Effects of atmospheric pressure plasma jet on the conformation and physicochemical properties of myofibrillar proteins from king prawn (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to ascertain the impact of atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment (APPJ) as a function of treatment times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 min) on the conformation and physicochemical properties of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) extracted from king prawn (Litopenaeus vannamei). The results showed that the pH and protein solubility were decreased after 10 min treatment of APPJ. These results were also confirmed by dynamic light scattering, which indicated an increase in mean particle diameter of MPs from 654 to 2297 nm. Complementary methodologies used to characterize the structural changes confirmed the exposure of hydrophobic groups and promotion of protein-protein interactions. These occurrences were particularly more intense at the longest treatment duration. The high energetic and oxidizing species contained in the plasma gas may have considerable implications on the physical and structural characteristics of MPs from king prawn.

Keywords: Cold plasma; Myofibrillar proteins; Prawn; Protein conformation; Reactive species.