Characteristics of Gelatin Extracted from the Swim Bladder of Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacores) as Affected by Alkaline Pretreatments

Abstract

ABSTRACTGelatins extracted from the swim bladder of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacores) using various alkaline pretreatments were characterized. Alkaline mixtures (Na2CO3:NaOH) at different ratios (9:1, 8:2, 7:3, and 6:4) with a concentration of 4% (w/v) were used. The corresponding gelatins termed “G1,” “G2,” “G3,” and “G4” had yields of 9.78, 14.91, 35.96, and 13.60% (dry weight basis), respectively. All gelatins had α-chains as the major components. Fourier transform infrared spectra of obtained gelatins revealed the significant loss of molecular order of the triple-helix. G3 having the highest imino acid content and exhibited the highest gel strength (p < 0.05), compared with others. The microstructure of G3 gel was finer with smaller voids, compared with others. With increasing proportion of NaOH, the L*-value of gelatin gel increased with coincidental decrease in ΔE*-value. Gelling and melting temperatures of swim bladder gelatin were 12.3–15.1 and 21.3–22.3°C, respectively.