Effect of typical starch on the rheological properties and NMR characterization of myofibrillar protein gel

Abstract BACKGROUND Composite gels were individually prepared from 20 g kg −1 myofibrillar protein (MP) imbedded with typical native starch (potato, tapioca, rice or corn starch) in 0.6 mol L −1 NaCl at pH 6.2. The gel strength, water holding capacity, rheological properties and microstructure of the obtained myofibrillar protein–starch composite gels were evaluated. RESULTS Tapioca starch improved ( P < 0.05) gel strength and water holding capacity of MP composite gel at 80 °C. Rheological properties of MP–starch composites differed significantly with the addition of different types of native starch. Additionally, the promoting effect of starch on the storage modulus of the composite gels positively correlated with the gelatinization properties of different typical starch. Environmental scanning electron microscopy showed that the filling effect of starch on the composite gel was related to the pasting temperature and particle size of typical starch, with almost no particles forming at 80 °C. Moreover, the addition of starch changed the relaxation peak area and increased the relaxation time in nuclear magnetic resonance tests, which suggested that starch could improve the water holding capacity of MP‐starch composite gels. CONCLUSION Different typical native starch has varied impacts on the gel strength, water holding capacity, rheological properties and microstructure of MP gels, indicating the potential and feasibility of these typical native starches as an addition agent to modify the textural properties in comminuted meat products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry