Comparative analysis of kokumi tastant intensity from mechanically deboned meat across three species through in vitro calcium-sensing receptor activity

The emergence of kokumi sensation as a flavour enhancer prompted the search for cost effective and the sustainable production of kokumi flavour substances (KS), including small γ-glutamyl peptides (GGP) and aromatic free amino acids (FAA). We sought to investigate the potential of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) from beef, mutton, lamb and venison for KS production through enzymatic γ-glutamylation. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and in vitro calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) activity assays were utilised to identify GGPs and their kokumi intensity, respectively. The enzymatic method significantly increased GGP and FAA in all MDM samples with differences in individual peptides across the species. Notably, all four sources of MDM activated CaSR in a dose-dependent manner, displaying varying potency and efficacy levels. Beef, lamb and mutton showed a similar range of higher potency, while venison exhibited lower potency but higher efficacy. The thermal stability of γ-glutamylated beef samples, used as an exemplar, was confirmed at temperatures of 80 °C, 120 °C and 150 °C. Given these findings, MDM represents a promising substrate for KS production and warrants further investigation to assess its practical applicability for enhancing kokumi flavour in the food industry.