Complex organic acids treatment on crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): the relationship between myofibrillar protein structure and meat quality

Abstract

SummaryThe effect of complex organic acids (COA) treatment at different concentrations (0, 1%, 5%, 10% and 15%) on the myofibrillar protein (MP) structure and meat quality of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) was investigated. The results showed that with increasing concentrations of COA treatment, the sulfhydryl content of MP decreased and dityrosine content increased. The MP secondary structure has a reduced α‐helix content and an increased β‐fold content. The MP tertiary structure unfolded, exposing hydrophobic and other amino acids to a polar environment. MP aggregation was induced in the 1% and 5% COA treatment groups and MP degradation was induced in the 10% and 15% COA treatment groups. Crayfish meat in the 5% COA treatment group showed improved textural properties due to protein aggregation. It also enhanced the colour, aroma and micromorphology of the crayfish meat.