profile Analysis hardness, resilience, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness), and sensory parameters (turkey aroma, texture, moistness, turkey flavor, off-flavor, and color) were measured at regular intervals on vacuum-packaged samples throughout an 84-d storage period. Aside from Texture Profile Analysis resiliency and sensory moistness lower in the 0.105% sodium tripolyphosphate group, all experimental treatments resulted in product with equivalent quality attributes to the control. At the levels tested in this specific application (high moisture, low fat), the citrus fiber evaluated did not affect the product’s quality attributes in a measurable way.

Surimi-like protein ingredient from porcine spleen as lean meat replacer in emulsion-type sausages

The aim of this work was to assess the influence of a porcine spleen surimi-like protein ingredient as pork meat replacer in emulsified cooked meat products (frankfurter-type sausages). The effects of the addition of porcine spleen protein isolate (SPI) in substitution of lean meat at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% on the physicochemical characteristics, microstructure, textural, and sensorial properties of the sausages were investigated. The addition of SPI did not affect the emulsion stability of raw meat batters nor the proximate composition of the cooked sausages, provided that sausages are formulated considering the differences in protein and fat content between pork meat and spleen protein fraction. Results showed that SPI was successfully applied as a meat replacer up to 15% of substitution level without producing significant modification on the physicochemical and techno-functional properties (water holding capacity and instrumental texture) of sausages. Meat replacement with SPI resulted in the formation of a stable and homogeneous protein gel network. Moreover, there were no negative effects on the sensory attributes in the cooked sausages containing 15% SPI as compared to the control ones. Therefore, the results of this study confirm that SPI up to 15% can be successfully used as a lean meat substitute in meat products.

Clean Label Alternatives in Meat Products

Food authorities have not yet provided a definition for the term "clean label". However, food producers and consumers frequently use this terminology for food products with few and recognisable ingredients. The meat industry faces important challenges in the development of clean-label meat products, as these contain an important number of functional additives. Nitrites are an essential additive that acts as an antimicrobial and antioxidant in several meat products, making it difficult to find a clean-label alternative with all functionalities. Another important additive not complying with the clean-label requirements are phosphates. Phosphates are essential for the correct development of texture and sensory properties in several meat products. In this review, we address the potential clean-label alternatives to the most common additives in meat products, including antimicrobials, antioxidants, texturisers and colours. Some novel technologies applied for the development of clean label meat products are also covered.

Consumer Attitudes toward Consumption of Meat Products Containing Offal and Offal Extracts

The development of food products containing offal and offal extracts could be part of the solution to the upcoming demand for animal protein. This study aimed to determine Spanish consumers’ attitudes toward offal and the development of meat products containing offal extracts. Consumers’ perceptions were evaluated by means of focus group discussions and a survey (N = 400) to validate the focus group results in various Spanish provinces. The theory of planned behavior was used to examine consumer attitudes. Results indicated that nutritional properties, environmental sustainability, and affordability were the main drivers, while sensory attributes, low frequency consumption, and perceived higher content of undesirable compounds were the main barriers. Three segments were identified according to their beliefs: those in favor of these products, those that were health and environmentally conscious, and those who were reluctant about them. The identification of these segments and their profiles demonstrated the necessity to focus efforts on providing reliable information on sensory and health-related issues to improve acceptability. Attitude was the most important predictor of behavioral intention regarding the global model, while the social component (subjective norm) was significant for two of the identified segments, emphasizing the relevance of the social component for acceptability.

Phosphate Elimination in Emulsified Meat Products: Impact of Protein-Based Ingredients on Quality Characteristics

The addition of phosphates to meat products improves the emulsifying and gelling properties of meat proteins, in turn enhancing overall product quality. The current market trend towards additive-free products and the health issues related to phosphate challenge the industry to develop phosphate-free meat products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of seven protein-based ingredients (pea, blood plasma, gelatin, soy, whey, egg, and potato) to remediate quality losses of emulsified meat products (cooked sausages) upon phosphate elimination. First, the intrinsic gelling and emulsifying characteristics of the proteins were assessed. Next, the proteins were added to phosphate-free sausages, of which quality characteristics during production (viscoelastic behavior and emulsion stability) and of the final products (texture, cooking loss, and pH) were screened. Blood plasma and soy were superior in phosphate-free cooked sausages, as no significant differences in hardness, cooking yield, or stability were found compared to phosphate-containing sausages. Egg and pea also improved the previously mentioned quality characteristics of phosphate-free sausages, although to a lesser extent. These insights could not entirely be explained based on the intrinsic gelling and emulsifying capacity of the respective proteins. This indicated the importance of a well-defined standardized meat matrix to determine the potential of alternative proteins in meat products.

Strengthening of Porcine Plasma Protein Superabsorbent Materials through a Solubilization-Freeze-Drying Process

The replacement of common acrylic derivatives by biodegradable materials in the formulation of superabsorbent materials would lessen the associated environmental impact. Moreover, the use of by-products or biowastes from the food industry that are usually discarded would promote a desired circular economy. The present study deals with the development of superabsorbent materials based on a by-product from the meat industry, namely plasma protein, focusing on the effects of a freeze-drying stage before blending with glycerol and eventual injection molding. More specifically, this freeze-drying stage is carried out either directly on the protein flour or after its solubilization in deionized water (10% w/w). Superabsorbent materials obtained after this solubilization-freeze-drying process display higher Young's modulus and tensile strength values, without affecting their water uptake capacity. As greater water uptake is commonly related to poorer mechanical properties, the proposed solubilization-freeze-drying process is a useful strategy for producing strengthened hydrophilic materials.

Effects of porcine blood plasma on the emulsion stability, physicochemical characteristics and textural attributes of emulsified pork batter

This study was conducted to determine the effects of addition of porcine blood plasma (PBP) to the emulsified pork batter as a substitute for the soy protein isolate (SPI) or sodium caseinate (SC) on the emulsion stability and physicochemical and textural properties of the emulsified pork batter. A total of 10 treatments were no addition and 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% addition with each of SPI, SC, and PBP. The moisture and fat losses of the pork emulsion after cooking decreased with increasing percentage of any of SPI, SC, and PBP (p < 0.05). Further, moisture loss was less for the PBP treatment than for SPI and SC (p < 0.05). The lightness, redness, and whiteness of the emulsified pork batter decreased (p < 0.05) due to any of the SPI, SC, and PBP treatments whereas the yellowness and the chroma and hue values increased. The lightness, redness, yellowness, and chroma and hue values differed also among the SPI, SC, and PBP treatments (p < 0.05); however, the numerical difference between any two types of substitutes was less than 8% of the two corresponding means in all of these variables. Textural properties, including the hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, and adhesiveness, were not influenced by any of the SPI, SC, and PBP treatments (p > 0.05), except for greater gumminess and chewiness for the PBP treatment than for SC. The present results indicate that PBP is comparable or even superior to SPI or SC in its emulsion-stabilizing effect and therefore could be used a substitute for the latter as a non-protein ingredient of pork emulsion batter.

Effect of porcine plasma hydrolysate on physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of emulsion-type pork sausage during cold storage

This study evaluated the effect of porcine plasma hydrolysates (PPH) on the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of emulsion-type pork sausages. Five levels of PPH were added to sausages (CON, 0 g/kg; T1, 5 g/kg; T2, 10 g/kg; T3, 15 g/kg; and T4, 20 g/kg) and their chemical composition, purge loss, lipid oxidation, microbial count, pH, color, texture, and sensory properties were compared on day 1 and after 4 weeks of cold storage. At 4 weeks of storage, hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess were highest in T3 (P < 0.05). The peroxide value increased in all treatments during the 4-weeks of storage (P < 0.05); however, it was not significantly different between CON, T2, and T3 (P > 0.05). The total aerobic plate count was the lowest in T4 at week 4 (P < 0.05). Therefore, PPH addition could improve the texture of the emulsion-type pork sausages, and an antimicrobial effect was expected following exposure to at least 20 g/kg PPH.

Hydrolysis Conditions of Porcine Blood Proteins and Antimicrobial Effects of Their Hydrolysates

In the present study, we determined the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of porcine blood plasma proteins, albumin, and globulin hydrolyzed by six proteases (alcalase, neutrase, flavourzyme, protamex, trypsin, and papain) for various reaction times. Moreover, antimicrobial activities of hydrolysates against five pathogenic microorganisms (Bacillus cereus,Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexneri) were investigated. Alcalase, trypsin, and papain hydrolysates of the three porcine blood proteins showed higher DH values than hydrolysates produced by the other three proteases. DH of the three porcine blood proteins hydrolyzed by the six proteases failed to increase after 2 h of hydrolysis. In antimicrobial tests, hydrolysates (hydrolysis time of 2 h) showed antibacterial activity only against B. cereus. Albumin hydrolysates showed higher antimicrobial activity than globulin and plasma hydrolysates. Albumin hydrolysates obtained with flavourzyme, protamex, and trypsin showed higher antimicrobial activity than those obtained with the other three proteases.

Evaluation of citrus fiber as a natural replacer of sodium phosphate in alternatively-cured all-pork Bologna sausage

The effects of sodium tripolyphosphate replacement with citrus fiber on color, texture, lipid oxidation, and sensory characteristics of an alternatively-cured all-pork Bologna sausage during 98 d of storage at storage 0-1 °C were studied. Replacement of sodium phosphates in processed meat with citrus fiber could enable manufacturers to make their products more consistent with the current "clean label" trend. The Bologna sausage was assigned one of five treatments: sodium tripolyphosphate control (0.38%), no-sodium-tripolyphosphate control, or one of several citrus fiber levels (0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%). Citrus fiber treatments resulted in Bologna sausage with acceptable technological parameters, as indicated by similar cook/chill yields and emulsion stability compared to the sodium tripolyphosphate control. The results showed the replacement of sodium tripolyphosphate with citrus fiber did not significantly alter most physical, chemical or sensory characteristics of the Bologna sausage during refrigerated storage.

Arginine improves the color stability of hemoglobin powder during freeze-drying and storage

To increase the color stability of hemoglobin (Hb) powder, the technological conditions for arginine-hemoglobin (Arg-Hb) powder preparation were optimized by response surface methodology and the influence of arginine (Arg) on the color stability of Hb powder was evaluated. Results showed that: (a) Arg-Hb powder had better colors (less MetHb% and higher a* value) than Hb powder (p < 0.05); (b) using MetHb% as an indicator, the optimal conditions to prepare Arg stabilized Hb were Arg concentration of 10.5 mg/ml Hb extract, reaction pH of 10.75, and reaction temperature of 18°C; (c) pH and NaCl had a significant influence on the color stability of Hb (p < 0.05). At various NaCl concentrations and pH conditions, Arg-Hb solution showed better color than Hb (p < 0.05); (d) Arg-Hb powder had higher a* values and higher percentages of deoxyhemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin but lower MetHb% than Hb powder during storage (p < 0.05).

Effects of Drying Methods and Ash Contents on Heat-Induced Gelation of Porcine Plasma Protein Powder

Porcine blood plasma is a rich source of proteins with high nutritional and functional properties, which can be used as a food ingredient. The plasma is usually processed into powders in applications. In the present study, the effects of drying methods and ash contents on heat-induced gelation of plasma protein powder were investigated. The drying methods had a significant impact on the gel properties of the plasma powder heat-induced gels. The hardness and elasticity of the gels by freeze-dried and spray-dried plasma powders were lower than that of the liquid plasma (p < 0.05). The microstructures of dehydrated plasma were denser and the holes were smaller. The secondary structure of the gels from the spray-dried plasma protein powders exhibited more α-helixes and less β-turns than that from the freeze-dried powder and liquid plasma. The thermostability of dehydrated plasma powder was found to have decreased compared to the liquid plasma. Compared with the gels obtained from the high ash content plasma protein powders, the gel from the 6% ash content plasma powder had the highest water-holding capacity and had the lowest hardness and elasticity. However, the secondary structure and microstructures of the heat-induced gels were not affected by the ash contents in the plasma powders. These findings show that the gel properties of plasma protein powder can be finely affected by drying methods and ash contents.

Enhancement of the Textural and Gel Properties of Frankfurters by Adding Thermo-reversible or Thermo-irreversible Curdlan Gels

The influence of different addition levels (0.1% to 0.5%) of thermo-reversible curdlan gels (TRC) and thermo-irreversible curdlan gels (TIRC) on the physicochemical and textural characteristics of frankfurters, as well as dynamic rheological properties of meat batters, was investigated. Increased percentages of TRC and TIRC were associated with lower cooking loss and quicker relaxation times, as well as superior emulsion stability, and higher L^* -values and b^* -values of frankfurters (P < 0.05). Moreover, with equal curdlan concentrations from 0.3% to 0.5%, TRC showed higher hardness and chewiness values than those with added TIRC (P < 0.05), but the gumminess, springiness, and resilience values were almost the same between each treatment (P > 0.05). The textural profile results were in strong agreement with the rheological data. Principal component analysis revealed that certain quality attributes were affected differently by the inclusion levels of TRC and TIRC. Additionally, the distinctive mechanism of the formation of the complex meat protein network by TRC or TIRC was also clarified and verified via scanning electron microscopy analysis. Further studies will investigate the molecular interactions of meat proteins with these two types of curdlan gels as a function of addition levels. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Curdlan can form two different types of gels mainly depending on heating temperature, designated as thermo-reversible curdlan gels (TRC) and thermo-irreversible curdlan gels (TIRC), respectively. The addition of these two gels could improve the textural and gel properties of frankfurters, as well as improve the rheological profiles of meat batters. Each gel type invokes a different mechanism of influence on the formation of the complex meat protein network. Results indicate that TRC (mainly as an effective gelling agent) and TIRC (mainly as a potential fat-mimetic) can provide distinctive frankfurter formulations catered to the requirements preferred by different consumers.

Pork protein addition effect on structural and qualitative parameters of frankfurter-type sausage

BACKGROUND

Several raw materials and additives are used in meat production. In terms of origin, proteins which are the closest related to meat are derived from slaughtered carcasses. The aim of the work was to assess the effect of their addition on the microstructure, texture and colour of frankfurter-type meat products.

RESULTS

Calleja staining, instrumental textural analysis and colour analysis were applied. The microscopic results were evaluated qualitatively. Canonical component and Tukey's HSD were used for textural and RGB evaluation. Microscopically, protein matrix formation in products containing pork haemoglobin (155_16) and pork plasma P (158_16) was found to be different from that in other samples. Texture analysis revealed differences (P < 0.05) in shear force between pork haemoglobin 155_16 and all tested samples, in the hardness between the control (154_16) and pork collagen protein (157_16) and between 157_16 and 160_16. Chewiness showed differences between control 154_16 and collagen proteins 157_16. Colour analysis showed a difference between pork haemoglobin (155_16) and other products (P < 0.05) by component analysis.

CONCLUSION

All tested additives were incorporated into the protein matrix. Therefore, they may be used as additives even for unrecommended meat products. Addition of pork haemoglobin has a significant impact on the colour of the final product. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Formulation of chicken sausages with broiler blood proteins and dye

Dye and proteins recovered from broiler blood were used in the formulation of chicken sausages in substitution of soy proteins and synthetic dyes. Three formulations of chicken sausages were prepared: standard, liquid plasma, and freeze-dried plasma. The application of protein and blood dye in the formulation of sausages and sensory analysis followed the Brazilian legislation. Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory attributes of sausages were evaluated during 60. All the formulations met the physicochemical and microbiological requirements. Considering the sensory analysis, sausages prepared using freeze-dried plasma presented significant difference from the standard sausage. There was no significant difference in the acceptance between the standard and liquid plasma sausages. Therefore, the use of such byproducts can add value to meat products without any adverse effect consumers acceptability.

Effects of Jerusalem Artichoke Powder and Sodium Carbonate as Phosphate Replacers on the Quality Characteristics of Emulsified Chicken Meatballs

Today incorporation of natural ingredients as inorganic phosphate replacers has come into prominence as a novel research topic due to health concerns about phosphates. In this study, we aimed to investigate the quality of emulsified chicken meatballs produced with Jerusalem artichoke powder (JAP), either alone or in combination with sodium carbonate (SC) as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) replacers. The results showed that naturally dried JAP showed favorable technological properties in terms of water-oil binding and gelling. Emulsion batters formulated with JAP-SC mixture showed lower jelly and fat separation, higher water-holding capacity and higher emulsion stability than control samples with STPP. In final product, incorporation of JAP-SC mixture increased moisture and reduced lipid and energy values, and kept the pH value similar to control. Added JAP lead to increments in b* values whereas decreases L* values. Cook yield was similar to control in phosphate-free samples formulated with JAP-SC mix. Either low or medium ratios of JAP in combination with SC managed to protect most of the sensory parameters, while sensory scores tend to decrease in samples containing high levels of JAP. Addition of JAP to formulations presented samples that have equivalent behavior to phosphates in terms of lipid oxidation. In conclusion, our study confirms that utilization of JAP in combination with SC had promising effects as phosphate replacers by presenting natural solutions and providing equivalent quality to standard phosphate containing products.

Factors influencing gelation properties of corn germ proteins

BACKGROUND

As a by-product of the oil industry, corn germ meal is mainly applied as a high-protein ingredient in animal feeds, without any application of the specific functional properties of corn germ protein (CGP). Factors influencing the gelation properties of CGP in relation to its dynamic rheology are still unclear owing to limited information.

RESULTS

CGP concentrate was recovered by the isoelectric precipitation method, and factors affecting its gelation properties were investigated using a rheometer. A weak gel formed at natural pH with 0.3 mol L^-1 NaCl, and the minimum gel-forming concentration was observed at 150 g kg^-1 . Higher CGP protein concentrations induced stiffer gels, and linear relationships were found between protein concentration and gel stiffness (G') as well as between protein concentration and gel viscosity (G″). Lower heating and cooling rate promoted the formation of stiffer gels. CGP gelation was both NaCl- and pH-dependent. Sodium tripolyphosphate significantly increased gel stiffness with increasing concentration. No difference in gel elasticity (tanδ) was observed with the inclusion of various concentrations of sodium tripolyphosphate or sodium polyphosphate.

CONCLUSION

Heating and cooling rate, NaCl, protein concentration, pH and phosphates all impact the gel-forming ability of CGP concentrate. Desired gel properties can be obtained through adjustment of these factors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of the addition of blood plasma proteins on physico-chemical properties of emulsion-type pork sausage during cold storage

BACKGROUND

Most slaughter blood is discarded, resulting in problems related to costs for wastewater disposal and environmental pollution. However, animal blood contains various proteins such as albumin, globulin and globin and can be used as a natural emulsifier, stabiliser and colour additive. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of blood plasma proteins on the physico-chemical properties of emulsion-type pork sausages stored at 4°C over 5 weeks.

RESULTS

The emulsion-type pork sausages with plasma powders had higher pH than the other treatments during week 5, and higher shear force than the control (P < 0.05). The lightness values of the sausages with plasma powders were lower than the other treatments, whereas the redness and yellowness values were similar with those of the others. The sausages with plasma powders (cattle plasma powder and commercial pig plasma powder) had respectively increased texture properties. In the sensory evaluation, all proteins did not have significant impact on sensory of pork sausages.

CONCLUSION

The results confirmed that plasma protein powders can be considered as a binder for the production of excellent meat products compared to other binders. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of l-lysine on thermal gelation properties of chicken breast actomyosin

The effects of l-lysine (l-Lys) on the water holding capacity (WHC) and texture of actomyosin (AM) gel and the possible mechanisms were investigated. l-Lys increased the WHC and hardness of the AM gel. These effects may be related to the even and continuous microstructure of the gel according to the scanning electron microscopy analysis. Furthermore, l-Lys increased the surface hydrophobic residues and the reactive sulfhydryl groups. l-Lys decreased the storage modulus at the first transition temperature but increased it at the second transition temperature and the third transition enthalpy. These results suggested that l-Lys varied the thermal behaviors and the microstructure of the AM gel by increasing the surface hydrophobicity and reactive sulfhydryl groups, ultimately contributing to the increased WHC and hardness. The changes in pH did not fully explain the results from the present study. The results were useful for understanding previous findings and may serve as a reference for the preparation of reduced-sodium and phosphate-free meat products.

Low-salt porcine serum concentrate as functional ingredient in frankfurters

The objective was to assay the use of serum from porcine blood as functional ingredient in frankfurter production. Three pilot productions of sausages were carried out to compare serum containing frankfurters to sausages based on a standard commercial formula that included caseinate and polyphosphate. Both products were very similar for proximate composition, water holding capacity, cooking and purge losses, instrumental texture, and microstructure. The sensory descriptive profile and the overall acceptance were also comparatively evaluated. Although significantly higher values for the animal taste and odour attributes of sausages with serum compared to control ones were obtained, the differences were lower than those reported in a previous study using whole plasma. Thus, ultrafiltration could be useful to reduce animal off-flavour in blood-based protein ingredients. Moreover, overall acceptance did not significantly differ between the two types of products, being 6.7 and 6.5, for control and test sausages respectively.