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Published on: August 13, 2014
Thermorheological properties and structural characteristics of soy and pumpkin seed protein blends for high-moisture
Hyun Woo Choi1, Jungwoo Hahn2, Hyun-Seok Kim3
1Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanakro, Gwanakgu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
This study explored the effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) and pumpkin seed protein concentrate (PSC) blends on the thermorheological properties and microstructure of high-moisture meat analogs. Using a Discovery Hybrid Rheometer, we observed that increasing PSC content weakened SPI network formation, resulting in decreased gel stability and a more porous, less aligned structure. Microstructural analyses (FE-SEM and FT-IR) revealed a correlation between protein network disruption and increased PSC content. Additionally, higher PSC levels reduced overall bonding (ionic, hydrogen, hydrophobic, disulfide), modifying the texture and softening the gel while retaining solid-like characteristics essential for replicating meat textures. Although full high-moisture extrusion conditions were not replicated, the observed trends offer valuable insights into texture development for meat substitutes. Future research using a closed-system rheometer is required to validate these findings and improve precision.
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