Effects of regenerated cellulose fiber on the characteristics of myofibrillar protein gels

The study investigated the role of regenerated cellulose (RC) fiber (0, 5 g, 10 g, 15 g and 20 g/100 g) on water holding capacity (WHC), texture, dynamic rheological, secondary structures and microstructure of myofibrillar protein (MP) gels. It was found that the gel WHC and texture properties were enhanced with increased RC fiber. The rheological results indicated that RC fiber did not destroy the normal cross-link of MP, but enhanced the viscoelasticity. The microstructure images proved that RC fiber was filled in the gel network leading to uniform and compact gel structure. Moreover, the pores of water channels became smaller or disappear. The Raman spectroscopy results exhibited that RC fiber facilitated the unfolding of α-helices and promoted the β-sheet of MP during heating leading to a compact and aggregated network. Consequently, the RC fiber is effective in improving the MP gel functional quality.