Mimic Pork Rinds from Plant-Based Gel: The Influence of Sweet Potato Starch and Konjac Glucomannan

Regulation of glycose and lipid metabolism and application based on the colloidal nutrition science properties of konjac glucomannan: A comprehensive review

The physicochemical properties of dietary fiber in the gastrointestinal tract, such as hydration properties, adsorption properties, rheological properties, have an important influence on the physiological process of host digestion and absorption, leading to the differences in satiety and glucose and lipid metabolisms. Based on the diversified physicochemical properties of konjac glucomannan (KGM), it is meaningful to review the relationship of structural characteristics, physicochemical properties and glycose and lipid metabolism. Firstly, this paper bypassed the category of intestinal microbes, and explained the potential of dietary fiber in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism during nutrient digestion and absorption from the perspective of colloidal nutrition. Secondly, the modification methods of KGM to regulate its physicochemical properties were discussed and the relationship between KGM's molecular structure types and glycose and lipid metabolism were summarized. Finally, based on the characteristics of KGM, the application of KGM in the main material and ingredients of fat reduction food was reviewed. We hope this work could provide theoretical basis for the study of dietary fiber colloid nutrition science.

Effect of variation in basic emulsion structure and polysaccharide content on the physicochemical properties and structure of composite-based emulsion gels as cube fat mimetics

This study aimed to reveal the effect of different basic emulsion structures (W/O/W and O/W) and polysaccharide additions on protein-polysaccharide composite-based emulsion gels utilizing soybean protein isolate, palm oil and konjac glucomannan. The results of texture profile, rheological tests, microstructure observations, and oral tribology showed that basic emulsion structures and konjac glucomannan addition had significant effect on the emulsion gels' properties, while the impact of konjac glucomannan addition was stronger. W/O/W double emulsion gels (DEG) exhibited lower oral friction coefficients and obtained higher scores for oiliness and juiciness during the sensory evaluation. However, O/W single emulsion gels (SEG) displayed a firmer texture and higher chewiness, a 29.62% and 49.57% increase compared to the DEG at 7% konjac glucomannan addition on the hardness and chewiness respectively. It has demonstrated the emulsion gels' potential as cube fat mimetics and feasibility of adjusting their properties by changing the basic emulsion structure.

Preparation of Whole-Cut Plant-Based Pork Meat and Its Quality Evaluation with Animal Meat

Low-moisture (20~40%) and high-moisture (40~80%) textured vegetable proteins (TVPs) can be used as important components of plant-based lean meat, while plant-based fat can be characterized by the formation of gels from polysaccharides, proteins, etc. In this study, three kinds of whole-cut plant-based pork (PBP) were prepared based on the mixed gel system, which were from low-moisture TVP, high-moisture TVP, and their mixtures. The comparisons of these products with commercially available plant-based pork (C-PBP1 and C-PBP2) and animal pork meat (APM) were studied in terms of appearance, taste, and nutritional qualities. Results showed the color changes of PBPs after frying were similar to that of APM. The addition of high-moisture TVP would significantly improve hardness (3751.96~7297.21 g), springiness (0.84~0.89%), and chewiness (3162.44~6466.94 g) while also reducing the viscosity (3.89~10.56 g) of products. It was found that the use of high-moisture TVP led to a significant increase in water-holding capacity (WHC) from 150.25% to 161.01% compared with low-moisture TVP; however, oil-holding capacity (OHC) was reduced from 166.34% to 164.79%. Moreover, essential amino acids (EAAs), the essential amino acids index (EAAI), and biological value (BV) were significantly increased from 272.68 mg/g, 105.52, and 103.32 to 362.65 mg/g, 141.34, and 142.36, respectively, though in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) reduced from 51.67% to 43.68% due to the high-moisture TVP. Thus, the high-moisture TVP could help to improve the appearance, textural properties, WHC, and nutritional qualities of PBPs compared to animal meat, which was also better than low-moisture TVP. These findings should be useful for the application of TVP and gels in plant-based pork products to improve the taste and nutritional qualities.

Review of Konjac Glucomannan Structure, Properties, Gelation Mechanism, and Application in Medical Biology

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a naturally occurring macromolecular polysaccharide that exhibits remarkable film-forming and gel-forming properties, and a high degree of biocompatibility and biodegradability. The helical structure of KGM is maintained by the acetyl group, which plays a crucial role in preserving its structural integrity. Various degradation methods, including the topological structure, can enhance the stability of KGM and improve its biological activity. Recent research has focused on modifying KGM to enhance its properties, utilizing multi-scale simulation, mechanical experiments, and biosensor research. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the structure and properties of KGM, recent advancements in non-alkali thermally irreversible gel research, and its applications in biomedical materials and related areas of research. Additionally, this review outlines prospects for future KGM research, providing valuable research ideas for follow-up experiments.

Ingredients and Process Affect the Structural Quality of Recombinant Plant-Based Meat Alternatives and Their Components

Recombinant plant-based meat alternatives are a kind of product that simulates animal meat with complete structure by assembling plant-tissue protein and other plant-based ingredients. The market is growing rapidly and appears to have a promising future due to the broad culinary applicability of such products. Based on the analysis and summary of the relevant literature in the recent five years, this review summarizes the effects of raw materials and production methods on the structure and quality of specific components (tissue protein and simulated fat) in plant-based meat alternatives. Furthermore, the important roles of tissue and simulated fat as the main components of recombinant plant-based meat alternatives are further elucidated herein. In this paper, the factors affecting the structure and quality of plant-based meat alternatives are analyzed from part to whole, with the aim of contributing to the structural optimization and providing reference for the future development of the plant meat industry.