Effects of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate incorporation on the physicochemical and oxidative stability of myofibrillar protein-soybean oil emulsions

The dose-dependent effects of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG; at 0, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 mg/L) on the physical, chemical, and oxidative stability of porcine myofibrillar protein (MP)-soybean oil emulsion systems were investigated. The results showed EGCG at all levels effectively suppressed lipid oxidation in MP emulsion composite gels during the entire chill storage (at 4 degrees C for 0, 3, or 7 days). The incorporation of EGCG at higher concentrations (> 100 mg/L) promoted the loss of sulfhydryls, reduction of surface hydrophobicity, and aggregation and cross-linking of MP. As a result, high concentrations of EGCG (500 and 1000 mg/L) hampered emulsification and gel formation of MP. However, EGCG at lower concentrations (50-200 mg/L) improved the oxidative stability of meat emulsions without jeopardizing the textural stability.