3. Results and discussion
3.1. Oscillatory dynamic rheology
Rheology is useful in determining physicochemical characteristics
that contribute to gelation and consequently are the basis for
texture development (Hamann & MacDonald, 1992). The change
in sol–gel viscoelasticity (viscous vs. elastic) as a function of heat
input or thermal gelation is captured with a dynamic rheometer
and expressed as elastic modulus, G0 . This process occurs in steps:
(1) initiation characterized by the unfolding of protein molecules,
and (2) formation of gel matrix due to protein aggregation via
covalent and non-covalent bonds typically occurring above 55 C
(Yoon, Gunasekaran, & Park, 2004). Dynamic rheology was used
in the present study to investigate heat-induced gelation of surimi
in the presence of added fiber.