Characterization of free radical-mediated Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide-EGCG conjugates for chilled minced pork preservation.

To improve the functions of Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide (POP), POP-EGCG conjugates were prepared using free radical graft polymerization reactions and were characterized using UV-vis, FT-IR, SEM, XRD, DSC, TG, particle size and potential, three-phase contact angle, and rheological tests; The antioxidant and antibacterial ability in vitro were detected. Moreover, effects of POP-EGCG on the quality of refrigerated minced pork were investigated. The results showed the optimal preparation conditions of POP-EGCG were 1 % POP, 1.3 % EGCG, 0.25 % Vc, 16 % concentration of HO, and reaction 17 h. The POP-EGCG showed the characteristic peak of EGCG and was a mesh honeycomb with rough and porous surface; It had higher crystallinity, increased particle size, but decreased thermal stability, solubility, and viscosity, and significantly enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial ability. The POP-EGCG effectively improved the sensory quality and inhibited lipid oxidation of chilled minced pork, and extended the shelf life of minced pork up to 9 days at 4 °C. Specifically, the TVB-N and TBARS of minced pork in the POP-EGCG group were respectively 14.93 mg/100 g and 0.9 mg MDA/kg, which were lower than the spoilage thresholds in the national standard. This study provides a theoretical basis for further development of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.