Effect of the Reactant Ratio on the Characteristics and Antioxidant Activities of Maillard Reaction Products in a Porcine Plasma Protein Hydrolysate-Galactose Model System

Abstract

The chemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of Maillard reaction products formed in the Maillard reaction in a model system at 95°C for different lengths of time (0–6 h) were investigated at three mass ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) of porcine plasma protein hydrolysate to galactose. The results revealed that the pH value and free amino group content decreased (p < 0.05), whereas the browning index, intermediate products, and browning intensity, as well as reducing power and 2,2’-amino-di(2-ethyl-benzothiazoline sulfonic acid-6)ammonium salt radical scavenging activity of the Maillard reaction products increased as the reaction time increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, when the mass ratio of porcine plasma protein hydrolysate to galactose was 1:3, the Maillard reaction progressed easily, which rendered a higher degree of glycation and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). These results indicated that the Maillard reaction can improve the antioxidant capacity of porcine plasma protein hydrolysate.