Development and comparative evaluation of imitated fiber from different protein sources using wet-spinning

Texture is a major challenge in addressing the need to find sustainable meat alternatives, as consumers desire the alternative meat to have a sensory profile like meat. In this study, the fabrication of imitated fiber (IMF) is performed by introducing different kinds of protein sources, with an effective bottom-up technique- wet spinning.  Herein, the protein sources (pea protein isolate, wheat protein, and myofibrillar paste) were combined with sodium alginate to stimulate the bonding with the coagulation solution for fabrication. It has been found that the fabrication of IMF is possible using all the protein source, however, due to the difference in protein structure, a significant difference was observed in quality characteristics compared to conventional meat. Additionally, combination of wheat protein and pea protein isolate has given similar values as conventional meat in terms of some of the texture profiles and Warner-Bratzler shear force. In general, the optimization of protein sources for wet spinning can provides a novel way for the production of edible fiber of alternative meat.