The expression and localization of V-ATPase and cytokeratin 5 during postnatal development of the pig epididymis.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the localization and expression of H+ pumping vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) and cytokeratin 5 (KRT5) in the epididymis of pigs, expressed in clear and basal cells, respectively, during postnatal development. METHODS: Epididymides were obtained from pigs at 1, 7, 21, 60, 120, and 180 days of age; we observed the localization and expression patterns of V-ATPase and KRT5 in the different regions of these organs, namely, the caput, corpus, and cauda. The differentiation of epididymal epithelial cells was determined by immunofluorescence labeling using cell-type-specific markers and observed using confocal microscopy. RESULTS: At postnatal day 5 (PND5), the localization of clear cells commenced migration from the cauda toward the caput. Although at PND120, goblet-shaped clear cells were detected along the entire length of the epididymis, those labeled for V-ATPase had disappeared from the corpus to cauda and were maintained only in the caput epididymis in adult pigs. In contrast, whereas basal cells labeled for KRT5 were only present in the vas deferens at birth, they were detected in all regions of the epididymis at PND60. These cells were localized at the base of the epithelium; however, no basal cells characterized by luminally extending cell projections were observed in any of the adult epididymides examined. CONCLUSION: The differentiation of clear and basal cells progressively initiates in a retrograde manner from the cauda to the caput epididymis. The cell-type-specific distribution and localization of the epithelial cells play important roles in establishing a unique luminal environment for sperm maturation and storage in the pig epididymis.

Evaluations of physicochemical and anti-oxidant properties of powdered leaves from lotus, shepherd's purse and goldenrod in restructured duck/pork patties.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of powdered leaves of lotus (LP), shepherd's purse (SP) and goldenrod (GP) on oxidation stability and quality characteristics of cooked duck/pork patties. Fresh duck tenderloin (M. pectoralis) and pork meat (M. biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus) were ground, formulated with LP, SP, GP or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and mixed with other non-meat ingredients. The manufactured patties were cooked, packaged, and stored at 3 °C for 4 weeks. The patties containing 1% of LP, SP and GP had significantly lower values in redness, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes and total volatile basic nitrogen compared to control. No significant differences in sensory tenderness between the control and treated samples were observed. Addition of LP had a similar warmed-over flavor extent compared to patties with BHT. These results indicate that incorporation of the natural leaves could effectively inhibit oxidation and maintain freshness of cooked patties without any detrimental effects on sensory attributes during storage.

Effect of Starter Culture and Temperature on the Flavor and Sensory Characteristics of Dry-Cured Ham.

This study focused on understanding the effects of yeast and mold on the sensory properties of dry-cured ham aged at 20°C and 25°C. Debaryomyces hansenii isolated from Doenjang and fermented sausages, and Penicillium nalgiovense isolated from fermented sausages were utilized. The CIE a* tended to increase in all treatments as the aging period increased. At 6 weeks of aging, DFD25 showed a significantly higher CIE a* value than other treatments. The shear force tended to increase in all treatments as the aging period increased. At 6 weeks of aging, among the treatments aged at 25°C, DFD25 showed a low tendency to shear force. The PC1 of the electronic nose was 42.872%. At 25°C, the hexane content was higher and levels of ethanol, propan-2-one, 2,4,5-trimethylthiazole, and limonene were lower than that at 20°C. DFD25 showed significantly higher hexane content and significantly lower limonene content than other treatments. The PC1 of the electronic tongue was 84.529%. All treatments, except for the C starter, exhibited higher salt and lower sour levels at 25°C compared to 20°C when the same starter was used. The DFD25 showed the lowest sour taste and a higher tendency of umami than the other treatments. Sensory evaluation revealed that DFD25 had significantly higher scores for texture than C25, whereas no significant differences were observed in other aspects. Therefore, the used starters are considered suitable for aging at 25°C; among them, the DFD starter demonstrates superior qualities and enhanced commercial potential compared to the control.

Physicochemical Properties of Restructured Black Goat Jerky with Various Types of Ultra-Ground Seaweed Powders.

This study investigated the effects of ultra-ground seaweed powders (USP) on the physicochemical properties (proximate composition, mineral contents, pH, color, shear force, sensory evaluation, electronic nose, and electronic tongue) of restructured black goat jerky. Restructured black goat jerky was prepared using three different treatments, i.e., 3% (w/w) each of ultra-ground sea tangle (ST; Undaria pinnatifida), sea mustard (SM; Saccharina japonica), and sea string (SS; Gracilaria verrucosa) powders. Moisture and ash contents were significantly higher in the USP-treated group than in the control (p<0.05). Potassium, calcium, and zinc contents were significantly higher in the SM than in the other USP-treated groups (p<0.05). In contrast, pH values were significantly higher in the ST and SM than in the control and SS (p<0.05). CIE L*, CIE a*, CIE b*, and shear force were significantly lower in the USP-treated groups than in the control (p<0.05). Sensory evaluation revealed no significant difference in taste, texture, seaweed-like odor, and goaty flavor (p<0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) and peak graph analysis of the electronic nose showed that the SS differed the most from the control compared with the other USP-treated groups, owing to the seaweed odor of ultra-ground SS powder. The PCA and ranking analysis of the electronic tongue showed that the umami taste of the SM was higher than that of the control and other USP-treated groups. Therefore, the potassium, calcium, zinc contents, and umami taste of reconstituted black goat jerky were significantly higher in the SM than in the control and other USP-treated groups.

Effects of Sous-vide Cooking Temperature on Triceps Brachii of Black Goats.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sous-vide cooking temperature on the triceps brachii of black goats. Triceps brachii of black goats (12 months) were sous-vide cooked at 55°C, 60°C, and 65°C. The samples were examined for color, scanning electron microscope photographs, sarcomere length, fiber cross-sectional area, cooking yield, shear force, sensory evaluation, and aromatic profile. The results showed that CIE a*, CIE b*, and chroma increased with increasing sous-vide cooking temperature. However, the cooking yield significantly decreased with increasing sous-vide cooking temperature, and the shear forces of the 60°C and 65°C samples showed no significant differences. For sensory evaluation, the 60°C sample showed the highest scores for flavor, texture, and off-flavor. Furthermore, the 60°C sample showed the significantly lowest value of octadienone (aroma characteristics of metallic) intensity (p<0.05). Therefore, sous-vide cooking of triceps brachii of black goats at 60°C is effective in reducing off-flavor and improving tenderness.

Current Status of Non-Thermal Sterilization by Pet Food Raw Ingredients.

Recently, as the concept of pet food that satisfies both nutritional needs and the five senses has evolved, so too has the demand for effective pet food non-thermal sterilization methods. Prominent non-thermal technologies include high-pressure processing, plasma, and radiation, which are favored for their ability to preserve nutrients, avoid residues, and minimize compositional changes, thereby maintaining quality and sensory properties. However, to assess their effectiveness on pet food, it is essential to optimize operational parameters such as pressure levels, plasma intensity, radiation dosage, and temperature. Further studies are needed to evaluate microbial sterilization efficacy and sensory attributes. This exploration is expected to lay the groundwork for preventing zoonotic diseases and improving the production of high-quality pet food.

Study on Ways to Improve the Quality of Black Goat Meat Jerky and Reduce Goaty Flavor through Various Spices.

In this study, we analyzed the physicochemical and sensory properties of black goat jerky marinated with various spices (non-spice, control; rosemary, RO; basil, BA; ginger, GI; turmeric, TU; and garlic, GA). The physicochemical properties of black goat jerky analyzed were pH, water holding capacity, color, cooking yield, shear force, and fatty acid composition. The sensory characteristics were analyzed through the aroma profile (electronic nose), taste profile (electronic tongue), and sensory evaluation. The pH and water holding capacity of the GI showed higher values than the other samples. GI and GA showed similar values of CIE L* and CIE a* to that of the control. The shear force of the GI and TU was significantly lower than that of other samples (p<0.05). Regarding fatty acid composition, GI showed high unsaturated and low saturated fatty acid contents compared with that of the other samples except for RO (p<0.05). In the aroma profile, the peak area of hexanal, which is responsible for a faintly rancid odor, was lower in all treatment groups than in the control. In the taste profile, the umami of spice samples was higher than that of the control, and among the samples, GI had the highest score. In the sensory evaluation, the GI sample showed significantly higher scores than the control in terms of flavor, aroma, goaty flavor, and overall acceptability (p<0.05). Therefore, marinating black goat jerky with ginger powder enhanced the overall flavor and reduced the goat odor.

Optimization of dry-aging conditions for chicken meat using the electric field supercooling system.

This study was designed to determine the optimal aging conditions after analyzing the physicochemical and microbiological properties of dry-aged chicken breast using an electric field supercooling system (EFSS). Chicken breast was aged for up 5 weeks at three different temperatures (0°C, -1°C, and -2°C). Aging and trimming loss at -2°C treatment showed lower values than at 0°C and -1°C treatments. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and volatile basic nitrogen in all treatments increased during the aging process but showed the lowest levels at -2°C. As a result of analysis of aerobic bacteria, it is microbiologically safe to dry-age for up to 2 weeks at 0°C and up to 3 weeks at -1°C and -2°C. Therefore, the dry-aged chicken breast with EFSS was optimally aged for 3 weeks at -2°C.

Industrial Research and Development on the Production Process and Quality of Cultured Meat Hold Significant Value: A Review.

Cultured meat has been gaining popularity as a solution to the increasing problem of food insecurity. Although research on cultured meat started later compared to other alternative meats, the industry is growing rapidly every year, with developed products evaluated as being most similar to conventional meat. Studies on cultured meat production techniques, such as culturing new animal cells and developing medium sera and scaffolds, are being conducted intensively and diversely. However, active in-depth research on the quality characteristics of cultured meat, including studies on the sensory and storage properties that directly influence consumer preferences, is still lacking. Additionally, studies on the combination or ratio of fat cells to muscle cells and on the improvement of microbiota, protein degradation, and fatty acid degradation remain to be conducted. By actively investigating these research topics, we aim to verify the quality and safety of cultured meats, ultimately improving the consumer preference for cultured meat products.

Effect of Paprika Powder on the Antioxidant Capacity of Emulsion-Type Sausages.

Antioxidant activity of freeze-dried paprika powder and storage properties of emulsion-type pork sausages containing diverse concentrations of this powder (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) were analyzed. Antioxidant activities of red and yellow paprika powders were analyzed by evaluating their 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenol content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). The yellow paprika powder exhibited remarkably higher DPPH radical scavenging activity, FRAP values, and TPC than the red paprika powder (p<0.05), while TFC showed no remarkable difference between them (p>0.05). Storage properties of sausages containing the yellow paprika powder were analyzed by evaluating their water holding capacity, cooking yield, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) values. The 3% yellow paprika powder group showed remarkably higher water-holding capacity and cooking yield compared to the 0% group (p<0.05). TBARS values were remarkably lower in the 2% and 3% yellow paprika powder groups than in the 0% group at all weeks (p<0.05). VBN value was remarkably lower in the 3% yellow paprika powder group than in the 0% group at all weeks (p<0.05). Overall, addition of 3% yellow paprika powder improved the storage properties of emulsion-type sausages.

Enzymatic hydrolyzation of Cordyceps militaris mushroom extracts and its effect on spent hen chicken.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of fresh and dried hydrolyzed Cordyceps militaris (CM) mushroom with proteolytic enzymes; bromelain (CMB), flavorzyme (CMF), and mixture of bromelain: flavorzyme (CMBF) on quality properties of spent hen chicken. METHODS: Mushroom extract (CME) were combined with three proteolytic enzyme mixtures that had different peptidase activities; stem bromelain (CMB), flavorzyme (CMF), and mixture of stem bromelain:flavorzyme (CMBF) at (1:1). The effect of these hydrolysates was investigated on spent hen breast meat via dipping marination. RESULTS: Hydrolyzation positively alters functional properties of CM protease. in which bromelain hydrolyzed group (CMB) displayed the highest proteolytic activity at 4.57 unit/mL. The antioxidant activity had a significant increment from 5.32% in CME to 61.79% in CMB. A significantly higher emulsion stability index and emulsification activity index compared to CME were another result from hydrolyzation (p<0.05). Texture properties along with the shear force value and myofibrillar fragmentation index were notably improved under CMB and CMBF in fresh condition. Marination with CM mushroom protease that was previously hydrolyzed with enzymes was proven to also increase the nucleotide compounds, indicated by higher adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) and inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) in hydrolysate groups (p<0.05). The concentration of both total and insoluble collagen remained unchanged, meaning less effect from CM protease. CONCLUSION: This study suggested the hydrolyzation of CM protease with bromelain or a mixture of bromelain:flavourzyme to significantly improve functional properties of protease and escalate the taste-related nucleotide compounds and texture profiles from spent hen breast meat.

Effect of the Types of Starter on Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Dry-Cured Ham.

This study analyzed the microbiological (Lactobacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., mold, yeast, aerobic bacteria) and physicochemical properties [pH, salinity, water activity, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances]. The starters were used by mixing Debaryomyces hansenii separated from Korean Doenjang (D) and fermented sausage (S). The starter was inoculated with dry-cured ham and aged for 6 weeks at 20°C and 25°C, respectively. The aerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. of D, S, and DS treatment showed significantly higher values at 25°C than at 20°C. Among them, S25 treatment showed a high tendency. At week 6, the mold of the S25 treatment was significantly higher than the S20 treatment, and the yeast was higher in 25°C than 20°C (p<0.05). The pH of all treatment groups increased with the aging period. Compared with that at 25°C, the pH was significantly higher at 20°C (p<0.05). The water activity showed a significant decrease as the aging period increased, and the treatment of D25, S20, and DS20 showed a significantly higher value at week 6 (p<0.05). Compared with that at 20°C, the VBN content was higher at 25°C. At week 6, the VBN contents of the C20, S25, and DS25 groups were higher than those of the other treatment groups. Therefore, inoculation of D. hansenii separated from fermented sausage produced in Korean starter at 25°C is expected to improve the safety of harmful microorganisms and physiochemical properties in dry-cured ham.

Effects of Mustard Seed Extract on Physicochemical and Storage Characteristics of Dry-aged Pork Loin Ham.

This study investigated the effects of mustard seed extracts on physicochemical and storage characteristics of dry-aged pork loin ham during the aging period. In experiment 1, antioxidant activity was assessed for mustard seed extracted with varying ethanol concentrations and the results showed high antioxidant activity at 25%, 50%, and 75% ethanol concentrations. In experiment 2, pork loin was treated with mustard seed extracts obtained using different ethanol concentrations: not treated (control), 25% (MS25), 50% (MS50), and 75% (MS75). Physicochemical and storage characteristics of pork loin ham were measured in wk 0, 2, 4, and 6. The pH, aw, CIE b*, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and volatile basic nitrogen values were lower in treated samples compared to the control (p<0.05). In conclusion, applying mustard seed extracts, particularly MS75, in the dry-aged pork loin ham production process could enhance storage stability and improve color attributes without having negative impacts on product quality.

Physicochemical property analysis of lyophilized fresh, wet-, and dry-aged beef powders: Application of dry-aged beef crust as a food additive.

Herein, the physicochemical properties of various lyophilized beef powders were investigated. The samples consisted of fresh, wet-aged, and dry-aged beef and crust derived from dry-aged beef. The wet-aging sample had higher fat content and water absorption and emulsifying capacities than the fresh and dry-aging samples (P < 0.05). The dry-aged sample had higher protein and ash contents, lightness, redness, and yellowness than the wet-aging and crust samples (P < 0.05). The crust samples had higher water and fat contents, salinity, emulsifying capacity, and emulsifying stability index than the fresh and dry-aging samples (P < 0.05). The swelling yields of the samples at pH 3 and 4 were significantly higher than that at pH 7 (P < 0.05). Therefore, various lyophilized beef powders exhibit diverse physicochemical properties; In particular, the dry-aged beef crust was able to verify that some physical properties showed superior properties compared to other samples.

Analysis of physicochemical properties of dry-cured beef made from Hanwoo and Holstein meat distributed in South Korea.

The purpose of the study is to check the possibility of developing dry-cured meat from Hanwoo (South Korean native cattle) and Holstein cattle considering the differences between breeds and use this data for the preparation and development of dry cured ham unique to South Korea. Same-grade Semitendinosus muscle from Hanwoo and Holstein was cured using a curing agent with 4.6% salt content at 4 °C for 7 days, and then aged for 70 days. Data was analyzed through physicochemical characterization, and the manufacturing period was established through weight loss, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Moisture content and weight loss of both samples significantly decreased during the manufacturing process (P < 0.05). TBARS was significantly higher in Hanwoo and VBN in Holstein (P < 0.05). According to the values of VBN (less than 20 mg/100 g) and TBARS (less than 2 mg MDA/kg), dry aging for 5 weeks is appropriate for both samples. The principal component analysis of 5 weeks-aged Holstein showed a dramatically changing trend due to myofibril fragmentation as indicated by Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. In addition, 5 weeks-aged Holstein contains methanethiol (cheese), butan-2-one (butter), and 3-3-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-hexadiene (fatty acid-derive) compounds that represent fermentation and aging flavors. Therefore, the possibility of product development was confirmed by the 5-week aging of Holstein dry-cured ham.

Effect of Seawater Curing Agent on the Flavor Profile of Dry-Cured Bacon Determined by Sensory Evaluation, Electronic Nose, and Fatty Composition Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to check the applicability of seawater as a natural curing agent by analyzing the difference it causes in the flavor of dry-aged bacon. Pork belly was cured for seven days, and dried and aged for twenty-one days. The curing methods included the following: wet curing with salt in water, dry curing with sea salt, brine curing with brine solution, and bittern curing with bittern solution. The seawater-treated groups showed a lower volatile basic nitrogen value than the sea-salt-treated groups (p < 0.05); dry curing showed a higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value than other treatments (p < 0.05). Methyl- and butane- volatile compounds and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as g-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic were the highest in the bittern-cured group, lending it superior results compared to those of the control and other treatments in sensory flavor analyses (cheesy and milky). Therefore, bittern is considered to have significant potential as a food-curing agent.

Analysis of Quality and Color Properties according to the Gas Composition (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) of Pork Sous-Vide Ham Preserved in Natural Brine.

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether seawater has positive effects on appearance characteristics, such as CIE a*, and to determine the gas composition concentration that is suitable for maintaining it. Pork hind meat was cured with four types of curing agent for 5 d at 4°C. The different curing agents comprised the control salt, control nitrite pickling salt (CN), treatment brine, and treatment bittern (BT). The cured hams were cooked at 65°C for 4 h and packaged at O2:N2 gas ratios of 7:3, 8:2, and 9:1 for 3 wk. The physicochemical properties were assessed immediately after heating the sample, and the color properties were measured after a 3 wk storage period. Based on the correlation results of the physicochemical properties, BT had a higher curing and cooking yield than the other treatments, owing to its high salinity. Results of color properties for BT (7:3) and CN (8:2) showed similar color CIE L*, CIE a* chroma, and hue angle values. Therefore, BT can be said to be a sous-vide curing agent suitable for preserving the color of ham, and a high nitrogen concentration of 30% helps to maintain the appearance of seawater sous-vide ham.

Analysis of Quality after Sous Vide of Pork Loin Wet-Aged using Pulsed Electric Field System.

The effects of wet-aging using a commercial refrigerator (CR, 4°C) and a pulsed electric field refrigerator (PEFR, 0°C and -1°C) on the quality of sous vide pork loin were analyzed. The moisture and fat contents, pH, CIE L*, CIE b*, chroma, and shear force of the wet-aged samples were lower than those of the raw meat samples, whereas the water holding capacity (WHC) was higher. The PEFR group showed higher pH, CIE b*, chroma, and WHC and lower weight loss than the CR samples. Electronic nose analysis indicated that positive flavor compounds were induced whereas negative flavor compounds were inhibited in the PEFR group. Wet-aging increased the sourness, saltiness, and umami of sous vide pork loin; the PEFR 0°C samples showed the highest umami. Sensory evaluation indicated that wet-aging improved the color of sous vide pork loin. The PEFR 0°C samples were rated higher than the raw meat and CR samples for all sensory traits. In conclusion, sous vide after wet-aging using a PEFR improved the quality of pork loin.

Analysis of cured pork loin ham quality using wet-aging and a pulsed electric field system.

The effects on the quality of loin ham from using wet-aging with a commercial refrigerator (CR) and with a pulsed electric field system refrigerator (PEFR, at 0 and - 1 °C) were compared. The CR sample recorded an increased cooking loss alongside a decrease in color stability and shear force. In contrast, the samples using PEFR observed improved color stability, water holding capacity, and weight loss. In electronic nose analysis, wet-aging samples were shown to be significantly different from raw meat samples, however, the use of PEFR did not significantly affect the flavor. In electronic tongue analysis, wet-aging was observed to increase the umami of the loin ham, whilst the PEFR - 1 °C sample showed the highest umami. In sensory evaluation, the PEFR 0 °C sample showed significantly higher overall acceptability than raw meat. Conclusively, the application of wet-aging with PEFR in the manufacturing of loin ham led to an improvement in quality.

Proteolysis Analysis and Sensory Evaluation of Fermented Sausages using Strains Isolated from Korean Fermented Foods.

We studied the proteolysis and conducted a sensory evaluation of fermented sausages using strains derived from Kimchi [Pediococcus pentosaceus-SMFM2021-GK1 (GK1); P. pentosaceus-SMFM2021-NK3 (NK3)], Doenjang [Debaryomyces hansenii-SMFM2021-D1 (D1)], and spontaneous fermented sausage [Penicillium nalgiovense-SMFM2021-S6 (S6)]. Fermented sausages were classified as commercial starter culture (CST), mixed with GK1, D1, and S6 (GKDS), and mixed with NK3, D1, and S6 (NKDS). The protein content and pH of GKDS and NKDS were significantly higher than those of CST on days 3 and 31, respectively (p<0.05). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the NKDS had higher molecular weight proteins than the GKDS and CST. The myofibrillar protein solubility of the GKDS and NKDS was significantly higher than that of the CST on day 31 (p<0.05). The GKDS displayed significantly higher pepsin and trypsin digestion than the NKDS on day 31 (p<0.05). The hardness, chewiness, gumminess, and cohesiveness of the GKDS were not significantly different from those of the CST. The GKDS exhibited the highest values for flavor, tenderness, texture, and overall acceptability. According to this study, sausages fermented using lactic acid bacteria (GK1), yeast (D1), and mold (S6) derived from Korean fermented foods displayed high proteolysis and excellent sensory evaluation results.