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 °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.