The interaction mechanism of different ionic polysaccharides with myofibrillar protein and its contribution to the heat-induced gels

Polysaccharides are widely used as quality improvers for meat products. However, the mechanisms of how different ionic polysaccharides regulate the gelling properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) are still unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the contribution of different ionic polysaccharides to MP gelation and its mechanism. The enhancement of hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction, and disulfide bond between carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na, anionic polysaccharide) and MP made them bind tightly, which contributes to the improvement of gel strength, water-holding capacity, and viscoelasticity. Konjac glucomannan (neutral polysaccharide) mainly relied on physical filling to support the gel network and improve the gel characteristics. The electrostatic attraction between cationic polysaccharides and MP enhanced the binding between them. However, due to the large structure of chitosan (cationic polysaccharide) sugar chain, it can only attach to the surface of protein, which limits the interaction between them. These findings will provide guidance for the application of polysaccharides as food quality improvers or fat substitutes and the design of new low-fat restructured meat products.