Emulsifying and Gelling Properties of Pork Myofibrillar Protein as Affected by Various NaCl Levels and pH Values

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The effects of various NaCl levels (0, 0.3, and 0.6 M) and pH values (pH 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5) on the emulsifying and gelling properties of pork myofibrillar protein (MP) were assessed. The emulsion stability index (ESI), emulsifying activity index (EAI), and creaming index were measured at a 1:20 ratio of MP to corn oil. The EAI and ESI of pork MP showed maximum values at pHs 6.0 and 6.5 and at 0.3 M NaCl, resulting in better emulsion properties. Additionally, the cooking yield (CY) and gel strength (GS) of emulsified MP gel were measured at an MP: corn oil ratio of 1: 2; GS increased with increasing levels of salt. At 0.6 M NaCl, GS decreased with decreasing pH from 5.5 to 6.5. GS and gelling properties were optimal at pH 5.5 in 0.6 M salt. The highest CY was observed at 0.6 M NaCl, regardless of the pH value. However, increasing pH increased CY at salt levels of 0 and 0.3 M. These results indicate that NaCl and pH profoundly affected the emulsified MP system. Future work will be conducted on the rheological properties of the pork emulsified system as affected by adding non-meat protein.