2.9. Statistical analysis
All data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and SAS 9.3 program
(SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Tukey’s test following the analysis
of variance indicated significant differences with a level of
p < 0.05.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Evaluation of intrinsic features of different flavours and proteins
on protein–flavour binding performance
Different proteins possess different binding capacities to individual
volatile flavour compound. In other words, one protein
may possess relatively higher binding capacity to one specific
flavour or to all flavours compared with other proteins, and an
individual protein does not bind all flavour compounds with equal
affinity. All four factors tested including flavour class, flavour
carbon number, protein source, and protein isolation method were
found to significantly impact the level of flavour retention
(p < 0.05). In addition to the independent effects, two-way interactions
were detected between the four factors except flavour class
and carbon number. More than that, three-way interactions
existed among four factors and a four-way interaction was also
observed. Data have been presented to show these interactions
but the main factors will be discussed.