Influence of Chitosan/Lycopene on Myoglobin and Meat Quality of Beef During Storage

Myoglobin (Mb) is easily oxidized, which causes the discoloration of meat. In addition, various microorganisms are responsible for meat spoilage. Chitosan and lycopene can be used to protect the color and extend the shelf life of meat. In this study, a series of coatings with different ratios (1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, 0:1) of chitosan to lycopene were prepared. Beef was treated with different coatings. The changes in color, relative content of different Mb forms, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), sulfhydryl content, carbonyl content, microbial count, cooking loss, and sensory evaluation during storage were investigated. The results showed that after 8 days, compared to the control, the relative content of oxymyoglobin (OxyMb), the lightness (L*) value, the redness (a*) value, and the composite index (CI) value of beef treated with chitosan/lycopene of 1:3 (w:w, the concentration of lycopene was 0.75% (w:v)) increased by 6.34%, 34.73%, 67.25%, and 116.27%, respectively. Meanwhile, the relative content of metmyoglobin (MetMb) and the yellowness (b*) value decreased by 11.67% and 23.21%, respectively. Additionally, beef treated with chitosan/lycopene of 1:3 also performed well in protein oxidation, fat oxidation, microbial count, and cooking loss. Generally, the beef treated with chitosan/lycopene of 1:3 showed the best comprehensive quality. The coating was suitable for application in beef. These results are promising for food preservation.