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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Fundamental Technical Elements of Freeze-fracture/Freeze-etch in Biological Electron Microscopy
Published on: September 11, 2014
Ice crystal-induced deterioration in freeze-thawed meat: mechanisms and innovative preservation strategies
Mengman Wang1, Jinxue Hou2, Jichao Huang3
1College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China.
Abstract:
Freezing and thawing are widely employed in meat preservation, yet meat quality is often compromised because muscle microstructure is irreversibly damaged by ice crystal formation and recrystallization. Lipid and protein oxidation, protein denaturation, and metabolic changes are subsequently accelerated, leading to pronounced quality change. In this review, the physicochemical mechanisms by which ice crystals induce structural and biochemical change are elucidated, and the synergistic relationship between oxidative reactions and protein degradation is emphasized. Innovative freezing and thawing technologies, together with antifreeze agents, are also summarized, as their abilities to regulate ice crystal formation, minimize structural injury, suppress oxidation, and stabilize protein conformation have been demonstrated. By clarifying the mechanisms through which ice crystals induced damage leads to quality deterioration and the associated mitigating effects of these technologies, this review is expected to provide theoretical and technical support for quality maintenance and sustainable development in the frozen meat industry.
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