Effects of heating process on 3D printing properties of Pennahia argentata surimi: Water distribution, gel formation, rheology, chemical bonds

Abstract

AbstractThe gel is an important factor in 3D printability of Pennahia argentata surimi. While surimi gel is sensitive to temperature and influenced by chemical bonds changes. Hence, preheating effects on printing and material properties of surimi were investigated. Results shown hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds contents in surimi under different heating conditions decreased about 20%–90%. Meanwhile, hydrophobic force and disulfide bonds increased about 0.2–6 times. These changes formed more gel, as well as 6.5% at most immovable water transferred into free water which enhanced texture properties and made solid properties of rheology in surimi dominant. This phenomenon occurred significantly in temperature range of gel formation (35–40°C, 90°C) while became extinct at 45°C with 10–30 min due to gel degradation. These made surimi by heating exhibit strong mechanical strength, which is conducive to forming process when printing after extrusion. However, if they occurred before extrusion, these could increase extrusion difficulty to make filamentous materials be broken easily after extrusion, weakening printing effect. Hence, preheating of surimi before extrusion was not suitable for 3D printing. While short‐time heating during or after extrusion might be more appropriate for printed surimi, promoting the application of surimi in 3D printing technology.Practical Applications3D printing is a new technology in food processing that refers the process of connecting or curing materials to form 3D objects by continuously adding layers of materials. Surimi is one of the suitable materials which can promote the process of printing. While the material properties of surimi are affected by temperature that influences the printing effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different temperatures on the material properties of Pennahia argentata surimi, and determine the suitable heating process of printed surimi products. These results could promote the application of 3D printing technology in surimi processing.