Effects of ultrasound pretreatment on the extent of Maillard reaction and the structure, taste and volatile compounds of chicken liver protein.

To make better use of chicken liver, a byproduct of meat processing with rich proteins, the influence of ultrasound pretreatment on the extent of Maillard reaction (MR) and the properties of MR products (MRPs) of chicken liver protein (CLP) and its hydrolysate (CLPH) were investigated. The extent of MR of sonicated CLPH (SCLPHMs) was significantly higher than that of the other two MRPs. The decreased fluorescence intensity (FI) of the SCLPHMs indicated adequate reaction of d-xylose with sonicated CLPH (SCLPH). The particle size of the three MRPs was significantly larger than that of CLP, CLPH, and SCLPH, respectively. Ultrasound treatment increased the utilization of amino acids and enriched the variety of volatile compounds in all groups. Furfural was the main heterocyclic compound in the MRPs. Therefore, ultrasound pretreatment and enzymolysis of chicken liver may be a foundation for high-value development in flavors for the food industry.