Electrospun fibers of zein and pea protein to create high-quality fibrous structures in meat analogs

Author(s)

da Trindade, Leticia G. ; Zanchet, Leticia ; Bonsanto, Fabiana Perrechil ; Braga, Anna Rafaela Cavalcante

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY; v. 12, p. 13-pg., 2024-10-28.

Abstract

Introduction The importance of developing plant-based meat similar to animal meat lies in the fact that sensory similarity is a crucial factor in encouraging consumers to adopt this alternative.Methodology The present study reports the morphology, hydrophilicity, and thermal analysis of different fibers obtained by the electrospinning method. In the first step of this work, zein and zein/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in 80% aqueous ethanol solution with varying concentrations of these polymers were investigated.Results and Discussion It was observed that the diameters of the electrospun fibers are related to the concentration and viscosity of the solutions. Moreover, the addition of small percentages of PEO makes the fibers more hydrophilic and leads to an increase in the polymeric solution viscosity. Because of its low toxicity, PEO is used in various edible products. In the second step of this work, an ideal zein/PEO combination was found to allow the pea protein (PP) to be electrospun. Adding PP to the zein/PEO blend (20:1) leads to a more hydrophilic fiber and improves thermal stability. The results suggest that the zein/PEO and zein/PEO/PP blends can offer an innovative solution to enhance the texture and appearance of plant-based meats. These simulated electrospun fibers can mimic the fibers in animal meat and are a potential alternative to provide a sensory experience as close to animal meat as possible. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/13408-1 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2018/01550-8: electro-spray equipment to obtain bioactive compounds into nanostructures
• Grantee: Anna Rafaela Cavalcante Braga
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 23/00857-0 - Spirulina biomass: residues biorefinery for food ingredients application as a sustainable strategy
• Grantee: Anna Rafaela Cavalcante Braga
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/08975-7 - Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2018/15539-6: modular compact rheometer and accessories
• Grantee: Fabiana Perrechil Bonsanto
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program