Changes in Cathepsin Activity during Low-Temperature Storage and Sous Vide Processing of Beef Brisket

It is believed that two main proteolytic systems are involved in the tenderization of meat: the cathepsins and the calpains. Many researchers consider the calpain system to be the major contributor to meat tenderness during post-mortem storage. However, the role and activity of cathepsins during post-mortem storage or low temperature meat processing is unclear, particularly for the tough meat cuts like brisket. Thus, the study was designed to investigate the effects of cold (refrigerated and frozen) storage and sous vide processing on the activities of cathepsin B, H, and L in beef brisket. There were no significant changes in pH and cathepsin H activity throughout the 18 d of storage at both temperatures. However, an increase in cathepsin B activity was observed during the first 4 d at both storage temperatures, but subsequently the activity remained unchanged. Cathepsins B and L were found to be more heat stable at sous vide temperatures (50°C for 24 h, 55°C for 5 h and at 60°C and 70°C for 1 h) compared to cathepsin H. Cathepsin B+L activity was found to increase after sous vide cooking at 50°C for 1 h but decreased to about 47% relative to the uncooked control after 24 h of cooking. These results suggest that cathepsins B and L may contribute to the improved meat tenderness usually seen in sous vide cooked brisket meat.