This study systematically investigates the impact of corn starch molecular structures on the quality attributes of surimi gel products. Employing molecular analyses to characterize corn starch, three amylopectin fractions (A, B1, and B2), categorized by the degree of polymerization ranges (6 < X ≤ 12, 12 < X ≤ 24, and 24 < X ≤ 36, respectively) were specifically focused on. The surimi gel quality was comprehensively assessed through texture profile analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, stained section analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results indicated the substantial volume expansion of corn amylopectin upon water absorption, effectively occupying the surimi gel matrix and fostering the development of a more densely packed protein network. Starch gels with higher proportions of A, B1, and B2 exhibited improved hardness, chewiness, and bound water content in the resultant surimi gels. The weight-average molecular weight and peak molecular weight of corn starch showed a strong positive correlation with surimi gel hardness and chewiness. Notably, the secondary structure of proteins within the surimi gel was found to be independent of corn starch's molecular structure. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing formulations in surimi gel products, emphasizing the significance of elevated A, B1, and B2 content in corn starch as an optimal choice for crafting dense, chewy, water-retaining surimi gels.
Keywords: corn starch molecular structure; molecular weight correlation; protein network formation; surimi gel properties.