The moisture-dependent gelation characteristics of five different proteins are evaluated to understand the modification of gel strength when they are added in surimi gel. Compressive force and penetration force of protein gels gradually decreased with...
The moisture-dependent gelation characteristics of five different proteins are evaluated to understand the modification of gel strength when they are added in surimi gel. Compressive force and penetration force of protein gels gradually decreased with increase of moisture level, with showing markedly decrease at certain point of moisture level called critical moisture level. The critical moisture level for gelation of SPI-1, SPI-2, EW, WPC and LA were 79.4%, 81.6%, 91.4%, 87,8% and 84.7%, respectively. Beyond this critical level of water, protein gel matrix begins to lose its water binding and structural integrity. The mnisture that was not re tained by a protein was available to diluting the protein matrix and eventually weakened the overall gel strength. EW and MPI showed higher water retention than those of SPI, WPC and LA. The compressive force of SPI, WPC and LA-incorporated surimi gel at the varying moisture levels strongly correlated with the amount if water retained at corresponding moisture level within those protein (r=0.99).