L-proline-trehalose natural deep eutectic solvent as a functional cryoprotectant for quick-frozen pork patties: improving oral processing and digestibility

This study used L-proline and trehalose to formulate a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). It evaluated its regulatory effects on the ice crystal behavior, swallowing suitability, and in vitro digestibility of quick-frozen pork patties. The results show that 20% H₂O NADES can reduce viscosity while maintaining strong hydrogen bonds. After 180 days of freezing, the 4% NADES group had the lowest ice crystal content (32.38%). An oral processing assessment revealed that the NADES group exhibited a significantly lower coefficient of friction than the control group (P < 0.05), effectively maintaining the oral lubricity of quick-frozen pork patties. SDS-PAGE and CLSM confirmed that NADES inhibits freezing-induced protein aggregation and generates more low-molecular-weight peptides, thereby promoting digestion. In summary, NADES, as a green anti-freezing agent, can improve the quality of frozen meat products and offers a new approach to developing meat products for the elderly that are easy to swallow and digest.