Deterioration in quality of quick-frozen pork patties induced by changes in protein structure and lipid and protein oxidation during frozen storage

Protein oxidation (P-OX) is an innovative topic of increasing interest among meat researchers. Carbonylation is generally recognized as one of the most remarkable chemical modifications in oxidized proteins. In fact, the quantification of protein carbonyls by the dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) method is the most common procedure for assessing P-OX in meat systems. Numerous studies have investigated the occurrence of protein carbonylation right after slaughter and during subsequent processing and cold storage of meat. However, the significance of protein carbonylation in meat systems is still poorly understood. Beyond their role as markers of protein oxidation, specific protein carbonyls such as α-aminoadipic and γ-glutamic semialdehydes (AAS and GGS, respectively) are active compounds that may be implicated in several chemical reactions with relevant consequences on meat quality. The formation of protein carbonyls from particular amino acid side chains contribute to impair the conformation of myofibrillar proteins leading to denaturation and loss of functionality. Recent studies also highlight the potential impact of specific protein carbonyls in particular meat quality traits such as water-holding capacity (WHC), texture, flavor and its nutritional value. As a truly emerging topic, the results from current studies provide grounds from the development of further investigations. The present paper reviews the current knowledge on the mechanisms and consequences of protein carbonylation in meat systems and aims to encourage meat researchers to accomplish further investigations on this fascinating research topic.

This comprehensive review describes the effects of freezing and thawing on the physical quality parameters of meat. The formation of ice crystals during freezing damages the ultrastructure and concentrates the solutes in the meat which, in turn, leads to alterations in the biochemical reactions that occur at the cellular level and influence the physical quality parameters of the meat. The quality parameters that were evaluated are moisture loss, protein denaturation, lipid and protein oxidation, colour, pH, shear force and microbial spoilage. Additionally mechanisms employed to mitigate the effects of freezing and thawing were also reviewed. These include the use of novel methods of freezing and thawing, ante and post mortem antifreeze protein inclusion and vitamin E supplementation, brine injection and modified atmospheric packaging.

The effect of chlorogenic acid (CA) at different concentration levels (0, 6, 30, and 150 μmol/g protein) on porcine myofibrillar protein (MP) gelling potential in relation to chemical and structural changes was investigated. The results showed that CA generally inhibited protein carbonyl formation but did not prevent sulphydryl and amine losses caused by oxidation. The presence of CA intensified oxidation-initiated loss of α-helix conformation as well as tertiary structure of MP. CA at 150 μmol/g produced the greatest increase in MP surface hydrophobicity and insolubility. The physicochemical changes with 6 and 30 μmol/g CA led to a remarkably enhanced gelling capacity of MP and augmented the positive effect of oxidation in building an elastic gel network. However, CA at 150 μmol/g was detrimental to the MP gelation. The result can explain why processed meats with phenolic-rich spices and herbs often exhibit variable texture-forming properties.