Sodium chloride as a preferred protein extractant for pork lean meat

The protein extractability of sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl) and lithium chloride (LiCl) under a range of molarity with in the physiological pH range (pH 6.0–8.0) was assessed to determine the best protein extractant for pork lean meat. The individual proteins in the extracts were identified by electrophoresis. The highest protein extractabilities at pH 7.0 for NaCl, KCl and LiCl were observed at 1.2, 1.1, and 1.1 M, respectively. There was no significant difference in protein extractability for KCl and LiCl within physiological pH range. NaCl had a significant increase of its protein extractability as pH increased from 6.0 to 6.5 followed by a relatively constant extractability. The NaCl had the highest protein extractability followed by LiCl and KCl. The maximum number of proteins (26 bands) was found at the optimum concentration of each salt. However, resolution and clarity of bands were better in NaCl extracts. The pH variation does not affect the number and the intensity of the bands.