Protein texturization

There is a continuing interest to improve and extend the fimctional properties range of dairy proteins to provide both health benefits and their characteristic physical behaviors under different temperature, moisture, and pH conditions so that they may be included in foods that ordinarily do not contain them. One such research area is the extrusion texturization of whey proteins, which have resulted in dairy proteins with new characteristics imparted by a controlled texturization process, depending on the application desired (Hale et al., 2002 Manoi and Rizvi, 2008 Onwulata, 2009 Onwulata et al., 1998). Protein texturization is a two-step process that involves, first, the unfolding of the globular structure (denaturation) and, second, the alignments of the partially unfolded structures in the direction of mass flow in the extruder. The surface characteristics are imparted at the extruder die as the molten mass exits (Onwulata et al., 2003a). 

Extrusion texturization is a process that uses mechanical shear, heat, and pressure generated in the food extruder to change the structures of food components, including proteins (Harper, 1986). Protein texturization creates filamentous structures, crumbly surfaces, or other physical formations by restructuring or realigning folded or tightly wound globular structures into stretched, layered, or cross-linked mass (Kinsella and Franzen, 1978). 

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results suggest that p-LG undergoes a greater conformational loss as a fimction of extrusion temperature than a-LA, presumably due to intermolecular disulfide bond formation. Atomic force microscopy indicates that texturization results in a loss of secondary structure of aroimd 15%, total loss of globular structure at 78 °C, and conversion to a random coil at 100 °C (Qi and Onwulata, 2011). Moisture has a small effect on whey protein texturization, whereas temperature has the largest effect. Extrusion at or above 75 °C leads to a uniform densely packed polymeric product with no secondary structural elements (mostly a-helix) remaining (Qi and Onwulata, 2011). 

Cheftel, J. C., Kitagawa, M., and Queguiner, C. (1992). New protein texturization processes by extrusion cooking at high moisture levels. Food Rev. Int. 8, 235-275. 

Holay, S. H. and Harper, J. M. (1982). Influence of the extrusion shear environment on plant protein texturization. J. Food Sci. 47,1869-1874. 

Textured Soy Proteins. Textured vegetable proteins, primarily textured flours and concentrates (50% protein and 70% protein, dry basis, respectfully) are widely used in the processed meat industry to provide meat-like structure and reduce ingredient costs (3-6, 9-10). Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colored or uncolored, flavored or unflavored, fortified or unfortified, textured soy proteins can resemble any basic meat ingredient. Beef, pork, seafood and poultry applications are possible 03, 4-7, 15, 19) Proper protein selection and hydration is critical to achieving superior finished product quality. Textured proteins have virtually no solubility and, thus, no ability to penetrate into whole muscle tissue Therefore, textured soy proteins are inherently restricted to coarse ground (e.g. sausage) or fine emulsion (e.g. weiners and bologna) products, and comminuted and reformed (i.e. restructured) meat products. None are used in whole muscle absorption or injection applications (2-4, 6, 11). 

Surfactants have been, reprotedly, used to prevent extensive puffing of extruded cereal products. It was found in these studies that surfactants could effectively inhibit gelatinization of cereal starch. However, effect of surfactants on protein texturization has not been reported. Two types of surfactants, sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate and calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate (at levels of 0.2 and 0.4% based on the weight of the flour), were mixed with soy flour prior to extrusion. A yeast protein (Torutein, manufactured by Amoco Inc.), claimed to be an extrusion helper although its function is not known, was added. 

Tolstoguzov, V.B., Grinberg, V.Ya., and Gurov, A.N. (1985). Some physicalchemical approaches to the problem of protein texturization. J. Agric. Food Chem., 33, 151-159. Tombs, M.P. (1985). Phase separation in protein water systems and the formation of structure. In D. Simatos, and J.L. Multon (Eds.), Properties of Water in Foods, pp. 25-36. Martinus Nijhoff Publ., Dordrecht. 

Avoid excessive levels of fat that interfere with making cohesive pellets (more than 4%) or restrict the desired puffing of starches and development of lamellar soy protein textures (more than 6%) in extmded feeds. 

Soft-wheat flours are sold for general family use, as biscuit or cake flours, and for the commercial production of crackers, pretzels, cakes, cookies, and pastry. The protein in soft wheat flour mns from 7 to 10%. There are differences in appearance, texture, and absorption capacity between hard- and soft-wheat flour subjected to the same milling procedures. Hard-wheat flour falls into separate particles if shaken in the hand whereas, soft-wheat flour tends to clump and hold its shape if pressed together. Hard-wheat flour feels slightly coarse and granular when mbbed between the fingers soft-wheat flour feels soft and smooth. Hard-wheat flour absorbs more Hquid than does soft-wheat flour. Consequently, many recipes recommend a variable measure of either flour or Hquid to achieve a desired consistency. 

Soybean products that have been processed to remove a portion or all of the carbohydrates and minerals are used to make textured vegetable proteins which can be formed into various shapes and textures (see Soybean and other oilseeds). Many canned dog foods utilize the textured vegetable protein chunks with added juices, flavor enhancers, vitainins, and minerals to produce canned dog foods that have the appearance of meat chunks. 

Protein-Based Substitutes. Several plant and animal-based proteins have been used in processed meat products to increase yields, reduce reformulation costs, enhance specific functional properties, and decrease fat content. Examples of these protein additives are wheat flour, wheat gluten, soy flour, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, textured soy protein, cottonseed flour, oat flour, com germ meal, nonfat dry milk, caseinates, whey proteins, surimi, blood plasma, and egg proteins. Most of these protein ingredients can be included in cooked sausages with a maximum level allowed up to 3.5% of the formulation, except soy protein isolate and caseinates are restricted to 2% (44). 

Oilseed proteins are used as food ingredients at concentrations of 1—2% to nearly 100%. At low concentrations, the proteins are added primarily for their functional properties, eg, emulsification, fat absorption, water absorption, texture, dough formation, adhesion, cohesion, elasticity, film formation, and aeration (86) (see Food processing). Because of high protein contents, textured flours and concentrates are used as the principal ingredients of some meat substitutes. 

Fat Replacers. The reduction of fat in substitute dairy products results in an increase in water and a stress on the food system both in respect to body and texture, and to flavor. There is no universal fat replacer, but microparticulated proteins having particle sizes <10 fim and/or starch derivatives, and gums have been used as fat replacers. 

MVP, textured vegetable protein. Possibly attributable to fatty acids in the margerine used to make biscuits containing Arcon F. 

For us to remain perfectly healthy, the protein in our diet must supply suffident quantities of amino acids. We prefer to eat our protein in particular forms, that is in foods having particular textures, tastes and smells (these are called organoleptic properties). Conventional sources of protein are plants, mainly as cereals and pulses, and animals, mainly as meat, eggs and milk. The proportions of such proteins eaten in various parts of the world differ widely (Figure 4.1). 

---