Gel properties of protein hydrolysates from trypsin-treated male gonad of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis)

Abstract

In order to provide a foundation for comprehensive utilization of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis), the gel properties of hydrolysates from scallop male gonad (SMGHs) were studied. The hydrolysates were obtained from scallop male gonads (SMGs) by using trypsin. The changes in molecular mass of proteins were determined by SDS-PAGE and HPLC with a peptide separation column. The gel properties of SMGHs were investigated by using rheometer and texture instrument in comparison with that of ι-carrageenan and gelatin. The results showed that the proteins of SMGs were significantly degraded after hydrolysis with trypsin at a dosage of 3000 U/g protein. The SMGHs showed an appearance of gelation after hydrolysis for 30–180 min and cooling down. Under various sweep models, the values of storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), viscosity (ƞ) of SMGHs were obvious higher than those of SMGs. The textural parameters containing firmness, cohesiveness and adhesive force of SMGHs at dosages of 50 and 75 mg/mL were similar to those of ι-carrageenan and gelatin at 25 mg/mL, respectively. For the mixtures, the gel property of SMGHs/ι-carrageenan SMGHs/gelatin increased significantly. The low-field NMR (LF-NMR) also reflected the T23 of SMGHs/ι-carrageenan, T21 of SMGHs/ι-carrageenan and SMGHs/gelatin mixture decreased significantly in comparison with SMGHs alone. These results suggest that SMGHs could be applied as a potential gelling and thickening agent in food formulations.