Effects of three treatments on protein structure and gel properties of Perccottus glenii myofibrillar protein

In order to improve Perccottus glenii myofibrillar protein (MP) gel properties, three treatments were evaluated: ultrasonic, transglutaminase (TGase) and combined ultrasonic-transglutaminase treatments. Combined ultrasonic-transglutaminase treatment altered protein structure and gel properties most dramatically. As compared with untreated control group protein, treated protein gels possessed decreased sulfhydryl group content and increases in water holding capacity, whiteness value and hydrophobic interactions that increased gel strength value by up to 3.79 times that of untreated protein gel. Protein structural and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses revealed that combined ultrasonic-TGase treatment increased both protein thermal denaturation temperature and UV absorbance (as compared to control and other treatment groups) that supported formation of MP gels with desirable characteristics. These results provide a theoretical basis for development of superior MP gels to promote greater utilization of this fish protein resource by the food industry.