Effects of Alkali and Acid Solubilization on Gelation Characteristics of Rockfish Muscle Proteins

ABSTRACT: Solubility of rockfish whole muscle and actomyosin was minimum at pH 5 and gradually increased as the pH was shifted to acidic or alkaline pH. Acidic and alkaline solubilization was followed by isoelectric precipitation induced degradation of myosin heavy chain, resulting in a protein band of about 120 kDa. Both myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins underwent denaturation after acidic and alkaline treatment, exhibiting minimal solubility and absence of endothermic peaks. Acid‐ and alkali‐treated muscle proteins readily aggregated upon heating, showing different dynamic rheological patterns compared with whole muscle and washed mince. Disulfide linkages occurred at a greater extent in gel prepared by alkaline solubilization, resulting in higher breaking force and deformation.